Whether they are plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or BEVs (all-electric vehicles), an EV technician is responsible for knowing about different types of charging connectors and how they provide power to the vehicle's batteries.

Why are there so many different EV charging connectors?

The EV field has evolved differently around the world, and the variety of EV charging connectors reflects the differences between companies and regions. North America has adopted its own standard for EV connectors, Type 1, also known as J1772. In Europe, Type 2 connectors are standard, also known as Mennekes.

Diverse companies developing their own connectors is another major reason for the variety in EV charging connectors. The best-known example of this is Tesla, which developed its own proprietary connector which combines both AC and DC charging in a single connector.

Some history about EVs and charging

Over 100 years ago, electric cars were briefly more popular than internal combustion vehicles. Canada's first EV was built for a Toronto attorney in 1893. Several other manufacturers, from Canada Cycle & Motor (now bicycle maker CCM), Ivanhoe, and Tate, made electric cars around the turn of the 20th century.

However, these antique EVs were challenged by a limited range and charging options. Some entrepreneurs set up "electric stables" for charging, and others swapped out fully-charged batteries. The early EVs quickly lost popularity to internal combustion vehicles when starter motors were introduced, eliminating the need to crank start cars with combustion engines.

Another more recent historical fact? In the United States, California led early EV efforts with its air quality mandates in the 1990s. Toyota and GM both made EVs which used "Magne-Charge" connectors made by Delco. These connectors were inductive: in other words, no direct contact was needed to charge the vehicle, similar to wireless phone charging that we use today.

What is the purpose of the different EV connector types?

The primary difference in EV charging is how the power is delivered. Remember the early days of electrical power when Edison promoted DC (direct current) and Westinghouse promoted AC (alternating current)? Level 1 and 2 chargers deliver power via AC. Level 3 fast chargers deliver power via direct current, and this is the technology that enables them to charge faster than Levels 1 and 2.

Using the basic J1772 plug design, EVs and most plug-in hybrids can access power via Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging.

Here's the run-down of the different EV charger levels, their inputs, and how much time they take to charge:

• Level 1 EV Chargers: 120 V input (standard electrical outlets) take 8 to over 50 hours to charge.
• Level 2 EV Chargers: 208/240 V input (household appliance outlets) take 4 to 10 hours to charge.
• Level 3 EV Chargers: 480 V input (DC outlet) take 25-30 minutes to charge.

All EVs have a cable and standard connector, the SAE Combo or J1772 plug, that will connect to a Level 1 charger at home or elsewhere. This type of basic home charging is suitable for people who commute and drive less than 30 or 40 miles a day. Hybrid plug-in vehicles and all-electric vehicles can both use Level 1 charging, although it is slow.

Level 2 charging uses the 240 or 208 volt outlets which power appliances. Level 2 chargers typically use a charging station which is plugged into the 240/208 volt outlet. The SAE Combo/J1772 EV connector plugs into the charging station. EV batteries can be charged in four to 10 hours using Level 2 charging stations either at home, at work, or in public places.

Charging faster and driving farther

Delivering power as quickly as possible is the goal of Level 3 EV charging, and Tesla pioneered this technology in 2012. Teslas can be charged at Level 1 or Level 2 stations by using an adapter. The connector developed by Tesla is often called the "Tesla connector," but it is officially referred to as the North American Charging Standard (NACS) plug. Tesla opened this technology up to all car manufacturers in 2022, and the NACS connector is now in use for newer EV models from many car makers.

Another connector, the CHAdeMO, was developed by Japanese EV makers, which also supports DC fast charging. CHAdeMO plugs date back to the 1990s and are found in the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and the Toyota Prius PHEV. Tesla vehicles can use the CHAdeMO connector with an adapter.

Understanding EV charging connectors as an EV technician

Understanding EV charging connectors is essential for an EV technician, as interoperability plays a critical role in ensuring efficient charging and operation. In North America, Tesla has built a vast network of Level 3 charging stations that use its proprietary NACS ("Tesla") connector, which is currently only compatible with Tesla vehicles or those equipped with a DC adapter meeting safety standards. As of 2023, Ford began incorporating the NACS connector into their vehicles, and by 2025, several major automakers—including Audi, BMW, GM, Hyundai, Honda, and others—will adopt the NACS connector for their EVs.

As an EV technician, it’s crucial to stay updated with these changes, since, the NACS charging connector will become the primary standard for fast charging across North America. This means that EV technicians will need to be knowledgeable not only about NACS connectors but also about other types of charging connectors to ensure they can service a wide range of vehicles and charging stations. Familiarity with these systems will be essential as the landscape of EV charging continues to evolve, and technicians who can navigate these different technologies will be in high demand.

If you're considering enrolling in the EV Technician Certificate Program and want to learn more about how it can help you advance in this growing field, reach out to us today! Call us toll-free at 1-888-553-5333 or email [email protected] to get all the details and take the next step in your career.