The right plug

The type 1 plug is a single-phase plug that allows charging capacities of up to 7.4 kW (230 V, 32 A). The standard is mainly used in car models from Asia and is rather uncommon in Europe, which is why there are hardly any charging stations with a permanently attached type 1 charging cable.

The three-phase plug is the most widespread in Europe and has been established as the standard. Charging capacities of up to 22 kW (400 V, 32 A) are common in the private sector, while charging capacities of up to 43 kW (400 V, 63 A) are possible at public charging stations. Most public charging stations are equipped with a type 2 socket. Any mode 3 charging cable can be connected to this, meaning that both electric cars with type 1 and type 2 plugs can be charged. On the charging station side, all Mode 3 cables have the so-called Mennekes plug (Type 2).

The CCS plug supplements the Type 2 plug with two additional power contacts to provide a fast-charging function and supports AC and DC charging (alternating current and direct current charging) with up to 170 kW. In practice, the value is closer to 50 kW.

This fast-charging system was developed in Japan and allows charging processes of up to 100 kW. However, most public charging points only have an output of 50 kW, which is usually sufficient. The following manufacturers offer electric cars that are compatible with the CHAdeMO plug: BD Otomotive, Citroën, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Subaru, Tesla (with adapter) and Toyota.

Tesla uses a modified version of the Mennekes Type 2 plug for its Superchargers, allowing the Model S to be charged up to 80% within 30 minutes at a charging capacity of up to 120 kW (direct current).