Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with this popularity, the charging infrastructure has had to adapt to the changing needs of these vehicles. Two of the most commonly used charging plugs for electric vehicles are the Type 1 and Type 2 plugs. Although these two plugs might look similar, there are some key differences between them that are important to understand.
Here you can see the difference
The Type 1 plug, also known as the J1772 plug, is commonly used in electric vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf and other US and Japanese-made EVs. It is a standard charging plug for vehicles that use a single-phase charging system, and it provides an output of up to 7.2 kilowatts (kW). This makes it an ideal charging solution for most electric vehicles, as it provides a fast charging speed that can charge the average electric vehicle in a matter of hours.
The Type 2 plug, also known as the Mennekes plug, is a more advanced charging plug that is commonly used in the rest of the world (besides Japan and the US). It is a standard charging plug for vehicles that use a three-phase charging system, and it provides an output of up to 43 kW. This makes it an ideal charging solution for high-end electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model S and the Jaguar I-PACE, as it provides a much faster charging speed that can fully charge these vehicles in a matter of minutes.
One of the key differences between the Type 1 and Type 2 plugs is their charging speed. As mentioned above, the Type 1 plug provides an output of up to 7.2 kW, while the Type 2 plug provides an output of up to 43 kW. This means that the Type 2 plug is capable of charging electric vehicles much faster than the Type 1 plug. In addition, the Type 2 plug also supports a broader range of charging speeds, making it a more versatile charging solution for electric vehicles.
Another difference between the Type 1 and Type 2 plugs is the size and shape of the plug. The Type 1 plug is slightly larger and heavier than the Type 2 plug, which makes it less convenient to carry around. On the other hand, the Type 2 plug is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry and store when not in use.
In Malaysia, type 2 is far more common. Most of the public EV charging stations either do not come with a charging cable or a Type 2 charging cable. If you are driving a Type 1 EV, you will need an adaptor to make it compatible with your EV.
Here you can find the Type 2 to Type 1 Adaptor.
If you are driving a Tesla (Not Type 1 or Type 2 Tesla), this adaptor combo will help
In conclusion, the Type 1 and Type 2 plugs are two of the most commonly used charging plugs for electric vehicles, and they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. While the Type 1 plug is an ideal charging solution for most electric vehicles, the Type 2 plug is better suited for high-end electric vehicles that require a faster charging speed. Regardless of which plug you choose, it is important to ensure that you have a reliable charging infrastructure in place to keep your electric vehicle charged and ready to go.