What is a Type 2 EV Charger?

Last updated on January 28, 2025

The rise of EV cars has revolutionised the automobile industry. As awareness and the drive towards environmental sustainability are increasingly pronounced, EVs are gaining more popularity.

Many car owners are dishing their gasoline and diesel-powered cars for electric-powered brands.

The generally slow rate of changing experience with these cars deters their full adoption. In the past, charging EV vehicles could be daunting, as the process takes many hours.

In modern cars, charging has been improved thanks to the technologically advanced type 2 EV charger.

So, what exactly is this charger and how is it different from its predecessor, the type 1? Let’s dive into what makes the type 2 charger unique and special.

What a type 2 EV charger looks like

The number of pins of an EV charger can be used to determine its type. A Type 2 EV charger is commonly known as the Mennekes connector. It is characterised by 7 pins of various sizes fitted in a round plug.

It is compatible with the charging port of a type 2 vehicle. It can be used to charge at home or in public stations. The male plug is on the charging station, while the female plug is on the charging cable. 5 pins on its plug characterise a type 1 charger.

Functions of a type 2 EV charger

The type 2 EV charger is based on European standards. It is most common in Europe but is also found in Australia, the Middle East and some parts of Africa.

Just like its predecessor, a type 2 EV charger is meant to take AC electricity as input and deliver an equivalent power output to charge EV vehicles.

It is modern and delivers between 3.7 to 22 kW for home charging and up to 43 kW at public stations. It can work with either a single or three-phase power supply. A type one EV charger can only deliver up to 7.4 kW.

Safety

A type 2 EV charger is safe to use because it has a self-locking pin feature unlike the type 1 which is not self-locking.

With this feature, the chances of the charger dropping off or misaligned are reduced to zero as it is properly secured. All the plug pins are also hidden from human contact, so the risk of electrocution has also been eliminated.

While a type 2 EV charger is generally safe to use, it’s essential to consider the following safety precautions:

The usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer should be followed.
The charger must be protected in extreme weather conditions of heavy rainfall or snow.
Keep the charger away from children and pets.
Inspect the charger for damage, wear, and cuts before using it to avoid malfunction or electrocution.
Don’t leave the charger plugged in for too long to avoid overcharging.
The charger should be serviced or replaced as when due.
Consider keeping a fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire outbreaks from sparks or faulty connections.

Usage

For convenience, a type 2 EV charger can be used in your garage at home, at public charging stations or at offices that make provisions for accommodating employees who use electric vehicles. It can also run on a low or high power supply.

Thus, getting stranded when running out of battery power is not common with this charger. The charging time is fast and can last from a few hours for daily routine use to overnight charging. The charging time also depends on the electric car’s battery capacity and level.

Advancements in type 2 EV charger technology

As electric vehicles are here to stay, manufacturers are also making them better for the convenience and safety of drivers and charging station operators. Type 2 chargers continuously showcase new features with time. They have become better in several ways, which are highlighted:

Smart charging

The incorporation of smart charging into type 2 charger functions means that they are able to detect compatible power supplies and switch off when necessary, especially when there is a fault, or the charging is complete.

Intelligent and effective communication

Type 2 chargers can have two-way communication between the electric vehicle and the charging station’s communication facility. This feature enables automated billing, real-time monitoring and remote control.

Higher power delivery

Modern type 2 chargers can now deliver above the 22 kW of traditional ones.

Their power delivery has been extended to 43 kW in charging stations and up to 75 kW in even bigger stations. Electric cars that use a type 2 EV charger can travel longer distances due to rapid charging and higher power capacities.

Future trends

A type 2 EV charger is still in the early stages of technological advancement. The possibilities for this charger are vast but the most critical one is in its widespread adoption.

Most type 1 charging ports should be converted into type 2, making it easy for electric car owners in regions and regions like America and Asia to make a smooth transition.

It still takes hours to get to full charge with the type 2 EV charger. The charging speed should be made faster and more convenient.

Lastly, light signals of various colours that indicate charging progress, level, and warnings can be incorporated to make every type 2 EV charger you use a master technological workpiece.

Conclusion

The flexibility of the type 2 EV charger is second to none. It has established itself as a reliable and versatile charging solution for electric vehicles. The charger can work with a single or three-phase electric power supply. It is also equipped with self-locking features.

The charger is characterised by 7 pins and can be used at home, in charging stations or offices. As the shift from fuel to electric vehicles continues to grow, the type 2 EV charger will become the ideal and most rated among its peers for some time to come.