Are you excited about the electric vehicle revolution but confused by the myriad of electric vehicle connector types, names, and terminology? You're not alone. Change is exciting and necessary, but innovation can be hard to understand. Here's a quick history of the different types of electric vehicle connectors around the world, an overview of what they are, and what they mean to you.
History of Electric Vehicle Charging and Connector Types
Charging and connector types have evolved and innovated over the course of electric vehicles. From simple and basic charging methods in the early days, as the electric vehicle market expanded and technology advanced, new connector types were created to meet different charging needs and improve charging efficiency. From the initial simple connections to today's multiple standards, each evolution has pushed the electric vehicle industry forward.
AC and DC Connector Types
The easiest way to understand the differences between electric vehicle connector types is to think by region and charging type. Electric vehicle charging can generally be divided into two categories: alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fast charging. Here are the differences between the two:
AC charging
AC stands for "alternating current" and is the most common type of charging, including Level 1 and Level 2 charging in North America. Most drivers use AC charging on a daily basis, and can charge about 40 miles per hour at charging stations they frequently visit (such as home, work, shopping malls, etc.).
Level 1 charging: This is the slower type of AC charging, which can be completed by simply plugging the car into a standard outlet at home using the cable that comes with the electric car.
Level 2 charging: This is a faster AC charging method that requires a charger such as the APEKS. Many public charging stations also use Level 2 AC charging. In North America, there are two connector standards that allow electric vehicles to charge at AC charging stations: SAE J1772 and the North American Charging Standard (NACS), of which the connector associated with Tesla is the most common.
DC fast charging
DC stands for "direct current" and is the fastest way to charge electric vehicles. DC charging is a good option when you need to charge urgently, but be aware that not all electric vehicles support DC fast charging. In North America, there are three types of DC plugs: SAE combination (CCS1), CHAdeMO, and NACS. NACS was developed by Tesla and it combines AC and DC charging compatibility in one connector.
The Uses and Impact of NACS Connectors
Recently, several automakers and electric vehicle charging companies announced that they will produce cars and products compatible with NACS connectors starting in 2025. For Tesla owners, this means that they can charge at many electric vehicle charging stations without using an adapter. For ordinary electric vehicle owners, the impact is relatively small, because APEKS charging stations can always charge any electric vehicle on the road.
As one of the pioneers in the field of electric vehicle charging, APEKS's mission is to make electric vehicle charging convenient for everyone. Because of this, all APEKS solutions are suitable for various connector types and electric vehicles on the market. Whether it's a family looking for the right home charger or a Fortune 500 company needing an EV charging solution for thousands of employees and customers, APEKS has put its trust in them.
