# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison EV Charging

CCS1 vs. CCS2

Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.

Comparing:
CCS1
CCS2

CCS Combo 1 (standardized under SAE J1772 and IEC 62196-3) combines the upper 5-pin J1772 AC inlet with two large dedicated DC power pins below into a single vehicle inlet. Enabling DC fast-charging up to 350 kW (500A @ 1000V DC) using High-Level Communication (HLC) over HomePlug Green PHY Power Line Communication (PLC).

View full CCS1 spec sheet →

CCS Combo 2 (standardized under IEC 62196-3 and mandated across the European Union) combines the upper 7-pin Type 2 Mennekes inlet with two heavy DC power pins below. Supporting up to 350 kW to 500 kW DC fast-charging (500A @ 1000V DC) alongside native 3-phase AC charging, it is the dominant global fast-charging standard outside North America.

View full CCS2 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Standardization
SAE J1772 / IEC 62196-3 (Configuration FF) / ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge) IEC 62196-3 / ISO 15118 / DIN 70121
Connector Architecture
Combo inlet: Upper J1772 socket (uses CP, PP, PE) + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ and DC-) Combo inlet: Upper Type 2 socket + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ / DC-)
Maximum DC Charging Rate
Up to 500 A continuous (liquid-cooled cables) at 200V to 1000V DC (up to 350 kW to 400 kW peak) Up to 500 A continuous at 1000 V DC (350 kW standard, up to 500 kW in high-power megawatt systems)
Signaling / Communication Protocol
DIN 70121 / ISO 15118 via HomePlug Green PHY Power Line Communication (PLC) modulated onto Control Pilot pin
Plug & Charge Automated Auth
ISO 15118 encrypted PKI certificate exchange handles automated billing without RFID cards or mobile apps
DC Contactors
Dedicated vehicle high-voltage DC contactors bypass the onboard AC charger to feed battery pack directly
Deployments
Electrify America, EVgo, Flo (North American DC fast-charging networks for non-Tesla EVs prior to J3400 transition)
AC Charging Support
Native 3-phase AC up to 22 kW / 43.5 kW when connecting standard Type 2 AC cables
Vehicle Mechanical Interlock
Electromechanical locking pin in car inlet holds heavy liquid-cooled DC cable securely against terminal strain
Global Mandate
Mandatory standard across the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, and Latin America
Tesla European Fleet
All Tesla Model 3, Y, S, and X sold in Europe feature native CCS Combo 2 inlets (and Superchargers feature dual CCS2 cables)