CCS2 vs. Type 2 (Mennekes)
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
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.
The IEC 62196 Type 2 Connector (originally developed by Mennekes and mandated by the European Union under Directive 2014/94/EU) is the universal AC charging standard across Europe, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Featuring a 7-pin circular housing, it supports both single-phase (up to 7.4 kW) and 3-phase AC charging (up to 400V / 63A / 43.5 kW).
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Standardization
|
IEC 62196-3 / ISO 15118 / DIN 70121 | IEC 62196-2 (Type 2) / VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2 (Mennekes) |
|
Connector Architecture
|
Combo inlet: Upper Type 2 socket + Lower 2-pin DC power bus (DC+ / DC-) | — |
|
Maximum DC Charging Rate
|
Up to 500 A continuous at 1000 V DC (350 kW standard, up to 500 kW in high-power megawatt systems) | — |
|
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) | — |
|
Pin Count & Configuration
|
— | 7 pins: Line 1 (L1), Line 2 (L2), Line 3 (L3), Neutral (N), Protective Earth (PE), Control Pilot (CP), Proximity Pilot (PP) |
|
AC Phase Support
|
— | Single-phase (230V) and Three-phase AC (400V) |
|
Maximum Current & Power
|
— | Single-phase: 32A @ 230V (7.4 kW) | 3-phase: 16A @ 400V (11 kW), 32A (22 kW), up to 63A (43.5 kW AC) |
|
Vehicle-Side Locking
|
— | Internal motorized solenoid pin inside car socket locks the plug securely during charging (anti-theft and safety lock) |
|
Untethered Public Charging
|
— | European public AC chargers feature universal Type 2 female sockets; drivers carry their own Mode 3 Type 2 cable |
|
Mandatory Regional Territory
|
— | European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, India (for Type 2 AC) |