Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Charging Plugs: What’s the Difference?
When choosing an EV charger, one of the first things to understand is the type of charging connector your electric vehicle uses.
The two most common AC charging connectors are Type 1 and Type 2 plugs. While they perform a similar function, they have different designs and are used by different vehicles.
In Australia, Type 2 has become the standard connector for most newer electric vehicles, while Type 1 is mainly found on some older EV and plug-in hybrid models.
What Is a Type 1 EV Charging Plug?
A Type 1 connector, also known as a J1772 connector, has five pins and is primarily designed for single-phase AC charging.
Type 1 connectors were commonly used on earlier electric vehicles, particularly models originating from Japan and North America.
Vehicles that may use a Type 1 charging connection include some earlier models from:
Nissan
Mitsubishi
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
Other early-generation electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles
If your vehicle has a Type 1 inlet, you can still charge it at many Australian charging locations by using the appropriate Type 2-to-Type 1 charging cable where compatible.
What Is a Type 2 EV Charging Plug?
A Type 2 connector, sometimes called a Mennekes connector, has seven pins and supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging.
Type 2 is now the most common AC EV charging connector in Australia and is used by the majority of newer electric vehicles.
Vehicles commonly equipped with Type 2 charging inlets include models from:
Tesla
Hyundai
Kia
BMW
Mercedes-Benz
Volkswagen
Polestar
Volvo
BYD
MG
Many public and commercial AC charging stations in Australia use a Type 2 socket or tethered Type 2 cable.
Type 1 vs Type 2 EV Chargers
The main difference between Type 1 and Type 2 connectors is their design and charging capability.
Type 1 is generally limited to single-phase AC charging and is more commonly found on older vehicles.
Type 2 can support both single-phase and three-phase charging, allowing compatible vehicles and charging stations to deliver higher AC charging speeds.
For this reason, Type 2 has become the preferred standard for modern EV charging infrastructure in Australia.
Can You Charge a Type 1 EV From a Type 2 Charging Station?
In many cases, yes.
If a public or commercial charger has an untethered Type 2 socket, a driver with a Type 1 vehicle may be able to use a Type 2-to-Type 1 charging cable.
However, compatibility depends on the vehicle, charger and cable, so it is important to confirm the requirements of your particular EV.
A tethered charging station with a permanently attached Type 2 cable will generally require the vehicle itself to have a compatible Type 2 charging inlet.
Which EV Plug Do I Have?
The easiest way to identify your charging connector is to look at the charging inlet on your vehicle.
A Type 1 connector has five pins, while a Type 2 connector has seven pins and a different rounded design.
Your vehicle owner's manual will also specify the charging connection supported by your EV.
Choosing the Right EV Charger
Before installing an EV charger at your home, apartment building, workplace or commercial property, it is important to consider more than just the connector type.
The electrical supply, available capacity, required charging speed, vehicle compatibility and future charging requirements should all be considered.
Future Charging Solutions provides independent advice on EV charging equipment and infrastructure for apartments, commercial properties, workplaces, fleets and public charging sites.
If you are unsure which EV charger or connector is suitable for your vehicle or property, speak with our EV charging specialists.
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Type 1 connectors have five pins and are generally used for single-phase AC charging. Type 2 connectors have seven pins and can support both single-phase and three-phase AC charging. Type 2 is now the most common connector for new electric vehicles in Australia.
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Yes. Type 2 is the standard AC charging connector used by most newer electric vehicles and public AC charging stations in Australia.
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In many cases, yes. If the charging station has an untethered Type 2 socket, you may be able to use a Type 2-to-Type 1 cable. Compatibility should always be confirmed for your specific vehicle and charger.
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Yes. Type 1 charging cables and compatible charging solutions are still available for older EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles that use a Type 1 inlet.
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Type 2 can support higher AC charging rates because it is capable of both single-phase and three-phase charging. However, the actual charging speed depends on the vehicle's onboard charger, the charging station and the site's available electrical capacity.
