The charging connector consists of a physical interface, often called a ‘gun’ or ‘plug’, that connects to the electric vehicle through a specially designed access point. There are different types of charging connectors, depending on the standards and protocols adopted by electric vehicle manufacturers.
Some of the most common charging connectors include the Type 2 connector (IEC 62196), widely used in Europe, and the Type 1 connector (J1772), commonly used in North America.
There are also specialised connectors such as the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector and the CHAdeMO connector, which enable fast charging of compatible electric vehicles.
The electric vehicle charging connector is designed to provide a safe and efficient connection between the power supply and the vehicle, allowing the flow of electricity needed to charge the battery. It often also includes communication capabilities between the vehicle and the charging station to exchange information such as power demand, charging status and other diagnostic notifications.