Connector Types: Explained

Type 1 Connectors:

Type 1 Connectors are primarily found in North America. They are used for home charging on AC electricity supplies. The official standard is SAE J1772 and it has a 5-pin plug. You might encounter Type 1 connectors in older European models.

Examples of UK EV models that feature this type of connection are Nissan Leafs (older models), Kia Soul EV, Peugeot iOn, and the Citroen C-Zero.

However, this is not a definitive rule - the Mitsubishi Outlander (Plug-in Hybrid), is still using a Type 1 connector. 

Please note, finding a Type 1 charging point while in the UK might be a challenge and it might be worth investing in an adapter - most public charging points will be Type 2 untethered connections.

Type 2 to Type 1 Charging Cable:

 

Type 2 Connectors:

Type 2 Connectors are the standard connection type in the UK. They feature a 7-pin plug and are most frequently seen in home charging points. 

In the UK, a Type 2 charging point on a 1-phase electrical supply charges your car at a maximum of 7.4 kW. On a 3-phase electricity supply, Type 2 charging points can charge at 22 kW. 

Type 2 to Type 2 Charging Cable:

In practice:

It is important to note that your EV charging cables need to support both your vehicle's connection as well as the connectors available to you in your vicinity. 

Let's take the Mitsubishi Outlander as an example: if you are living in the UK, you will need a Type 2 to Type 1 charging cable, as a regular Type 1 to Type 1 charging cable won't work with most public charging points.