When the first electric cars were developed, different plugs for charging the battery in the EV were immediately put on the drawing board. Fortunately, it was recognized at a fairly early stage that having many different plugs for every possible electric car was not practical, after which it was decided to choose standard plugs for charging.
However, this does not mean that there is only one type of plug. On the contrary, there are 3 different types of plugs. Type 3 is however a type that has been removed from the market because they all have to be replaced by a type 2 plug within the European Union.
This means that you can have a type 1 or a type 2 connection on the car, for which you need a suitable plug to be able to charge the battery. What exactly is the situation with the type 1 and type 2 connections and what does 'Mennekes' have to do with it?
What is a type 1 connection?
The type 1 connection is the first universal connection (on the car side). The unofficial name is Yakazi, after the manufacturer of the first plugs. The type 1 connection is actually not made for European households. It is the typical connection for countries in America and Asia, where 1 phase is often used.
Since the type 1 connection can only be used for charging on 1 phase, this is actually a fairly inefficient way of charging for European households, where 3 phases are available in most cases. The charging cable used for the type 1 connections is the J1772 charging cable.
A type 1 connection charges a maximum of 3.7 kW at 16 amps and 7.4 kW at 32 amps. This is considerably less than the maximum charging voltage of the type 2 connection, which is why it is the favourite in Europe. Most new electric cars are therefore equipped with a type 2 connection in Europe.
What is a type 2 connection?
The type 2 connection can safely be called the modern standard in Europe. The unofficial name for this connection is Mennekes , again after the first manufacturer of charging cables with this connection.
The type 2 connection can also be used for charging on 3 phases. This means that charging can be done much faster, but be careful; using a type 2 connection with a Mennekes charging cable does not mean that charging is always done on 3 phases. This depends on the number of phases used in the charging station or the socket that is used. It is also not the case that all cars with a type 2 connection are automatically suitable for charging on 3 phases.
If charging is done on 3 phases, the charging options are as follows:
- 22 kW at 32 amps with 3 phases
- 11 kW at 16 amps with 3 phases
- 7.4 kW at 32 amps on 1 phase
- 3.7 kW at 16 amps on 1 phase
Which charging cable type do I need for my car brand?
Fortunately, the connection on the charging station side is always the same. But the car side connections vary and that means that you have to pay attention when you order a charging cable. With us you will find an overview of the car models for which a charging cable is suitable.
As a rule of thumb, you can use that Asian car manufacturers with older electric models (Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Toyota for example) often still have a type 1 connection, while European manufacturers with modern models (Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Audi and Mercedes) often opt for the type 2 connection as standard. In 2021, all new models have a type 2 connection.
Are you looking for a charging cable for your car and your car model is not on the list of suitable models for a specific charging cable? Then you can always contact us, so that we can personally take a look with you. That way you know for sure that you always order the right charging cable !
