The growth of electric mobility has brought a new reality for drivers: the need to understand the different types of plugs used at charging stations. Despite progress in infrastructure standardisation across Europe, several plug types are still in use — each with specific characteristics and compatibility depending on the vehicle make and model.
For those considering switching to an electric vehicle, or who already drive one, knowing which plug is compatible with their car — and how to identify it at charging points — is essential. This not only helps avoid frustrations during charging but also allows for better trip planning and makes it easier to take advantage of faster, more efficient charging options.
This guide clearly explains the main types of plugs used at public charging stations across Europe, how to recognise them, and what drivers need to know to charge with confidence wherever they are.
Note: In this article, we use the term “connector” to refer to the physical component that connects the vehicle to the charging station. The word “plug” is also commonly used, especially by new EV drivers. While both terms are used in everyday language, connector is the more accurate technical term, as it better describes the different standards and formats used for AC and DC charging.
Types of Connectors Used in Europe
Type 2 (Mennekes)
The Type 2 connector, also known as Mennekes, is the standard plug for alternating current (AC) charging across Europe, and the most common at public charging stations. It’s also the connector adopted by most electric vehicle manufacturers operating in the European market.
Key characteristics
- Current type: Alternating current (AC)
- Power: Up to 22 kW at public semi-fast chargers (some may go up to 43 kW on three-phase, though less common)
- Charging modes: Mode 2 and Mode 3 (public stations typically use Mode 3)
- EU standard: Mandated as the official connector for public AC charging infrastructure in the EU since 2014
Compatible vehicles
The vast majority of electric vehicles sold in Europe come equipped with a Type 2 inlet. Common models include:
- Renault Zoe
- BMW i3
- Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4
- Peugeot e-208
- Mercedes EQ series
- Tesla Model 3 (for AC charging)
How to identify it at a charging station
- Rounded shape with 7 pins
- Often marked with the symbol "T2"
- May be fixed to the charger or require the driver to bring their own cable
Where it's most used
- Public normal and semi-fast charging stations (11 kW or 22 kW)
- Home or private installations with wallboxes
- Car parks at shopping centres, hotels, and companies
Important notes
- This connector is used only for AC charging. For DC fast charging, a different connector is required — usually CCS Combo 2.
- The miio app allows users to filter stations by connector type, including Type 2.
CCS Combo 2 (Combined Charging System)
CCS Combo 2, often simply called CCS, is currently the European standard for fast charging using direct current (DC). It’s an evolution of the Type 2 connector, with two additional DC pins added below the main AC interface to enable high-power charging. It’s the preferred connector for most new EVs with fast-charging capability.
Key characteristics
- Current type: Direct current (DC)
- Power: Typically between 50 kW and 150 kW, with some ultra-fast stations delivering up to 350 kW
- Hybrid design: Combines a Type 2 socket with two additional DC pins
- Charging mode: Mode 4 (external control for DC charging)
Compatible vehicles
Most new electric vehicles sold in Europe support CCS. Examples include:
- Volkswagen ID.3, ID.4, ID. Buzz
- Tesla Model 3, Model Y (European versions)
- Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6
- BMW i4, iX
- Peugeot e-208, e-2008
- Audi Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT
How to identify it at a charging station
- Visually similar to a Type 2 plug, but with two extra metal pins at the bottom
- Often marked with the label "CCS" or "Combo"
- Always comes with a fixed cable — no need to bring your own
Where it's most used
- Fast and ultra-fast charging stations (50 to 350 kW)
- Motorway service areas and major road networks
- Charging points focused on long-distance travel
Important notes
- CCS is gradually replacing CHAdeMO as the leading DC connector across Europe.
- The European Union mandated CCS as the standard for all new public DC charging infrastructure from 2017 onward.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO is a DC fast-charging connector originally developed in Japan. It was one of the first rapid charging standards to gain widespread adoption, especially in Japanese-made vehicles. However, in Europe, it is gradually losing ground due to the increasing adoption of the CCS Combo 2 standard.
Key characteristics
- Current type: Direct current (DC)
- Power: Typically up to 50 kW at public charging stations, although the standard supports up to 400 kW (version 2.0) and over 500 kW (version 3.0), which remain rare in Europe
- Charging mode: Mode 4
- Communication: Uses a different communication protocol from CCS, requiring dedicated infrastructure
Compatible vehicles
Models that traditionally use CHAdeMO include:
- Nissan Leaf (up to 2021)
- Nissan e-NV200
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (up to 2022)
- Citroën C-Zero, Peugeot iOn (older models)
- Various Japanese imports (JDM)
How to identify it at a charging station
- Large, rounded connector with a robust locking cover
- Clearly labelled as “CHAdeMO”
- Cable is always attached to the charger
Where it's most used
- Fast-charging stations in urban areas
- Older charging points or those designed for Japanese vehicles
- Becoming less common in new installations, but still relevant for certain vehicle models
Important notes
- New CHAdeMO installations are declining, but many existing stations still offer it for compatibility.
- Some manufacturers, such as Nissan, have shifted to CCS Combo 2 for their latest models (e.g. Nissan Ariya).
Type 1 (SAE J1772)
The Type 1 connector, also known by its technical name SAE J1772, was developed in the United States and is the standard for alternating current (AC) charging in North America and some Asian markets. In Europe, its use is limited, mostly found in imported models or early-generation EVs that are still on the road.
Key characteristics
- Current type: Alternating current (AC)
- Power: Up to 7.4 kW (single-phase, 32 A)
- Charging mode: Mode 3
- North American standard, with no native support for three-phase charging
Compatible vehicles
In Europe, Type 1 is mostly found in models released before the widespread adoption of Type 2 as the standard:
- Nissan Leaf (1st generation, pre-2018)
- Kia Soul EV (pre-2020 models)
- Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV
- Various imported plug-in hybrid models
How to identify it at a charging station
- Rounded connector with 5 pins and a visible locking tab at the top
- Lacks the two lower pins found on CCS
- Rarely available as a tethered cable — users typically need to bring their own Type 1 cable
Where it's most used
- Home charging with single-phase wallboxes
- Private installations
- A limited number of older public charging stations or multi-standard points
Important notes
- Type 1 is in decline across Europe due to the shift to the Type 2 standard.
- To charge at Type 2 stations, Type 2-to-Type 1 adapter cables can be used — particularly useful for owners of older EVs.
Tesla Connectors in Europe
When selling vehicles in Europe, Tesla adapted to the charging standards used across the continent, ensuring compatibility with the public infrastructure. Newer models are equipped with the CCS Combo 2 connector — the same plug adopted by most European brands for direct current (DC) fast charging. Models produced before 2019 use a modified Type 2 connector, which supports both AC charging and DC fast charging via Tesla’s Supercharger network.
Key characteristics
- Current type: Alternating current (AC) using a modified Type 2 connector (for older models), and direct current (DC) using a CCS Combo 2 connector (for newer models)
- Power: Up to 22 kW on AC (via Type 2) and up to 250 kW on DC at Supercharger V3 stations (via CCS)
- Charging modes: Mode 3 (AC) and Mode 4 (DC)
Compatible vehicles and configurations by year
- Pre-2019 models (Model S and Model X): Equipped with a modified Type 2 inlet, enabling AC charging and DC fast charging only via Tesla Superchargers. A CCS adapter is required to access third-party fast chargers.
- 2019 onwards (Model 3, Model Y and updated Model S and X): These models come with a native CCS Combo 2 inlet, fully compatible with most public fast-charging stations across Europe.
How to identify
- Newer models have a standard CCS Combo 2 inlet, identical to other European EVs
- Older models feature a Type 2 socket with Tesla-specific communication for Superchargers
Where they’re used
- Tesla Supercharger stations (increasingly available and, in many cases, open to non-Tesla vehicles)
- Public CCS Combo 2 charging stations (for CCS-equipped models or with adapter)
- Home charging using Tesla wallboxes or any compatible Type 2 equipment
Important notes Tesla offers adapters and software upgrades to allow older vehicles to use CCS chargers where available.
What about outside Europe?
While Tesla follows European standards within the EU, it uses proprietary charging solutions in other regions.
In North America, for example, Tesla vehicles use a proprietary connector now known as NACS (North American Charging Standard) — a single plug for both AC and DC charging.
In China, Tesla vehicles are adapted to the local GB/T standard.
In short, a Tesla sold in Europe will have either a CCS Combo 2 or Type 2 connector, making it compatible with most public charging networks. Tesla models sold in other regions use different connectors and cannot be used in Europe without specific adapters. This distinction is crucial for anyone planning to import or travel with a Tesla outside their original market.
How to identify your vehicle’s connector
Knowing which connector is compatible with your vehicle is essential to avoid issues when charging. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to check this information — whether before purchasing, when choosing a charging station, or while planning a trip.
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Manufacturer’s manual
The most reliable way to confirm your vehicle’s connector type is by consulting the owner’s manual or technical documentation provided by the manufacturer. This information is usually found in the first few pages or in the section dedicated to the charging system.
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Official website or customer support
Most car manufacturers’ websites provide detailed technical specifications for each model, including the connector type and maximum charging power. You can also ask at dealerships or contact customer service for this information.
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EV mobility apps
Apps like miio allow users to register their vehicle, and from there, only show charging stations compatible with that specific connector. This helps avoid confusion and makes it easier to choose the right station — especially when travelling abroad.
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Visual inspection of the charging port
If you already have access to the vehicle, you can visually check the shape of the charging inlet. With a bit of familiarity, it's easy to recognise:
- Type 2: oval shape with 7 pins
- CCS Combo 2: looks like Type 2 but includes two extra DC pins at the bottom
- Type 1: 5-pin design with a narrower profile
- CHAdeMO: large and rounded, easily distinguishable
At charging stations, connector types are usually clearly marked on the equipment. Even so, the safest and most convenient way to ensure compatibility is by using EV apps like miio, which automatically filter compatible options based on your vehicle.
Practical tips for charging with the right connector
Knowing which connector your vehicle uses is just the first step. To ensure a smooth charging experience, it’s important to keep a few practical considerations in mind — especially when charging away from home or while travelling.
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Bring the right cable, if needed
Not all stations have a tethered cable. In alternating current (AC) charging — particularly at public locations — it’s often necessary to use your own Type 2 cable.
If you don’t have one yet, you can find compatible charging cables with various lengths and specifications at the miio store.
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Check the available power at the station
Even connectors of the same type can deliver different power levels. For example:
- A Type 2 connector may offer anything from 3.7 kW to 22 kW
- A CCS plug can range from 50 kW up to over 250 kW
Knowing the available power helps avoid surprises and better plan your charging stop.
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Check the station setup in advance
Before heading to a charging point, check whether:
- the connector is compatible with your vehicle
- the cable is already provided or if you need to bring your own
- the station supports multiple connector types (useful when travelling with others or in a group of different EVs)
This preparation helps reduce the risk of delays or incompatibility.
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Plan your route based on the available network
If you're planning a longer trip, it’s worth checking what types of plugs are available along your route. CCS stations are ideal for fast charging, while Type 2 points can be useful for longer stops at hotels or shopping centres.
Want to explore more EV charging habits? Check out these guides:
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of connectors available at charging stations is key to making the most of electric mobility — especially in a European context, where standardisation continues to evolve, but infrastructure diversity is still a reality.
By correctly identifying their vehicle’s connector and understanding the features of each option (Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 1, and Tesla variants), drivers gain the autonomy to plan their journeys confidently, avoid incompatibilities, and charge more efficiently.
More important than memorising technical names is knowing what to look for — and how to ensure that the charging station meets the specific needs of the vehicle.
Quick Summary
- Type 2 (Mennekes): European standard for AC charging, up to 22 kW. Most common at public stations and wallboxes.
- CCS Combo 2: Combines AC and DC for fast charging, typically from 50 kW to 350 kW. The standard for DC charging in Europe.
- CHAdeMO: Used mainly by Japanese brands, up to 50 kW (though the standard supports more). Gradually being phased out in Europe.
- Type 1 (SAE J1772): North American AC standard. Rare in Europe; found in older or imported models.
- Tesla in Europe: New models use CCS Combo 2; older ones use a modified Type 2. Outside Europe, Tesla uses proprietary connectors.
- How to identify your connector: Check the vehicle manual, the manufacturer’s website, or use EV mobility apps.
- Practical tips: Bring your own cable if needed, check station power, plan around available connectors, and avoid unnecessary detours
