If you have started to look into buying an EV charger for your home, you may have come across different terms like type 1 and type 2. These refer to the type of connectors used to charge your vehicle. If you are new to the world of electric vehicles, it may be tricky to understand all the different terms and factors that you need to consider with your home EV charger.
In this blog, we will go through the difference between a type 1 and type 2 connectors and how to choose the appropriate EV charger for your home and your vehicle.
Electric vehicles have different connector types. Like many mobile phones have different charger leads and connectors this can be the same for EV charging.
- Type 1 connectors are more common in older vehicles that have been imported from other countries (typically Japan and America).
- Type 2 connectors are the standard type in the UK and Europe; they are found in almost every modern electric vehicle sold in the UK and Europe.
Type 1 Connector
The main features of a type 1 plug/connector are that it has 5 pins and a latch mechanism that locks it in place whilst charging your vehicle. It is designed mainly for single-phase charging meaning it can handle only up to around 7kW worth of power. Although, in some cases this is suitable for your vehicle, it does not support three-phase charging which is faster and more efficient.
Type 2 Connector
This is the default connector type for the UK and the majority of Europe when it comes to EV charging. The type 2 connector has 7 pins and a flat-top design. It is able to support both single-phase and three-phase charging, allowing it to deliver more power efficiently at higher rates. Another key feature of a type 2 connector is its locking mechanism; it locks at both ends (on the car and the charger) which is clearly better for safety and security. Type 2 chargers are a lot more versatile compared to type 1, they can deliver anything from 3.6kW to 22kW depending on your electrical setup. With our 7kW smart home EV charger, we offer a type 2 charger perfect for an overnight charge and efficient charging.
Tethered vs Untethered
A tethered charger is where the cable is permanently attached, you simply unwind the charger and plug it into your vehicle. Whereas, an untethered charger only has a socket, so you connect your own cable every time you need to use your home EV charger.
Type 1 chargers are usually tethered, due to the plug type being less common and more specific to older vehicles or vehicles that have been imported from other countries.
Type 2 chargers can be both tethered and untethered. Many UK homeowners prefer an untethered cable as it is neater, and it will work with any electric vehicle as you connect your own cable.
How to Tell Which Connector Your Electric Vehicle Uses?
- Look at your charging port, a type 1 port has five holes and a rounded shape, compared to a type 2 connector has seven and a flat top.
- You can check your manual or the manufactures website to see what you require and what the manufacturer offers. Our EV home charger is compatible with all type 2 electric vehicles.
You can buy adapters that allow you to connect a type 1 vehicle to a type 2 EV home charger and vice versa. These adapters are very useful if your charger type does not match your vehicle’s connector. However, some adapters may not support every charging speed or safety feature making them slightly unreliable. It is always better to install the correct charger type that matches your vehicle directly without having to use an adapter.
Type 1 Installation
If you own a type 1 electric vehicle, your installer will likely fit a tethered cable, as type 1 cables aren’t usually sold separately. The installation is usually very straight forward, but if you do end up upgrading to a type 2 electric vehicle, the likelihood is you will need to replace thew whole charger.
Type 2 Installation
Type 2 chargers are a lot more versatile as we have already discussed. You are able to choose between a tethered or an untethered cable. Most modern chargers like support features like; load balancing, scheduled charging, a remote smart app to control your home EV charger and other energy tariff integration.
Safety and Practical Use
Both type 1 and type 2 chargers are considered safe when installed by a professional, however, type 2 chargers do come with additional safety features. These include things like, a locking system which prevents anyone removing the cable during charging and a built-in resistance detection system to ensure the current flow is efficient and safe.
Conclusion
If you are in the UK, a type 2 charger is clearly the better choice compared to a type 1 charger. It gives you faster and more efficient charging options and is mostly compatible with nearly every modern electric vehicle. The key is understanding your needs, what you expect from your home EV charger and understanding your homes electrical setup.
In short terms a type 1 charger fits older cars, is designed for single-phase charging and is less common in the UK. Whereas, a type 2 charger is more modern, faster and is the UK standard charging type.
If you are looking to buy an EV home charger, take into consideration all the things we have discussed in this blog and make the right choice.
If you wish to purchase an EV home charger, please look at our website where you can find all the information you need about our EV home charger.
https://evhomechargeruk.co.uk/product/7kw-smart-home-ev-charger/
Go to the top right menu bar, shop and you can order your charger directly from there.
