The main UK connectors
| Connector | Charging type | Typical power | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 | AC (slow and fast) | 3–22 kW | Nearly all EVs and plug-in hybrids sold in the UK and Europe |
| CCS (Combined Charging System, also "CCS2") | DC (rapid and ultra-rapid) | 50–350 kW | Most electric cars sold in the UK today |
| CHAdeMO | DC (rapid) | Usually 50 kW | Older Nissan Leaf, some Mitsubishi plug-in hybrids and other earlier models |
| 3-pin plug | AC (slow) | About 2.3 kW | Any EV with a "granny" cable, for occasional use |
Type 2: the everyday plug
Type 2 is the standard connector for AC charging in the UK. You'll use it on home wallboxes, workplace chargers, car parks and supermarket chargers.
At many public fast chargers the post has a socket only ("untethered"), so you plug in your own Type 2 cable – most EVs come with one. Home wallboxes and some public chargers have a cable already attached ("tethered").
CCS: rapid charging for most cars
The CCS socket on your car is a Type 2 socket with two large DC pins underneath. You can plug a Type 2 cable into the top part for AC charging, or the full CCS plug for rapid DC charging. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers always have their own cable attached.
CHAdeMO: older cars only
CHAdeMO was common on early rapid chargers, mainly for the Nissan Leaf. Newer cars, including the latest Leaf, have moved to CCS, and fewer new chargers include CHAdeMO. If your car uses it, check that a rapid charger lists CHAdeMO before you travel.
What about Tesla?
Teslas sold in the UK use Type 2 and CCS, the same as other cars. Many Tesla Supercharger sites are now open to other makes of EV through the Tesla app, though prices can differ for non-Tesla drivers.
How do I know which my car uses?
Open the charging flap: you'll usually see a Type 2 socket, often with the two CCS pins below it. Your handbook and the car's specification list the connectors and the maximum AC and DC charging speeds.
Finding a compatible charger
On Motor Snappy, every charger in the EV charging section shows its connectors (for example "CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2"), its top speed and the operator. Search your postcode or town to find one that suits your car.