Introduction to EV charging types and connectors
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Types of EVSEs
There are many types of EVSE. These are divided into four categories, which are designated Mode 1 to Mode 4. Mode 1, 2 and 3 EVSEs supply AC to the vehicle, while Mode 4 EVSEs, which are used for high-power fast charging, supply DC. Mode 4 EVSEs are the only type where the ‘charger’ is part of the EVSE; for all other types, the charger is in the vehicle. Let’s look at these EVSE types in a little more detail.
Mode 1
This is an AC charging mode that is usually considered to be an emergency provision. The EVSE consists only of a cable that will connect the vehicle to an ordinary, non-dedicated power outlet. The safe implementation and use of this mode relays on the safety of the electrical installation itself. In the UK, the maximum charging power is 3 kW. Since there is no automatic control over the charging function and suitable RCD protection cannot be guaranteed, Mode 1 charging should only be used where no alternative is available. It is, in fact, illegal in many countries.
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Mode 2
This is an AC charging mode that uses a portable EVSE or a special charging cable that includes control facilities and earth (ground) fault protection. Like Mode 1, it uses an ordinary non-dedicated power outlet, which means that it is limited to a maximum charging power of 3 kW in domestic applications, although higher powers, up to 7.4 kW, may be possible where a 32 A industrial power outlet is available. Mode 2 EVSEs are typically considered entry-level, but they do have the advantage that users can take their EVSE with them when visiting locations where no other charging facilities are available.
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Mode 3
This is an AC charging mode that uses a fixed EVSE, which includes control facilities and earth (ground) fault protection. It is always powered from a dedicated circuit, and depending on the type of supply, it can deliver either single- or three-phase current to the vehicle. Typical charging power is 3.7 kW or 7.4 kW in domestic installations, but it can be much higher – 50 kW or more – in commercial and public applications where sufficient supply capacity is available. At present, this is the most common type of EVSE.
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Mode 4
This is a DC mode that uses a fixed EVSE that incorporates the charger (rectifier) system, as well as control facilities and earth (ground) fault protection. It is always powered from a dedicated circuit. Mode 4 chargers are primarily for fast and ultra-fast charging and are often found in public locations such as motorway service areas. The maximum charging power can be 100 kW or more.
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Connectors
Several types of connectors are used to link EVs to the EVSE. One of the most common in Europe is EN 62196-2 Type 1, which is equivalent to North American and Japanese type J1772. This is used with Mode 2 and Mode 3 EVSEs and has a maximum power rating of 7.4 kW single phase. Also common in Europe is the EN 62196-2 Type 2 (Mennekes) connector, which has a maximum power rating of 16.1 kW single phase or 43.7 kW three phase.
For EVSEs that supply DC to the vehicle, the CHAdeMO connector, with a maximum power rating of 100 kW, and the CCS connector, with a maximum rating of 170 kW, are available. In Europe, Tesla vehicles use the CCS connector, but a proprietary connector is used in other markets.
The industrial trend in Europe and the United Kingdom is to implement as standard the Type 2 (Mennekes) and the CCS1 as the only available connectors, while in the USA it will be the NACS (North American Charging Standard which is the equivalent to the Tesla connector.
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