You’re ready to switch to an electric vehicle, but now you’re hearing about the Type 2 EV charger, and you’re wondering what that actually means. Don’t worry—you’re not the only one confused by the EV jargon.
A Type 2 EV charger, often called the Mennekes plug, is the standard AC charging connector used in Europe. It features a seven-pin design and supports both single-phase and three-phase charging, offering speeds of up to 22 kW at home and more at public stations.
Choosing the right charger affects how fast and safely your EV gets powered. Type 2 chargers are now standard in Europe and compatible with most new electric vehicles, making them a practical and future-proof choice.
What is the difference between a Type 1 and Type 2 EV charger?
With two plug types on the market, the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 can be hard to grasp at first. But these differences affect where you can charge and how quickly you’ll finish.
Type 1 J1772 plugs are single-phase and mostly used in North America and some parts of Asia, while Type 2 plugs support both single-phase and three-phase charging and are common in Europe.
Key Differences Between Type 1 and Type 2 Chargers
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| Plug Design | 5 pins, latch-lock | 7 pins, locking mechanism |
| Power Supply | Single-phase only | Single- or three-phase |
| Max Charging Speed | Up to 7.4 kW | Up to 22 kW (home), 43 kW (public) |
| Common Region | North America, Asia | Europe, Australia, other regions |
| Compatibility | Older EVs | Most modern EVs |
Type 2 is designed for faster, more flexible charging. It’s more secure and works with more EVs today.
How many amps is a Type 2 charger?
It’s common to hear charging power1 talked about in kilowatts, but amps matter too. They determine how quickly power can move through the cable to your car.
Type 2 chargers typically provide up to 32 amps for single-phase and 32 amps per phase for three-phase, making them very efficient for fast home and public charging.
At 230 volts and 32 amps on a single-phase connection, you get 7.4 kW. On a three-phase system at 400 volts, 32 amps can deliver up to 22 kW. That’s plenty for most daily charging needs and short turnaround times.
Is Type 2 charging AC or DC?
This question gets right to the heart of how your EV and charger interact. Many people confuse the plug shape with the current type, but they aren’t the same.
Type 2 chargers use AC (alternating current). When you use a Type 2 plug, the power goes into your car’s onboard charger2, which converts it to DC to fill the battery.
Even though some fast public chargers look like Type 2, they’re actually using a combo connector, like CCS, to deliver DC power. That setup bypasses the onboard converter and charges the battery much faster. So yes, Type 2 itself is for AC, and it works well at home or work, where the AC supply is most common.
How long does it take to charge with a Type 2 charger?
Charging time depends on two things: your car’s battery size and the power output of the charger. Type 2 gives a wide range of speeds, which is great, but can also be confusing.
If you’re charging a mid-sized battery3 like 60 kWh on a 7.4 kW home charger, it might take around 8 hours. On a three-phase charger with 22 kW, that same battery could charge in about 3 hours.
This also depends on your car’s maximum charging rate. Some EVs can only handle 11 kW or less, even if the charger can offer more. Charging slows down when the battery gets close to full. So while exact times vary, Type 2 charging is fast enough to fully recharge overnight or during the workday.
What is a Type 2 EV plug?
The plug is just as crucial as the charger—it’s the key component that connects your EV to a power source.
A Type 2 EV plug is a seven-pin connector4 with a rounded design. It uses a locking latch for added safety and can support both slow and fast AC charging.
Inside the plug, five pins are used for power and grounding, while two smaller pins handle communication between the car and charger. That lets your EV and charger “talk” and adjust the power level. Because of the design, it stays securely in place during charging, making it safer for everyday use.
What is a Type 2 EV charger used for?
Knowing what this charger is used for helps you decide where and when to rely on it. It’s more than just a home plug.
Type 2 EV chargers are used for home charging, workplace stations, and public AC charging points. They’re the most common choice for European EV owners.
This charger works in homes where people can install a wall box, in office parking lots, and even at shopping centers. It’s flexible and handles different power levels depending on what’s available. That’s why it fits into so many parts of daily EV life, whether you’re topping up or fully charging.
Does Tesla use a Type 2 plug?
Tesla has always done things its own way, but it also adapts depending on where you live.
In Europe, all Teslas use a Type 2 plug for AC charging. They also use the CCS combo5, which builds on the Type 2 design, for DC fast charging at Superchargers.
Tesla drivers in Europe can plug into almost any public charger. That makes it easier to travel without worrying about compatibility. In North America, Tesla still uses its own connector, but adapters are available. So if you’re in Europe with a Tesla, you already have Type 2 built in.
Which cars use Type 2 chargers?
If you’re wondering whether your EV—or the one you want to buy—supports Type 2, the answer is probably yes.
Most modern EVs sold in Europe come with Type 2 as standard. This includes vehicles from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Renault, Volkswagen, and more.
Each of these cars uses the Type 2 plug for daily charging. This includes AC charging at home and at work. For faster DC charging, most use the CCS Combo 2 connector, which adds two more pins to the same shape. So if your car was sold in Europe recently, it’s almost guaranteed to use Type 2 for AC.
Conclusion
Type 2 chargers have become the standard in much of the world because they’re fast, safe, and work with most modern electric vehicles. Whether you’re charging at home or at a public station, knowing how Type 2 works helps you charge smarter and drive further. Brands like Wissenergy offer reliable Type 2 EV chargers that make daily charging simple and efficient, keeping your battery full and your day on track.
Wissenergy Type 2 Electric Car Chargers:
WS030 Type 2 Portable EV Charger
SQP039 Type 2 Portable Charger
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READ ON:
Understanding the Types of AC EV Charging Equipment
AC vs DC EV Charging for Home Use Which Option Works Best
AC vs. DC EV Charging: What’s the Difference?
- Discover how charging power is measured and why it matters for electric vehicle performance and efficiency. [↩]
- Learn how onboard chargers convert AC to DC, which is crucial for efficient EV battery charging. [↩]
- Learn more about mid-sized batteries, their specifications, and how they impact EV performance and charging. [↩]
- Learn about the seven-pin connector’s role in EV charging to ensure compatibility and safety. This resource will enhance your knowledge. [↩]
- Exploring the CCS combo standard will help you understand fast charging options available for electric vehicles in Europe. [↩]
