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

CCS1 vs. Type 2 (Mennekes)

Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.

Comparing:
CCS1
Type 2 (Mennekes)

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 →

The IEC 62196 Type 2 Connector (originally developed by Mennekes and mandated by the European Union under Directive 2014/94/EU) is the universal AC charging standard across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Featuring a 7-pin circular housing, it supports both single-phase (up to 7.4 kW) and 3-phase AC charging (up to 400V / 63A / 43.5 kW).

View full Type 2 (Mennekes) spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

13 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Standardization
SAE J1772 / IEC 62196-3 (Configuration FF) / ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge) IEC 62196-2 (Type 2) / VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2 (Mennekes)
Connector Architecture
Combo inlet: Upper J1772 socket (uses CP, PP, PE) + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ and 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)
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)
Pin Count & Configuration
7 pins: Line 1 (L1), Line 2 (L2), Line 3 (L3), Neutral (N), Protective Earth (PE), Control Pilot (CP), Proximity Pilot (PP)
AC Phase Support
Single-phase (230V) and Three-phase AC (400V)
Maximum Current & Power
Single-phase: 32A @ 230V (7.4 kW) | 3-phase: 16A @ 400V (11 kW), 32A (22 kW), up to 63A (43.5 kW AC)
Vehicle-Side Locking
Internal motorized solenoid pin inside car socket locks the plug securely during charging (anti-theft and safety lock)
Untethered Public Charging
European public AC chargers feature universal Type 2 female sockets; drivers carry their own Mode 3 Type 2 cable
Mandatory Regional Territory
European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India (for Type 2 AC)