Type 1, Type 2, GB/T, and CCS Plug Standards Explained

As electric vehicles expand globally, charging plug standards remain one of the most confusing aspects of EV infrastructure. Different regions, grid systems, and vehicle designs have led to multiple connector standards—each optimized for specific markets and use cases.

For EV charger manufacturers, operators, and commercial buyers, understanding Type 1, Type 2, GB/T, and CCS standards is essential for building compatible, scalable charging solutions.

Why Multiple EV Plug Standards Exist

Unlike traditional fuel nozzles, EV charging connectors evolved regionally due to:

• Differences in electrical grids (single-phase vs three-phase)
• Local safety regulations
• Early market leaders and automaker preferences
• AC and DC charging architecture divergence

As a result, no single global plug standard dominates all markets.

Overview of Major EV Charging Plug Standards

Quick Reference Comparison

Plug Standard	Charging Type	Typical Power	Primary Regions
Type 1 (SAE J1772)	AC	Up to 7.4 kW	North America, Japan
Type 2 (IEC 62196)	AC	Up to 22 kW	Europe, UK, many global markets
GB/T	AC & DC	AC up to 22 kW	China
CCS (Combo)	DC (and AC*)	50–350 kW	Europe, North America

*CCS uses Type 1 or Type 2 for AC charging depending on region.

Type 1 (SAE J1772): Single-Phase AC Standard

Key Characteristics

• Single-phase AC only
• Max current: typically 32A
• Common power: 3.7–7.4 kW

Typical Use Cases

• Residential charging
• Workplace and light commercial charging
• Markets with single-phase residential grids

Limitations

• No native three-phase support
• Lower maximum AC power compared to Type 2

Type 1 is reliable and simple, but less scalable for commercial installations.

Type 2 (IEC 62196): The Global AC Workhorse

Key Characteristics

• Supports single-phase and three-phase AC
• Power range: 7 kW / 11 kW / 22 kW
• Mandatory standard across the EU

Advantages

• Higher charging power with three-phase supply
• Compact and secure design
• Ideal for public, commercial, and destination charging

Type 2 has become the dominant AC charging standard worldwide, outside North America and China.

GB/T: China’s National Charging Standard

Key Characteristics

• Separate connectors for AC and DC
• AC power up to 22 kW
• Fully defined under Chinese national regulations

Market Role

• Mandatory in mainland China
• Not directly compatible with Type 1 or Type 2
• Requires adapters for cross-standard use

GB/T reflects China’s independent EV ecosystem and large-scale domestic market.

CCS (Combined Charging System): DC Fast Charging Standard

CCS Variant	Based On	Primary Region
CCS1	Type 1	North America
CCS2	Type 2	Europe & others

Key Characteristics

• Combines AC and DC in one vehicle inlet
• DC charging up to 350 kW
• Designed for highway and rapid charging

CCS dominates DC fast charging, but relies on Type 1 or Type 2 for AC charging.

AC vs DC Plug Standards: Practical Implications

Aspect	AC Standards (Type 1 / Type 2 / GB/T AC)	DC Standards (CCS / GB/T DC)
Typical Charging Time	Hours	Minutes
Infrastructure Cost	Low	High
Grid Impact	Manageable	Significant
Best Use Case	Home & destination	Highway & fleet turnaround

For most daily charging needs, AC plug standards remain the backbone of EV infrastructure.

Choosing the Right Plug Standard for Your Market

When selecting EV chargers, decision-makers should consider:

• Target vehicle market (EU / US / China)
• Grid availability (single-phase vs three-phase)
• Installation environment (home, hotel, fleet, public)
• Long-term scalability and compliance

Incorrect plug selection can limit charger utilization and future compatibility.

How QIAO Supports Multi-Standard AC Charging

QIAO focuses on B2B AC EV charging solutions designed to support global plug standards and diverse deployment scenarios.

QIAO AC charging solutions offer:

• Type 1, Type 2, and GB/T AC configurations
• Wall-mounted and portable EV chargers
• Custom cable and socket options
• OEM / ODM support for international markets

By aligning charger design with regional plug standards, QIAO helps partners deploy compliant, future-ready AC charging infrastructure worldwide.

Learn more about QIAO AC EV charging solutions for global markets.