EV connector types explained: CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2 and NACS

EV charging has an alphabet soup of connectors. Here's what each one is, and how to know which your car needs.

Why connectors matter

Unlike a petrol nozzle, EV connectors aren't universal. Plug compatibility decides which chargers you can use, so knowing your car's connector is the first thing every EV driver should nail down. The good news: most cars in a given region share one or two standards.

The main standards

• Type 2 (Mennekes). The standard AC connector across Europe, used for home and destination charging up to ~22 kW. Most European EVs charge AC through Type 2.
• CCS (Combined Charging System). Type 2 with two extra DC pins below it. The dominant DC rapid-charging standard in Europe and increasingly North America, handling 50–350 kW.
• CHAdeMO. An older DC standard, still found on some Japanese models (notably older Nissan Leafs). Being phased out in many markets but still worth filtering for if you drive one.
• NACS / Tesla. Tesla's slim connector, now opening up to other brands in North America as the "North American Charging Standard."
• GB/T. The Chinese standard, for completeness — relevant if you're in that market.

How to find compatible chargers

On the Refuelia map, set the connector filter to your car's plug — CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2 or Tesla — and every charger shown will be one you can physically use. Combine it with a power filter to match your need for speed, and you've eliminated the two most common wasted trips in one step.

Adapters: helpful, with limits

Some adapters bridge standards (for example Tesla-to-CCS in certain regions), but they don't work for every combination and can cap charging speed. Treat an adapter as a backup, not a plan, and always confirm it's approved for your car before relying on it.