Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers: What’s the Difference

Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers differ in plug design, compatibility, and charging capabilities. Type 1 uses a 5-pin single-phase plug common in older EVs, while Type 2 features a 7-pin socket standard across Australia and Europe. Most public charging stations in Sydney use Type 2 connectors, supporting faster charging speeds, including up to 22kW. Choosing the right charging cable ensures safe, efficient electric vehicle charging at home or on the road. Type 2 charging is now the default for new EVs and charging infrastructure. Always match your EV charging cable to your vehicle’s plug and the charging station socket.

What is a Type 1 EV Charger?

A Type 1 EV charger uses a five-pin connector designed for single-phase AC charging. It’s commonly found in older electric vehicles and EVs imported from Japan or the US, such as the Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. Type 1 chargers support power outputs of 3.6kW to 7.4kW, making them slower compared to other options available in Australia.

The plug type includes a basic latch that holds the cable in place during use, but it lacks a locking mechanism, which can be a concern for public charging scenarios. Most Type 1 chargers are paired with tethered cables and are not compatible with the three-phase power available in many Australian homes or public charging stations.

What is a Type 2 EV Charger?

Type 2 EV chargers are now the standard across Australia and much of Europe. They use a seven-pin connector with support for both single-phase and three-phase AC charging. This allows for significantly faster charging, especially when using a 22kW EV charger at home or up to 43kW at select public charging stations.

Type 2 EV charging cables include an electronic locking mechanism that secures the plug during the charging session. This locking pin system prevents disconnection and is particularly important for public charging infrastructure. Most EVs sold in Australia today come with a Type 2 inlet, including Tesla electric vehicles, Hyundai, BMW, and other popular EV models.

Key Differences of Type 1 and Type 2 EV Chargers

Connector Design

The most visible difference between Type 1 vs Type 2 EV chargers lies in the connector. Type 1 uses a five-pin design with a rounder profile, while Type 2 adopts a seven-pin layout with an oval shape. The Type 2 cable is engineered for better contact, efficiency, and durability.

Type 1 plugs typically have a manual latch system. In contrast, Type 2 plugs lock into the socket automatically, providing a more stable connection at the charger end and reducing the risk of the plug slipping out mid-charge — a critical feature when charging using higher current levels.

Charging Speed and Power

• Type 1 chargers are limited to single-phase AC charging, with outputs ranging between 3.6kW and 7.4kW. This means they’re much slower than newer options and not ideal for fast charging needs.
• In contrast, Type 2 chargers support both single-phase and three-phase charging. A standard 22kW EV charger can fully charge an EV in a matter of hours, depending on battery capacity and on-board charger support. When connected to compatible public charging stations, Type 2 to Type connectors can deliver up to 43kW — much faster than level 1 or Type 1 chargers.

For homes looking to install home EV chargers, we recommend investing in a Type 2 charging system, which future-proofs your setup for faster and more efficient EV charging.

Regional Prevalence

• Type 1 connectors are more common in North America and Japan, where most residential and commercial electricity supplies rely on single-phase systems. Vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and older Mitsubishi PHEV models use this standard.
• Type 2 chargers are the preferred choice in Europe and Australia. EVs sold in Australia are increasingly designed with a Type 2 port as standard, including Tesla electric cars (Australian and European models), the Renault Zoe, VW e-Golf, and many others. This shift means public charging stations throughout Australia now offer Type 2 connections, often with a tethered cable already attached.

Security and Locking Mechanism

The difference in locking mechanisms between 1 vs Type 2 EV chargers is crucial for safety and theft prevention. Type 1 plugs rely on a simple latch, which can be manually disconnected by anyone, making them less secure at public charging points.

Type 2 chargers, however, use an electronic locking system that secures the Type 2 cable into the socket as soon as the charging begins. This locking feature prevents accidental or unauthorised unplugging and ensures a stable current flow. For EV owners who charge their cars overnight or in public spaces, this added layer of protection is essential.

Compatibility and Use Cases

• Type 1 is primarily compatible with older electric cars or imported models not originally intended for the Australian market. These vehicles will often need a specific Type 1 to Type 2 adapter to connect to the increasingly common Type 2 infrastructure.
• Type 2 chargers are compatible with most EVs sold in Australia and can accommodate both AC and DC charging setups. They also form part of the Combined Charging System (CCS), which merges a Type 2 plug with additional DC pins to support ultra-fast charging options. Whether at home or using public infrastructure, 2 chargers are much more versatile, able to charge a wider range of vehicles efficiently.

How to Know if My EV Is Type 1 or Type 2

To determine your EV’s plug type, check the charging inlet on your vehicle. A Type 1 inlet has five pins and a circular design, while a Type 2 inlet features seven pins with an oval shape.

Most newer EV models available in Australia use a Type 2 inlet, making them compatible with public charging stations and 22kW EV home chargers. If you own an older EV or an imported model, especially from the US or Japan, there’s a good chance it uses a Type 1 plug. In that case, you’ll need a Type 1 to Type 2 charging cable or adapter to use standard charging cable setups at Australian stations.

If your car supports the Combined Charging System (CCS2), then it has a Type 2 base with two additional DC pins. This setup allows for AC charging via a standard Type 2 cable and DC fast charging at high-speed public chargers — the fastest charging option currently available.

Before you buy an electric vehicle, it’s worth confirming the plug type and ensuring compatibility with charging stations in your area. If you’re planning to install home EV chargers, opting for a Type 2 setup ensures you’re aligned with current standards and can charge your EV more efficiently.

Closing Thoughts

Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers differ in plug design, charging speed, and compatibility. Type 1 uses a five-pin single-phase plug common in older EVs, offering slower charging up to 7.4kW. Type 2 features a seven-pin design supporting faster single- or three-phase charging up to 22kW at home and 43kW at public stations, with a secure locking mechanism. Type 2 is now the standard for most new EVs and charging stations in Australia.

At EV Charger Installation, we supply and install both Type 1 and Type 2 chargers for home installation and commercial use, ensuring safe and efficient EV charging solutions.

FAQs

How do the charging speeds of Type 1 and Type 2 chargers compare?

Type 1 EV chargers are limited to single-phase charging, delivering 3.6kW to 7.4kW, resulting in slower charging speeds. In contrast, Type 2 EV chargers support both single-phase and three-phase charging, offering much faster rates—up to 22kW at home and 43kW at public charge points, making Type 2 charging much faster than Type 1.

Why do Type 2 chargers offer more secure connections than Type 1?

Type 2 chargers feature locking pins that secure the plug in place, preventing it from being dislodged from the charger socket during the charging process. Unlike Type 1, which only uses a basic latch, the locking mechanism of Type 2 EV chargers adds an extra layer of protection and security at both home and public charging networks.

What markets predominantly use Type 1 versus Type 2 EV connectors?

Type 1 connectors are mainly used in North America and Asia, including countries like the US and Japan, where the charging system is based on single-phase AC. Type 2 EV connectors are the standard in Europe and Australia, mandated for public chargers, and are now increasingly adopted globally due to their universal type 2 connection and compatibility.

How does the pin design influence compatibility with different EVs?

The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 lies in their pin design: Type 1 has five pins, while Type 2 features seven pins. This impacts compatibility, as EVs must match the plug type—Type 1 EVs require a Type 1 charging cable, whereas most new electric cars use a Type 2 EV cable or type 2 plug, supporting a wider range of charging capabilities.

In what ways can upgrading to a Type 2 charger benefit my charging experience?

Investing in a Type 2 EV charger means faster charging speeds, access to three-phase charging, and compatibility with most new electric cars and public charging networks. The type 2 charging cable offers a more secure connection, advanced features, and future-proofing as the universal standard, making your charging experience more efficient and convenient.