CCS has become the global standard of EV charging, uniting car manufacturers, charging networks and governments. It is a single high-power connector that handles both AC and DC charging.
CCS stands for Combined Charging System, which is a type of fast charging connector for electric vehicles. This type of EV charger was developed to combine AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging into a single connector design. CCS is becoming increasingly widespread in the world of EV charging. But what is it that makes CCS so popular? Read on to discover the facts about CCS charging in this informative Vital EV guide.
The Evolution of EV Charging
You might be surprised to learn that EV charging has been around for some time. In fact, the first electric vehicles emerged in the mid-19th Century, with British inventor Thomas Parker building the first practical electric vehicle and charging station in London. Electric cars were quieter, smoother, cleaner and easier to start than cranking up a petrol car, and this made them the preferred choice in many in cities like London and New York in the early 1900s.
But traditionally fuelled cars became cheaper and faster, and electric vehicles lost their initial appeal…until now.
More recently, climate change, technological advancements, and government policy have driven a surge in EV ownership. And as EV technology developed, so did the methods of charging. From the initial basic systems connected to standard electrical outlets came Level 1 and Level 2 charging systems, transforming the EV landscape and paving the way for the more advanced ultra-fast rapid charging infrastructure we see being developed today.
Time is important to many of us, and being able to charge up quickly is paramount to a large proportion of EV owners. But many drivers also rely on overnight slow charging. Having a CCS connector means you can use the slow and fast charging outlets.
A vehicle with a CCS connector can use both slow and fast chargers.
What is a CCS Charger?
A Combined Charging System (CCS) charger is a fast and universally accepted standard for charging electric vehicles. It gets its name from being able to handle both AC and DC charging through the same port. It is a standardised port that looks like a Type 2 connector, with two additional larger pins below for DC charging. These extra pins carry the high-voltage DC power directly into the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard charger.
CCS supports speeds from 3.7kW (AC) up to 350 kW (DC), depending on the chargers’ power output and the specifications of your electric vehicle.
Guide to EV Charger Socket Types
If you’re new to EV charging, the equipment and terminology can be challenging to understand. EV chargers, in particular can cause a headache for both new and seasoned EV drivers as they get used to charging up. The good news is, EV charging is becoming more standardised as time goes on.
EV chargers support different charge speeds, from slow to ultra-rapid.
Type 1 Connector
A slow AC charge connector commonly found in older EV models, now replaced by Type 2.
Type 2 Connector
The most common EV charger plug in the UK, used for AC slow and fast charging.
CHAdeMO Connector
Rapid DC fast-charging connector that allows bi-directional charging. This type of connector is being phased out and replaced by the CCS connector.
CCS Type 1
The North American and Asia charging standard.
CCS Type 2
Now used extensively in the UK with the vast majority of cars sold having this type of rapid DC charging connector.
How to Use a CCS Charger
Using a combined charging system (CCS) connector is straightforward.
- Find a compatible charging station by checking your charging app.
- Park and plug the CCS connector into your car’s charging port.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to start the session.
- Confirm charging – the connector will lock into place automatically and unlock when the session is complete.
- Payment is taken by using a credit/debit card or an RFID card.
Why CCS Matters
CCS has become crucial to the EV charging infrastructure, creating a simplified standard for EV charging. Its versatile connector works across most chargers and is highly scalable, capable of supporting increasingly higher charge speeds. Technology is constantly moving forward, and megawatt-scale versions (MCS) are now in development for electric truck charging.
Vital EV is an award-winning DC specialist, here to power you through to electrification. We are proud to offer bespoke electric charging solutions, including mobile DC chargers, wall-mounted and freestanding DC chargers, as well as EV charging hubs, meeting the needs of businesses nationwide. Our service extends to EV charger rental and a full service and maintenance team to fully support your EV needs. Contact the team to discuss your EV requirements now.
Anna Eyre
Digital Marketing Lead
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