EV Charging Guide
Do I Need a Type 2 or CCS2 Cable for My Electric Car?
Updated April 2026
You are looking at two different connectors and you have no idea which one to use. Short answer: CCS2 is for fast charging, and the cable is always attached to the charger. Type 2 is for slower charging, and you usually need to bring your own cable. Nearly every electric car sold in Europe uses both, through the same charge port on the car.
Information is approximate. Connector standards and compatibility described here apply to the European market. Connector types differ in North America and Asia. Always check your vehicle's manual for your car's specific connector type and charging requirements. EVcourse is not affiliated with any vehicle or charger manufacturer.
Quick Fix
- At a big fast charger with a thick cable attached? That is CCS2. Just plug it in. No cable needed from you.
- At a post or wallbox with no cable? You need a Type 2 to Type 2 cable. Check if your car came with one.
- Not sure what connector your car uses? In Europe, it is almost certainly Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC). They share the same port.
Type 2: The Slow and Medium Speed Connector
- → Type: AC (Alternating Current). Slower, but available everywhere.
- → Power: Usually 7 kW to 22 kW. A full charge takes several hours.
- → What it looks like: Seven-pin circular connector with a flat top edge. Also called "Mennekes" after the company that designed it.
- → Cable: Usually "bring your own." You carry a Type 2 to Type 2 cable in your car and plug it into both the charger and your car. Some chargers (especially home wallboxes) have a tethered cable.
- → Where you find it: Home wallboxes, hotel chargers, workplace chargers, on-street lamp post chargers, supermarket parking.
CCS2: The Fast Charging Connector
- → Type: DC (Direct Current). Fast. A typical session takes 20 to 40 minutes.
- → Power: 50 kW to 400+ kW, depending on the charger and your car.
- → What it looks like: A Type 2 top section with two large DC pins added below. Bigger and heavier than a Type 2 connector.
- → Cable: Always attached to the charger. You never need to bring your own cable for DC fast charging.
- → Where you find it: Motorway service stations, highway charging hubs, rapid chargers at fuel stations and retail parks.
One Port, Two Connectors: How It Works
European electric cars have one charge port that accepts both connectors. The top half of the port is the Type 2 socket (for your AC cable). The full port, including the bottom half with two large round holes, is the CCS2 socket (for the DC fast charger cable).
When you use a CCS2 cable at a fast charger, it plugs into both the top and bottom halves at once. When you use a Type 2 cable at a slow charger, it only plugs into the top half.
The "flap mistake": New drivers sometimes do not realize they need to open or remove a small plastic dust cover on the bottom half of the charge port to fit the CCS2 connector. If the fast charger cable does not seem to fit, check for a cover on the lower pins.
When Do You Need Your Own Cable?
You need your own cable for AC chargers that do not have a tethered cable. These include destination chargers at hotels, workplaces, on-street lamp posts, and some supermarket parking chargers.
- → What to buy: A 3-phase, 32A, Type 2 to Type 2 cable.
- → Length: 5 meters is standard and works for most situations. 7 meters gives more flexibility if the charger is not directly next to your parking spot. Longer cables are heavier.
- → Check your car: Many manufacturers include a basic charging cable with the car. Look in the trunk or under the boot floor.
Is Type 1 Still Used in Europe?
Type 1 is effectively obsolete for new cars in Europe. Only pre-2018 Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs, and some US imports still use it. If you have a Type 1 car, you need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable for public AC chargers. Nearly all electric cars sold in Europe since 2018 use Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC.
From Finn, engineer: The connector situation in Europe is actually simple once you understand it. One port on the car, two connector types that share it. The confusion comes from the naming, not the technology. If you remember nothing else: thick cable attached to the charger = fast (CCS2). Thin cable you bring yourself = slow (Type 2).
EVcourse app provides instant troubleshooting and expert explanations at the charger. Scan any station or car screen for step-by-step help, free to start on iOS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Type 2 and CCS2?
Type 2 (also called Mennekes) is a seven-pin AC connector used for slow to medium-speed charging (7 to 22 kW). You typically bring your own cable. CCS2 (Combined Charging System) adds two large DC pins below a Type 2 top section, enabling fast charging at 50 to 400+ kW. The CCS2 cable is always attached to the charger.
Do I need to buy a charging cable for my electric car?
For DC fast chargers, no. The cable is always attached. For AC chargers at hotels, workplaces, or public slow chargers, you usually need your own Type 2 to Type 2 cable. Some home wallboxes come with a tethered cable, others do not. Check what came with your car, as many manufacturers include a basic cable.
What length charging cable should I buy?
A 5-meter cable is standard and works for most situations. A 7-meter cable gives more flexibility, especially if the charger is not directly next to your parking spot. Longer cables are heavier, so consider what you are comfortable carrying.
Are there still electric cars in Europe that use Type 1?
Type 1 is effectively obsolete for new cars in Europe. Only pre-2018 Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs, and some US imports still use Type 1. Nearly all electric cars sold in Europe since 2018 use Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC.
Not sure which connector to use?
Scan the charger screen with the EVcourse app. It identifies the connector type and tells you if it is compatible with your car.
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