Do All EVs Use the Same Charger Type? Compatibility Guide

As electric vehicles become more common on UK roads, one of the questions many new owners ask is whether all EVs use the same type of charger. With petrol and diesel cars, filling up is simple, as all pumps at a fuel station deliver the same type of fuel depending on your vehicle’s requirements. With EVs, however, things are a little more complicated. Different connector types, varying charging speeds, and differences between home and public chargers can make compatibility confusing for first-time drivers. This guide explains the different types of EV chargers, how compatibility works, and what UK drivers need to know to charge their vehicles with confidence.

The basics of EV charging connectors

An EV charger is not just about the kW rating or speed, but also about the type of connector it uses to deliver power to the car. A connector is the physical plug that attaches the charger to the vehicle. The type of connector you need depends on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as whether you are charging at home with alternating current (AC) or using a rapid direct current (DC) public charger. While the UK has moved towards standardisation in recent years, there are still a few variations drivers need to be aware of.

Type 1 connectors

Type 1 connectors were among the first used in EVs, particularly models imported from Japan and North America. They are a single-phase connection and typically support charging speeds of up to 7kW. While reliable, they are less common in Europe, where Type 2 has become the standard. Today, only a small number of older EVs on UK roads still use Type 1 connectors. Owners of these vehicles often use adaptors to connect with public chargers, ensuring they can still make use of the UK’s charging infrastructure.

Type 2 connectors

Type 2 connectors are now the European standard for AC charging and are used by the vast majority of EVs sold in the UK. They support single-phase and three-phase charging, allowing speeds up to 22kW in suitable settings. For home installations, Type 2 chargers rated at 7kW are most common. Public charging stations across the UK are almost universally fitted with Type 2 sockets, ensuring compatibility for modern EVs. This has greatly simplified the charging landscape for drivers and means most people will never need to worry about adaptors.

Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors

For rapid DC charging, the Combined Charging System, or CCS, has become the standard in Europe and the UK. CCS connectors are based on the Type 2 design but include two additional pins for high-speed DC charging. This allows vehicles to charge at rates of 50kW and above, with the latest models supporting ultra-rapid charging up to 350kW. Most new EVs on the market today use CCS for rapid charging, making it the most widely supported option at motorway services and rapid charging hubs.

CHAdeMO connectors

CHAdeMO is another DC charging standard that was widely used in Japanese vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It supports rapid charging, often up to 50kW, though newer versions allow higher speeds. However, CCS has overtaken CHAdeMO in Europe, and fewer new vehicles are being released with this connector. While CHAdeMO chargers are still available in the UK, particularly at older public stations, their numbers are gradually declining. For drivers of older Japanese EVs, compatibility remains important, but CCS is clearly the future standard.

Tesla connectors

Tesla initially used a proprietary connector for its vehicles in some markets, but in Europe, including the UK, Teslas are fitted with Type 2 and CCS connectors. This means they are fully compatible with the wider public charging infrastructure. Tesla’s Supercharger network in the UK uses CCS connectors and is increasingly being opened to non-Tesla vehicles. This shift towards standardisation ensures Tesla owners, and drivers of other EV brands, can all access the same rapid charging facilities.

Charging at home versus in public

Compatibility questions often arise because of the differences between home and public charging. At home, almost all installations in the UK are now Type 2, which suits the majority of vehicles. For rapid charging in public, CCS dominates, with CHAdeMO still present for older models. Drivers only need to be aware of their specific vehicle’s requirements and, in rare cases, carry an adaptor if their car uses an older connector type. For most new EV owners, charging compatibility is straightforward thanks to increasing standardisation.

The role of adaptors

For vehicles with less common connectors, adaptors provide a useful solution. These devices allow a vehicle with a Type 1 inlet, for example, to charge from a Type 2 socket. Similarly, adaptors can sometimes bridge gaps between different DC standards, though this is less common. While adaptors increase flexibility, they should always be used carefully and with products approved by the vehicle manufacturer or reputable suppliers to ensure safety.

Why standardisation matters

The shift towards Type 2 for AC charging and CCS for DC rapid charging has made life much easier for EV drivers in the UK. Without standardisation, charging infrastructure would be fragmented, with drivers needing to seek out specific stations for their vehicles. By moving towards common standards, the UK ensures that public investment in charging networks benefits all drivers. It also means that as older vehicles with Type 1 or CHAdeMO connectors gradually leave the roads, compatibility issues will become less common.

Planning for the future

When buying a new EV, connector type is rarely a concern, as most new vehicles are fitted with Type 2 and CCS ports. However, for buyers of used EVs, particularly older models, it is worth checking the connector type and considering whether adaptors will be required for convenient charging. As charging infrastructure evolves, CCS will dominate rapid charging, so vehicles with this capability will enjoy the broadest access to the fastest charging facilities. For home charging, the ubiquity of Type 2 sockets means future compatibility is almost guaranteed.

Conclusion

Not all EVs use the same charger type, but in the UK, the market has consolidated around Type 2 for home and public AC charging and CCS for rapid DC charging. While older models may still rely on Type 1 or CHAdeMO connectors, these are increasingly rare, and adaptors provide solutions where needed. For most drivers today, compatibility is straightforward, and the growing standardisation ensures that charging will become even simpler in the years ahead. By understanding the different connector types, EV owners can confidently plan their charging routine and make the most of the UK’s expanding charging network.