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Different types of EV connectors
Written by Faith Foushee
Edited by Hannah Hillson
Last updated 12/16/2022
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Reducing harmful emissions and saving money on gas are a couple of the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle (EV). The many differences between gas and electric vehicles can easily lead to confusion. One main difference is how you fuel a gas car versus charging an EV.
EV owners can charge from their homes and at public charging stations. An EV charging connector is a device used to connect the EV to the charging station. There are different kinds of connectors depending on the level of the charger. The SaveOnEnergy.com® guide to EV connectors makes the charging process easy to understand.
Types of EV connectors
The type of connector needed to charge your vehicle depends on the charging level and currents. The three charging levels vary based on location, power output, and charge speed. The speed of charge can also vary based on the type of EV and the size of its battery.
Two types of currents include alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC is power that comes from the energy grid through a standard outlet. EVs have built-in systems that convert the AC power to DC power to charge the battery. Level 3 chargers use DC to charge the battery directly, without conversion, which is why the Level 3 chargers can charge quickly. The following explains the types of connectors needed based on the type of charger.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Connector Type | J1772 | J1772, Tesla | CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla |
| Power Output | 1 kW | 7-19 kW | 50-350 kW |
| EV Charge Time from Empty | 40-50 hours | 4-10 hours | 20 minutes-1 hour |
| Range per Charge Hour | 2-5 miles | 10-20 miles | 180-240 miles |
| Location | Home | Home, Work, Public EV charging stations | Public EV charging stations |
Level 1 EV charger
Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger to use with 120-volt AC plugs. One end of the connector is the three-prong plug that goes into the wall socket. The other end is a J1772 connector that plugs in the EV’s charge port. The J1772 is standard for most EVs, except Teslas, which come with a J1772 adapter for use of other brands and manufacturers’ charging equipment. Level 1 charging takes the longest, providing about five miles per hour of charging.
Level 2 EV charger
Commonly found at businesses and public EV charging stations, Level 2 chargers use 240-volt AC plugs. While 240-volt plugs can be found in homes, they may require professional installation. Level 2 charging uses the same J1772 connector as Level 1. Tesla vehicles have their own unique connector for Level 2 charging at Tesla Destination Chargers, or they can use the J1772 adapter for non-Tesla chargers. Level 2 chargers provide about 25 miles per hour of charging.
Level 3 EV charger
Also known as DC fast chargers, Level 3 chargers are often found close to major highways and in major cities. There are three DC connectors, including the Combined Charging System (CSS), Charge de Move (CHAdeMO), and Tesla’s connector. The CCS connector is similar to the J1772 but has two more prongs at the bottom. CCS is the most common fast charger connector in the U.S. CHAdeMO has ten prongs and is more popular in Japan. Tesla’s connector works for their fast EV charging stations, known as Tesla Superchargers. Tesla drivers can use adapters to charge at non-Tesla fast charging stations. Level 3 chargers provide about 100 to 200 miles per 30 minutes of charging.
Which connector do I need?
The most common EV connector is the J1772 plug, compatible with all EVs in the U.S. for Level 1 and 2 charging. Teslas come with an adapter for the J1772 connector. The CCS and CHAdeMO are the most common connector used for Level 3 charging. Connectors are not universal, so check which one you need before arriving at the public EV charging station. Tesla’s connector is only compatible with Tesla’s vehicles. Check the details of your EV for compatible chargers and connectors.
Frequently asked questions
No, EV connectors are not universal. The plugs vary by type, charging speed, and compatibility. For example, the J1772 plug is the most common, but Tesla’s are not able to use it without an adapter. Not all EVs are compatible with Level 3 fast chargers because of high voltage.
Level 1 and 2 chargers convert AC to DC to power your EV’s battery. A 120-volt household outlet can be used for Level 1 chargers, but you may need a professional to install a 240-volt outlet for Level 2 chargers. Level 3 chargers use DC to directly charge the battery without needing a current conversion and are not available for residential use.
The U.S. Department of Energy provides a map for locating EV charging stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. The map provides a filtering option, so you can make a selection and find stations using the connector needed for your EV. The cost to charge an EV varies based on location, charger type, and other factors.
Charging speed depends on the EV battery size and EV charger type. Level 1 chargers can take about 40 to 50 hours to charge an EV fully. Level 2 chargers can take about 4 to 10 hours, and Level 3 takes 20 minutes to an hour for a full charge.