Like it is with all new technologies, the beginnings can be difficult and full of competing standards. Each manufacturer creates his or her standards and processes. Only time will determine which one is the winner. It was the case with charging connectors to mobile phones. Today it is the same with charging cables for electric cars. Let’s take an inventory of the available charging connectors in the world.
Overview Of The Different Types And Uses Of Connectors
The charging speed is dependent on three components – The charging station, which provides power, the charging cord, and the charger. In this article, we will examine the connector, an essential component of every charging cord.
You can easily divide the connectors into the regions where they are most commonly used. AC charging stations are not equipped with an integrated charging cord. Therefore, the driver is responsible for carrying the appropriate cable to fit his car. You can try EV type 2 to type 1 adapter also that provides fast charging. DC fast charging stations require a cable to be attached due to security concerns, the current level, price, and weight. So it is essential to ensure you select the right connector.
AC Connectors
A general motor EV1 was the first electric car to use an inductive connection for charging. The current was transferred by electromagnetic induction. This charging method did not work well at that time. We can hear today that there are many suggestions for inductive charging being reintroduced. Norway, however, is the most forward-thinking country in this field. With the simple name SAE J1772-2001, this inefficiency prompted the development of a conductive link. A connector must be connected to the deck and infotainment.
J1772 – Type 1
California introduced a square plug, J1772, in 2001. But it was only capable at 6.6kW. Yazaki devised a new plug, with a power output of 19.2kW in 2008. This has since become the standard for all American vehicles. Yazaki’s modern design is the J1772, commonly called Jplug and Type1.
This connector was also used originally in Europe for electric cars. Some older hybrids and hybrids still have Type 1 connections. However, since all drivers of electric cars carry their cable, you can charge your car at any AC station. Type 1 is primarily used in America, Asia, and Europe.
Mennekes – Type 2
European cars were using the Type 1 connector until major European carmakers started to search for a way to use all three phases. New specifications IEC62196 were created in 2003. The Type 2 “MENNEKES plug” was quickly adopted as the European standard. The fact that both types 1 and 2 plugs use the same J1772 signaling protocol, car manufacturers can produce vehicles in the same manner. However, they must only use the plug that corresponds to their intended market. There are passive adapters for each type. The Type 2 plug supports an automatic locking system.
DC Connectors
DC charging is faster than AC charging. At the moment, 50 kWh charging stations are the most popular. But 150 kWh stations are also available. 270 kWh and 350-kWh chargers are being developed.
CCS – Type 1 And Type 2 (Combined Charging System)
CCS is the combined charging system. It’s a beautiful solution for DC charging. These are Type 1 or Type 2 plugs. To them, two pins are added at their bottom. These pins play a role in DC charging. The lower part of the plug is charged, and only the communication and earth conductor is visible from the top. These connectors are capable of sustaining power up to 350kW.
It is currently the most commonly used type of DC connector. Type 1 is most commonly used in the United States while Type 2 CCS is more common in Europe.