Understanding EV Connector Types
EV Connector Types Explained
Understanding charging connector types is essential for EV drivers. Your vehicle only works with specific connectors, so knowing which ones are compatible helps you find the right charging stations.
Why Connector Types Matter
The Problem:
- Not all EVs use the same charging connector
- Plugging in the wrong connector won't work
- Some stations only have certain connector types
The Solution:
- Know your EV's compatible connectors
- Filter search results by connector type
- Plan ahead for road trips
Good News: Most modern EVs (2020+) support multiple connector types for different charging speeds.
The 4 Main Connector Types
1. J1772 (Level 2 AC Charging)
Also Called: "Type 1", "SAE J1772"
What it is:
- Standard Level 2 AC charging connector
- Works with nearly all EVs sold in North America (except older Teslas without adapter)
- Round plug with 5 pins
Charging Speed:
- 3-19 kW (typically 6-7 kW)
- Full charge: 4-10 hours
- 25 miles of range per hour (average)
Where you'll find it:
- Public Level 2 stations (malls, workplaces, parking garages)
- Destination chargers (hotels, restaurants)
- Home charging stations
Compatible Vehicles:
- Nissan Leaf
- Chevy Bolt
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Rivian R1T/R1S
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Nearly all non-Tesla EVs
Tesla Compatibility: Teslas can use J1772 with the included J1772 adapter (comes with every Tesla).
2. CCS (DC Fast Charging)
Also Called: "Combined Charging System", "CCS1" (North America), "Type 1 CCS"
What it is:
- DC fast charging standard for most modern EVs
- J1772 plug + 2 extra DC pins below
- Allows high-speed charging
Charging Speed:
- 50-350 kW (station dependent)
- 10-80% charge: 15-45 minutes
- 100-200 miles of range in 20-30 minutes
Where you'll find it:
- Highway rest stops
- Electrify America stations
- EVgo fast charging hubs
- ChargePoint Express
Compatible Vehicles:
- Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
- Chevy Bolt, Silverado EV
- Hyundai Ioniq 5/6
- Kia EV6, EV9
- Volkswagen ID.4
- BMW iX, i4
- Rivian R1T/R1S
- Most non-Tesla EVs from 2018+
Note: CCS is becoming the dominant standard in North America for DC fast charging.
3. CHAdeMO (DC Fast Charging)
Also Called: "CHAdeMO Protocol"
What it is:
- Japanese DC fast charging standard
- Round connector with 4 large pins
- Used primarily by Nissan and older EVs
Charging Speed:
- 50-100 kW (most stations max at 50 kW)
- 10-80% charge: 30-60 minutes
- 60-100 miles of range in 30 minutes
Where you'll find it:
- Older DC fast charging stations
- Many EVgo locations
- Some Electrify America stations (being phased out)
Compatible Vehicles:
- Nissan Leaf (all years)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Older Kia Soul EV
Important: CHAdeMO is being phased out in favor of CCS. Nissan's 2024+ Ariya uses CCS instead of CHAdeMO.
Road Trip Planning: If you have a CHAdeMO-only vehicle, verify station compatibility before long trips.
4. Tesla / NACS (Supercharger)
Also Called: "North American Charging Standard (NACS)", "Tesla Connector"
What it is:
- Tesla's proprietary connector (now becoming an industry standard)
- Compact design, works for both AC and DC charging
- Tesla opened the standard in 2022 (renamed to NACS)
Charging Speed:
- Level 2: 7-19 kW (Tesla Wall Connector)
- Supercharger: 72-250 kW
- 10-80% charge: 15-30 minutes at Supercharger
Where you'll find it:
- Tesla Supercharger network (15,000+ stalls in North America)
- Tesla Destination Chargers (hotels, wineries, etc.)
- Some third-party stations (growing)
Compatible Vehicles:
- All Tesla vehicles (native)
- Ford EVs (2024+, with adapter)
- GM EVs (2024+, with adapter)
- Rivian (coming 2025)
- Other manufacturers adopting NACS (2025-2026)
Non-Tesla Access:
- Tesla opened Supercharger access to select non-Tesla EVs in 2023
- Requires Tesla app and compatible adapter
- Not all Superchargers support non-Tesla EVs yet
The Future: Most automakers announced adoption of NACS by 2025, making it the North American standard.
Which Connectors Does Your EV Use?
Check Your Owner's Manual or use this quick reference:
J1772 Only (Older EVs):
- 2011-2017 Nissan Leaf (+ CHAdeMO for DC fast)
- 2017-2022 Chevy Bolt (+ CCS for DC fast)
- Older BMW i3, Fiat 500e, VW e-Golf
J1772 + CCS (Most Modern EVs):
- Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning
- Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Kia EV6/EV9
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Rivian R1T/R1S
- BMW iX, i4
- Mercedes EQS, EQE
J1772 + CHAdeMO (Nissan/Mitsubishi):
- Nissan Leaf (2011-2023)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Tesla/NACS:
- All Tesla vehicles
- Ford/GM EVs with adapter (2024+)
How to Find Compatible Stations on SpotCharge
Step 1: Visit /locations
Step 2: Click "Filters" button
Step 3: Select your connector type(s):
- Check J1772 (most EVs)
- Check CCS (if you have DC fast charging)
- Check CHAdeMO (Nissan Leaf owners)
- Check Tesla (Tesla owners)
Step 4: Click "Apply Filters"
Result: Only stations with your compatible connectors will show.
Adapters and Compatibility
J1772 to Tesla: Every Tesla includes a J1772 adapter. Allows Teslas to use any J1772 Level 2 station.
Tesla to J1772: Not available (Tesla connector won't fit non-Tesla ports).
CCS to Tesla: TeslaTap and A2Z sell CCS-to-Tesla adapters (~$200-400). Allows Teslas to use CCS fast chargers.
Tesla to CCS (Non-Tesla vehicles): Ford and GM provide NACS adapters for their EVs to access Tesla Superchargers.
CHAdeMO to CCS: No adapter available (different protocols).
Important: Always verify adapter compatibility and station access before relying on it for a trip.
Common Questions
Can I use any charging station?
No. You can only use stations with connectors that fit your EV's charging port. Check your owner's manual for compatible connector types.
What if a station has multiple connector types?
Great! That station serves more EVs. Each charging port typically has one connector type, but many stations have multiple ports with different connectors.
Do I need an adapter?
- Tesla owners: Your included J1772 adapter covers most Level 2 stations. Consider a CCS adapter for non-Tesla fast charging.
- Non-Tesla owners: You likely don't need adapters yet. Wait for official adapters from your automaker if they're adopting NACS.
What's the difference between AC and DC charging?
- AC (Alternating Current): Level 2 charging, slower, uses J1772 connector
- DC (Direct Current): Fast charging, faster, uses CCS/CHAdeMO/Tesla Supercharger
Your EV converts AC to DC internally. DC fast chargers skip this conversion for faster charging.
Related Articles
Need Help?
Can't figure out which connector type your EV uses? We're here to help.
Contact Support or check our Help Center