Charging Connectors – CCS2, Type 2 and other connector types
Quick Comparison of EV Connectors in India Understanding EV charging connectors is important for choosing the right EV charging station. In India, connector typ
Quick Comparison of EV Connectors in India
Understanding EV charging connectors is important for choosing the right EV charging station. In India, connector types vary based on the vehicle, charging speed, and whether the charger is used at home, work, or on highways.
| Connector Standard | Primary Use Case | Charging Type | Common Vehicle Compatibility | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCS2 | Public fast chargers, highways | AC + DC Fast | Modern 4-wheeler EVs such as Tata, MG, Hyundai and Mahindra | Standard for high-speed highway DC fast charging |
| Type 2 | Home, apartments, offices and mall AC charging | AC Slow/Moderate | Almost all modern electric cars in India | Widely used standard for AC charging up to 22 kW |
| LECCS (Type 7) | Public fast and home charging for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers | AC + DC | Electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers | Unified BIS standard for light electric vehicles |
| Bharat AC-001 / DC-001 | Older fleet chargers and low-voltage DC charging | AC / DC (Low Power) | Legacy commercial EVs and e-rickshaws | Early Indian charging standard |
| CHAdeMO | Legacy public charging stations | DC Fast | Older imported EVs such as early Nissan Leaf models | Rapid DC charging for compatible vehicles |
| Type 1 | North American and Japanese imports | AC Slow | Older imported EVs | Common connector for compatible imported EVs |
Key Takeaways for EV Owners
1. Electric Cars (4-Wheelers)
At Home or Work (AC Charging): Modern electric cars commonly use a Type 2 connector for AC charging. These chargers are suitable for overnight charging or charging while the car remains parked at work.
Depending on the charger and vehicle, AC charging can support different power levels, commonly ranging from around 3.3 kW to 22 kW.
On Highways and Long Trips (DC Charging): Look for CCS2 charging stations when your vehicle supports CCS2. CCS2 combines the Type 2 AC connection with two additional DC pins, allowing significantly faster DC charging.
2. Electric 2-Wheelers & 3-Wheelers
Modern light electric vehicles are increasingly using charging standards designed specifically for 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers.
LECCS (Light Electric Combined Charging System) is an Indian charging standard designed for light electric vehicles. It can support both AC charging and DC charging through a compact charging interface.
What to Check Before Heading to an EV Charging Station
- Check Connector Compatibility: Make sure the charging connector matches your vehicle's charging port. For many electric cars, Type 2 is used for AC charging while CCS2 is commonly used for DC fast charging.
- Check Charger Power Rating: A charger rated at 120 kW does not mean your EV will automatically charge at 120 kW. The vehicle's battery management system and onboard charging capabilities determine how much power the vehicle can accept.
- Check the Charging Network and App: Some public charging networks require an app to locate stations, check availability, start charging and make payments. Examples include Tata Power EZ Charge, Zeon, Jio-bp and Statiq.
CCS2 vs Type 2: Which Connector Should You Use?
The right connector depends on your vehicle and charging requirement. Type 2 is commonly used for AC charging at homes, workplaces and public destinations, while CCS2 is widely used for DC fast charging at public charging stations and highways.
Before starting your journey, check your EV manufacturer's specifications and confirm that the destination EV charging station provides the connector your vehicle supports.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between CCS2, Type 2, LECCS, CHAdeMO, Type 1 and Bharat charging standards can make electric vehicle charging easier and more convenient.
For modern electric cars in India, Type 2 is commonly associated with AC charging, while CCS2 is widely used for DC fast charging. For electric 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, newer light-EV charging standards are also becoming important as India's EV infrastructure expands.