Passenger Car EV Charging: Match the Charger to the Car.
Every EV has a connector type and an onboard charger limit, and those two facts decide how fast it can charge on AC. This guide explains both, so you can choose a charger that suits the cars your customers actually drive.
Which Plug Does the Car Use?
| Region | AC connector | DC connector | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Europe, UK, Australia, NZ | Type 2 | CCS2 | Type 2 wallboxes and portable chargers fit almost every car sold in these markets |
| United States & Canada | J1772 or NACS (SAE J3400) | CCS1 or NACS | Many brands are moving to NACS ports; adapters bridge older and newer cars |
| China | GB/T | GB/T | Chargers for the Chinese market use GB/T connectors |
| Japan | Type 1 (J1772) | CHAdeMO, moving to CCS in some models | Check the specific model before ordering |
How Fast Does a Passenger EV Charge?
Charging speed depends on both the charger and the car. Use this table to see what each power level means in range.
| Charging Power | Range Added per Hour | Time to Add 100 km (62 mi) | Good Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 kW Portable16 A, single-phase | ≈ 21 km / 13 mi | ≈ 4.9 h | Occasional charging and travel |
| 7.4 kW ACSingle-phase wallbox | ≈ 41 km / 25 mi | ≈ 2.4 h | Everyday home charging |
| 9.6 kW Level 2North America, 40 A plug-in | ≈ 53 km / 33 mi | ≈ 1.9 h | Garages with a NEMA 14-50 receptacle |
| 11 kW ACThree-phase, or 11.5 kW Level 2 in North America | ≈ 61 km / 38 mi | ≈ 1.6 h | Homes and workplaces with a higher-power supply |
| 22 kW ACThree-phase wallbox | ≈ 122 km / 76 mi* | ≈ 49 min* | Cars that accept 22 kW AC |
| 22 kW DCCompact DC | ≈ 122 km / 76 mi | ≈ 49 min | Quick top-ups at businesses and public sites |
Estimates assume average consumption of 18 kWh per 100 km (about 3.5 miles per kWh), and do not include charging losses; real results vary with the vehicle, temperature and battery level. *AC charging speed is capped by the vehicle's onboard charger. Many EVs accept 11 kW AC at most, so a 22 kW AC charger gives those cars 11 kW. DC charging bypasses the onboard charger.
Why a Faster Charger Is Not Always Faster.
AC is limited by the car
On AC, the car’s onboard charger sets the maximum rate. A car with a 7 kW onboard charger charges at 7 kW even on a 22 kW wallbox.
Single-phase cars on three-phase chargers
Some cars charge on one phase only, so a three-phase 11 kW charger gives them about 3.7 kW. Check before choosing three-phase.
11 kW is the common ceiling
Many current cars accept up to 11 kW AC. 22 kW AC only helps models with a 22 kW onboard charger.
DC bypasses the onboard charger
DC chargers feed the battery directly, so a 22 kW DC charger delivers its full rate to any car that supports DC.
Battery size sets charging time
A bigger battery takes longer to fill at the same rate. Divide the kWh you need by the charger power to estimate time.
Cold weather slows charging
Batteries accept less power when very cold. Expect slower charging on winter mornings.
Living Through the NACS Switch.
Choose the connector per site
Sites that mainly serve newer cars may choose NACS; sites with older cars may prefer J1772. Many choose both.
Adapters bridge the gap
NACS-to-J1772 adapters let J1772 cars use NACS AC chargers, and NACS-to-CCS1 adapters let NACS cars use CCS1 DC chargers.
Use rated adapters
Adapters carry high currents. Use units rated for the charger’s current and keep them clean and dry.
Plan for change
Choosing a charger family available in both J1772 and NACS versions keeps future orders simple.
Chargers and Adapters for Passenger Cars.
Specifications from our current product catalogue. Certificates are listed per model in every quote.
EV-ACT3204E wallbox
- 7 kW, 32 A, 230 V single-phase
- Tethered Type 2 cable, 5 m or 7 m
- RFID card, app and plug-and-charge start
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 4G optional
Best for single-phase cars and homes in Type 2 markets.
EV-ACT1602PE wallbox
- 11 kW, 16 A, 380–400 V three-phase
- Tethered Type 2 cable, CEE 5-pin plug
- RFID card, app and plug-and-charge start
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 4G optional
Best for cars that accept 11 kW AC on a three-phase supply.
EV-ACT4001U / EV-ACT4001T
- Up to 40 A, 9.6 kW, 208–240 V
- J1772 (U) or NACS (T), 25 ft cable
- NEMA 14-50 plug, needs a 50 A breaker
- NEMA 4 / IP66, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Best for J1772 or NACS cars in North America.
EV-ACS4005U / EV-ACS4005T
- 40 A, 9.6 kW, 120/240 V
- J1772 (U) or NACS (T), 25 ft cable
- NEMA 14-50 plug, 2.4″ screen
- Delayed start 1–12 h
Best for North American drivers who want a portable charger.
EV-JT02 NACS-to-J1772
- AC up to 250 V, 80 A
- Lets J1772 cars use NACS AC chargers
- IP65
- PA66 glass-fibre body
Best for J1772 cars at NACS AC chargers.
EV-JT08 / EV-JT09 NACS-to-CCS1
- DC 200–1000 V, up to 500 A
- Lets NACS-port cars use CCS1 DC chargers
- IP66
- JT09 adds a carry handle
Best for NACS cars at CCS1 DC chargers.
Final circuit sizing and permits must follow your local electrical code and be confirmed by a licensed electrician.
Rules to Check Before You Install.
Private chargers for residents, employees or company vehicles face fewer payment rules than public ones, but safety, grid and smart-charging rules still apply. If members of the public can use them, public-charger payment rules apply too.
United States & Canada
- Safety listing from a recognized testing lab (UL, ETL or CSA mark) for the exact model
- Installation to NEC Article 625 in the US or the Canadian Electrical Code, usually under an electrical permit
- Connectors: SAE J1772 or NACS (SAE J3400)
- In California, renters and condo owners have a legal right to request a charger (Civil Code 1947.6 and 4745), subject to conditions
European Union
- CE marking, with chargers built to IEC 61851
- Connector: Type 2
- In Germany, chargers up to 11 kW must be registered with the grid operator, and chargers above 11 kW need its approval before installation
- The revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) requires charging points and pre-cabling in new and majorly renovated buildings with car parks, as transposed by each country
United Kingdom
- UKCA or CE marking
- Connector: Type 2
- Home and workplace chargers sold in Great Britain must meet the Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021, including smart functionality, default off-peak charging hours and a randomised start delay
- Installation by a qualified electrician to BS 7671, with the local network operator notified
What Your Car Can Accept.
A charger can only deliver what the car accepts. Check these three points before choosing.
Onboard Charger Limit
Why it matters: It caps AC charging speed, whatever the charger is rated for.
What to check: The car's maximum AC charging power in its specifications.
Typical answer: Many EVs accept 7.4–11 kW AC, and some accept 22 kW.
Connector Type
Why it matters: The charger's plug must fit the car's charge port.
What to check: Your region and the car's AC port.
Typical answer: SAE J1772 or NACS in North America; Type 2 in Europe and the UK.
DC Fast Charging
Why it matters: DC bypasses the onboard charger and charges much faster.
What to check: The car's DC port and maximum DC charging power.
Typical answer: CCS1 or NACS in North America; CCS2 in Europe and the UK.
Send Us These 6 Details for a Tailored Plan.
This helps our engineers recommend the right configuration for your site faster.
Passenger Car EV Charging — Frequently Asked Questions.
Why does my car not charge at 22 kW on a 22 kW charger?
On AC, the car’s onboard charger sets the maximum rate. Many cars accept 7 or 11 kW AC at most, so a 22 kW wallbox charges them at that lower rate.
Which connector does my car use?
In Europe, the UK and Australia almost all cars use Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC. In North America cars use J1772 or NACS for AC and CCS1 or NACS for DC. Chinese-market cars use GB/T.
Can a single-phase car use a three-phase charger?
Yes, but it charges on one phase only, so an 11 kW three-phase charger delivers about 3.7 kW to that car.
Do I need an adapter for NACS?
Only when the car and charger use different connectors. NACS-to-J1772 adapters cover AC charging, and NACS-to-CCS1 adapters cover DC charging.
How long does it take to charge a car?
Divide the energy you need by the charging power. For example, 40 kWh on a 7 kW charger takes a little under six hours.
Is DC charging bad for the battery?
Occasional DC charging is normal and designed for. For daily charging, AC at home or work is usually cheaper and gentler.
Related EV Charging Solutions.
Power Up Your Passenger EV With Reliable Everyday Charging.
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