Once upon a time, it would take you hours to get just a mile out of an electric car. These early vehicles' batteries were slow, and their charging apparatus was inefficient. Over time, the way EVs are made has changed; they're now sleek, modern and capable of dealing with much greater power input.
But it's not just green automobiles that have been evolving. The charging systems they use have also been improving with them. There are four main types of connectors that are used nowadays: two for AC (alternating current) power and two for DC (direct current) power. The AC ones are Europe's Type 2 (Mennekes) and North America's Type 1 connectors. These are what you use to charge at slower charging spots or in your home.
Then, for DC charging, there's CHAdeMO, originating from Japan and CCS (Combined Charging System), which is used in North America and Europe. CCS is the most popular DC connector, so it's worth learning about if you're an EV owner, a prospective buyer, or just to understand the secrets behind the latest tech. In this article, we'll give you the need to know so you can get the most out of your car.
CCS is used by all sorts of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The goal of CCS was to create a universal charging system that could be used across different EV models and brands, thereby promoting interoperability and simplifying the powering process for drivers.
CCS charging is unique in that it combines both AC and DC capabilities into a single plug. This means that CCS stations can deliver power to EVs using either the slower AC method or the much faster DC one, depending on the vehicle's ability and the charging point you use. Furthermore, there are two versions of the CCS available: the CCS1 (combining it with the Type 1 connector) in America and the CCS2 (combining it with the Type 2 connector) in Europe.
Compared to other charging standards like CHAdeMO, CCS has several advantages. First, it is backed by a wider range of manufacturers, which means that it is compatible with a larger number of EV models. Second, the combination of AC and DC charging in a single plug makes CCS stations more versatile and future-proof, as they can accommodate both older EVs with slower capabilities and newer models that can handle faster DC charging.
Another key advantage is its higher power output. While CHAdeMO maxes out at around 50 kW, CCS points can deliver up to 350 kW of power, which translates to much faster powering times. This is particularly important for long-distance travel, as it means that EV drivers can recharge their vehicles in minutes rather than hours.
If you're looking for greater insights into the differences between CHAdeMO, CCS and other connectors, check out our discussion on ‘Are All Electric Car Chargers The Same?’
When an EV is connected to a CCS point, the vehicle and the charging station communicate with each other to determine the maximum power output that can be safely delivered. This communication happens through the CP (control pilot) and PP (proximity pilot) pins on the connector, which exchange information about the vehicle's battery status, powering capabilities, and other important parameters.
Once communication is established, the station can begin delivering power to the EV. In AC charging, the vehicle's onboard charger converts the alternating current into direct current, which is then used to charge the battery. DC powering, on the other hand, bypasses the onboard charger and delivers direct current straight to the cell, allowing for much faster speeds.
That's essentially it.
However, to ensure safety, CCS stations are equipped with various protection details, such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, and ground fault detection. These features continuously monitor the charging process and can quickly shut down the power supply if any abnormalities are detected, preventing damage to the vehicle or the equipment.
Additionally, CCS plugs also incorporate advanced power management and load-balancing capabilities. This allows them to optimise power delivery based on the available grid capacity and the number of vehicles being charged simultaneously, ensuring that each vehicle receives the maximum possible charging speed without overloading the grid.
But as with anything, there's always a downside. Fortunately, these issues are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they're still worth knowing.
It can be hard to tell what sort of connectors each charging location has. Each seems to have different points, speeds and prices. Simply put, finding a compatible point can be a hassle.
But there is a way to quickly discover stations and never need to worry about range (or connector) anxiety again. And we've made it.
Our app, OVO Charge powered by Bonnet, lets you access over 400,000 chargers across multiple networks through a single app. This not only makes it easier to find nearby stations but also streamlines the process by offering details like availability and charging specs.
One of our standout features is our "Boosts," which allow users to save up to 15% on charges within partner networks. These Boosts are available in different tiers, including a free PAYG rate, a Light Boost with a 10% discount, and a Turbo Boost offering a 15% discount. Each tier provides its own set of additional benefits, like live charging status updates and access to an improved route planner.
We hope that by making EVs more affordable and accessible, we can make owning and driving one much more enjoyable. Ready to streamline your EV charging experience? Download OVO Charge powered by Bonnet and embrace a simpler, more accessible way to charge your electric vehicle.
CCS charging is a huge upgrade for electric cars, as now, drivers can fill their cars in minutes. It's a huge milestone, one that is sure to keep improving in the future. More and more ultra-rapid points are being built across the country to take into account these new speeds. Hence, with the insight you've gathered from the article, you'll be well-placed to take advantage of CCS charging and everything that comes with it.
No, you cannot plug a Type 2 connector directly into a CCS charging port. CCS charging ports are designed to accept CCS connectors, which include both the Type 2 connector for AC charging and two additional DC pins for fast charging.
Yes, CCS charging is significantly faster than Type 2 charging. While Type 2 charging is limited to AC charging, typically at rates of up to 22 kW, CCS charging enables DC charging at rates of up to 350 kW. This means that CCS charging can replenish an EV battery to 80% capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, compared to several hours for Type 2 charging.
In general, CCS charging can deliver higher power outputs and faster charging speeds than CHAdeMO. While CHAdeMO charging is typically limited to around 50-100 kW, CCS charging can support power outputs of up to 350 kW.
Once upon a time, it would take you hours to get just a mile out of an electric car. These early vehicles' batteries were slow, and their charging apparatus was inefficient. Over time, the way EVs are made has changed; they're now sleek, modern and capable of dealing with much greater power input.
But it's not just green automobiles that have been evolving. The charging systems they use have also been improving with them. There are four main types of connectors that are used nowadays: two for AC (alternating current) power and two for DC (direct current) power. The AC ones are Europe's Type 2 (Mennekes) and North America's Type 1 connectors. These are what you use to charge at slower charging spots or in your home.
Then, for DC charging, there's CHAdeMO, originating from Japan and CCS (Combined Charging System), which is used in North America and Europe. CCS is the most popular DC connector, so it's worth learning about if you're an EV owner, a prospective buyer, or just to understand the secrets behind the latest tech. In this article, we'll give you the need to know so you can get the most out of your car.
CCS is used by all sorts of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The goal of CCS was to create a universal charging system that could be used across different EV models and brands, thereby promoting interoperability and simplifying the powering process for drivers.
CCS charging is unique in that it combines both AC and DC capabilities into a single plug. This means that CCS stations can deliver power to EVs using either the slower AC method or the much faster DC one, depending on the vehicle's ability and the charging point you use. Furthermore, there are two versions of the CCS available: the CCS1 (combining it with the Type 1 connector) in America and the CCS2 (combining it with the Type 2 connector) in Europe.
Compared to other charging standards like CHAdeMO, CCS has several advantages. First, it is backed by a wider range of manufacturers, which means that it is compatible with a larger number of EV models. Second, the combination of AC and DC charging in a single plug makes CCS stations more versatile and future-proof, as they can accommodate both older EVs with slower capabilities and newer models that can handle faster DC charging.
Another key advantage is its higher power output. While CHAdeMO maxes out at around 50 kW, CCS points can deliver up to 350 kW of power, which translates to much faster powering times. This is particularly important for long-distance travel, as it means that EV drivers can recharge their vehicles in minutes rather than hours.
If you're looking for greater insights into the differences between CHAdeMO, CCS and other connectors, check out our discussion on ‘Are All Electric Car Chargers The Same?’
When an EV is connected to a CCS point, the vehicle and the charging station communicate with each other to determine the maximum power output that can be safely delivered. This communication happens through the CP (control pilot) and PP (proximity pilot) pins on the connector, which exchange information about the vehicle's battery status, powering capabilities, and other important parameters.
Once communication is established, the station can begin delivering power to the EV. In AC charging, the vehicle's onboard charger converts the alternating current into direct current, which is then used to charge the battery. DC powering, on the other hand, bypasses the onboard charger and delivers direct current straight to the cell, allowing for much faster speeds.
That's essentially it.
However, to ensure safety, CCS stations are equipped with various protection details, such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, and ground fault detection. These features continuously monitor the charging process and can quickly shut down the power supply if any abnormalities are detected, preventing damage to the vehicle or the equipment.
Additionally, CCS plugs also incorporate advanced power management and load-balancing capabilities. This allows them to optimise power delivery based on the available grid capacity and the number of vehicles being charged simultaneously, ensuring that each vehicle receives the maximum possible charging speed without overloading the grid.
But as with anything, there's always a downside. Fortunately, these issues are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they're still worth knowing.
It can be hard to tell what sort of connectors each charging location has. Each seems to have different points, speeds and prices. Simply put, finding a compatible point can be a hassle.
But there is a way to quickly discover stations and never need to worry about range (or connector) anxiety again. And we've made it.
Our app, OVO Charge powered by Bonnet, lets you access over 400,000 chargers across multiple networks through a single app. This not only makes it easier to find nearby stations but also streamlines the process by offering details like availability and charging specs.
One of our standout features is our "Boosts," which allow users to save up to 15% on charges within partner networks. These Boosts are available in different tiers, including a free PAYG rate, a Light Boost with a 10% discount, and a Turbo Boost offering a 15% discount. Each tier provides its own set of additional benefits, like live charging status updates and access to an improved route planner.
We hope that by making EVs more affordable and accessible, we can make owning and driving one much more enjoyable. Ready to streamline your EV charging experience? Download OVO Charge powered by Bonnet and embrace a simpler, more accessible way to charge your electric vehicle.
CCS charging is a huge upgrade for electric cars, as now, drivers can fill their cars in minutes. It's a huge milestone, one that is sure to keep improving in the future. More and more ultra-rapid points are being built across the country to take into account these new speeds. Hence, with the insight you've gathered from the article, you'll be well-placed to take advantage of CCS charging and everything that comes with it.
Once upon a time, it would take you hours to get just a mile out of an electric car. These early vehicles' batteries were slow, and their charging apparatus was inefficient. Over time, the way EVs are made has changed; they're now sleek, modern and capable of dealing with much greater power input.
But it's not just green automobiles that have been evolving. The charging systems they use have also been improving with them. There are four main types of connectors that are used nowadays: two for AC (alternating current) power and two for DC (direct current) power. The AC ones are Europe's Type 2 (Mennekes) and North America's Type 1 connectors. These are what you use to charge at slower charging spots or in your home.
Then, for DC charging, there's CHAdeMO, originating from Japan and CCS (Combined Charging System), which is used in North America and Europe. CCS is the most popular DC connector, so it's worth learning about if you're an EV owner, a prospective buyer, or just to understand the secrets behind the latest tech. In this article, we'll give you the need to know so you can get the most out of your car.
CCS is used by all sorts of the world's leading automotive manufacturers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche, and Volkswagen. The goal of CCS was to create a universal charging system that could be used across different EV models and brands, thereby promoting interoperability and simplifying the powering process for drivers.
CCS charging is unique in that it combines both AC and DC capabilities into a single plug. This means that CCS stations can deliver power to EVs using either the slower AC method or the much faster DC one, depending on the vehicle's ability and the charging point you use. Furthermore, there are two versions of the CCS available: the CCS1 (combining it with the Type 1 connector) in America and the CCS2 (combining it with the Type 2 connector) in Europe.
Compared to other charging standards like CHAdeMO, CCS has several advantages. First, it is backed by a wider range of manufacturers, which means that it is compatible with a larger number of EV models. Second, the combination of AC and DC charging in a single plug makes CCS stations more versatile and future-proof, as they can accommodate both older EVs with slower capabilities and newer models that can handle faster DC charging.
Another key advantage is its higher power output. While CHAdeMO maxes out at around 50 kW, CCS points can deliver up to 350 kW of power, which translates to much faster powering times. This is particularly important for long-distance travel, as it means that EV drivers can recharge their vehicles in minutes rather than hours.
If you're looking for greater insights into the differences between CHAdeMO, CCS and other connectors, check out our discussion on ‘Are All Electric Car Chargers The Same?’
When an EV is connected to a CCS point, the vehicle and the charging station communicate with each other to determine the maximum power output that can be safely delivered. This communication happens through the CP (control pilot) and PP (proximity pilot) pins on the connector, which exchange information about the vehicle's battery status, powering capabilities, and other important parameters.
Once communication is established, the station can begin delivering power to the EV. In AC charging, the vehicle's onboard charger converts the alternating current into direct current, which is then used to charge the battery. DC powering, on the other hand, bypasses the onboard charger and delivers direct current straight to the cell, allowing for much faster speeds.
That's essentially it.
However, to ensure safety, CCS stations are equipped with various protection details, such as over-voltage protection, over-current protection, and ground fault detection. These features continuously monitor the charging process and can quickly shut down the power supply if any abnormalities are detected, preventing damage to the vehicle or the equipment.
Additionally, CCS plugs also incorporate advanced power management and load-balancing capabilities. This allows them to optimise power delivery based on the available grid capacity and the number of vehicles being charged simultaneously, ensuring that each vehicle receives the maximum possible charging speed without overloading the grid.
But as with anything, there's always a downside. Fortunately, these issues are relatively insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they're still worth knowing.
It can be hard to tell what sort of connectors each charging location has. Each seems to have different points, speeds and prices. Simply put, finding a compatible point can be a hassle.
But there is a way to quickly discover stations and never need to worry about range (or connector) anxiety again. And we've made it.
Our app, OVO Charge powered by Bonnet, lets you access over 400,000 chargers across multiple networks through a single app. This not only makes it easier to find nearby stations but also streamlines the process by offering details like availability and charging specs.
One of our standout features is our "Boosts," which allow users to save up to 15% on charges within partner networks. These Boosts are available in different tiers, including a free PAYG rate, a Light Boost with a 10% discount, and a Turbo Boost offering a 15% discount. Each tier provides its own set of additional benefits, like live charging status updates and access to an improved route planner.
We hope that by making EVs more affordable and accessible, we can make owning and driving one much more enjoyable. Ready to streamline your EV charging experience? Download OVO Charge powered by Bonnet and embrace a simpler, more accessible way to charge your electric vehicle.
CCS charging is a huge upgrade for electric cars, as now, drivers can fill their cars in minutes. It's a huge milestone, one that is sure to keep improving in the future. More and more ultra-rapid points are being built across the country to take into account these new speeds. Hence, with the insight you've gathered from the article, you'll be well-placed to take advantage of CCS charging and everything that comes with it.
No, you cannot plug a Type 2 connector directly into a CCS charging port. CCS charging ports are designed to accept CCS connectors, which include both the Type 2 connector for AC charging and two additional DC pins for fast charging.
Yes, CCS charging is significantly faster than Type 2 charging. While Type 2 charging is limited to AC charging, typically at rates of up to 22 kW, CCS charging enables DC charging at rates of up to 350 kW. This means that CCS charging can replenish an EV battery to 80% capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes, compared to several hours for Type 2 charging.
In general, CCS charging can deliver higher power outputs and faster charging speeds than CHAdeMO. While CHAdeMO charging is typically limited to around 50-100 kW, CCS charging can support power outputs of up to 350 kW.
