EV charging cable and connector types: Type 2, CCS2, Mode 2 and Mode 3

Short answer: Almost every electric car sold in Europe and Turkey uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging. Portable chargers that plug into a household socket are Mode 2; cables with Type 2 at both ends, used with wallboxes and public AC stations, are Mode 3. At DC stations the cable is fixed to the charger (Mode 4), so you do not need your own.

Connector types: which inlet does your car have?

• Type 2 (IEC 62196-2, Mennekes): the European AC standard. Supports single- and three-phase charging up to 22 kW AC. Found on Togg, European Tesla models, BMW, Mercedes, Hyundai, Renault and most other brands.
• CCS2 (Combo 2): a Type 2 inlet with two DC pins added below. The same inlet takes AC and DC fast charging. Most DC stations in Europe and Turkey are CCS2.
• Type 1 (SAE J1772): single-phase AC connector used in North America and some older Asian models. Rare in Europe; seen on some imported used cars.
• CHAdeMO: Japanese DC standard, still on a few models such as the older Nissan Leaf, and becoming less common at new stations.

Charging modes: what do Mode 2, Mode 3 and Mode 4 mean?

• Mode 2: the car connects to a household or industrial (CEE) socket through a protection box on the cable (IC-CPD). Portable chargers are Mode 2. With a sound, earthed socket they give slow but safe charging at home.
• Mode 3: the car connects to a fixed charging unit (wallbox or public AC station) that contains the communication and protection. Socketed units and public stations use a Mode 3 cable with Type 2 at both ends.
• Mode 4: DC fast charging. The cable is fixed to the station and may be liquid-cooled.
• Mode 1: unprotected direct connection; not used for electric cars.

How to choose Mode 3 cable power

Cable power depends on current and number of phases:

• 16 A single-phase: 3.7 kW
• 32 A single-phase: 7.4 kW
• 16 A three-phase: 11 kW
• 32 A three-phase: 22 kW

Your car charges at most at the power its on-board charger accepts. Most cars accept 11 kW AC, so an 11 kW cable is enough. A 22 kW (32 A three-phase) cable also works at every lower power, making it the most flexible choice if you may change cars. A lower-rated cable caps charging: with a 16 A cable you get at most 11 kW even at a 22 kW station.

How long should the cable be?

In your own garage 3–5 m is usually enough. At public stations the distance between the parking space and the socket varies, so 5–7 m is the most flexible length. Cables of 10 m and more are for distant spaces and special cases; they are heavier and take more boot space.

What to check when buying

• Standard: IEC 62196 compliant Type 2 plug and connector.
• Current and phases: printed on the cable label (16 A / 32 A, single or three phase).
• Protection: at least IP44 for outdoor use, with IP54 or higher caps on the ends.
• Storage: a bag and end caps protect the contacts from moisture and dirt.

A note on adapters: converters from Type 2 to Type 1, or anything that changes DC connectors, are not recommended for safety reasons. Use a cable that matches your car's inlet.

• → Type 2 EV charging cables
• → Portable (Mode 2) EV chargers
• → AC vs DC charging
• → EV charging time