If you’ve ever tried charging your EV and felt confused by the different plug types, you’re not alone. CCS and Type 2 look similar, but they’re not the same, and misunderstanding the difference can lead to slower charging, limited access, or just wasted time.
No, the CCS plug is not the same as the Type 2 plug, although they look very similar. The CCS (Combined Charging System) uses the Type 2 connector as a base and adds two extra pins for high-speed DC charging. This allows CCS2 to handle both AC and DC charging, offering faster and more flexible charging than a regular Type 2 plug.
It’s easy to assume they’re interchangeable because they share a similar shape. But if you rely only on appearances, you might end up with the wrong charger or expect faster speeds than your plug supports. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect—and how to charge smarter.
What is the difference between Type 2 and CCS?
Type 2 and CCS look similar, but do they really do the same job?
The main difference is that Type 2 handles only AC charging, while CCS2 handles both AC and DC charging1. CCS2 adds two extra pins below the Type 2 design, which enable faster DC charging.
| Feature | Type 2 | CCS2 |
| Charging Type | AC only | AC + DC |
| Plug Design | 7-pin | Type 2 + 2 extra DC pins |
| Charging Speed | Up to ~22 kW (AC) | Up to 350 kW (DC) |
| Compatibility | Europe standard AC | Europe standard for DC |
| Backward Compatible with AC | Yes | Yes |
Type 2 plugs are found on home chargers and slower public stations. CCS2, however, can connect to fast-charging networks, meaning you can fill up your battery in a fraction of the time. Both use the same top portion of the plug for AC charging, but only CCS2 gives you the high-speed benefit of DC.
Is CCS Charging Faster than Type 2?
Speed is a big reason why people switch from Type 2 to CCS.
Yes, CCS charging is much faster. Type 2 plugs usually provide up to 22 kW of AC power, which takes hours. CCS2 can deliver up to 350 kW of DC power, cutting charging time down to less than an hour.
DC fast charging skips the car’s onboard charger and feeds power directly into the battery. That’s how CCS speeds things up. If you regularly take road trips or just hate waiting around, CCS gives you a big upgrade in time and flexibility.
Can I plug Type 2 into CCS?
You might be wondering if the plugs can fit together, and what happens if you try.
Yes, you can plug a Type 2 connector into the upper part of a CCS2 socket2. It fits because CCS2 is built on the Type 2 design. But this will only give you slower AC charging, not the fast DC speeds.
So yes, the connection is compatible, but the charging type is limited. You’ll be charging through AC, and your wait will be longer. If you want fast charging, you’ll need a full CCS connection using the two extra pins that Type 2 doesn’t have.
Is Tesla CCS2 or Type 2?
Tesla’s charging setup has evolved a lot over the years, especially outside the U.S.
In Europe and other CCS-standard regions, newer Tesla models come with CCS2 ports. Older European Teslas used Type 2 for both AC and DC, but most have now shifted to CCS2 for wider compatibility with third-party fast chargers.
Tesla’s move to CCS2 allows more drivers to access both Tesla Superchargers and public fast-charging networks. This flexibility makes long trips easier and lets Tesla owners take advantage of more infrastructure. If your Tesla is older, you might need an adapter to make the switch.
Can I Use a Type 2 to CCS Adapter?
Adapters sound like an easy fix, but there are limits.
Yes, you can use a Type 2 to CCS adapter, but only if your EV supports CCS2. The adapter only bridges the physical connection. Your car must still have the right software and systems to handle CCS2 fast charging.
If your car only accepts Type 2 charging, adding an adapter won’t turn it into a fast-charging vehicle. Adapters don’t change the electrical or communication systems inside the car. Make sure your vehicle’s charging system supports CCS before you buy or use an adapter.
CCS1 vs. CCS2: What is the Difference?
You might hear about two CCS versions—but they’re not the same.
CCS1 is used in North America and is based on the Type 1 plug. CCS2 is used in Europe and is based on the Type 2 plug. They are not physically compatible and can’t be used interchangeably.
| Feature | CCS1 | CCS2 |
| Base Plug Design | Type 1 (J1772) | Type 2 |
| Region Used | North America | Europe, Australia, etc. |
| Physical Shape | Different | Different |
| Compatibility | Not interchangeable | Not interchangeable |
You should always check which version your EV supports before traveling or buying equipment. A CCS1 plug won’t fit a CCS2 port, and vice versa. This is especially important if you’re importing a car or moving across regions.
Can CCS plug into a Tesla supercharger?
Tesla’s network is large, but is it open to other plug types?
In Europe, yes. Tesla has started allowing non-Tesla vehicles with CCS2 ports to use select Superchargers. In North America, CCS1 is not yet compatible with Tesla Superchargers.
Tesla is slowly opening its charging stations to other EVs, but this depends on location, hardware, and whether your car can communicate with the Supercharger. The rollout is happening in phases, so it’s worth checking availability before planning a long trip.
Which is faster, CCS or CHAdeMO?
Both are fast charging systems—but which one is better?
CCS is faster than CHAdeMO. While CHAdeMO typically offers up to 100 kW, CCS2 can deliver up to 350 kW. That makes CCS the better option for saving time at public fast chargers.
CHAdeMO3was once widely used, especially in Japan, but it’s slowly being replaced by CCS in most new EV models. The infrastructure for CCS is growing faster, and its higher power delivery means shorter stops and more convenience. If you’re buying a new EV, CCS gives you better long-term value.
Conclusion
CCS and Type 2 plugs may look similar, but their performance and flexibility are very different. CCS2 gives you both slow and fast charging in one port, thanks to its dual AC and DC capability. It has become the standard for fast charging in Europe and is supported by most new EVs. If you’re planning for the future, CCS2 is the better option for speed, compatibility, and freedom.
READ ON:
J1772 Charging Speed: How Fast Does It Charge?
AC vs DC EV Charging for Home Use Which Option Works Best
- Learning about AC and DC charging is crucial for making informed decisions about electric vehicle charging solutions. [↩]
- Exploring CCS2 sockets will help you grasp the advantages of fast DC charging for electric vehicles. [↩]
- Learn about the limitations of CHAdeMO to see why it’s being phased out in favor of CCS. [↩]
