EV connector types explained
Type 2, CCS, CHAdeMO and 3-pin: which plug your car uses and where you'll find it.
Before you head to a public charger, check it has the right connector for your car. In the UK almost every electric car uses one of these.
Type 2 (Mennekes)
The standard AC connector in the UK and Europe. It's used at most lamp-post, car park and destination chargers, typically at 3.7kW to 22kW. Many public Type 2 posts are "untethered", which means you bring your own Type 2 cable.
How fast you charge on AC also depends on your car's onboard charger. Many cars are limited to 7kW or 11kW, whatever the post can supply.
CCS (Combined Charging System)
The main DC rapid-charging plug, used by most new electric cars sold in the UK, including Teslas built for Europe. CCS adds two large DC pins below a Type 2 inlet. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers from 50kW to 350kW use tethered CCS cables.
CHAdeMO
An older DC rapid standard, used mainly by the first-generation Nissan Leaf and some older Japanese models. New CHAdeMO chargers are getting rarer. If you drive a CHAdeMO car, check a site has one before you rely on it.
3-pin (BS 1363)
A normal household socket. It's fine for occasional top-ups with the "granny charger" some cars come with, but it's slow (about 2.3kW) and not meant for heavy daily use.
Tesla Superchargers
In the UK, Tesla Superchargers use CCS connectors, and many sites are open to other makes through the Tesla app.
Find a charger with the right plug
Every listing in our EV charger directory shows its connectors and speed. Search your town to see what's nearby.