What Is a Type 2 EV Charger

If you own or are thinking about buying an electric vehicle in the UK, you will almost certainly encounter the term “Type 2 charger.” This connector type has become the universal standard across Europe for both home and public charging. Whether you charge your car overnight on your driveway or plug into a rapid charger at a service station, Type 2 is now the most common interface used for electric vehicles. Understanding what a Type 2 EV charger is, how it works, and how it differs from other connector types will help you make more informed decisions when installing or using EV charging equipment.

What Exactly Is a Type 2 EV Charger?

A Type 2 EV charger refers to both the connector and socket used for charging electric cars. It was originally developed by the German company Mennekes and is officially recognised under the IEC 62196-2 international standard. The Type 2 plug is a seven-pin connector that has become the default choice for AC (alternating current) charging across Europe and the UK.

The design of the Type 2 connector allows it to handle single-phase and three-phase power, which means it can support a wide range of charging speeds. For home charging, most drivers use single-phase connections that deliver between 3.6kW and 7.4kW, while public and workplace chargers often use three-phase connections capable of delivering up to 22kW. Some rapid AC chargers can even exceed that, depending on infrastructure and vehicle compatibility.

In the UK, all new electric vehicles sold since 2014 have been required to include a Type 2 charging inlet as standard. This move was made to simplify charging infrastructure and ensure that every car could connect to the majority of public and home charging stations without adaptors.

How a Type 2 Charger Works

When you plug a Type 2 charger into your car, it connects the charging cable to your vehicle’s onboard charger, which converts AC electricity from the grid into DC (direct current) power to charge the car’s battery. The speed at which your car charges depends on the power output of the charger, the rating of your vehicle’s onboard charger, and whether you are using single-phase or three-phase electricity.

The seven pins on a Type 2 connector serve specific functions. They include live and neutral pins for carrying the electrical current, earth for grounding, and two smaller pins that handle communication between the charger and the vehicle. This communication is important because it allows the charger and the car to coordinate the amount of current being drawn, monitor temperature, and ensure safe disconnection when charging is complete.

In most cases, Type 2 chargers come with built-in safety features such as automatic power cut-off if a fault is detected or if the connector is removed mid-charge. They also include mechanical locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disconnection during charging, ensuring both safety and reliability.

Why Type 2 Is the Standard in the UK and Europe

Before Type 2 became the standard, there were multiple competing connector designs across the world. Japan and the US primarily use the Type 1 connector, which has five pins and supports only single-phase charging. Europe’s decision to adopt the seven-pin Type 2 connector was based on its ability to support faster three-phase charging and its enhanced safety features.

By establishing Type 2 as the universal connector, manufacturers and charging networks could ensure compatibility across all brands of electric vehicles. This has been a key factor in the success of public charging infrastructure in the UK, as drivers no longer have to worry about whether their car will fit a particular charger.

Type 2 connectors are now used for almost every major brand of electric vehicle sold in the UK, including Tesla, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia. Even Tesla, which originally used its own proprietary connector in Europe, has switched to Type 2 to align with regional standards.

Charging Speeds and Power Ratings

The speed at which a Type 2 charger can recharge an electric car depends on several factors. Home chargers typically provide between 3.6kW and 7.4kW, allowing most EVs to fully charge overnight. For example, a 60kWh battery charged at 7.4kW would take roughly eight to nine hours to reach full capacity.

At public charging stations with three-phase power, Type 2 connections can deliver up to 22kW. This allows for much faster top-ups, especially for cars equipped with higher-capacity onboard chargers. However, it is important to remember that not all vehicles can accept three-phase charging, so even when connected to a 22kW charger, the car may still charge at its maximum supported rate.

For rapid charging, which typically delivers direct current (DC) rather than AC, Type 2 plugs are sometimes integrated into combined charging systems known as CCS (Combined Charging System). CCS connectors add two larger DC pins below the standard Type 2 configuration, allowing much higher charging rates up to 350kW in some cases depending on the charger and vehicle specifications.

Type 2 vs Type 1 Connectors

Type 1 connectors are still found on some older electric vehicles, particularly those imported from Japan or North America, but they are less common in the UK. The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 is that Type 1 supports only single-phase charging, while Type 2 supports both single and three-phase. Type 2 connectors also include a locking mechanism for better safety and security, and their symmetrical design means you can insert them in either orientation.

Because Type 2 is the European standard, almost all public chargers in the UK are equipped with Type 2 sockets. Drivers with vehicles that have a Type 1 inlet can use an adaptor cable, but for anyone buying a new EV, Type 2 compatibility is now guaranteed.

Installation and Use at Home

Installing a Type 2 home charger is a straightforward process when carried out by a qualified electrician. Most home chargers in the UK use the Type 2 format and are tethered or untethered depending on preference. A tethered charger has a fixed cable permanently attached to the unit, whereas an untethered charger allows you to use your own separate cable.

Before installation, your electrician will assess your property’s electrical supply to determine the available power capacity and ensure compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. It’s also important that installations meet the IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) to guarantee safety and performance.

Many modern Type 2 chargers come with smart features, allowing you to schedule charging during off-peak hours, monitor usage, and control your charger remotely via an app. This not only saves money but also helps manage energy demand more efficiently.

Safety Features of Type 2 Chargers

Type 2 chargers include several important safety mechanisms. The communication between the vehicle and charger ensures that power only flows when the connection is secure. The plug and socket are designed to be weather-resistant, making them safe for outdoor use, and built-in thermal protection prevents overheating during charging sessions.

Additionally, Type 2 chargers use mechanical interlocks that prevent the plug from being removed while power is flowing. This design eliminates the risk of arcing or electrical shock and makes Type 2 chargers extremely safe for both domestic and commercial applications.

Future-Proofing and Compatibility

One of the biggest advantages of the Type 2 standard is its longevity. As the UK expands its EV infrastructure, the Type 2 connector is expected to remain the default AC charging interface for years to come. Even as technology evolves and charging speeds increase, the versatility of the Type 2 system means it can continue to support future upgrades, such as integration with smart grids and renewable energy sources.

For new EV owners, investing in a Type 2-compatible home charger ensures long-term compatibility with the majority of electric vehicles on the road today and those coming in the future.

Conclusion

A Type 2 EV charger is the European standard connector for electric vehicle charging, designed to provide safe, efficient, and versatile power delivery. It supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging, making it suitable for homes, workplaces, and public charging stations alike. Its universal design ensures compatibility across all major car brands sold in the UK and Europe, helping simplify the charging experience for drivers.

For anyone considering home installation or choosing between public chargers, understanding how Type 2 systems work will help you make confident, informed decisions. With its reliability, safety, and widespread use, the Type 2 EV charger stands as the cornerstone of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK and remains the key to convenient and future-ready electric driving.