What is a Type 2 EV charger?

Anyone who spent years filling the car’s fuel tank will need adjustment when switching to electric cars. You can now charge your electric vehicle with electricity. The process of plugging in your charger at home is much more straightforward than that of visiting a station to fill up. But there are some things you will need to be familiar with, such as the different types. What, for instance, is a Type-2 EV charging station? We’re sure you have this question, and many other EV owners have. This guide will answer all your questions regarding Type 2 EV Chargers and their role in charging your car.

Why Is The Charger Type So Confusing For Me?

If you’re used to filling your car with petrol, diesel, or a combination thereof, you will quickly get used to the same nozzle regardless of your fuel. You can use the same nozzle regardless of what vehicle you own. However, plugs for electric vehicles can vary. It can be unclear, especially if this is your first attempt at electric vehicles, to distinguish between Type 1 chargers and Type 2.

The Type 2 EV charger

Type 1 and 2 EV chargers are common when purchasing an electric car. It cannot be easy to know what charger is right for you, especially if it’s your first time on the EV market. You won’t have much to worry about when choosing the right type of charger.

It is the Type 2 socket that can be used to charge your electric car. It’s the primary UK charge type and can be used for charging any electric vehicle so long as you have the correct charge cable. Type 2 charger has 7-pin connectors and accepts single-phase or three-phase mains electricity.

How to Find a Charger That Is Type 2?

But there is a catch. A Type 2 electric vehicle charger is capable of charging up to 43kW. This speed is what is known as rapid charging. You think that sounds great. This is true, but only if the public charger you use to charge your EV is working. You can charge your electric vehicle at public charging points, such as in grocery stores, hotels, and car parks. However, rapid charging isn’t available at home.

If you have an EV charging station in your garage, you will likely have a Type-2 charger capable of 43kW. You won’t get that speed because UK standard charger power at home is 7.4kW. Because of this, you are charging your EV at home will take slightly longer than charging it in public.

You can also charge from the convenience of your home and not need to find a public charger station. It is also much cheaper to charge your vehicle at home rather than in public.

What Is The Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2?

A Type 1 charger comes with a 5-pin plug and is single-phase, providing power outputs between 3.7kW and 7.4kW. They are more popular in Asia and the United States. However, they may be available if you import an electric vehicle manufactured in Asia.

Type 1 chargers have an in-built latch to secure the plug and prevent it from being removed. Type 2 chargers don’t have such a latch. Instead, they have a locking pin that locks the plug in its place and locates it.