Plug and Play: The Importance of a Combo CCS Adapter for EV Owners
Electric vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people making the switch from traditional gas-powered cars. However, one challenge that electric vehicle owners face is the availability of charging stations. In Europe, the fast charging standard is CCS 2, while in the US, it’s CCS 1. This presents a problem for those who import an electric cars from the US to Europe and want to use fast charging stations. To overcome this problem, a Combo CCS 1 to CCS 2 adapter is necessary.
Why do you need a CCS 1 to CCS 2 adapter?
The answer is simple: because of the difference in charging standards between the US and Europe. The CCS 1 socket is used in the US, while the CCS 2 plug is used in Europe. This means that if you import an electric car from the US to Europe, you won’t be able to use fast charging stations without an adapter.
Is CCS 1 compatible with CCS 2, and what is the difference between CCS 1 and CCS 2 adapters?
The good news is that the CCS communication protocol for CCS 1 and CCS 2 is the same, so the adapter simply changes the plug and socket shape. In terms of differences between the adapters, the main thing to consider is the charging speed limitation.
Charging speed is measured in kW and is calculated by multiplying voltage by amperage. The maximum voltage system in your EV is usually either 400 volts (Tesla, Nissan) or 800 volts (Porsche, Hyundai Ionic 5, etc.). The adapter will be a limiter, or bottleneck, for amperage, with the most popular adapter supporting 150 amps. So, if your EV has a 400-volt system and 150 amps, you will be able to charge at around 60 kW, while if your EV has an 800-volt system and 150 amps, you will be able to charge at around 120 kW.
It’s important to note that while the adapter will limit charging speed, it’s still a convenient solution for those who need to use fast charging stations. Without an adapter, it would be impossible to charge your US electric car at European fast charging stations.
Is it possible to drive a US car in Europe without a CCS adapter?
The answer is yes, but it depends on your specific situation. If you’re able to charge your electric car at home during the night, you may not need to use fast charging stations. However, if you need to drive long distances between cities, a CCS 1 to CCS 2 adapter will be essential.