CCS Combo 2 (European rapid charging connector)

What CCS Combo 2 is

CCS Combo 2 (Combined Charging System) is the DC rapid charging connector used by every new electric car sold in Europe. In rapid charging, the external charger converts the current and delivers it straight to the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard charger. This is mode 4, at 50 kW on a rapid charger, 150 kW on the most common motorway (highway) units and up to 350 or 400 kW on ultra-rapid ones.

CCS Combo 2 and Type 2

CCS Combo 2 is literally a Type 2 connector with two thick pins added underneath. So the car inlet does both jobs:

• Top part: the Type 2 cable from your home wallbox or a fast public post, on AC up to 22 kW.
• Whole inlet: the CCS cable at a charging station, on DC and at much higher power.

If you bring a car from the US, check its inlet: American models use different connectors.

CCS Combo 2 or CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is the Japanese rapid charging connector fitted to the Nissan Leaf and a few other models. In Europe it is being phased out: manufacturers and public networks have standardised on CCS Combo 2.

When it affects you

Rapid charging is not installed at home: a DC charger needs a lot of power and, above 50 kW, a project, an OCA inspection and often medium voltage. It does make sense for companies with fleets, dealerships, workshops and large retail sites. Also, daily rapid charging wears the battery more than slow charging.

For businesses

If your business wants to offer rapid charging to customers or its fleet, see EV charging for fleets and EV charging for hotels and shops in Seville, Spain.