Glossary
Type 2 connector (Mennekes, conector tipo 2)
The Type 2 or Mennekes connector (IEC 62196-2) is the European standard for AC charging, single-phase or three-phase, up to 22 kW. It is the plug used by wallboxes and by the electric cars sold in Spain.
What the Type 2 connector is
The Type 2 connector, also called Mennekes after the German company that designed it, is the standard European plug for charging electric cars on alternating current (IEC 62196-2). It has seven contacts: three phases, neutral, earth and two signal pins that let car and charger communicate before and during charging. It supports single-phase and three-phase charging up to 22 kW and is compulsory for all public AC charging in Europe. Any wallbox installed in Spain must have it.
Type 2 or Type 1
Type 1 (SAE J1772) is a single-phase connector of American and Japanese origin that only reaches 7.4 kW. Some older cars used it, such as the first generation Nissan Leaf or some Mitsubishi Outlander hybrids. If your car is Type 1, you do not need a different charger: a Type 2 to Type 1 adaptor cable is enough.
Type 2 versus CCS Combo 2
They are confused because they share the top part. Type 2 is for AC charging (mode 3, at home or at a semi-fast post). CCS Combo 2 adds two thick DC pins underneath for rapid charging (mode 4). A car with a CCS Combo 2 inlet takes the home wallbox’s Type 2 plug in the upper part, and a rapid charger’s plug in the full inlet.
Cable or socket on the charger
A wallbox can have a tethered Type 2 cable, most convenient at home, or a Type 2 socket for your own cable, most practical in communal garages, businesses and hotels.
When to call an electrician
If you are unsure which charger or cable your car needs, we can advise and install it certified: see EV charger installation in Seville, Spain.
Related services
EV charger brands we install
Choosing between EV charger brands in Spain is easier with an installer who is not selling one. In Seville we install the wallbox you choose, or the one that best suits your case: Wallbox, V2C, Circutor, Simon, Schneider, Tesla and other makes. We help you decide on technical grounds, not commercial ones: power, phases, load balancing, solar charging and management.
Home EV charger for houses
EV charger installation in Seville, Spain for your villa or townhouse is a one-day job: a dedicated circuit from your fuse board, its own protection devices, a 7.4 to 22 kW wallbox and a boletín registered with the Junta de Andalucía. In 2026 you can still deduct 15 % in your Spanish income tax return.
Related questions
Related glossary terms
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