Explore the five most common electric vehicle charging standards: CHAdeMO, CCS, GB/T, Type 2, and Tesla Supercharger.
The Most Common Electric Vehicle Charging Standards
The electric vehicle industry is growing at an unprecedented rate, and with that comes a need for universal charging standards. Here are the five most common charging standards for electric vehicles today.
1. CHAdeMO
Developed by a consortium of Japanese corporations, the CHAdeMO is the standard for most Japanese electric vehicles. The name itself is an abbreviation of “CHArge de MOve,” meaning “charge for moving”. CHAdeMO supports both slow and fast charging capabilities.
2. CCS (Combined Charging System)
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is a standard that was developed and backed by European and American automobile manufacturers. It has the advantage of combining both AC and DC charging capabilities into a single port. This standard has two types: CCS1 (North America) and CCS2 (Europe).
3. GB/T
China’s main charging standard is GB/T. This standard, driven by the Chinese government, supports both AC and DC charging. Given China’s significant position in the electric vehicle market, GB/T has a substantial impact on the global landscape.
4. Type 2 (IEC 62196)
IEC 62196, more commonly known as Type 2, is a charging standard predominantly used in Europe. It’s versatile and can support slow, fast, and rapid charging depending on the power supply and vehicle’s capabilities.
5. Tesla Supercharger
Exclusively for Tesla vehicles, the Tesla Supercharger network provides rapid DC charging. Tesla has also released an adapter to enable their cars to use CHAdeMO charging stations, making their vehicles even more versatile.
In conclusion, the development of standardized charging systems is crucial for the advancement of electric vehicles. The diversity of the existing standards reflects regional preferences and the fast-paced nature of electric vehicle technology.
