What Type 1 and Type 2 connectors are

Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables utilize the two most common AC charging connectors for electric vehicles in Europe. They were developed for different regional electrical systems and use different pin layouts. Type 1 was created for the North American market, where households are supplied with single phase power only. Because the residential grid in the United States does not deliver three phase power, Type 1 was designed as a single phase connector. Outside the US, Type 1 is mainly found in Japan and Taiwan, where similar grid setups are used.

Type 2 was developed for Europe and supports both single phase and three phase power. European homes and public charging stations often use three phase electricity, which allows higher charging capacities. For this reason, the European Union selected Type 2 as the official AC charging standard for public charging stations.

Connector design and charging performance

A Type 1 connector uses a 5 pin layout and supports only single phase charging up to 7.4 kW. This makes it suitable for older EVs and plug in hybrids that do not require high AC charging speeds. Type 1 follows the SAE J1772 standard and is built around the limitations of single phase residential power in the United States.

A Type 2 connector uses a 7 pin layout that supports both single phase and three phase power. Public AC charging stations in Europe typically provide up to 22 kW through three phase power, which Type 2 fully supports. This difference in phase support is one of the key reasons Europe adopted Type 2. The connector design is based on the EN 62196 standard and includes the ability to carry higher AC loads safely.

Vehicle compatibility and usage years

Type 1 connectors are now uncommon in Europe and mainly appear on older EVs. Typical examples include the Nissan Leaf produced from 2010 to 2017, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV up to 2018, and early Kia and Hyundai plug in models from the early 2010s. These vehicles were originally launched with Type 1 to match markets outside Europe.

Type 2 became the dominant connector in Europe starting in 2014. From 2014 onward, nearly all electric vehicles sold in Europe were equipped with Type 2 as standard. This aligns with the Type 2 sockets used at every public AC charging station across the EU and matches European three phase electrical infrastructure.

Fig. 1 - View of a Type 1 EV charger.


Fig. 2 - View of a Type 2 EV charger.

Safety and locking mechanisms

Type 1 and Type 2 also differ in how they secure the connector during charging. Type 1 uses a manual locking clip that keeps the plug in place, but it does not lock automatically into the vehicle. Type 2 includes an automatic locking mechanism on the vehicle side. Once charging begins, the cable cannot be removed until the vehicle unlocks it. This provides improved safety and prevents accidental cable removal or theft. The built in locking feature is a key factor in the EU decision to adopt Type 2 for public AC charging.

Why Type 2 is the standard in Europe

Type 2 has become the universal AC connector in Europe because it supports higher charging speeds, integrates automatic safety locking, and matches the three phase electrical grid used in most European homes and public chargers. Type 1 remains functional for vehicles that use it, but it is no longer widely supported in the European market. For drivers who own a Type 1 vehicle, adapters and replacement cables are still available, although public chargers always provide Type 2 sockets.

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    Choosing the correct EV charging connector is not guesswork. It starts with confirming the technical standard your vehicle was built for and checking that the cable matches that standard exactly. Every EV uses either a Type 1 or a Type 2 AC connector, and this is defined by the vehicle manufacturer, not by the charging station. Always confirm your vehicle’s connector type using official documentation such as the user manual, manufacturer specifications, or verified vehicle databases.

    For Type 2 setups, which are standard in Europe from 2014 onward, look for evidence of compliance with CE and UKCA regulations. Independent testing from accredited bodies, such as TÜV, adds further validation that the cable meets the correct EN 62196 standards for the exact Type 2 model. These markings and certificates confirm that the connector design, pin layout, materials, and safety tolerances follow the required European regulations.

    When dealing with Type 1 vehicles, which were common in Europe between 2010 and 2018, confirm that the cable is built to the SAE J1772 standard. This ensures the correct single phase pin configuration and communication protocol. Although Type 1 is less common today, certified cables remain essential because they must precisely match the vehicle’s inlet design and electrical requirements.

    Also consider the practical environment where the cable will be used. For outdoor charging, the enclosure and connectors should be built with a high IP rating, ideally IP65 or higher, to protect the contacts from water and dust. Even though the safety logic of the charging process lives inside the EVSE or wallbox, the cable itself must be manufactured with high quality materials to prevent mechanical wear, heat buildup, or premature failure.

    Finally, always verify the authenticity of the cable. Every certified Type 1 or Type 2 cable should offer clear documentation, including the Declaration of Conformity and traceable serial numbers. These elements ensure that the cable you are using is built to the correct standard for your vehicle and that it is safe, durable, and ready for daily use.

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