Do All Electric Vehicles Use The Same Charger?

Generally, Most U.S. EVs use the same plugs for Level 1 & Level 2 chargers, but DC fast chargers vary by manufacturer and region.

Published On: August 2, 2023


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Do all Electric Cars Use the Same Charger? – Mazda MX-30

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Types of electric vehicle chargers and plugs

Are electric car chargers universal?


As electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular, a lot of consumers have questions about the different options and other aspects of owning an EV. One of the most common areas of confusion is around charging, as there’s a lot of complex terminology about the different levels of charging and types of plugs.

The good news is that most EVs in North America use the same plugs for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, or come with an adapter. However, there are several differences for EVs equipped with DC fast-charging capabilities depending on the manufacturer and region.

Let's dig into the details and explore the different types of EV chargers and how they work.

 

Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers and Plugs

From common Level 1 chargers to high-powered DC fast chargers, here's a breakdown of some of the different chargers and plugs available for EVs today. We’ve also included a visual reference as a guide:

Electric Vehicle Charging Levels

  • Level 1 chargers are the most fundamental type of electric vehicle charger, but are generally the slowest with a typical charging rate of around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour (RPH). Level 1 charging cables use a J1772 connector, also known as a J plug, that connects to the vehicle. The other end can then be plugged in to a standard, grounded 120V electrical outlet. Most EV manufacturers use the J1772 connector, though Tesla’s NACS Plug is being looked at as a new public charging standard in the US, and it may become more common in the coming years.

    The accessibility of this type of charging makes it a convenient option for those without access to dedicated charging stations. It’s ideal for overnight charging at home or in a workplace, where drivers have ample time to charge the vehicle.

    However, the plug’s slower charging rate means that Level 1 charging may not be adequate for those who frequently travel long distances or have limited time to charge their vehicle. Nonetheless, Level 1 charging can be a cost-effective and practical option for many EV drivers, particularly those with a short daily commute and easy access to an electrical outlet.

  • Level 2, as you might imagine, is a step-up from Level 1 charging, offering a speedier way to charge your electric vehicle. With a charging speed of around 10 - 20 miles of RPH, Level 2 chargers can completely charge most electric vehicles in just a few hours, which is why it’s currently the most widely used charger at public EV charging stations.

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    Level 2 charging also typically uses a J1772 connector or the NACS Plug, but requires a 208V-240V circuit that must be installed in the driver’s home or workplace and can incur additional setup costs. However, once installed, Level 2 chargers can be an excellent option for those with longer daily commutes or who need to travel far distances without lengthier charging times.

  • DC fast chargers (also known as DCFC or Level 3 chargers) use direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC) to offer the fastest charging speeds for electric vehicles thus far. DC fast chargers use a 400V-1,000V plug and can generally charge an EV up to 80% in 20 minutes to 1 hour, making it a convenient choice for people who frequently travel long distances. However, DC fast chargers are only compatible with select electric vehicles and are not available for home use. DC fast charging stations are also less common in public than Level 2 chargers.

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    Currently, there are three different North American plug types for Level 3 chargers:

    1. CHAdeMO: The fast-charging CHAdeMO was developed by Japanese manufactured vehicles.

    2. CCS: Also known as the Combined Charging System, CCS is a fast charging standard adopted by most major automakers. North American EVs use the CCS1 connector, while European EVs use a variation called the CCS2 connector.

    3. Tesla NACS Plug: Tesla vehicles use the NACS Plug, which is also being considered as a potential new charging standard for the US.

  • If you’re buying an EV from a different country, it may have a different plug type than what’s mentioned above because plug standards vary by region. In Europe, Level 1 charging is not available because the standard household voltage is 220-240V, so European EVs typically use the IEC 62196 type 2 connector for Level 2 charging (except for Tesla models S and X, which use the Tesla connector). DC fast chargers in Europe generally use the CCS2 plug, which is a variation of the CCS1 plug used in North America. China also uses the GB/T charging standard, which has two plug variations: 20234.2 for AC charging and 20234.3 for DC fast charging.

 

 

Are electric car chargers universal?

Most EVs in North America currently use the same connectors for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, so the chargers are generally universal. Differences appear for EVs equipped with DC fast charging based on the manufacturer and region.

Electric Car Chargers – Mazda CX-90 PHEV



 

 

Shop Mazda Electric Vehicles

Now that you know a little more about EV chargers and connections, you can look at vehicles suited for your situation. If you're looking to take the first step toward owning an EV—Mazda blends technology, design and performance into powerful PHEV options. Learn more about Mazda PHEVs with the 2024 Mazda CX-90 or the 2025 Mazda CX-70, and experience the future of driving.

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