Types of connectors for electric vehicle charging

There are four different connectors in North America used to charge electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Some vehicles are sold with adapters to be compatible with more connectors.

Learn to identify the connectors compatible with your vehicle. This information will be helpful for:

using a fast-charging station (DCFC);
using a Level 2 public charging station;
choosing your home charging station.

J1772 Connector

Description: The J1772 connector is the most widely used. It has five pins and is relatively compact.

Charging station type: It is found on Level 2 charging stations (both public and residential) as well as on Level 1 portable chargers that can be plugged into 120-volt sockets.

Compatible vehicles: The J1772 connector is compatible with almost all plug-in hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Tesla vehicles require a J1772 adapter to use it.

CCS Combo Connector

Description: The CCS Combo connector consists of a J1772 connector plus two additional pins that enable DC fast charging.

Charging station type: This connector is found exclusively on fast-charging stations (DCFC).

Compatible vehicles: Most fully electric vehicles can use this connector, except for Tesla vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid vehicles are generally not compatible with this connector or with fast-charging stations.

CHAdeMO Connector

Description: The CHAdeMO connector is designed for high-power DC fast charging.

Charging station type: This connector is found exclusively on fast-charging stations (DCFC).

Compatible vehicles: Only Nissan and Mitsubishi vehicles can use this connector directly. The connector is being phased out and replaced by the NACS connector.

NACS Connector

Description: The NACS connector was developed by Tesla.

Charging station type: It is used at all Tesla charging stations, from residential chargers to Superchargers.

Compatible vehicles: The NACS connector can be used to charge all Tesla models.

Since 2022, other automakers have begun equipping their electric vehicles with NACS-compatible charging ports or offering adapters. As a result, various EV models can now connect to Tesla charging stations.

Connectors on public charging stations

Level 2 Charging Stations

Here are the two types of charging connectors that can be found at the end of Level 2 charging station cables, including residential and public charging stations: