CCS vs CHAdeMO vs Type 2 – EV Connector Types Explained

CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2, NACS – EV charging connectors can be confusing. This guide explains every standard, which cars use which, and how to charge anywhere with the right adapter.

Why Are There So Many Connector Types?

EV charging standards developed independently across different regions and manufacturers. Today the industry is converging – but you still need to know which plug your car takes and which chargers are compatible.

CCS (Combined Charging System)

CCS Combo 1 (USA/Japan) and CCS Combo 2 (Europe) are the dominant DC fast-charging standards worldwide. CCS combines an AC Type 1 or Type 2 connector with two additional DC pins – so one port handles both AC slow charging and DC fast charging.

• Speed: 50 kW up to 350 kW
• Cars: Almost all new non-Tesla EVs: VW, BMW, Audi, Hyundai, Ford, GM (from 2026), Rivian
• Networks: Electrify America, EVgo, Ionity, EnBW, Shell Recharge

NACS (Tesla / North American Charging Standard)

Originally Tesla-only, NACS is now the emerging standard in North America. Ford, GM, Rivian, Honda, and others have announced NACS adoption. Tesla Superchargers open to all NACS-compatible vehicles.

• Speed: Up to 250 kW (V3 Supercharger)
• Cars: Tesla, Ford (2026+), GM (2026+), Rivian (2026+)
• Note: CCS-to-NACS adapters available from Tesla

CHAdeMO

Japanese DC fast-charging standard, championed by Nissan and Mitsubishi. Declining in Europe and USA – most new charging networks are dropping CHAdeMO support. Still widely available in Japan.

• Speed: 50–100 kW (CHAdeMO 3.0 supports 400 kW but rare)
• Cars: Nissan Leaf (older), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Type 2 / IEC 62196 (AC Charging)

The universal AC charging standard in Europe. Used at home wallboxes, public AC charging points, and as the AC part of CCS Combo 2 connectors.

• Speed: 3.7–22 kW (single or three-phase)
• Cars: All European EVs, most global EVs sold in Europe

J1772 (SAE Type 1)

North American AC charging standard. Found on all Level 2 public chargers in the USA and Canada. All US EVs (including Tesla with adapter) support J1772.

• Speed: Up to 19.2 kW (Level 2)
• Cars: All EVs sold in North America

Quick Reference Table