What Are Type 2, CCS2 and CHAdeMO? A Guide to EV Charging Connectors (2026)

Some of the terms newcomers to the electric vehicle world encounter most often are Type 2, CCS2 and CHAdeMO. These names are sometimes confused with charging power, sometimes with the charger itself, and sometimes with the socket on the vehicle. Yet one of the first steps in choosing the right charging solution is knowing which connection standard your vehicle uses and whether that standard is designed for AC or DC charging.

In this guide, we explain Type 2, CCS2 and CHAdeMO connections in plain language, covering the differences between them, where each is used, and what to look out for when choosing a home charger.

First, the basic distinction: what are AC and DC charging?

To understand connector types in electric vehicle charging, you first need to know the difference between AC and DC.

In AC charging, alternating current from the grid is delivered to the vehicle, and the vehicle's on-board charger converts this electricity into the direct current the battery can use. Most home and workplace wallbox solutions work this way.

In DC charging, the conversion takes place inside the charging station, and direct current is fed straight into the vehicle's battery system. That is why DC stations are typically used on journeys and in situations where a large amount of energy needs to be transferred in a short time.

The key point is this: The shape of a socket alone does not determine charging speed. Actual charging power depends on several factors, including the power the vehicle can accept, the charger's capacity, the electrical installation, the phase configuration, current limits and the battery's condition at that moment.

What is Type 2?

Type 2 is one of the core connection standards for AC electric vehicle charging in Europe. Defined under the IEC 62196-2 standard, the Type 2 connector can be used in single-phase or three-phase AC charging applications.

In the technical rules the European Union has set for interoperability of charging infrastructure, the Type 2 connector is also one of the main references for AC charging points. For the relevant EU charging points installed or renovated from 8 January 2026 onwards, reference is made to the current EN IEC 62196-2 standard. This information is not a permit or legal provision concerning private home installations in Türkiye; it shows the direction of technical standardization in Europe.

This is also why Type 2 is so common on AC wallboxes used at home. However, a vehicle having a Type 2 socket does not automatically mean it can charge at 11 kW or 22 kW.

Does a 22 kW Type 2 charger charge every vehicle at 22 kW?

No. For example, even if a wallbox can deliver up to 22 kW, if the vehicle's AC charging acceptance is 11 kW, in practice the vehicle cannot use more AC power than that. Likewise, the building's electrical infrastructure, the number of available phases, the current limit and the installation conditions also affect the result.

For this reason, choosing a charger should not simply be a matter of "getting the highest kW rating." The vehicle's technical specifications should be assessed together with the capacity of the electrical installation. For more detailed information, you can also check out our article How to Choose an Electric Vehicle Charger? 2026 Türkiye Guide.

What is CCS2 (Combo 2)?

CCS2, also known as Combo 2, is one of the main connection architectures used for DC fast charging in Europe. CCS stands for "Combined Charging System."

The basic idea behind CCS2 is very practical: two additional power contacts for high-power DC charging are added to the European Type 2 AC connector layout. As a result, a vehicle with a CCS2 inlet can support AC charging with a suitable Type 2 connector and DC charging with a Combo 2 connector through the same combined vehicle inlet.

CharIN's CCS implementation documents clearly define the use of Type 2 for AC charging and Combo 2 for DC charging in Europe. The European Union's current technical interoperability requirements also include Combo 2 for DC charging points, with reference to the EN IEC 62196-3 standard.

Are Type 2 and CCS2 the same thing?

No, they are not the same thing; but they are related to each other.

Feature	Type 2	CCS2 / Combo 2
Primary use	AC charging	DC charging
Typical scenario	Home, workplace, AC charging points	DC fast charging stations
European standard reference	IEC / EN IEC 62196-2	IEC / EN IEC 62196-3
Charging power	The socket name alone does not determine power; the technical limits of the vehicle and the station are decisive.

What is CHAdeMO?

CHAdeMO is a DC charging standard developed for electric vehicles. Developed by the CHAdeMO Association, the technology is a DC charging protocol that also covers communication between the vehicle and the charger.

CHAdeMO can be found particularly on some Japanese-made and earlier-generation electric vehicles. It would not be accurate to say something like "CHAdeMO has completely disappeared." The standard is still being developed. In fact, the CHAdeMO Association announced CHAdeMO version 2.1 in 2026, introducing updates such as higher current, safety improvements and Plug & Charge readiness.

That said, in terms of the current direction of standardization in European passenger car charging infrastructure, the Type 2 and CCS2/Combo 2 architecture holds a far more central position. Whether a vehicle uses CHAdeMO should always be checked by make, model and year of manufacture.

Which charging socket does my vehicle need?

The safest approach is not to guess, but to check the vehicle's technical documentation. Consider these four pieces of information together:

• The vehicle's AC inlet type: Is it Type 2 or another standard?
• The vehicle's maximum AC charging power: How many kW does the on-board charger accept?
• The vehicle's DC fast charging inlet: Is it CCS2, CHAdeMO or a different connection?
• Your electrical infrastructure: Are the single-phase / three-phase setup, fuse capacity, cable cross-section and installation conditions suitable?

Because the technical specifications of the same car model may vary across model years or markets, it is not correct to draw firm conclusions about the socket and charging power just by looking at the vehicle's name.

Do you need a CCS2 station for home charging?

When it comes to everyday home use, what most users need is to correctly size the AC charging solution supported by their vehicle. CCS2, on the other hand, is mainly used on the DC charging side, and DC fast charging infrastructure is technically a different system from a home AC wallbox installation.

For this reason, the approach "My car has CCS2, so I should buy a CCS2 charger for my home too" is not correct. If the vehicle's combined CCS2 inlet also supports a Type 2 AC connection, a suitable AC solution at home can still work via Type 2.

Be careful when choosing a charging cable or adapter

Connection compatibility is a safety-critical issue for electric vehicles. You should not assume that every adapter sold online is suitable for every vehicle and every charging system. The connection types permitted by the vehicle manufacturer, the cable's current capacity, its compliance with standards and the technical specifications of the charging equipment should all be assessed together.

Especially in charging sessions involving sustained high current, the fact that something "physically fits" does not by itself mean safe and correct use.

How can you choose the right AC charging solution with WiseCar?

When choosing WiseCar's home- and workplace-focused AC charging solutions, we recommend looking not only at the device's maximum power but at the vehicle's socket type, its maximum AC charging acceptance and the capacity of the electrical installation together.

The right match helps you avoid an unnecessary investment in excess capacity, assess your existing electrical infrastructure more accurately, and achieve a more predictable charging experience in daily use.

To learn which factors determine charging time, you can read our guide How to Calculate Electric Vehicle Charging Time?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Type 2 fast charging?

Type 2 is a connection standard; it is not accurate to call it "fast" or "slow" on its own. AC charging power is limited by factors such as the station's output, the vehicle's on-board charger capacity and the electrical infrastructure.

Is CCS2 used only for DC charging?

The Combo 2 connector is used for DC charging. The combined vehicle inlet in the CCS architecture is designed to support AC charging with a suitable Type 2 connector and DC charging with a Combo 2 connector in Europe.

Is CHAdeMO still in use?

Yes. CHAdeMO is a DC charging standard that is still in use and still being developed. However, compatibility varies by vehicle make, model, year of manufacture and market.

Will my vehicle always charge at 22 kW with a 22 kW wallbox?

No. If the vehicle is limited to, for example, 11 kW on the AC side, using a 22 kW wallbox will not allow it to exceed that limit. The installation capacity should also be assessed separately.

Conclusion

Choosing the right connection for electric vehicle charging requires more than just looking at the socket's name. In general, for European-style use, Type 2 is among the core connections for AC charging, and CCS2/Combo 2 among the core connections for DC charging. CHAdeMO, as a different DC charging standard, continues to be used on certain vehicles.

For the best choice, always assess your vehicle manufacturer's technical data together with your electrical infrastructure. To explore WiseCar charging solutions suited to your vehicle and installation, you can browse our products and use our technical support channels.

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Sources

• CharIN – Combined Charging System (CCS) FAQ
• CharIN – Implementation Guide CCS Basic
• EUR-Lex – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/656
• CHAdeMO Association – What is CHAdeMO?
• CHAdeMO Association – CHAdeMO 2.1 (2026)

This content is for general information purposes only. For vehicle and charging equipment compatibility, the vehicle manufacturer's current technical documentation should be taken as the basis.