Which Plug or Socket Type Do I Need to Charge My EV?

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly popular, one of the most common questions new owners ask is: Which plug or socket type do I need to charge my EV? Understanding the various connector types helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when it’s time to plug in. This blog provides an overview of the most common EV charging plugs and sockets, their uses, and where you’re likely to encounter each one in New Zealand.

AC Charging vs. DC Charging

Before diving into specific plug types, it’s important to understand the difference between AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging:

AC Charging:

  • Typically found in homes, workplaces, and public locations that offer Level 1 (slow) and Level 2 (faster) charging.
  • Uses the vehicle’s onboard charger to convert AC power from the grid into DC power for the battery.
  • Common connectors include Type 1 and Type 2.

DC Charging:

  • Known as Level 3 or “fast/rapid” charging.
  • Bypasses the onboard charger by supplying DC power directly to the battery.
  • Typically located at commercial stations, highways, and rest stops.
  • Common connectors include CCS and CHAdeMO.

Connectors Summary

The table below provides you the most common types of charger plugs you will encounter in New Zealand.

EV Charger Connector/Plug Types

AC
J1772 (Type 1)
Mennekes (Type 2)

DC
CHAdeMO
CCS2

J1772 (Type 1) + CHAdeMO

AC: Type 1 (SAE J1772)

Type 1 connector is primarily used in older vehicles and in regions like North America (although it’s being phased out in favor of CCS) and Japan. 

Type 1 connector is for AC charging only and usually supports up to 7.4kW single phase. It is is less common for newly sold EVs in many markets.

Vehicles that used Type 1 charger includes:

  • Nissan Leaf
  • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
  • Nissan e-NV 200
  • Kia Soul

DC: CHAdeMO

Vehicles equipped with a Type 1 connector that also support fast charging typically feature a CHAdeMO port alongside the Type 1 port. CHAdeMO technology usually enables charging speeds of around 50kW. It remains widely supported both in New Zealand and globally.

Type 1 EV Charger Plug

Type 1 Plug

Type 1 EV Charger Plug

Type 1 Socket

CHAdeMo Plug

CHAdeMO Socket

Mennekes (Type 2) + CCS2 (Combined Charging System)

AC: Type 2 (Mennekes)

Type 2 connector is the current most common standard worldwide. In New Zealand, most newer EVs come equipped with a Type 2 port, including Tesla. Type 2 connector is for AC charging only. Its charging capabilities range from single phase (up to 7.4kW) to three phase (up to 22kW), and even higher in some cases.

Vehicles that used Type 2 charger includes:

  • European EVs including BMW, Audi, VW and Mercedes
  • New Zealand new Eenault Zoe and Kangoo Z.E.
  • Tesla cars imported from UK or Australia

DC: CCS2

CCS2 is a fast DC charging connector used extensively across Europe and is the recommended connector for DC charging in New Zealand along with CHAdeMO. It adds two extra DC pins beneath the Type 2 AC connector, allowing the same inlet on the car to handle both AC and DC.

Most new vehicles in New Zealand use the Type 2 CCS connector, which is the standard for new cars in the country. Hence, most new EVs sold in New Zealand will have a Type 2 CCS charging port.

Type 2 EV Charger Plug

Type 2 Plug

Type 2 EV Charger Plug

Type 2 Socket

CCS2 EV Charger Plug

CCS2 Socket

Understanding the differences among Type 1 + CHAdeMO and Type 2 + CCS is essential to ensure you can easily charge your EV at home or on the go. Whether you drive a Japanese-imported vehicle with a Type 1 inlet or a newer model supporting Type 2, our home EV chargers are compatible with both plug types, offering a convenient, reliable, and future-proof charging solution for your vehicle.

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