Why do are there 2 types of charging connectors

Why do are there 2 types of charging connectors? (Type 1 and Type 2)

Charging an electric vehicle sounds as simple as you just have to plug in the vehicle and you’re done, but it’s easier said than done. Filling up fuel in a regular car is way easier than the complicated charging of an EV, thanks to the different types of charging connectors and variable rates which you have to consider before plugging-in your EV. But the question arises, why there are two or more types of connectors? Why they don't have standardised charging connectors?
Well, the case is quite similar to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktops, where every brand has its own charging connector, likewise, every EV brand has its own charging connector. Typically only two charging connectors are used in the UK market that is Type 1 and Type 2. We provide high-quality Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables that will charge at both 16A and 32A; they have undergone plenty of quality-testing and our Type 2 to Type 2 cables are IP55 rated. Our Type 2 to 3 pin charging cables are IP67 rated.
Type 1 connectors will be required to charge EVs by Kia, Peugeot, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Vauxhall, Nissan, Renault, Ford, Citroen and Chevrolet, whereas if you have EV or PHEV manufactured by Audi, BMW, Volvo, Hyundai, Volkswagen, Smart, Mini, Mercedes, Kia, and Toyota then you may require Type 2 connector to recharge your vehicle. Please check the make, model and year of your car, as many of the brands listed above moved from Type 1 to Type 2 on newer models. Although the cables we offer will charge at both 16A and 32A, the charging rate depends solely upon the make and model of the car, battery's capacity, and capacity of the onboard charger. Therefore even though our cables provide up to 32A supply, if the onboard charger's capacity of your EV is 3.6kW, it won’t be able to take advantage of the strong charging cable and will accept current only up to 16A.
Type 2 connector is approved as European standard whereas Type 1 is also accepted by EU, but because Type 2 is EU standard, therefore almost all public charging points are Type 2 and finding a Type 1 charging station is quite difficult. Therefore, before you head towards a charging station, make sure your vehicle is compatible with the connector, but if your vehicle support Type 1 connector and there’s no Type 1 charging station nearby, then it’s better to have a converter in reserve. Type 1 to Type 2 cable converters are readily available which can be used at both 16A and 32A; such converters will make you top-up your battery easily on the road.
Go through your EV’s handbook for specified information about its charging, or follow our complete ev charging guide. If you are planning a long journey, it’s advised to mark the charging spots on the way and go through the websites of the charging network providers to know about their compatibility with your vehicle, because you can’t afford to run into a charging station incompatible with your car’s charging input, while your battery is dying.
So, if by now you have figured out the right charging cable for your EV, order it right away and it will be delivered free of charge on the next working day. Our reliable and durable charging cables come with a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.
Debbie Gillespie
by Debbie Gillespie

Co-founder, EV Cable Shop

Debbie Gillespie co-founded EV Cable Shop with her son Andrew in 2017. She looks after product and fulfilment, choosing the cables the business stocks and overseeing the orders that leave the warehouse in Rainford, St Helens. More than 10,000 EV charging cables have gone out to UK drivers since the business started.

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