ELECTRIC VEHICLE AC CHARGING PLUG TYPES

Worldwide, three different plug-and-socket systems are standardized in IEC 62196-2 for
connection of electric vehicles; these three systems are not compatible. Basically, all
three standardized systems meet the high safety requirements for the consumer. Voltage
is only switched on when the system has detected that the plugs on the vehicle side and
infrastructure side are completely plugged in, that the plugs are locked, and that the
protective conductor connection is correct. As long as one of these conditions is not
satisfied, the contacts will remain de-energized.

Safety First
Voltage is only switched on when the system has detected that the plugs on the vehicle
side and infrastructure side are completely plugged in, that the plugs are locked, and that
the protective conductor connection is correct.

Type 2 system with and without shutter

Type 1 is a single phase charging plug developed in Japan exclusively for the vehicle
side charging connection. The maximum charging power is 7.4 kW at 230 V AC. Type 1
offers insufficient possibilities for the three-phase European networks.

Type 1 plug

Type 2 is the EU charging plug developed in Germany by Mennekes. This is appropriate

to single phase alternating current in the private household to the powerful three-phase
connection with 63 A. With the EU charging plug at a connection voltage of 230 V single
phase, or 400 V three-phase, charging powers from 3.7 kW to 43.5 kW can be
transmitted – with identical plug geometry. Type 2 is also the basis for the combined
charging system for DC charging. Type 2 plugs and sockets can be used on the vehicle-
side as well as on the infrastructure-side. Due to the extensive electronic safety
architecture, there is no need for a mechanical touch guard in the charging plug or
charging connector.

Key Fact
Type 2 is the EU charging plug developed in Germany by Mennekes and is now the most
common system in use.
Type 2 plug. The pins from the top left and clockwise are: Proximity (PP), Control pilot
(CP), Neutral (N), L3, L2, L1 and the Earth pin in the centre

Type 3 variant was developed in Italy. It is suitable for a connection voltage of 230 V
single phase or 400 V three-phase for charging powers from 3.7 kW to 43.5 kW.
However, three different plug geometries that are not compatible with each other are
required for the different power levels.

Type 3 plug