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Nowadays EV chargers come in various types and standards to cater to different charging needs and scenarios. Understanding these classifications of EV chargers is crucial for developing an efficient and user-friendly charging network. This article delves into the classifications of EV chargers in China, Europe, and the United States, highlighting the distinctions between fast and slow charging technologies and exploring the international standards that govern them. By examining these categories, we can better appreciate how they serve different usage contexts and support the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
China Classification of EV Chargers: Parallel Fast and Slow Charging Technologies
Based on the method of current output, charging stations are classified into AC EV Chargers (commonly known as “slow charging”) and DC EV Chargers (commonly known as “fast charging”).
1. AC EV Chargers:
∎These control the current during the charging process. The AC output is converted to DC via the On-Board Charger (OBC) in the electric vehicle, enabling the charging of the power battery.
∎Output power is 7kW, and the charging time is approximately 5-8 hours, suitable for places with long-term parking conditions such as homes and offices.
2.DC EV Chargers:
∎These can directly charge the electric vehicle without going through the OBC.
∎They come in integrated and split structures depending on the power level.
1)Integrated structures typically have 1-2 charging guns with a power range of 60- 180kW.
2)Split structures usually have 6-8 charging guns with power levels of 360kW and 480kW, suitable for locations requiring high charging efficiency, such as shopping malls and highway service areas.
Europe Classification of EV Chargers: Mode 1-4 Based on IEC Standards
European EV Chargers are classified into four types, Mode 1 through Mode 4, based on IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards, defined by voltage/current/power.
| Features | Voltage (V) | Current Category | Current Intensity (A) | Power (kW) | Charging Speed | Application Scenario | |
| Mode 1 | Use a wire to charge the car, one end is a normal plug connected to the wall socket, the other end is a car-side charging plug, there is no communication between the car and the charging device | Single-phase ≤250 Three-phase ≤480 | AC | 16 | 3.3 | Slow Charging | Home charging (prohibited in public places), some countries have banned location scenario |
| Mode 2 | Non-fixed installation, portable AC charging pile with car-pile communication, there is communication during the car-pile charging process | Single-phase ≤250 Three-phase ≤480 | AC | 32 | 6.6 | Slow Charging | Add protection devices and sockets that can carry higher currents, limited to home electrical devices |
| Mode 3 | Fixed installation (wall-mounted or column) other AC charging piles with car-pile communication | Single-phase ≤250 Three-phase ≤480 | AC | 32 | 12 | Slow Charging | Not connected to the home AC power grid, but connected to a dedicated AC charging pile, which integrates protection and control functions and provides good charging safety for electric vehicles. |
| Mode 4 | Fixed DC pile with car-pile communication | 400 | DC | 200 | 50-150 | Fast Charging, 30 minutes-1 hour full | Mainly used in public places (fast charging stations), the charging gun is connected to the AC grid or DC grid flow direct charging pile |
Mode 1-Mode 4:
∎The main distinction lies in whether the charging station communicates with the electric vehicle.
∎Power and charging speed increase progressively from Mode 1 to Mode 4.
United States Classification of EV Chargers: Level 1-3 Based on Voltage/Current/Power
The U.S. broadly categorizes charging methods into three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with Level 3 being DC Fast Charging or Tesla Supercharging, primarily referring to fast charging.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
| Connector | J1772, Tesla | J1772, Tesla | CCS, CHAdeMO, Tesla |
| Voltage | 120V | 240V/208V | 400-900V |
| Current | 10-12A | 12-80A | 100+A |
| Power | 1-1.4kW | 3.9-19.2kW | 24-300kW |
| Charging Speed | 3-5 Miles/hour | 1-80 Miles/hour | 3-20 Miles/minute |
| Current Category | AC | AC | DC |
| Application Scenario | Home, workplace, public places | Home, workplace, public places | Public places |
| Proportion in U.S | 2.10% | 78.90% | 18.90% |
| Others | All electric vehicles are equipped with a J1772 connector | CCS connector suitable for most EV models, CHAdeMO is the Asian standard for Nissan and Mitsubishi, Tesla connector suitable for all types of level 1-3 |
1.Level 1 (120V):
∎The slowest charging option, typically used for residential charging.
2.Level 2 (240V, 9.6-11kW):
∎Provides a moderate charging speed of 10-40 miles per hour.
3.Level 3 (20-480kW or even higher power DC Fast Charging):
∎Offers the fastest charging speeds of 100-300 miles per hour.
As the level increases, so do the charging speed, purchase/installation costs, and operational costs. In both the U.S. and Europe, there is a demand for more EV chargers and faster charging speeds. DC fast chargers have higher voltage and power than AC chargers, resulting in significantly faster charging.
International Charging Station Standards
Currently, the four main international standards for EV chargers are:
1.China National Standard (GB/T)
2.CCS1 (Combo/Type 1) – American Standard
3.CCS2 (Combo/Type 2) – European Standard
4.CHAdeMO – Japanese Standard
For charging stations to enter the U.S. market, they require UL and FCC certifications. To enter the European Union market, CE and TUV certifications are necessary.
