What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers?
To start with, Type 1 and Type 2 refers to the type of connector or socket an EV charging station has got. Moreover, these connectors are not true substitutes. To clarify, the charge port your electric car is equipped with predetermines the exact connector you should use.
Before we get started
Do not get confused when seeing J or M letters instead of, respectively, Type 1 or Type 2 abbreviation. Type 1 stands for an SAE J1772 plug (also known as a J plug). In turn, Type 2 is a common name for a Mennekes plug (an M plug).
By the way, the J or M letters in our residential car charging station names give you a clear idea about the EV charge ports the station is compatible with. The same is true for our commercial or public EV chargers with “J” or “M” in their names.
General appearance and origin
You can distinguish these two connector types by their appearance easily. First, they are of different shapes – circular all-around for a Type 1 connector and circular with a flattened top for a Type 2 connector. Second, they have got a different number of pins:
- A J plug has got only five pins – three large and two small ones
- An M plug has got as many as seven pins – five large and two small ones
Also, it is worth mentioning that, typically, all cars of European manufacturers have got a Mennekes charge port. While cars of Asian and American manufacturers, typically, are compatible with an SAE J1772 connector.
Charging aspects
Of course, the most essential difference between the J and M plugs lies in their charging capability.
As a rule, a Type 1 connector deals only with single-phase power. Therefore, it has a slow charging speed – typically, of 3.7 or 7 kWh. However, in our EV charging complexes, you can find a J connector that can supply up to 18 kWh.
In contrast, a Type 2 connector can run also three-phase current. Thus, such connectors can boast larger charging power which can be of 22 kWh or even reach up to 43 kWh and more.
To sum up, in general, a station with a Type 1 connector is a slow EV charger while a unit with a Type 2 port or plug is a fast one.
At Auto-E, we offer Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers. Moreover, here, you can buy an EV station that is equipped with both charging sockets as a charging port or even an in-built cable. Visit our page for home, commercial, public or DC stations to select an EV charging solution that meets your needs.