CCS is the dominant DC fast-charging standard in Europe and North America. Nearly all modern EVs have a CCS port.
CCS (Combined Charging System) combines the Type 2 plug with two additional DC contacts below, enabling both AC and DC charging through a single port.
Why CCS became the standard
CCS was developed in 2012 by a consortium of European and US manufacturers. Since 2017 the EU mandates CCS for new public DC chargers. Today, over 95 % of fast chargers in Europe have a CCS connector.
CCS Combo 1 vs. Combo 2
Two variants exist: CCS Combo 1 (North America / Japan, based on Type 1) and CCS Combo 2 (Europe, based on Type 2). All public chargers in Europe use CCS Combo 2.
Charging power
CCS supports up to 350 kW theoretically. Current peak values: Ionity 350 kW, EnBW HyperNetz 300 kW, Tesla V4 Supercharger 350 kW. Most vehicles accept 50–200 kW.
Compatible Vehicles
VW ID.3/ID.4, BMW i4/iX, Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQ, Hyundai IONIQ, Kia EV6, Tesla Model 3/Y (EU)
FAQ: CCS
What is the CCS connector?
CCS (Combined Charging System) is the dominant DC fast-charging standard in Europe and North America. It adds two DC contacts below the Type 2 plug, enabling up to 350 kW. Over 95 % of fast chargers in Europe support CCS.
Which cars have CCS?
Nearly all modern EVs: VW ID.3/ID.4/ID.7, BMW i4/iX, Audi e-tron, Mercedes EQS/EQE, Hyundai IONIQ 5/6, Kia EV6, Tesla Model 3/Y (EU), Skoda Enyaq, Ford Mustang Mach-E and many more.
What is the difference between CCS and Type 2?
Type 2 is for AC charging (wallbox, 3.7–22 kW). CCS is Type 2 plus two DC contacts for fast charging (50–350 kW). Your car has both: a Type 2 inlet on top for AC and the CCS extension at the bottom for DC.
How fast does CCS charge?
It depends on the vehicle. The charger (e.g. Ionity at 350 kW) always delivers maximum power. The car limits it: VW ID.4 max 135 kW, Tesla Model 3 250 kW, Hyundai IONIQ 6 233 kW, Porsche Taycan 270 kW. Check your vehicle specs for the exact limit.
