Electric cars have made headlines in recent years as people have become increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of traditional fuel-powered vehicles. As the popularity of electric vehicles has grown, so has the number of charging stations across the country. It makes it easier for people to keep their vehicles charged and ready to go. However, not all charging stations are the same, and not all electric vehicles can use the same charging plug. In this article, we will look at the various types of electric car charging plugs that are available in Australia.
In this Article:
For AC charging
- Type 1 – SAE J1772
- Type 2 – Mennekes plug(Standard in Australia)
For DC charging
Type 1 (SAE J1772)
The Type 1 EV plug(J1772 plug) is a standard charging connector used in North America and Japan for Evs. Most electric vehicle manufacturers, including Nissan, General Motors, and Ford, have adopted it. The Type 1 plug has five pins: two power pins, two signal pins, and a ground pin. This plug charges at a maximum power of 7.4 kW on a single-phase AC power supply. This equates to approximately 30-45 km of range per hour of charging time.
The Type 1 plug is intended for level 1 and level 2 charging. It can charge a vehicle at home as well as at public charging stations. Level 1 charging makes use of a standard 120-volt household outlet. Whereas level 2 charging necessitates the installation of a 240-volt outlet in a home or business. The locking mechanism on the Type 1 plug ensures a secure connection between the vehicle and the charging station. It also has an automatic shut-off feature that stops charging once the battery is fully charged or if the charging system malfunctions.
Type 2(Mennekes plug)
The Type 2 plug(Mennekes plug) is a charging connector found in electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) throughout Europe, Australia and other parts of the world. It is a seven-pin plug with a maximum current of 32 amps for AC charging and a maximum current of 200 amps for DC charging. Because of its dependability and safety features, the Type 2 plug is widely popular in Europe. It is also a standard port in Australia. Almost all EV Models after May 2019 come with a Type 2 plug including Tesla Models.
The ability of the Type 2 EV plug to provide both AC and DC charging is one of its main advantages. AC charging can charge an EV’s battery from a domestic or commercial power supply. On the other hand, DC charging is used for fast charging. Furthermore, the Type 2 plug includes an automatic locking mechanism that ensures a secure connection between the vehicle and the charging station. It also includes built-in safety features such as temperature and current sensors to prevent battery overheating and overcharging. Overall, the Type 2 EV plug provides EV owners with a dependable and secure charging solution.
CHAdeMO Plug type
The CHAdeMO plug is a charging connector for electric vehicles (EVs) that was developed in Japan and is primarily used in DC fast charging stations. It is a specialised connector designed for electric vehicles that use direct current (DC) charging and is capable of quickly charging the EV’s battery. The CHAdeMO plug is large, circular head and three prongs, and it can deliver up to 62.5 kW of power. It is widely used in Japan and has gained popularity in Europe, particularly for charging Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia electric vehicles.
The CHAdeMO plug becomes an important industry standard and it is a dependable and efficient method of charging electric vehicles. One of the key benefits of the CHAdeMO plug is its fast charging capabilities, which can provide up to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, depending on battery capacity. It is tough and long-lasting, able to withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor charging stations. The CHAdeMO plug is still a popular choice among EV manufacturers and charging station providers.
CCS – Combo 2
CCS Combo 2, also known as Combined Charging System Combo 2, is a popular type of electric vehicle (EV) charging connector in recent years. The CCS Combo 2 connector is a standardised charging interface that supports both alternating current and direct current charging, making it an efficient and convenient option for EV drivers. The CCS Combo 2 connector works with a wide variety of electric vehicles in Australia. Automobile manufacturers that support CCS include BMW, Ford, Jaguar, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, MG, Polestar, Renault, Rivian, Tesla and Volkswagen.
One of the primary benefits of the CCS Combo 2 connector is its ability to charge at high power levels, which can significantly reduce EV charging times. This is due to the connector’s ability to support DC charging at up to 350 kW, allowing for quick and efficient charging. Furthermore, the CCS Combo 2 connector has communication protocols that allow it to communicate with the EV’s onboard computer, providing real-time data on charging status and battery health.
Summary
In conclusion, the growth of electric cars has led to an increase in the number of charging stations across Australia. However, it is important to understand the different types of charging plugs available to ensure to charge an electric vehicle effectively. From Type 1 (SAE J1772) to Tesla Plug, each type of charging plug has its advantages and limitations. EV owners must know which plug is compatible with their cars to avoid charging issues. The evolution of electric car charging technology is ongoing, and it will be interesting to see how the charging infrastructure develops in the future. If you want to know what type of plug a charging station uses check out Australia charging station map.
