Which Connector Do I Use?

The charger has multiple plugs and you are not sure which one fits

Public chargers often have 2-3 different connector types hanging from them. Each connector has a unique shape, so the wrong one simply will not fit into your car's port. Knowing which one is yours saves time.

You are at a charging station with multiple cables. You are not sure which connector type your car uses or which cable to grab.

What to try first

1

Check your car's charge port

Look at the shape of your car's charging inlet. CCS2 (Europe) has a distinctive shape with round pins on top and flat pins below. Type 2 is round with seven pins. NACS (Tesla in North America) is a small oval plug. The shapes are unique so you cannot plug in the wrong one.
2

Match the connector to the cable

DC fast chargers usually have CCS and sometimes CHAdeMO cables. AC chargers have Type 2. Pick the cable that matches your car's inlet. If you are unsure, try each one. They will only fit the correct port.
3

Know the difference between AC and DC

AC chargers (Type 2) are slower, typically 7-22 kW. DC fast chargers (CCS) are much faster, 50-350 kW. If you need a quick charge, look for DC fast chargers. For overnight or long-stop charging, AC is fine.

More scenarios in the app

The EVcourse app walks you through more specific scenarios for this problem with real-world scenarios. Free to try on iOS. Android coming soon.

Download for iOS

Android coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CCS, Type 2, and CHAdeMO?

CCS (Combined Charging System) is the standard for DC fast charging in Europe and North America. Type 2 is the European standard for AC charging. CHAdeMO is an older Japanese DC standard used by some Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles. Most new EVs use CCS for fast charging and Type 2 for AC charging.

Can I damage my car by using the wrong connector?

Standard public-charge connectors are keyed to prevent mistakes, so a mismatched connector generally will not fit your car's charge port. Never force a connector that does not slide in easily, and always follow the instructions in your car's manual and on the charger.