EV charging connector types around the world — Type 1, Type 2, CCS, NACS, GB/T

EV charging connectors aren't a single universal standard worldwide — regional differences matter both for owners traveling and for buyers importing cars from other markets.

Type 2 — the European standard

Type 2 is the official AC charging standard in the European Union, mandatory for all new models sold in the EU. Practically every home charger and most public AC stations in Europe use this connector.

CCS Combo 2 — DC fast charging in Europe

For DC fast charging, the European standard is CCS Combo 2, which combines the Type 2 connector with two additional DC pins. This is the standard used by nearly all public fast chargers in Europe, including the Tesla network, now open to other brands.

Type 1 — the older standard, still around

Type 1 (SAE J1772) is an older AC standard, still found on older models imported from North America or Asia. Cars with a Type 1 connector need an adapter to charge at European Type 2 stations.

NACS — the new American standard

NACS (North American Charging Standard), originally developed by Tesla, is becoming the dominant standard in North America, replacing the older CCS1. Cars from the American market being considered for import to Europe need an adapter or conversion for compatibility with European infrastructure.

GB/T — the Chinese standard

China uses its own GB/T standard, not directly compatible with European connectors. Cars built specifically for the Chinese domestic market usually aren't directly compatible with European charging infrastructure without an adapter or hardware modification.

Why this matters when importing

When buying a car imported from outside the standard European market, always check the connector type before purchase — incompatibility with local infrastructure can require an expensive modification or ongoing reliance on adapters.

Conclusion

Type 2 and CCS Combo 2 remain the standards to look for when buying an EV in Europe. For imports from outside standard European markets, checking the connector type is a mandatory step, not a formality.

Browse technical specs for models in the FindVolta catalog.