The majority of modern electric vehicles in the UK use a Type 2 connector, however some older EV models use a Type 1 connector, so it’s essential to study your vehicle carefully before buying cables, sockets, or chargers. As connectors are designed so that the wrong plug simply won’t fit your car’s socket, knowing exactly what your car requires before you charge will avoid any unnecessary hassle.
It’s also worth being aware that some manufacturers, such as Tesla, use their own proprietary charging networks that support ultra-rapid and rapid charging. With so many socket types, connectors, and charging networks to get to grips with, it can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be.
If you’re unsure about the differences between EV charger socket types, we’ve broken them all down throughout this guide, so you can charge with confidence wherever you are.
Key Takeaways
- There are six different EV socket types in the UK, covering slow, rapid, and ultra-rapid charging.
- Type 2 is the standard connector for most modern EVs, while Type 1 is found on older models.
- A three-pin plug can charge your EV in an emergency but is not recommended for regular use.
- CCS is now the dominant rapid charging connector for most new EVs in the UK and Europe.
- CHAdeMO is becoming increasingly rare, so check charge point availability if your vehicle uses it.
- The EV charging landscape is constantly evolving, so always stay up to date with any changes.
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Different EV Charger Socket Types
If you’re new to electric vehicles and EV charging, you may not yet be aware that there are various socket and connector types used across a wide range of cars. The type of connector you need depends not only on your vehicle, but also on the speed of the charger and whether it uses AC or DC current.
In the UK, there are six different EV socket types, covering slow, rapid, and ultra-rapid charging. While some EVs are compatible with multiple socket types, others are limited to specific connectors, which is why it’s important to research the different types of EV chargers alongside the socket types before making any decisions. It’s also worth noting that some chargers are tethered, meaning the cable is permanently attached, while others are untethered, requiring you to bring your own cable, so it’s always worth checking before you charge.
Adapters are available for some socket types, offering more flexibility when charging away from home. However, not all connectors are compatible with adapters, so it’s important to check before relying on one.
It’s also worth being aware that the EV charging landscape is constantly evolving. As more manufacturers and charging networks adapt to new standards, it’s always a good idea to stay up to date with any changes that may affect your vehicle.
To help make things clearer, we’ve put together a breakdown of each EV charger socket type, what it’s primarily used for, and the key considerations for each, including how common they are on public and business charge points, whether you’re planning a long journey.
Slow Charger Socket Types
The first EV socket and charger type to be aware of is slow charging. As the name suggests, slow charging delivers power at a lower rate, typically between 2kW and 7kW depending on the socket type, making it the most common solution for residential and overnight charging. Charging at a slower rate is also gentler on your battery, helping to reduce long-term degradation and prolong its overall lifespan.
It’s worth knowing that your car’s onboard charger automatically regulates the charging rate to protect the battery from overcharging, regardless of which slow-charging socket you’re using.
Type 1 and Type 2 connectors are both capable of slow and fast charging, but the most common socket types used specifically for slow charging are the standard three-pin plug socket and the commando or CEE plug socket.
Three Pin Plug Socket
A three-pin plug socket is the most straightforward way to charge your electric vehicle, using the same standard UK plug socket you’d find in any home. It requires no specialist equipment or installation, all you need to do is simply plug your EV in using a portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) cable.
However, it is also the slowest method of EV charging, typically delivering around 2.3kW of power, which can take anywhere between 8 and 24 hours for a full charge, depending on the size of your EV battery. While it’s a convenient backup option, it isn’t recommended for regular use.
CEE plug socket
A CEE or Commando plug socket is an industrial-style connector commonly found at workplaces. In the UK, the Commando socket is the local variation of the European CEE standard, though both work in the same way and are often referred to interchangeably.
These chargers typically deliver between 3.6kW and 7.4kW depending on the amperage of the socket, making it a faster and more reliable slow charging option than a standard three-pin plug, and a useful backup for those who frequently charge away from home.
Rapid and Ultra Rapid EV Charging Socket Types
Type 2 Socket
This is the standard EV charging connector in the UK and across Europe, and is found on the vast majority of modern electric vehicles. It’s a seven-pin connector capable of supporting both single-phase and three-phase AC charging, delivering speeds of up to 22kW on compatible public chargers.
As well as being the go-to connector for AC charging, the Type 2 socket also forms the upper section of a CCS connector, meaning CCS-equipped vehicles retain full compatibility with standard Type 2 cables and charge points. If you own a modern EV in the UK, it almost certainly has a Type 2 socket as standard.
Type 1 Socket
The Type 1 socket is an older, five-pin single-phase AC connector primarily found on earlier electric vehicles from American and Asian manufacturers, such as the first-generation Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It supports charging speeds of up to 7.4kW, making it suitable for slow and rapid AC charging.
While Type 1 was once widely used, it has largely been replaced by the Type 2 standard in the UK and Europe and is rarely found on newer electric vehicles. If you drive an older EV that uses a Type 1 socket, it’s worth checking the availability of compatible charge points in your area, as they are becoming increasingly less common.
CCS Socket
CCS sockets are one of the most common rapid charging connectors found on modern electric vehicles in the UK. It builds on the Type 2 connector by adding two additional DC power pins at the bottom, allowing for much faster charging speeds.
This is the standard rapid charging connector for most new EVs sold in the UK and Europe and is widely available at motorway service stations and public fast charging networks. If you drive a modern electric vehicle, it’s likely to have a CCS socket as standard alongside a Type 2 socket for slower AC charging.
CHAdeMO Socket
CHAdeMO is a DC rapid charging connector primarily found on older electric vehicles from Nissan and Mitsubishi, such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander. It supports rapid charging speeds of up to 100kW on compatible chargers, allowing for a significantly faster charge than standard AC connectors.
While CHAdeMO was once widely available at public charge points across the UK, it is becoming increasingly rare as the industry shifts towards CCS as the dominant rapid charging standard. Very few new electric vehicles are being released with CHAdeMO compatibility, and the number of public CHAdeMO charge points is gradually declining.
Discover Our EV Charging Solutions
If you’re looking for a commercial EV charging solution for your business, fleet, or local council, Vital EV Solutions has you covered. We offer a wide range of charging solutions across a variety of sectors and applications, from EV charger maintenance and large-scale hub installations to portable chargers and short-term rental solutions.
We provide our fleet charging services across the UK, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Nottingham, and Bristol.
To find out more about how we can support your EV charging needs, get in touch with a member of our team today and start your journey with Vital EV Solutions.
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