With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), the standardization and diversification of EV charging systems have become critical points of focus for both vehicle owners and manufacturers. The Combined Charging System (CCS) is one of the most widely adopted EV charging standards globally, with two versions: CCS1 and CCS2, catering to different markets.
1. Overview of the CCS Charging System
CCS, short for Combined Charging System, is an EV charging standard that supports both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging. Developed by a coalition of major global automakers and standardization bodies, CCS aims to provide a unified charging interface and protocol to simplify the charging infrastructure and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
1.1 Basic Structure of CCS1 and CCS2
CCS1: Primarily used in North America, this system combines the SAE J1772 (Type 1) connector for AC charging with two additional pins for highpower DC fast charging.
CCS2: Mainly used in Europe, this system is based on the IEC 621962 (Type 2) connector and similarly adds two DC charging pins for highpower DC fast charging.
1.2 Global Application
CCS1: Widely used in the North American market, including the United States and Canada.
CCS2: Predominantly used in Europe but also expanding to other regions like China and South Korea.
2. Key Differences Between CCS2 and CCS1 Chargers
2.1 Physical Interface Design
CCS1 Interface:
Based on the SAE J1772 (Type 1) connector, which is mainly used for singlephase AC charging.
Features the fivepin design of the Type 1 connector, with two additional DC charging pins at the bottom.
The compact design is suitable for vehicles in the North American market.
CCS2 Interface:
Built on the IEC 621962 (Type 2) design, supporting both singlephase and threephase AC charging with seven pins.
The DC charging pins are located below the Type 2 connector.
The larger interface is suitable for the European market, catering to higher power requirements and threephase electrical systems.
2.2 Charging Power and Speed
CCS1 Charging Power:
Supports up to 7.4 kW for singlephase AC charging.
Capable of up to 350 kW for DC fast charging, making it suitable for quick charging stations that can rapidly recharge a vehicle.
CCS2 Charging Power:
Supports up to 22 kW for threephase AC charging, ideal for scenarios that require higher power and faster charging.
Also supports up to 350 kW for DC fast charging, meeting the needs for longdistance travel and quick energy replenishment.
2.3 Market Suitability
CCS1 Market Suitability:
The standard for the North American market, used by almost all EVs sold in North America, including brands like Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and Volkswagen.
Designed to fit the predominantly singlephase electrical system of North America, addressing the local charging needs effectively.
CCS2 Market Suitability:
The standard for the European market, used by most European EV brands such as Audi, MercedesBenz, and Tesla (in Europe).
Takes advantage of Europe’s threephase electrical system to offer more efficient charging solutions.
2.4 Compatibility and Interoperability
CCS1 Compatibility:
Fully compatible with the Type 1 (SAE J1772) AC charging function, allowing use with Type 1 AC charging stations.
Requires adapters to be compatible with charging infrastructure in other regions, such as Europe.
CCS2 Compatibility:
Fully compatible with the Type 2 (IEC 621962) AC charging function, usable with Type 2 charging stations.
Due to the widespread adoption of Type 2 and CCS2 globally, CCS2 interfaces offer higher compatibility and convenience for crossmarket use.
2.5 Manufacturer and Market Adoption
CCS1 Manufacturer Support:
Widely adopted by North American brands like Ford, Chevrolet, BMW, and Volkswagen for their vehicles in the North American market.
Major North American charging networks, such as Electrify America and EVgo, extensively support CCS1 charging.
CCS2 Manufacturer Support:
Supported by European brands like Audi, MercedesBenz, Tesla (in Europe), and BMW.
European charging networks, such as Ionity and Allego, widely deploy CCS2 chargers, supporting a variety of EV charging needs.
3. Application Scenarios for CCS2 and CCS1 Chargers
3.1 Home Charging
CCS1 in Home Charging:
Suitable for use with the singlephase electrical grid common in North American homes, providing safe and stable slow charging through home charging stations.
Easy to install and use, making it ideal for typical household users in North America.
CCS2 in Home Charging:
In Europe, homes with threephase electrical systems can utilize the CCS2 interface for higher power home charging.
Flexible to adapt to various grid environments, from singlephase to threephase, offering versatile charging options.
3.2 Public Charging Stations
CCS1 in Public Charging Stations:
Commonly used in North American public charging stations, servicing a wide range of EV brands.
Provides up to 350 kW of DC fast charging, suitable for scenarios requiring rapid energy replenishment.
CCS2 in Public Charging Stations:
Widely used in European public charging stations, offering up to 350 kW of fast charging for longdistance travel needs.
Compatible with various brands and models, extensively used across Europe’s public charging infrastructure.
3.3 LongDistance Travel and Highway Charging
CCS1 in LongDistance Travel:
The fast charging capability of CCS1 makes it a primary choice for highway service areas in North America, facilitating quick recharges during long trips.
Supported by a wideranging network in North America, ensuring broad coverage for different EV models.
CCS2 in LongDistance Travel:
The highpower charging capability of CCS2 makes it a preferred option for highway service areas in Europe, aiding quick recharges during long journeys.
Europe’s dense CCS2 charging network ensures convenience and accessibility for EV charging during extended travels.
3.4 Commercial and Public Facilities
CCS1 in Commercial Facilities:
Suitable for commercial fleets in North America that require frequent charging, offering efficient charging solutions.
Widely installed in North American public facilities, providing accessible charging options for the public.
CCS2 in Commercial Facilities:
Suitable for European commercial fleets needing highpower charging, providing rapid charging solutions.
Widely installed in European public facilities, offering convenient charging services.
CCS2 and CCS1 are critical global EV charging standards, playing significant roles in the European and North American markets, respectively. They differ in physical interface design, charging power, market suitability, and compatibility. Whether for home charging, public charging stations, longdistance travel, or commercial and public facilities, CCS2 and CCS1 offer flexible and efficient charging solutions for EV users. Understanding these differences and application scenarios helps vehicle owners and manufacturers better choose and deploy suitable charging systems to meet the diverse charging needs across different markets.
