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. Using the wrong one will not damage anything (it will not fit), but knowing which one is yours saves time.
Your situation
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 visual step-by-step guides. Free for iOS and Android.
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?
No. EV connectors have different physical shapes specifically to prevent this. The wrong connector simply will not fit into your car's charge port. If a connector fits, it is the right one.
Related guides
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