An In-Depth Look at the Various EV Connector Types
There are different types of electric vehicle (EV) connector types in the market. If you’re a first-time EV owner, you might find it confusing to choose which connector is best suited to your particular needs. However, it’s a must to familiarise yourself with your options, especially if you’re planning an EV charging point installation for your home or your workplace.
Understanding the different types of popular EV connectors will help you make the best choice for your workplace EV charging point installation or EV home charging point installation project. Here are your two main options.
Type 1 Connector
The Type 1 connector, which features a five-pin design, is a charging standard primarily used in North America and parts of Asia. It’s very rare to come across vehicles with this connector type in Europe and the UK. Type 1 connectors are tailored for single-phase 7kWh and less AC charging. Perhaps the biggest advantage of Type 1 connectors is its simple design, allowing it to be very user-friendly and accessible to new electric vehicle owners.
However, it’s important to note that Type 1 connectors are often associated with early electric vehicles. That said, modern-day EV manufacturers, including those that are based in Asia and are selling their models to the European market, have already transitioned to Type 2 connectors. This makes the Type 1 tethered charger a bit obsolete and redundant in regions outside of North America and Asia. In addition, if you have a Type 1 vehicle, it’s in your best interest to install an untethered charging point. This way, you can future-proof the installation and ensure that it will remain compatible with your next vehicle.
Type 2 Connector
The Type 2 connector is the most widely adopted charging standard in the world, and it’s particularly popular in Europe and the UK. It is characterised by a seven-pin design. The great thing about Type 2 connectors is that they support both single-phase (7kWh) and three-phase (22kWh) AC charging. This gives them excellent versatility for EV owners who may have vehicles that support various AC charging methods. This connector type comes with a built-in locking mechanism, which means that it would be difficult to remove or alter without your permission.
The Type 2 connector is fast becoming the standard for AC EV charging. This standardisation makes this type of connector the most common choice for both home charging and public charging infrastructure. Due to the wide adoption and high level of compatibility of this connector type, it’s unlikely for modern EV model owners who are using it to encounter any accessibility issues.
Understanding the Difference between Tethered and Untethered Chargers
It’s also worth noting that EV chargers can be tethered or untethered. Tethered chargers have a permanently attached cable so users don't have to manage their own cable. While the simplicity that tethered chargers offer can be a plus, this can come at the cost of flexibility. A tethered charging point can only accommodate EV models that have compatible connector types.This means that unless an EV matches the connector type provided by a tethered charger, it cannot use the charging point.
In comparison, flexibility is a primary advantage offered by untethered chargers. These charging points can accommodate different EV models with varying charging standards. To use untethered charging points, EV owners must bring their own cables.
Should You Choose a Type 1 or a Type 2 Connector?
Charging points with Type 2 connectors are the go-to choice for EV owners based in the UK and Europe due to their high level of compatibility and flexibility. These can charge a wide range of EV models and brands, and they can also support single-phase and three-phase charging. At the same time, Type 2 connectors come with a locking mechanism that deters tampering when used at home or in public charging points.
When deciding which type of EV charger should be installed in your home or workplace, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind. Of course, you should be aware of the connector type your electric vehicle uses. This information is crucial as it determines the type of cable and connector that you should have. Your vehicle's manual or manufacturer's specifications will provide details on the charging connector it uses.
It’s also a must to consider future developments in EV technology and charging standards. While your current EV may use a specific connector, it’s entirely possible for newer models or replacements to have different requirements. It will be to your benefit if you can choose an untethered charging station for versatility or ensure that you’ll be able to easily upgrade your EV charger in the coming years.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, you can make informed decisions about the type of home charging station that best suits your requirements. At the same time, you can ensure that the connector you choose can contribute to making your electric vehicle safer and more efficient.