CCS EV Charger: Everything You Need To Know
There is no doubt that EVs (Electric Vehicles) are the future of the automotive industry. To ensure their persistence and widespread the role of EV chargers is crucial. After buying the EV, the next thing that comes to mind is the EV charger selection. It plays a vital role in seamless EV operation. EV charger types have a lot of variety, each catering to diverse features, compatibility, and variable charging speeds.
The CCS electric vehicle charger is one of many such chargers. It is crucial to know everything you can about the electric car charger you will choose or buy. This authoritative guide aims to reveal beneficial information about CCS EV chargers.
Key elements include concepts and definitions, specifications, applications, types, etc. At the same time, you can also learn about AC J1772. Does it sound attractive? Let’s start uncovering the tantalizing facts!
What does CCS charger mean?
“CCS charger” refers to a charging system using the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard. CCS is a type of electric vehicle (EV) charging connector and protocol that combines AC and DC charging capabilities in a single interface.
It’s widely used for fast-charging EVs, allowing quicker battery charging than standard AC home chargers. Many automobile manufacturers support the CCS standard, and public charging stations use it in Europe and North America.There are two versions of the CCS EV charger: one is CCS Type 1, and the second is CCS Type 2.
| Sr. No. | Feature | CCS Type 1 | CCS Type 2 |
| 1 | Current Output | DC | DC |
| 2 | Input Supply | 480 V | 400 V |
| 3 | Output current | 500 A | 500 A |
| 4 | Output power | 150 to 200 kW | 360 kW |
| 5 | Max. Voltage Support | 1000 V | 1000 V |
| 6 | Phase Support | Single Phase, Two Phase | Single Phase, Two Phase, Three Phase |
| 7 | Charging Level Support | Level 1, Level 2, AC | Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 |
| 8 | Countries Available In | South Korea, Europe, USA | Europe, Australia, the UK, the Middle East, Africa |
Which Cars Make Use of CCS Fast Charger?
Different types of vehicles make use of CCS Fast Chargers. Get insights on the top vehicle manufacturers and their models that utilize or are compatible with the CCS.
| Sr. No. | Vehicle Make | Area of Application | CCS Compatible Models |
| 1 | Audi | Global | e-tron, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron, RS e-tron GT |
| 2 | BMW | Global | i3, i4, i8, iX, iX3 |
| 3 | Chevrolet | North America | Bolt EV, Bolt EUV |
| 4 | Chrysler | North America | Pacifica Hybrid PHEV |
| 5 | Ford | North America | Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning |
| 6 | Genesis | Global | GV60 |
| 7 | Honda | Global | Clarity Electric, e, HR-V e: HEV |
| 8 | Hyundai | Global | IONIQ 5, Kona Electric, Nexo, Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid |
| 9 | Jaguar | Global | I-Pace |
| 10 | Kia | Global | EV6, Niro EV, Soul EV |
| 11 | Lexus | Global | UX 300e |
| 12 | Mercedes-Benz | Global | EQC, EQA, EQB, EQS, EQE |
| 13 | Mini | Global | Cooper SE |
| 14 | Nissan | Global | Ariya, LEAF |
| 15 | Porsche | Global | Taycan |
| 16 | Polestar | Global | Polestar 2 |
| 17 | Renault | Global | Zoe, Megane E-Tech Electric |
| 18 | Rivian | North America | R1T, R1S |
| 19 | Smart | Global | EQ Forfour, EQ Fortwo |
| 20 | Stellantis | North America | Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid PHEV, Jeep Wrangler 4xe PHEV |
| 21 | Tesla | Europe & Asia | Model 3, Model S, Model X |
The above table shows that a lot of vehicles and models make use of CCS chargers. If you purchase any of the above cars, you can utilize the CCS charger worry-free.
What is a CCS Type 1 Charger?
The CCS Type 1 charger is a variant of the CCS charging standard. Here’s a breakdown of its features:
AC Charging Connector (Type 1): The Type 1 connector is a single-phase plug used for AC charging, standard in North America. It’s characterized by its J1772 connector design.
DC Fast Charging: Besides the Type 1 AC connector, the CCS system incorporates two additional DC contacts below the Type 1 connector. These are used for high-speed DC fast charging, significantly reducing charging times compared to AC charging.
Compatibility: CCS Type 1 is compatible with vehicles that support the CCS standard in regions where Type 1 AC connectors are used. This includes a wide range of electric cars from various manufacturers.
Standardization and Speed: The CCS standard, including Type 1, standardizes EV charging and enables faster charging speeds. DC fast charging can support high charging speeds, significantly higher than typical AC charging levels.
Regional Use: While CCS Type 1 is common in North America, Europe, and other regions, CCS Type 2 is the standard, which uses a different AC connector design (Type 2).
The CCS charging system, including both Type 1 and Type 2 variants, is part of a global effort to standardize EV charging and make it more convenient and accessible for EV users.The CCS type 1 charger features seven points such as shown in the image below:
L1: The L1 refers to the AC line. Its primary role is to ensure connection to the single or split phase.
N: The N terminal refers to the neutral phase, which also works as a split phase for the second AC line.
PE: The term PE refers to the grounding point in CCS.
PP: It is a proximity pilot point. It features a direct connection to the vehicle chassis. Its primary function is to detect the plug insertion.
CP: No one can deny the role of this point. Its primary function is to control the state of charge and ensure the beginning or ending of the current communication.
DC-/DC+: These are the direct current positive and negative end pins. They ensure the supply of the DC to the vehicle battery.
What is a CCS Type 2 Charger?
Another name for the CCS type 2 charger is the CCS combo 2. It is the critical standard of DC charging in the entire Europe. As in the CCS type 1 charger, the AC connects with the two pins, which cater to high-speed charging.
The CCS combo 2 type features a Mennekes Type Plug with two pins catering to high-speed charging. This charger can also harness a maximum output power of 360 kW. The ampere and volts it can deliver lie around 500 and 1000.
Unlike the CCS type 1 charger, the CCS type 2 charger comprises 9 pins. Get insights on the role of these pins down below:
L1, L2, L3: These lines connect to one, dual, or three-phase AC outlets. This way, it offers you more freedom to use your charger on the go, either on 120V, 240V, or even 360+ Volts.
N: N refers to the neutral terminal. You can also use this terminal for the split phase as well.
PE: The term PE refers to the grounding point in CCS. It is crucial to prevent the earth from being in the wires or the charging system.
PP: It is a proximity pilot point. It features a direct connection to the vehicle chassis. Its primary function is to detect the plug insertion.
CP: No one can deny the role of this point. Its primary function is to control the state of charge and ensure the beginning or ending of the current communication.
DC-/DC+: These are the direct current positive and negative end pins. They ensure the supply of the DC to the vehicle battery.
Is CCS Type 1 Charger Faster Than Type 2?
No, the charging speed of the CCS type 1 is slower than that of the CCS type 2.
Multiple differences exist between the Type 1 and Type 2 chargers. Get highlights on some of the critical differences right in the section below:
1. Charging Speed
The speed of charging is crucial for many EV owners out there. Quicker charging speed means you don’t need to wait long while your vehicle is refueling. The charging speed of the CCS type 1 is slower than the CCS type 2. You can fully charge your vehicle using the CCS type 1 charger within 1 to 2 hours.
But when you choose the CCS type 2 charger, you can fully charge your vehicle within 30 to 45 minutes. This proves the CCS type 2 charger is much faster than the CCS type 1 charger. When traveling on longer routes, you can quickly assess your vehicle using the CCS type 2 charger.
2. Number of Pins
The second significant difference between the CCS type 1 and CCS type 2 charger is the number of pins. You can get seven pins in a CCS type 1 charger; in a CCS type 2 charger, you will get nine pins. The two extra pins enable the connection with the dual or three-phase.
3. Dominance
The dominance represents the adaptability of the CCS type 1 and type charger. Type 1 features wide adaptability in the USA, South Korea, and Europe. On the other hand, the CCS type 2 charger is widely dominant in many countries around the globe.
4. Compatibility
The compatibility level varies with the CCS type 1 and CCS type 2 charger. Type 2 does require frequent adapter use with other connector types for compatibility. But this is true for the CCS type 1 charger. This ultimately represents the lower hazards associated with using the CCS type 2 charger than the CCS type 1.
Which is faster, CCS or CHAdeMO?
The speed of charging for electric vehicles (EVs) using either CCS (Combined Charging System) or CHAdeMO largely depends on the specific charging station and the vehicle’s compatibility. Still, generally, CCS offers faster charging speeds.
Let’s consider these things in the section below:
1. Capacity of The Battery
The capacity of the battery varies. You need more time for larger batteries to charge up your EV battery. In contrast, lower-capacity batteries need less time to charge your battery. So, while finalizing the decision, which charger is faster or which one does not take into consideration the battery size?
2. EV Temperature
The temperature of the EV plays a key role in helping you decide if you are going to take less or more time to charge. Higher temperature caters to the low charge transfer and degrades the battery of the EV. On the other hand, the stable temperature level caters to higher-speed charging.
3. Charging State
The charging state determines the level of the battery to which it is charged. If the battery is charged around half its capacity, you can quickly charge it up at its fill. On the other hand, if the battery is empty, you need a lot more time to charge up your vehicle.
4. Protocols of Charging
The charging protocols vary from EV to EV, as well as charging stations. Following the exact charging protocol and standards for the EV allows you to harness faster charging speeds. Not following the protocols can lead you to experience lower charging speed and more delays.
Which Charger is Faster?
The total output power you can retrieve from the CCS is around 350 kW, while the output power of the CHAdeMO is about 400 kW. The CHAdeMO is the clear winner regarding charging speeds, considering the power factor. The charging time that both chargers take is around 30 minutes to 1 hour.
1. Availability
The availability of these chargers is also a significant concern. CHAdeMO is widely applicable in Japan and some parts of Asia. At the same time, the CCS is widely available in the USA, Europe, South Korea, etc. This means you cannot harness the higher charging speed when you cannot access the charger.
2. Adaptability
Apart from this, the CHAdeMO charger also has an adaptability limitation. It only supports the EVs from Mitsubishi and Nissan. You can only use the CHAdeMO for some vehicles and models the CCS charger supports.
Consider the table below for some main differences between the CHAdeMO and CCS chargers.
| Sr. No. | Parameters | CCS | CHAdeMO |
| 1 | Max Speed | Future-proof | Powerful |
| 2 | Real World Speed | Similar | Similar |
| 3 | Region | Global | Asian-focused |
| 4 | Compatibility | Diverse | Niche |
| 5 | Cost | Higher | Lower |
| 6 | Bidirectional | No | Yes |
One of the remarkable differences between the CCS and CHAdeMO charger is that the CHAdeMO is bi-directional. This means you can transfer the extra power from your vehicle back to the grid.
This will help you play your part in keeping the environment safer and healthy for future generations. This is truly helpful for the grids that run on fossil fuels and pollute the environment through acid rain or changing the climate.
Is CCS charging foul for your EV?
CCS (Combined Charging System) charging is not harmful to electric vehicles (EVs) designed to use it. CCS is a widely adopted and well-engineered standard for EV charging, particularly for fast charging. Here is how fast charging can adversely impact the batteries of your EV:
1. Heat/ Temperature Rise
Using the fast charge to charge your batteries can lead you to experience higher heat and temperature. This amount of heat can decrease the capacity of the individual cell of the battery.
Hence, indirectly, it adversely impacts the battery life of your vehicle. While on slower charging, this is different. You can enjoy the guaranteed life of the battery by using the slower charging mode.
2. Stress and Tear
Inducing a higher current in your battery, especially regarding faster charging, can significantly stress your vehicle’s battery. This way, you will face rapid wear and tear on your battery. For instance, if you experience the 100 km travel range earlier, it will reduce by 30 to 40 %, and you will share the 60 to 70 km travel range.
3. Higher Depth of Discharging
The continuous discharging to the depth of the battery’s capacity will lead you to experience a shorter operation life. It affects the battery’s health adversely. So always use the EV until 20 to 30% of the battery reaches and charge it again. Also, never charge up your battery more than 90%. Consider these Factors While Charging With the CCS or Fast Charger:
4. Adopt Moderation
Refrain from using the CCS or fast charger regularly or periodically. If essential, use it occasionally. This will eventually lead you to lose a few lacs to a few million. No one can afford such loss because EV batteries have a higher cost.
5. Up to Date Technology
The latest and up-to-date battery technology does not feature the influence of fast charging. Adapting the newest tech solutions helps you enjoy a more excellent life with your battery, even in more rapid charging. Technology is advancing daily, and manufacturers are paying attention to this feature to cope with the adverse impacts.
6. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations
By staying close to the manufacturer’s recommendations, you can avoid loss and keep your EV and battery system in optimal condition. For instance, avoid exposing your battery to higher temperatures. You can prevent fast-paced charging, especially on cold or hot days.
Choosing the Right Charger Type
Multiple things need your attention while choosing a specific charger type. Considering these factors, you can avoid financial loss:
- Determine which type of connector your vehicle supports. Either it supports the CHAdeMO, CCS, etc. Always select the right and compatible connector.
- Assess the speed you need for charging as well as the requirements. For instance, if you travel domestically within 50 km, you will not need a DC charger.
- Check for the availability of the charger that you need to charge up the EV battery. As discussed above, the CHAdeMO or CCS charger has its level of availability around the globe.
- Find out the charger’s location and the compatibility of whether you can charge your vehicle with that charger.
Considering the above facts, you can consider PIWIN, check out their website or let it give you some answers and make an informed decision on your choice to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of your electric car charger.
Conclusion
This article has highlighted every single fact on the CCS EV charger. Whether you are a new EV owner or searching for a compatible charger for the EV. This guide covers every single aspect.
Through the above information, you can use the CCS EV charger effectively and ensure its optimum functioning in the long run. Feel free to share your thoughts or ask questions in the comment section below.
Click to learn: Matching chargers with specific EV models
