A Type 2 charger is any EV charger that connects to the car through the seven-pin Type 2 connector, the standard AC connector across Europe and the UK. The name describes the plug, not the power: portable cables, home wallboxes and public AC posts are all “Type 2 chargers”. What changes between them is charging speed, mounting and features.
Key Takeaways
- Type 2 is the standard AC connector in Europe and the UK, for portable, home and public charging.
- One connector covers single-phase and three-phase power, from about 7 kW up to 22 kW.
- Type 2, Type 1 and NACS plugs do not interchange without an approved adapter.
- Pick tethered or socketed based on convenience; the car inlet is the same.
What the Type 2 connector does
Type 2 was designed in Germany by Mennekes and adopted as the European standard connector. Its seven pins carry power, earth and communication signals. The same connector handles single-phase and three-phase power, which is why one plug shape covers everything from a small portable cable to a 22 kW wallbox. A locking mechanism holds the connector in the car while charging, and the signal pins let the car and charger agree a safe current before charging starts.
| Type 2 charger | Typical power | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Portable cable, single-phase | Up to about 7 kW | Home and travel charging from an existing socket or outlet |
| Home wallbox, single-phase | About 7.4 kW | Everyday overnight charging |
| Wallbox or public post, three-phase | About 11–22 kW | Faster top-ups where a three-phase supply exists |
Type 2, Type 1 and NACS in one paragraph each
Type 1, defined by the SAE J1772 standard, is the older single-phase connector used in North America and Japan. NACS is the connector now spreading across North America. Type 2 is the European answer, and it is the only one of the three designed for three-phase power. The plugs are not interchangeable, and an adapter is only suitable where the car and charger makers allow it. Our comparison of Type 2 vs J1772 vs NACS covers which connector each market uses.
Tethered cable or open socket
European wallboxes and public posts come in two forms. A tethered unit has its Type 2 cable permanently attached, so you uncoil and plug in. A socketed unit has a Type 2 outlet, and you use your own cable — the same cable you carry for public AC posts. Neither is more “Type 2” than the other; the choice is about convenience at home versus flexibility. Our guide to tethered vs socketed wallboxes explains the trade-offs.
Type 2 chargers in the EVDANCE range
The EV-ACS3210E is a 32 A Type 2 portable charger delivering about 7 kW single-phase, with an IP66 rating for outdoor use. For a fixed point, the EV-ACT3204PE is a 22 kW three-phase wallbox with a tethered Type 2 cable, RFID and app control. Choose portable or fixed based on where you park, not on the connector — both plug into the same car inlet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Type 2 the same as Mennekes?
Yes. Type 2 is the standard’s formal name; Mennekes is the company that designed the connector, and many drivers use the two names interchangeably.
How fast is a Type 2 charger?
It depends on the supply and the car. Expect about 7.4 kW from a single-phase home unit and up to 22 kW from a three-phase unit, if the car’s onboard charger accepts it. The U.S. Department of Transportation puts Level 2 AC charging at 10–20 miles of range per hour as a general guide.
Can I use a Type 2 charger in North America?
Not directly. North American cars use Type 1 (J1772) or NACS inlets for AC charging. Type 2 equipment is built for European-spec cars and supplies.
Related Reading
- Type 2 vs J1772 vs NACS: Which EV Charger Connector Does Your Market Need?
- Charging a Tesla: Type 2 in Europe, NACS in North America
- Tethered vs Socketed Wallbox Chargers
