Type 2 connector

{{short description|Electric vehicle charging connector in Europe}}

{{cleanup|reason=sections repeat previous information|date=May 2023}}

{{Infobox connector

| name = IEC 62196-2 Type 2

| type = Electric vehicle charging

| image = 300px

| caption = Type 2 charger.

| designer = Mennekes

| design_date = 2009

| production_date = 2013

| length = {{convert|200|mm|inch}}

| diameter = {{convert|70|mm|inch}}

| width = {{convert|70|mm|inch}}

| height = {{convert|63|mm|inch}}

| electrical = DC, 1‒3 phase AC

| earth = Dedicated pin

| maximum_voltage = 480 V

| maximum_current = 300 A

| data_signal = SAE J1772#Signaling: Resistive / Pulse-width modulation

| physical_connector = VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2

| pinout_image = 300px

| pinout_caption = Pinout for Type 2 plug

| num_pins = 7 (1 earth, 3 line phases, 1 neutral, 2 signalling)

| pin_custom1_name = PP

| pin_name_custom1 = Proximity pilot

| pin_custom1 = pre-insertion signalling

| pin_custom2_name = CP

| pin_name_custom2 = Control pilot

| pin_custom2 = post-insertion signalling

| pin_custom3_name = PE

| pin_name_custom3 = Protective earth

| pin_custom3 = full-current protective earthing system—6-millimetre (0.24 in) diameter

| pin_custom4_name = N

| pin_name_custom4 = Neutral

| pin_custom4 = single-/three-phase AC / DC-mid

| pin_custom5_name = L1

| pin_name_custom5 = Line 1

| pin_custom5 = single-/three-phase AC / DC-mid

| pin_custom6_name = L2

| pin_name_custom6 = Line 2

| pin_custom6 = three-phase AC / DC-mid

| pin_custom7_name = L3

| pin_name_custom7 = Line 3

| pin_custom7 = three-phase AC / DC-mid

| pinout_notes =

}}

The IEC 62196-2 Type 2 connector (sometimes referred to as Mennekes for the German company that designed it) is used for charging electric vehicles using AC power, mainly within Europe, Australia, NZ and many other countries outside of North America. The Type 2 connector was adopted as the EU standard in 2013, with full compliance required by 2025. The connector was chosen by the EU to promote electric mobility and ensure interoperability between different vehicles and charging stations. The Type 2 connector is equipped with seven pin connectors, which are used for communication between the vehicle and charger using the J1772 signaling protocol, and for either single or 3-phase AC power with a maximum voltage of 500 V, thereby delivering up to 43kW of power.{{Cite web |date=2020-01-09 |title=The Type 2 connector: the European standard for electric cars |url=https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/magazine/energy-and-motorization/the-type-2-connector-the-european-standard-for-electric-cars |access-date=2025-01-01 |website=www.renaultgroup.com |language=en-EU}}

A later, modified version of the Type 2 connector which includes two additional DC current pins at the base to allow for high-power (up to 350kW) DC fast charging, is known as a Combined Charging System (CCS) Combo 2 plug, and has also been adopted as an EU standard.

The connector is circular in shape, with a flattened top edge; the original design specification carried an output electric power of 3–50 kW for charging battery electric vehicles using single-phase (230V) or three-phase (400V) alternating current (AC), with a typical maximum of 32 A 7.2 kW using single-phase AC and 22 kW with three-phase AC in common practice.up to 63 A and 43 kW can be offered with fixed cables, but only early Renault Zoe models can draw that much AC power The plugs have openings on the sides that allow both the car and the charger to lock the plug automatically to prevent unwanted interruption of charging or theft of the cable.

As modified by Tesla for its European Supercharger network (up to Version 2), it is capable of outputting 150 kW using direct current (DC) via two pins each, with a switch inside the Tesla Model S or X car selecting the required mode. Since 2019, Tesla has adopted the CCS2 connector on their Version 3 Superchargers (outputting 250 kW), including a second cable for CCS support on Version 2 Superchargers, on all European models of the Model 3 and Y, with a hardware upgrade and adapter for pre-2019 Model S and X vehicles,{{Cite web |date=2022-04-08 |title=Supercharger Support |url=https://www.tesla.com/en_EU/support/supercharger |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=www.tesla.com |language=en-EU}} and since 2022 on Model S and X as the new connector.{{Cite web |last=John |first=Darryn |date=2022-01-11 |title=Tesla unveils new CCS2 charge port in refresh Model S/X [Update] |url=https://driveteslacanada.ca/model-x/tesla-unveils-new-ccs2-charge-port-in-refresh-model-s-x/ |access-date=2023-04-25 |website=Drive Tesla |language=en-US}}

History, overview, and peer connectors

The Type 2 connector system was originally proposed by Mennekes in 2009. The system was later tested and standardized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) as VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2, and subsequently recommended by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in 2011. In January 2013, the IEC 62196 Type 2 connector was selected by the European Commission as official AC charging plug within the European Union.{{cite web|url=http://www.mennek.es/index.php?id=latest0&L=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=929&cHash=1fd716bc2fa538f0f516aac1b4d8d8ba |title= Type 2 charging plug proposed as the common standard for Europe |publisher= Mennekes |date=2013-01-30 |accessdate= 2017-03-25}} It has since been adopted as the recommended connector in most countries worldwide, including New Zealand.{{cite web| url= https://www.nzta.govt.nz/planning-and-investment/planning/transport-planning/planning-for-electric-vehicles/national-guidance-for-public-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure/charging-point-connectors-and-socket-outlets/| title= Charging point connectors and socket outlets | publisher=NZ Transport Agency| accessdate=2019-02-15}} When passing AC, the maximum power of the Mennekes connector is 43 kW.{{cite web |url=https://www.renaultgroup.com/en/news-on-air/news/the-type-2-connector-the-european-standard-for-electric-cars/ |title=The Type 2 connector: the European standard for electric cars |date=9 January 2020 |publisher=Renault Group |access-date=4 August 2022}} The IEC 62196 Type 1 connector (codified under SAE J1772) is the corresponding standard for single-phase AC charging in the United States, Canada, and South Korea.{{cite web |url=https://insideevs.com/news/333637/european-ccs-type-2-combo-2-conquers-world-ccs-combo-1-exclusive-to-north-america |title=European CCS (Type 2 / Combo 2) Conquers World - CCS Combo 1 Exclusive To North America |author=Kane, Mark |date=January 23, 2018 |work=Inside EVs |access-date=4 August 2022}} J1772 has a maximum output of 19.2 kW.{{cite web |url=https://insideevs.com/news/338123/sae-releases-charging-standard-for-big-rigs-trucks |title=SAE Releases Charging Standard For Big Rigs / Trucks |author=Kane, Mark |date=May 17, 2018 |work=Inside EVs |access-date=4 August 2022}}

In North America, the same Type 2 physical connector is used for three-phase AC charging under the SAE J3068 standard, which uses Local Interconnect Network (LIN) for control signaling based on IEC 61851-1 Edition 3 Annex D.{{cite web|url= https://www.afdc.energy.gov/fuels/electricity_infrastructure.html|title=Developing Infrastructure to Charge Plug-In Electric Vehicles|publisher= Alternative Fuels Data Center |accessdate= 7 November 2017|quote=Future AC Charging Options… An additional standard (SAE J3068) is under development for higher rates of AC charging using three-phase power, …adapted from the European three-phase charging standards and specified for North American AC grid voltages and requirements.}}{{cite report |url= https://epri.azureedge.net/documents/2_SAE_J3068_AC_Charging_October_2017_McLaughlin.pdf |title=SAE J3068{{abbr |TM|Trademark}} 3-phase AC charging update|date= 23 October 2017|accessdate= 13 December 2017 |work=EPRI Truck and Bus meeting|first= Jim|last=McLaughlin|quote= J3068 adopts the European Type 2 coupler, 5 wire with neutral and adds a simple, robust, inexpensive and established datalink: LIN pulse width is the same as 5% {{abbr|PWM|Pulse Wave Modulation}}, so filters do not change.}} J3068 increases the maximum output to 166 kW using three-phase AC.

The same physical connector is also used in China under the Guobiao standard GB/T 20234.2-2015 for AC-charging, with gender differences for the vehicle and electric vehicle supply equipment. GB/T 20234-2 specifies cables with Type 2-style male connectors on both ends, and a female inlet on vehicles{{cite report|url= http://electroeurope.org/fileadmin/user_upload/library/GBT_20234.2-2011_Connection_set_of_Conductive_Charging_for_Electric_Vehicles_-_Part_2_AC_charging_coupler.pdf|trans-title=Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles—Part 2: AC charging coupler|title= 电动汽车传导充电用连接装置 第 2 部分:交流充电接口|format=unofficial English translation | publisher = EuropElectro|issue= GB/T 20234.2 -2011|date=22 December 2011|accessdate=13 December 2017|pages= 1–24}}—the opposite gender to the rest of the world, and with different control signaling.

The Combined Charging System Combo 2 "fast charging" connector uses the signaling and protective earth pins of the Type 2 connector and adds two direct current (DC) pins for rapid charging, with DC power supplied at rates up to approximately 350 kW.

Description

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"

|+Regional variations in IEC 62196-2 Type 2 AC implementation{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

colspan=8 | File:Electric car charging (ACEA terminology).svg
rowspan=2 | Region / Standardrowspan=2 | Socket outletcolspan=2 | Connecting cablerowspan=2 | Vehicle inletcolspan="3" | Electrical
PlugConnectorPhase (φ)CurrentVoltage
rowspan=2 | EU / IEC 62196 Type 2

| rowspan=2 | Female || rowspan=2 | Male || rowspan=2 | Female || rowspan=2 | Male || 1φ || 70A || rowspan=2 | 480V

63A
US / SAE J3068 AC6

| colspan=2 | Permanently connected || Female || Male || 3φ || 100, 120, 160A || 208, 480, 600V

China / GB/T 20234.2

| Female || Male || Male || Female || 1φ
{{small|(3φ reserved)}} || 16, 32A || 250/400V

As specified by IEC 62196, cars are fitted with a standardized male vehicle inlet, whilst charging stations are fitted with a female socket outlet, either directly on the outside of the charging station, or via a flexible cable with permanently attached connector on the end. When the charging station is equipped with a permanently fixed cable, the connector end of the cable can be attached directly into the vehicle inlet, similar to using a petrol pump and when no fixed cable is available, a separate male-to-female cable is used to connect the vehicle, either using the charging station, or from a traditional IEC 60309-2 industrial connector.

The Type 2 connector system was originally proposed by Mennekes in 2009 leading to the colloquial name of Mennekes. The system was later tested and standardized by the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) as VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2, and subsequently recommended by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) in 2011. {{As of|2015}}, Type 2 is intended to replace the previous vehicle connectors used for AC charging within the European electric vehicle network, displacing both Type 1 (SAE J1772) and Type 3 (EV Plug Alliance Types 3A and 3C; colloquially, Scame) connectors. For DC charging, the Combo 2 socket (Type 2 supplemented with 2 DC pins) shall become standard in cars, replacing Type 4 CHAdeMO. The transition period is scheduled to last until 2020.{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-40_en.htm |title=EU launches clean fuel strategy |publisher=European Commission |date=2013-01-24 |accessdate=2017-03-26}}{{update inline|date=August 2022}}

The IEC 62196 Type 2 connector is used in a slightly modified form for all European Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles, and the European Tesla Supercharger network.{{cite web|url=http://www.teslarati.com/review-type-2-charging-cable-built-chargeport-opener/ |title=REVIEW: Type 2 Charging Cable with Built-in Chargeport Opener |publisher=TESLARATI |date=2015-06-05 |accessdate=2017-03-21}} As of 2017 Tesla is the only automaker which offers charging with alternating current and direct current based on the IEC 62196-2 specification. For charging with direct current the specification IEC 62196-3 Combined Charging System (CCS) is favored in Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.din.de/en/innovation-and-research/electromobility/charging-infrastructure |title=Charging infrastructure |publisher=DIN e. V. |accessdate=2017-03-21}}

=Pins=

File:Type2_Socket_de.svg

The connectors contain seven contact places: two small and five larger. The top row consists of two small contacts for signaling, the middle row contains three pins, the center pin is used for Earthing, while the outer two pins used for the power supply, optionally in conjunction with the two pins on the bottom row which are also for power supply. Three pins are always used for the same purposes:

  • Proximity pilot (PP): pre-insertion signaling
  • Control pilot (CP): post-insertion signaling
  • Protective earth (PE): full-current protective earthing system—{{convert|6|mm|inch|adj=on}} diameter{{cite web|url=http://visforvoltage.org/sites/default/files/u30/DSCN3330-web.jpg|first1=Ralf|last1=Oestreicher|author2=Daimler|date=30 July 2010|accessdate=7 April 2016|title=AC/DC vehicle inlet options: As proposed by German Initiative Charging Interface|work=Plug-in 2010|format=presentation slide image|quote=Reuse of 6mm earth pin of AC connector allows non isolated DC charging or use of one isolation transformer for several vehicles at up to 250A DC}}

The allocation of the four normal power supply pins vary depending on the mode of operation. They are allocated as:

class=wikitable style="font-size:100%;text-align:center;"

|+ Female connector, middle and bottom row (power pin) allocations{{Citation needed|date=February 2024}}

rowspan=2 | Mode

! colspan=2 | Maximum

! (A1)

colspan=2 | (C1)(E1)
VoltsAmps

! colspan=2 | (B2)

colspan=2 | (D2)
rowspan=2 | Single-phase AC

| rowspan=4 | 500V AC || rowspan=2 | 1×80A

| style="background:#ff0;" | Neutral (N) || colspan=2 style="background:#0c0;" | Earth (PE) || style="background:#ff0;" | AC (L1)

colspan=2 | N/Ccolspan=2 | N/C
rowspan=2 | Three-phase AC

| rowspan=2 | 3×63A

| style="background:#ff0;" | Neutral (N) || colspan=2 style="background:#0c0;" | Earth (PE) || style="background:#ff0;" | AC (L1)

colspan=2 style="background:#ff0;" | AC (L3)colspan=2 style="background:#ff0;" | AC (L2)
rowspan=2 | Combined single-phase AC and low-current DC

| rowspan=2 | 500V AC/DC || rowspan=2 | 1×80A (AC) &
1×70A (DC)

| style="background:#ff0;" | Neutral (N) || colspan=2 style="background:#0c0;" | Earth (PE) || style="background:#ff0;" | AC (L1)

colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (+)colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (-)
rowspan=2 | Low-current DC

| rowspan=4 | 500V DC || rowspan=2 | 1×80A (DC)

| N/C || colspan=2 style="background:#0c0;" | Earth (PE) || N/C

colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (+)colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (-)
rowspan=2 | Mid-current DC

| rowspan=2 | 1×140A (DC)

| style="background:#fa0;" | DC (+) || colspan=2 style="background:#0c0;" | Earth (PE) || style="background:#fa0;" | DC (-)

colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (+)colspan=2 style="background:#fa0;" | DC (-)

Some vehicle inlets may contain the extra connections to allow the CCS DC-only charger (high-current DC) to be inserted.{{cite web |author=European Automobile Manufacturers Association |date=2 March 2011 |title=ACEA position and recommendations for the standardization of the charging of electrically chargeable vehicles |url=http://www.teslamotorsclub.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=14753&d=1358461408 |location=Brussels |authorlink=European Automobile Manufacturers Association |accessdate=14 June 2014}}

Communication takes place over the CP/PP signaling pins between the charger, cable, and vehicle to ensure that the highest common denominator of voltage and current is selected.

The signaling protocol is identical to that of Type 1 connectors as described in the SAE J1772 standard.

{{clear|left}}

Gallery

File:Tesla-type-2-supercharger-outlet-1004.jpg|Type 2-compatible female connector found on the end of the permanently-attached connector cable of Tesla Superchargers in Europe

File:Prise type 2 Mennekes BMW i3.jpg|Type 2 male vehicle inlet for electric charging; the closed bottom portion of the inlet covers the two DC pins used for CCS Combo 2

File:VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2-plug.jpg|Charging station female socket outlet and matching male plug (blue color). In China only, a male connector is used for both ends of the connecting cable.

File:2015-12-23 Typ-2-Ladestecker.jpg|Type 2 female connector (Mennekes)

File:Tesla-type-2-model-s-charge-port-inlet-0996.jpg|Type 2-compatible 120 kW male vehicle inlet on European Tesla Model S

File:Tesla Model 3 - European socket.jpg|Type 2 (CCS Combo 2) European Tesla Model 3 male vehicle inlet

See also

References