Everything You Need To Know About EV Charger Types
Ever feel stuck trying to figure out which EV charger is right for you? You're not alone. With the many options of different speeds, ports, and setups, it can sometimes feel like navigating a maze just to keep your electric vehicle powered up. But here's the good news: you don't have to stay confused.
Below, we will break it all down in a simple manner and discuss everything you need to know regarding EV chargers. Be it questions over home chargers, portable options, or installation costs, the answers are clear here. By the end, you will have all the tools you need to confidently pick up that perfect charger.
So, let's get started.
What is an EV charger?
An EV charger is a device that supplies power to an electric vehicle's battery for recharging. In the same way as a gas station, filling-up will give your conventional car more energy to keep it going. The same is true with a charger for your electric vehicle.
These chargers come in everything from simple home setups to high-tech public stations. Each of these different types of EV chargers performs the same function: transferring electricity from the grid to your car's battery. However, how fast they can charge, or even which type of vehicle they can charge, may vary with the type of charger.
Why are there different EV charger types?
You might wonder why there are so many different types of EV chargers. The reason lies in the variety of charging needs and environments. Just like how your smartphone can be charged with a regular plug or a fast-charging device, EV chargers offer different levels of speed, compatibility, and convenience.
Some are designed for home use, others at public charging stations, while some are portable for on-the-go needs. In addition, different vehicles can accept different charging capacities, and a charger that works for one model may not be ideal for another.
Types of EV chargers, based on usage location
When it comes to charging your EV, where the charging occurs plays a big role in which type of charger is best for you. The most common locations for charging are at home and on-the-go, and each of those has its own charger type designed to fit those needs.
EV home charger
For most electric vehicle owners, an EV home charger is the most convenient. Installation is done at home, as the name goes, to let you charge your car in full every night for a fresh start every new day.
Home chargers are a one-time investment, and that is quite convenient to allow you to charge at your own pace and at any time.
Portable EV charger
The portable EV charger is for those individuals who want this power of convenience in charging their EV anywhere. Unlike the home-based ones, these are light and compact, fitting easily into a vehicle for charging on the go.
They're great in emergencies or traveling in areas where there is minimal EV infrastructure. However, they are not the fastest, so use these as a backup or for short trips. Most commonly portable chargers are rated at 10A to 16A and have the regular household plug called Schuko.
Types of EV chargers, based on the port
Another way to classify EV chargers is by the type of port or connector they use. The standards vary by country and manufacturer, which essentially means that the port on your vehicle and charger must be compatible for a successful connection. Now, let's dive into the most common types of charging ports you'll find.
Type 1 EV charger
The Type 1 charger, mainly utilized in North America and Japan, has a 5-pin connector. This kind of charger can be found on older electric vehicles or some of the entry-level models. Generally, Type 1 chargers are somewhat slower because they use single-phase charging. If your car uses a Type 1 connector, then you will have to get a charger that is compatible with it for proper charging.
Type 2 EV charger
The Type 2 EV charger is the most common in Europe and is becoming more popular all over the world. This has a 7-pin connector and can support both single-phase and three-phase charging, thus being quicker than Type 1. Most modern electric vehicles in Europe already use Type 2 connectors, and many public charging stations allow this type to be used for quicker charging.
GB/T EV charger
It uses the Chinese charger of GB/T EV that has two separate ports for AC and DC. Though it may not be so common outside of China, it will always be important if you reside in China or own an electric vehicle made in the Asian state.
Types of EV chargers, based on the charging speed
Another important factor when selecting an EV charger is charging speed. Different chargers offer different speeds, which can affect how long it takes to charge your vehicle fully. Knowing how to select the right speed for your needs will help you make the best choice for your driving habits.
How to choose the optimal charging speed for your EV?
The charging time for your EV will be contingent on how long you have to charge and how much you drive. For people who typically drive short distances and can charge at night, a slow charger, such as a Level 1 charger (up to 3.6 kW), may be sufficient. But if you need faster charging for longer trips or daily use, you will want to look into getting a faster charger, such as a Level 2 (up to 22 kW).
The best speed of charging depends on your lifestyle, daily distances traveled, or the urgency with which you have to get your car back on the road. There's a tradeoff in charging time and in balancing that against convenience and your needs.
Charging speed and compatible vehicles
Not all are capable of charging at the same speed. Some electric vehicles, depending on the battery and on-board charging system, are engineered to charge faster than others. For instance, some EVs accept a higher power output that enables them to charge faster on a Level 2 charger, while some others may only be capable of slower speeds, especially in older or budget versions.
Look at your car's specifications before selecting a charger to understand which speeds it can handle, thus avoiding investing in a charger that cannot be utilized by your car. This will allow you to achieve the best and most efficient charging.
The easiest way to check whether your EV supports 3-phase charging is by checking its Type 2 charging port. If it has the bottom 2 pins (L2 and L3) it means that you can utilize a 3-phase charger.
Home charger installation
Installing an EV charger in your home is a clever way of having reliable and convenient charging at your doorstep. However, it's better to understand the process, price, and factors that'll help you choose the best one for your home.
How to install EV charger at home?
Setting up an EV charger in your house requires a number of basic steps. First, you'll need to determine a proper place for the charger, which is usually your garage or driveway, near an electrical panel. It is to be installed by a professional as a certified electrician needs to connect the charger to the electrical system of your home, ensuring that the connection will be according to the safety code of that area.
You will need a dedicated 240V (380V for 3-phase charging) circuit in the case of a Level 2 charger. The electrician will also ensure your home's electrical panel takes the extra load. Once the setup is ready, install the charger, and voila!
How much do it cost to install an EV charger at home?
The cost of installing an EV charger at home can vary based on the type of charger, the complexity of the installation, and the location of your electrical panel. It could range from €100 to €500 on average for an installation, including the charger itself and the cost of labor.
The absolute cheapest to install would have to be a Level 1 charger, which utilizes just an ordinary 120V (240V for a Schuko socket in Europe) outlet, since no major electrical work is really required. If, however, you went with a Level 2 charger, helping you charge faster but, in that case, in need of an electrical upgrade, prices could grow higher.
How to choose the best home EV charger?
When it comes to selecting the most appropriate home EV charger, a number of factors would be considered, such as:
- Charging Speed: If you want faster charging, the Level 2 charger is your best option. A Level 1 charger is slower but might be fine if you don't mind overnight charging.
- Compatibility: Ensure the charger would match your specific port type on your vehicle, such as Type 1, Type 2.
- Smart Features: Some chargers have additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to track charging times and manage energy use through an app.
- Cost: Determine a charger that suits your budget, considering the possible forthcoming expenses of its installation.
With a proper evaluation of these factors, you may choose the most suitable charger for your needs and then make charging at home as easy and quick as possible.
Why are there different EV charger types?
You might wonder why there are so many different types of EV chargers. The reason lies in the variety of charging needs and environments. Just like how your smartphone can be charged with a regular plug or a fast-charging device, EV chargers offer different levels of speed, compatibility, and convenience.
Some are designed for home use, others at public charging stations, while some are portable for on-the-go needs. In addition, different vehicles can accept different charging capacities, and a charger that works for one model may not be ideal for another.
Types of EV chargers, based on usage location
When it comes to charging your EV, where the charging occurs plays a big role in which type of charger is best for you. The most common locations for charging are at home and on-the-go, and each of those has its own charger type designed to fit those needs.
EV home charger
For most electric vehicle owners, an EV home charger is the most convenient. Installation is done at home, as the name goes, to let you charge your car in full every night for a fresh start every new day.
Home chargers are a one-time investment, and that is quite convenient to allow you to charge at your own pace and at any time.
Portable EV charger
The portable EV charger is for those individuals who want this power of convenience in charging their EV anywhere. Unlike the home-based ones, these are light and compact, fitting easily into a vehicle for charging on the go.
They're great in emergencies or traveling in areas where there is minimal EV infrastructure. However, they are not the fastest, so use these as a backup or for short trips. Most commonly portable chargers are rated at 10A to 16A and have the regular household plug called Schuko.
Types of EV chargers, based on the port
Another way to classify EV chargers is by the type of port or connector they use. The standards vary by country and manufacturer, which essentially means that the port on your vehicle and charger must be compatible for a successful connection. Now, let's dive into the most common types of charging ports you'll find.
Type 1 EV charger
The Type 1 charger, mainly utilized in North America and Japan, has a 5-pin connector. This kind of charger can be found on older electric vehicles or some of the entry-level models. Generally, Type 1 chargers are somewhat slower because they use single-phase charging. If your car uses a Type 1 connector, then you will have to get a charger that is compatible with it for proper charging.
Type 2 EV charger
The Type 2 EV charger is the most common in Europe and is becoming more popular all over the world. This has a 7-pin connector and can support both single-phase and three-phase charging, thus being quicker than Type 1. Most modern electric vehicles in Europe already use Type 2 connectors, and many public charging stations allow this type to be used for quicker charging.
GB/T EV charger
It uses the Chinese charger of GB/T EV that has two separate ports for AC and DC. Though it may not be so common outside of China, it will always be important if you reside in China or own an electric vehicle made in the Asian state.
Types of EV chargers, based on the charging speed
Another important factor when selecting an EV charger is charging speed. Different chargers offer different speeds, which can affect how long it takes to charge your vehicle fully. Knowing how to select the right speed for your needs will help you make the best choice for your driving habits.
How to choose the optimal charging speed for your EV?
The charging time for your EV will be contingent on how long you have to charge and how much you drive. For people who typically drive short distances and can charge at night, a slow charger, such as a Level 1 charger (up to 3.6 kW), may be sufficient. But if you need faster charging for longer trips or daily use, you will want to look into getting a faster charger, such as a Level 2 (up to 22 kW).
The best speed of charging depends on your lifestyle, daily distances traveled, or the urgency with which you have to get your car back on the road. There's a tradeoff in charging time and in balancing that against convenience and your needs.
Charging speed and compatible vehicles
Not all are capable of charging at the same speed. Some electric vehicles, depending on the battery and on-board charging system, are engineered to charge faster than others. For instance, some EVs accept a higher power output that enables them to charge faster on a Level 2 charger, while some others may only be capable of slower speeds, especially in older or budget versions.
Look at your car's specifications before selecting a charger to understand which speeds it can handle, thus avoiding investing in a charger that cannot be utilized by your car. This will allow you to achieve the best and most efficient charging.
The easiest way to check whether your EV supports 3-phase charging is by checking its Type 2 charging port. If it has the bottom 2 pins (L2 and L3) it means that you can utilize a 3-phase charger.
Home charger installation
Installing an EV charger in your home is a clever way of having reliable and convenient charging at your doorstep. However, it's better to understand the process, price, and factors that'll help you choose the best one for your home.
How to install EV charger at home?
Setting up an EV charger in your house requires a number of basic steps. First, you'll need to determine a proper place for the charger, which is usually your garage or driveway, near an electrical panel. It is to be installed by a professional as a certified electrician needs to connect the charger to the electrical system of your home, ensuring that the connection will be according to the safety code of that area.
You will need a dedicated 240V (380V for 3-phase charging) circuit in the case of a Level 2 charger. The electrician will also ensure your home's electrical panel takes the extra load. Once the setup is ready, install the charger, and voila!
How much do it cost to install an EV charger at home?
The cost of installing an EV charger at home can vary based on the type of charger, the complexity of the installation, and the location of your electrical panel. It could range from €100 to €500 on average for an installation, including the charger itself and the cost of labor.
The absolute cheapest to install would have to be a Level 1 charger, which utilizes just an ordinary 120V (240V for a Schuko socket in Europe) outlet, since no major electrical work is really required. If, however, you went with a Level 2 charger, helping you charge faster but, in that case, in need of an electrical upgrade, prices could grow higher.
How to choose the best home EV charger?
When it comes to selecting the most appropriate home EV charger, a number of factors would be considered, such as:
- Charging Speed: If you want faster charging, the Level 2 charger is your best option. A Level 1 charger is slower but might be fine if you don't mind overnight charging.
- Compatibility: Ensure the charger would match your specific port type on your vehicle, such as Type 1, Type 2.
- Smart Features: Some chargers have additional features like Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling you to track charging times and manage energy use through an app.
- Cost: Determine a charger that suits your budget, considering the possible forthcoming expenses of its installation.
With a proper evaluation of these factors, you may choose the most suitable charger for your needs and then make charging at home as easy and quick as possible.
Chargers with different charging standards
EVniculus has a great variety of electric vehicle chargers in stock. Choose between Type 1, Type 2 or NACS (North American Charging Standard)
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I just wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for The Adapter – it has truly exceeded my expectations! From the moment I received it
My first drive using The Adapter on the freeway was a complete success. Everything worked flawlessly, and I was impressed by how seamlessly it integrated with my Zeekr 001 (2025 model). The performance was smooth and stable, making my driving experience even better than I had anticipated.
One of the standout aspects is the firmware – it’s clearly well-designed and optimized for real-world conditions. The setup was intuitive, and I appreciate how effortlessly it enhances the vehicle’s capabilities.
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Heureux d'avoir reçu cet adaptateur CHAdeMO CCS pour mon véhicule . Pas encore utilisé , mais avec tout les avis et vidéos que j'ai vu il ne devrait pas avoir de soucis et je recommande vivement ce produit , car il est possible d'en avoir besoin surtout sur les autoroutes et dans certains villages de campagne .....
Au moins dans tout les cas je pourrais faire une recharge n'importe où ...... Merci.
I charged my Leaf on ESB fast chargers and Applegreen ABB fast charger. Still need to try Ionity & Circle K. If it works on those 2 as well, money well spent.
It has been 2 months since I purchased this adapter. It works with all DC chargers. After first 4 charges, my EV car (VW ID.4) turned a yellow warning light on that there was a problem with battery, but when I charged the adapter's battery again, this problem did not happen again. I suppose that the adapter's battery also need to be charged after 4 or 5 usage. Besides this, I am very pleased with this adapter and I recommend it to everyone.
First try to prepare futur travel, do the job. 2 weeks for delivery, i dont regret to purchase with evniculus.
We’ve received our ccs to chademo adapter and have had our first test charge. Brilliant, plugged it in and away it went! The charge was quicker than if we had used the chademo port! Feeling ready to explore more new charge stations in Australia.
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