Type 1 (J1772) vs. Type 2 (Mennekes)
Comparing 2 standards across 10 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
The SAE J1772 Connector (standardized as IEC 62196 Type 1, commonly called the J-Plug) is the standard single-phase AC charging interface for electric vehicles across North America and Japan. Featuring a 5-pin circular plug layout with an integrated mechanical top latch, it delivers Level 1 (120V / 16A / 1.9 kW) and Level 2 (208–240V / up to 80A / 19.2 kW) power.
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).
Specification Comparison Table
10 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
SAE J1772 / IEC 62196-2 (Type 1) | IEC 62196-2 (Type 2) / VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2 (Mennekes) |
|
Pin Count & Configuration
|
5 pins: Line 1 (L1), Neutral/Line 2 (N/L2), Protective Earth (PE), Control Pilot (CP), Proximity Pilot (PP) | 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 AC only (120V Level 1 or 208-240V Level 2) | Single-phase (230V) and Three-phase AC (400V) |
|
Maximum Current & Power
|
Up to 80 A continuous at 240 V AC (19.2 kW theoretical max; typical home EVSE is 32A to 48A / 7.7 to 11.5 kW) | Single-phase: 32A @ 230V (7.4 kW) | 3-phase: 16A @ 400V (11 kW), 32A (22 kW), up to 63A (43.5 kW AC) |
|
Signaling / Communication Protocol
|
1 kHz Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) square wave on Control Pilot pin (+12V open, +9V EV detected, +6V charging) | — |
|
Mechanical Latch
|
Spring-loaded thumb release lever with microswitch on Proximity Pilot (terminates current before mechanical disconnect) | — |
|
Regional Deployment
|
Standard AC inlet on non-Tesla EVs in North America (pre-2025) and Japan (Nissan Leaf, Toyota Prius Prime, Chevy Bolt) | — |
|
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) |