There are four types of EV connectors: slow charging connectors, fast charging connectors, rapid charging connectors, and ultra-rapid charging connections. These connectors are designed for low or high power use and support DC or AC charging. In the following section, we will explain all four types in detail.
Rapid and ultra-Rapid charging EV connectors:
They support the quickest charging for electronic cars and support both Ac and Dc charging. They are usually installed on motorways and highways and can charge the electronic vehicle up to 80 % within 10 to 15 minutes depending upon the car model. Initially, the rapid and ultra-rapid charging EV connector supports fast charging, but once the charging reaches 80 %, the charging speed starts to reduce.
AC and DC rapid charging EV connectors:
The power provided by DC rapid charging EV connectors is at 50 kilowatts (125A), and it either uses CCS or CHAdeMO charging standards. They are shown on Zao-Map using purple icons. They are the most usual category of EV connectors and can charge an EV up to 80 % within 20 minutes, depending upon the capacity of the battery. Conversely, an AC rapid charging EV connector provides power at 43 kilowatts (63A, three-phase). It uses the charging standard of type 2. Rapid AC charging EV connectors can charge an EV up to 80% within the time of 20-40 minutes, depending upon the model of the car.
DC ultra-rapid charging EV connectors:
The power provided by DC ultra-rapid charging EV connectors is at 100 kilowatts or even more. They can be either 100 kilowatts, 150 kilowatts, or 350 kilowatts. They are considered the charge point of the next generation that can keep EV charging time as low as possible regardless of the EV model. DC ultra-rapid charging EV connectors can charge even a large battery within 20-30 minutes. These can even be used by EVs that only support a maximum of up to 50 kilowatts DC.
Fast charging EV connectors:
They provide power usually at 7 kilowatts or 22 kilowatts. Most fast-charging EV connectors support AC charging, but some 25 kilowatts DC chargers are also installed with CHAdeMO or CCS connectors. A 7 kilowatts fast-charging EV connector can charge a battery of 40 kilowatts hour within 4-5 hours and is charged within 1-2 hours by 22 kilowatts fast EV charging connector. These EV connectors are installed at supermarkets, parks, and leisure centers, where you will usually park your EV for an hour or even more. The fast charger’s rate of charging depends on the onboard charger of the EV car. All EV models do not accept 7 kilowatts or more, but they can still use the charging point. These EVs can only utilize maximum power as supported by their onboard chargers.
Slow charging EV connectors:
Most slow charging EV connectors are considered to provide power at 3 kilowatts, but in reality, slow charging is done between 2.3 kilowatts and 6 kilowatts. The most common slow charging EV connector type is rated at 3.6 kilowatts (16A). Slow charging via a three-pin plug usually sees the car draw 2.3 kilowatts (16A). Whereas the rating of most of the lamp-post slow charging EV connectors is 5.5 kilowatts, however, some are even rated at 3 kilowatts. The time of charging depends upon the EV and the charging unit. A 3 kilowatts unit charges fully within 6-12 hours. Usually, these types of charging units are not tethered and require a cable for connecting the EV and the charging point.
As slow charging requires a longer time than fast charging, using slow charging EV connectors in public areas is getting out of fashion. Slow charging requires a 3-pin socket as it requires a higher current and longer time to charge. It is suggested that the people who have to charge at home or the workplace regularly need to have a dedicated unit for charging EVs, and it has to be installed by a professional installer.