# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison EV Charging

CCS1 vs. CCS2

Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.

Comparing:
CCS1
CCS2

CCS Combo 1 (standardized under SAE J1772 and IEC 62196-3) combines the upper 5-pin J1772 AC inlet with two large dedicated DC power pins below into a single vehicle inlet. Enabling DC fast-charging up to 350 kW (500A @ 1000V DC) using High-Level Communication (HLC) over HomePlug Green PHY Power Line Communication (PLC).

View full CCS1 spec sheet →

CCS Combo 2 (standardized under IEC 62196-3 and mandated across the European Union) combines the upper 7-pin Type 2 Mennekes inlet with two heavy DC power pins below. Supporting up to 350 kW to 500 kW DC fast-charging (500A @ 1000V DC) alongside native 3-phase AC charging, it is the dominant global fast-charging standard outside North America.

View full CCS2 spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

11 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Standardization
SAE J1772 / IEC 62196-3 (Configuration FF) / ISO 15118 (Plug & Charge) IEC 62196-3 / ISO 15118 / DIN 70121
Connector Architecture
Combo inlet: Upper J1772 socket (uses CP, PP, PE) + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ and DC-) Combo inlet: Upper Type 2 socket + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ / DC-)
Maximum DC Charging Rate
Up to 500 A continuous (liquid-cooled cables) at 200V to 1000V DC (up to 350 kW to 400 kW peak) Up to 500 A continuous at 1000 V DC (350 kW standard, up to 500 kW in high-power megawatt systems)
Signaling / Communication Protocol
DIN 70121 / ISO 15118 via HomePlug Green PHY Power Line Communication (PLC) modulated onto Control Pilot pin —
Plug & Charge Automated Auth
ISO 15118 encrypted PKI certificate exchange handles automated billing without RFID cards or mobile apps —
DC Contactors
Dedicated vehicle high-voltage DC contactors bypass the onboard AC charger to feed battery pack directly —
Deployments
Electrify America, EVgo, Flo (North American DC fast-charging networks for non-Tesla EVs prior to J3400 transition) —
AC Charging Support
— Native 3-phase AC up to 22 kW / 43.5 kW when connecting standard Type 2 AC cables
Vehicle Mechanical Interlock
— Electromechanical locking pin in car inlet holds heavy liquid-cooled DC cable securely against terminal strain
Global Mandate
— Mandatory standard across the EU, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, India, and Latin America
Tesla European Fleet
— All Tesla Model 3, Y, S, and X sold in Europe feature native CCS Combo 2 inlets (and Superchargers feature dual CCS2 cables)