GGB/T vs Type 2 vs CCS | EV Charging Standards Comparison

As electric vehicles scale globally, charging standards have become a critical factor in infrastructure planning, vehicle compatibility, and long-term investment decisions. Among the most widely used standards today are GB/T, Type 2 (IEC 62196), and CCS (Combined Charging System).

Understanding the differences between these standards is essential for manufacturers, operators, fleet managers, and property developers deploying EV charging solutions across regions.

This article provides a clear, side-by-side comparison of GB/T, Type 2, and CCS—covering technical structure, regional adoption, charging scenarios, and commercial implications.

Overview of the Three Major Charging Standards

Standard	Primary Regions	AC Charging	DC Charging	Typical Use Case
GB/T	Mainland China	Yes	Yes (separate connector)	Residential, commercial, public
Type 2	Europe, Middle East	Yes	No (AC only)	Home, workplace, destination charging
CCS (Combo)	Europe, North America, Korea	Limited	Yes (high power)	Highway & fast charging

GB/T Charging Standard (China)

Connector Structure

• Separate AC and DC connectors
• Defined under GB/T 20234
• Clear physical separation improves safety and system stability

Charging Characteristics

• AC charging: typically 7 kW – 22 kW
• DC charging: scalable from 60 kW to 250 kW+
• Strong compatibility with load management and centralized control

Key Advantages

• Designed for large-scale deployment
• High interoperability within the Chinese market
• Mature ecosystem for commercial and fleet charging

Limitations

• Limited adoption outside China
• Export-oriented chargers often require multi-standard support

Type 2 (IEC 62196) Charging Standard

Connector Structure

• Single connector for AC charging only
• Widely known as Mennekes
• Standardized across the European Union

Charging Characteristics

• Single-phase and three-phase AC
• Typical power levels: 3.7 kW – 22 kW
• Relies on vehicle’s onboard charger

Key Advantages

• Excellent compatibility across European EV models
• Ideal for residential and destination charging
• Simple, cost-effective AC infrastructure

Limitations

• No native DC fast charging
• Not suitable for high-turnover public locations

CCS (Combined Charging System)

Connector Structure

• Type 2 (EU) or Type 1 (NA) + two DC pins
• Unified AC + DC interface

Charging Characteristics

• DC fast charging from 50 kW up to 350 kW
• Primary standard for highway and ultra-fast stations

Key Advantages

• High power delivery
• Supported by most global EV manufacturers
• Strong policy backing in Europe and North America

Limitations

• Higher infrastructure cost
• Overkill for residential or low-utilization scenarios
• Grid impact requires careful load planning

Practical Comparison: Which Standard Fits Which Scenario?

Scenario	Recommended Standard	Reason
Home charging	Type 2 / GB/T AC	Stable, low cost, grid-friendly
Commercial parking	GB/T AC / Type 2	Load balancing, long dwell time
Fleet depots	GB/T AC / CCS	Predictable charging cycles
Highway fast charging	CCS / GB/T DC	High power, short stop time
Export-focused projects	Multi-standard	Regional compliance

Commercial & Infrastructure Implications

Choosing a charging standard is not just a technical decision—it directly impacts:

• CAPEX and OPEX
• Grid connection requirements
• Long-term scalability
• Cross-border equipment compatibility

For B2B operators, AC-focused standards (GB/T AC or Type 2) combined with smart load management often deliver better ROI than over-investing in DC fast charging.

Conclusion

GB/T, Type 2, and CCS each serve distinct roles in the global EV ecosystem:

• GB/T excels in structured, large-scale deployments
• Type 2 dominates AC charging across Europe
• CCS leads high-power public fast charging

For businesses deploying EV charging solutions, the optimal approach is often scenario-driven, not standard-driven.

Manufacturers like QIAO, focusing on intelligent AC chargers, wall-mounted designs, and multi-market compatibility, are well positioned to support residential, commercial, and fleet charging projects worldwide.