It is a common occurrence with any new technology: the initial stages are difficult and filled with competing standards. Each manufacturer develops and uses its standards. It will take time to determine which one wins. The charging connectors for mobile phones were successful, and the same is true for the connectors for charging cables for electric vehicles. Let’s take a look at the various charging connectors available in the world today.
A General Overview Of The Various Types Of Connectors
Three components determine the charging speed: The charging station which is the source and power, the charging cable, and the On-board Charger. We will be looking at the connector, which is an essential part of every charging cable.
The connectors can be grouped by the most common use region. This is an easy way to summarize the information. The majority of AC charging stations do not include an integrated charging cable. This means that the driver can carry the cable that is most suitable for his vehicle. A cable is required for DC fast-charging stations due to security, current and cable price, as well as weight. It is important to choose a station with the right connector.
The following section provides a brief overview of the development process and a description of each connector.
AC Connectors
Inductive connections were used to charge the first electric cars (such as the General Motors EV1), where the current was transmitted via electromagnetic induction. This charging method was not effective enough at the time and it did not win. Today, there are suggestions to return to inductive charging. Inefficiency led to the need for a conductive connector with the elegant name SAE J1772-2001. The connector had to be able to connect with the deck and the infotainment systems.
J1772 – Type 1
This type of connector was used in Australia originally. Much older hybrid or hybrid cars still have Type 1. However, because it is common for electric vehicle drivers to bring their cable, charging at any AC station is easy. This plug has two main problems: it only allows one phase to be used and doesn’t have an automatic locking system.
Mennekes – Type 2
Australian cars used the Type 1 connector until major Australian automakers started looking for a solution that could benefit from all three phases. The Type 2 “MENNEKES”, the plug was developed by new IEC 62196 specifications. It quickly became the European standard. Car manufacturers can manufacture vehicles the same way using both types of plugs (types 1 and 2), and then only install the plug that is appropriate for the market in which the car will be sold. These plugs also have passive adapters. The Type 2 charging cable has another advantage: it can be fitted with an automatic locking system.
Mennekes is the name of the Type 2 plug, as it was developed by a German company with the same name. It was frequently mentioned in the texts that the “Mennekes design” was used, and this term became popular among the general public.