EV charging adapters: which one for which connector?

Choose the adapter by the charging socket on the car and the connector on the charger you want to use. In Europe, AC charging uses Type 2 and fast charging uses CCS2; other sockets usually come with imported cars. Before ordering, also check the compatibility of the specific car and adapter: the import market or the brand does not reliably identify the charging connector.

The connectors

Type 2 (IEC 62196-2). The European AC connector, for single- and three-phase charging up to 32 A. This is what wallboxes and public AC posts have.

Type 1 (J1772). The AC connector of cars built for the American and Japanese markets, single-phase only.

CCS2 and CCS1. Two DC contacts added below Type 2 and Type 1 respectively. CCS2 is the European fast-charging standard, CCS1 the American one.

CHAdeMO. The Japanese DC fast-charging connector, found for example on earlier generations of the Nissan Leaf.

GB/T. The Chinese standard, on cars imported from China, for example some BYD models.

Tesla (NACS). The proprietary connector of Teslas built for the American market. Teslas sold in Europe use Type 2 and CCS2 and need no adapter.

Which adapter is for what

The first column is the connector on the car, the second the one on the charger. The adapter goes between the two.

An adapter does not increase charging speed. The ceiling is set by the car’s onboard charger and the cable’s current rating: on a single-phase adapter at 32 A the ceiling is between 7.2 and 8 kW.

Charging from a household socket

A plain adapter does not charge the car: charging needs a control signal, which the electronics of a portable charging cable provide.

Portable charger with a Schuko plug for a Type 2 car: AK-EC-19 (16 A, 3.8 kW, 5 m cable, LCD display). If your portable charger has a 5-pin CEE industrial plug, the AK-SC-E06 adapter only converts the plug to Schuko. Before charging for long periods, have the socket and the circuit checked, and set the current according to that socket, the charger and the manufacturer’s guide.

From a three-phase CEE socket, the AK-EC-12 portable charger charges at 16 A and 11 kW.

The other way round: power from the car or from the charging post

If the car can supply power (Vehicle-to-Load), the AK-SC-E27 adapter turns the Type 2 connector into four Schuko sockets, up to 3.5 kW: when camping, working in the garden or during a power cut.

A Schuko socket from the charging post: the AK-SC-E28 (16 A) and the AK-SC-E29 (13 A) turn a Type 2 charging post connector into a 230 V socket for a device of up to 3.5 kW, such as an e-bike charger.

Wallbox and cable

At home the usual choice is a three-phase 11 kW wallbox: AK-EC-21 (16 A, with a 5 m Type 2 cable). Type 2 / Type 2 cable for public posts: AK-EC-09 single-phase (7.2 kW, 6 m) or AK-EC-16 three-phase (22 kW, 6 m). For a Type 1 car, a Type 2 / Type 1 cable: AK-EC-08 (7.2 kW, 6 m). The cable rating is the ceiling; the car may draw less.

The full range, with prices and spec tables: EV chargers & cables.

Frequently asked questions

Does a European Tesla need an adapter?

No. Teslas sold in Europe come with Type 2 and CCS2 connectors. Adapters are for Teslas imported from the American market.

Can an electric car be charged from a household socket?

Yes, with a portable charging cable that has its own control electronics. A plain Type 2 / Schuko adapter does not charge on its own. 16 A and 3.8 kW are the device rating, not a continuous charging current recommended for every household socket: have the socket and the circuit checked first.

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2?

Type 1 is the single-phase connector of American and Japanese cars; Type 2 is the European one and also carries three-phase charging. A Type 1 car charges at a Type 2 charger with the AK-SC-E09 adapter.

Can a CHAdeMO car charge at a CCS2 fast charger?

Only if the manufacturer’s list confirms that the specific car and the AK-SC-E18 adapter are compatible, and the charger supports the connection. Check the car’s exact model and year before ordering. 1000 V and 250 A are the adapter’s limits, not a guaranteed charging power.

Does a stronger adapter or cable charge the car faster?

No. The ceiling is set by the car’s onboard charger. The adapter and the cable only need to be rated for at least the current the car draws.