EV Connector & Cable
Selection Guide
From home wall boxes to highway DC fast chargers — learn how to match the right connector type to your EV application, voltage system, and regional requirements.
EV Charging Connector Types
Seven major connector standards dominate the global EV market. Each has specific voltage, current, and regional characteristics.
SAE J1772 (Type 1)
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Widely adopted in North America
- • Simple, reliable design
⚠ Limitations
- • Single-phase only
- • Limited to AC charging
IEC 62196 (Type 2)
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Multi-phase support
- • Europe standard (mandated)
- • High power capability
⚠ Limitations
- • Less common in North America
CCS Combo 1
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Combined AC+DC in one port
- • Ultra-fast charging support
- • North American standard
⚠ Limitations
- • Requires dedicated DC infrastructure
CCS Combo 2
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Europe's dominant DC standard
- • Supports 800V vehicles
- • Open standard
⚠ Limitations
- • Infrastructure cost is high
CHAdeMO
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Bidirectional (V2G support)
- • Pioneer in DC fast charging
⚠ Limitations
- • Slower adoption in new markets
- • Being phased out in Europe
GB/T
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Mandatory in China
- • Largest EV market globally
⚠ Limitations
- • Only used in China (and exported vehicles)
NACS (Tesla / SAE J3400)
Applications
✓ Pros
- • Compact design
- • Adopted by Ford, GM, and many others
- • Supports AC and DC
⚠ Limitations
- • Tesla/North America-centric
Key Selection Criteria
Four factors determine which connector is right for your EV application. Understand each to make the best choice.
System Voltage
Match the connector's voltage rating to your EV's battery system voltage. Common systems: 400V (most EVs) and 800V (newer high-performance EVs).
Key Tips
- 400V systems: Most connectors work fine
- 800V systems: Look for connectors rated ≥800V DC
- Check the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) specs
Connector Comparison Table
Compare the key specifications of all major EV connector standards side by side.
| Connector | Voltage | Max Power | Regions | AC / DC | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (J1772) | 120-240V AC | 19.2 kW | NA, JP | AC only | See connector card above |
| Type 2 | 240-400V AC/DC | 43 kW AC / 350 kW DC | EU, AU, Asia | AC + DC | See connector card above |
| CCS Combo 1 | 200-500V DC | 350 kW | North America | AC + DC | See connector card above |
| CCS Combo 2 | 200-800V DC | 350+ kW | Europe, Global | AC + DC | See connector card above |
| CHAdeMO | 0-500V DC | 400 kW | Japan, Global | DC (bidirectional) | See connector card above |
| GB/T | 250-750V DC | 187.5 kW | China | AC + DC | See connector card above |
| NACS | Up to 1000V DC | 350+ kW | NA, Expanding | AC + DC | See connector card above |
Application-Based Recommendations
Not sure which connector you need? Find your use case below and see which connector types best fit.
Home Charging (Wall Box)
Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging at home. Most wall boxes support Type 1 (North America) or Type 2 (Europe). NACS is increasingly common.
Recommended Connectors
Workplace / Public AC Charging
AC charging at workplaces, malls, or public parking. Type 2 dominates in Europe; Type 1 in North America.
Recommended Connectors
Highway DC Fast Charging (HPC)
Ultra-fast charging for long-distance travel. CCS2 is the global leader; CCS1 dominates North America; CHAdeMO for V2G; GB/T for China-bound vehicles.
Recommended Connectors
Fleet / Commercial Vehicles
Fleet operators typically standardize on CCS2 (Europe) or NACS (North America). Consider depot charging infrastructure and future-proofing.
Recommended Connectors
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
Bidirectional charging allows EVs to return energy to the grid. CHAdeMO has the most mature V2G ecosystem; NACS bidirectional support is emerging.
Recommended Connectors
Safety & Certification Standards
All EV components should meet regional safety and environmental standards. Here's what to look for.
CE Marking
EuropeMandatory safety and environmental compliance for products sold in the European Economic Area.
UL 2251
North AmericaUnderwriters Laboratories standard for EV plugs, receptacles, and couplers.
IP / IK Ratings
GlobalIP67 or higher for water/dust resistance; IK10 for mechanical impact protection.
📚 Standards & References
IEC 62196
International StandardInternational Electrotechnical Commission standard for EV connectors. Type 2 is the European mandated standard.
webstore.iec.ch/public/view?prd=62196CCS
International StandardEuropean and North American standard combining AC and DC charging in one connector. Supports up to 350kW.
www.charinev.orgUL 2251
Safety StandardUnderwriters Laboratories safety standard for EV plugs, receptacles, and couplers. Required for North American market.
www.ul.comGB/T 20234
China StandardChinese national standard for EV charging connection devices. Mandatory for all vehicles sold in China.
www.sac.gov.cn⚠️ Disclaimer
Technical specifications and standards information in this guide are based on publicly available standard documents. Yeeparts makes no warranty regarding completeness or accuracy. This guide is for general reference only; consult our team for specific sourcing requirements.