EV & Hybrid Charging from A to Z: Complete Guide to Plugs, Sockets, and Connectors

Buying your first electric or hybrid vehicle is exciting. Figuring out how to charge it? That can feel like learning a new language. Type 1, Type 2, Schuko, CEE, NACS... suddenly you're drowning in acronyms and connector types.

Here's the thing: EV charging isn't complicated once you understand the four connection points that make up any charging setup. Think of it like a chain with four links. Get one wrong, and the whole thing doesn't work. Get them all right, and charging becomes second nature.

In this guide, we'll walk you through each connection point, explain every plug and socket type you might encounter, and help you understand exactly what you need for hassle-free home charging.

The Four Connection Points: Understanding the Charging Chain

Every EV charging setup has four points where something connects to something else:

1. Your EV's charging socket – the inlet on your car where you plug in the charger
2. The charger's car-end connector – the plug on your charging cable that goes into your car
3. The charger's power source connector – the plug on your charging cable that goes into the wall or power outlet
4. The power socket – the actual outlet providing electricity (your wall socket, industrial outlet, or charging station)

Points 1 and 2 must match each other. Points 3 and 4 must match each other. When you buy a portable charger, you're essentially buying a cable that bridges these connections – with the right connector for your car on one end and the right plug for your power source on the other.

Let's look at each connection point in detail.

1. Your EV: Charging Socket Types

The charging socket on your electric vehicle determines which connectors can plug into it. This is fixed by the manufacturer and varies by region and brand.

Type 2 (IEC 62196-2) – The European Standard

Type 2 is the dominant standard in Europe and is used by virtually all EVs sold in the EU, UK, and many other markets. The seven-pin connector supports both single-phase and three-phase AC charging, making it incredibly versatile.

Type 2 comes in three configurations:

• Type 2 (1-phase): Supports single-phase charging up to 7.4 kW (32A). This configuration is standard on US-market vehicles imported to Europe, as American electrical infrastructure is predominantly single-phase. Also found in some older or entry-level European EVs.
• Type 2 (2-phase): A less common configuration most frequently found in Volvo electric vehicles. Two-phase charging delivers intermediate power levels between single-phase and three-phase setups.
• Type 2 (3-phase): The most capable version, supporting up to 22 kW (32A) or even 43 kW AC charging. Found in most modern EVs like Tesla Model 3/Y, VW ID series, BMW iX1, Skoda Enyaq, and many others.

Vehicles using Type 2:

Tesla (European models), Volkswagen ID.3/ID.4/ID.7, BMW iX1/iX/i4, Mercedes EQA/EQB/EQC, Audi e-tron/Q4 e-tron, Skoda Enyaq/Elroq, Renault 5 E-Tech, Kia EV3/EV6/EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 5/6, Polestar 2/3, BYD Atto 3/Seal/Dolphin, MG4/MG5/ZS EV, and virtually all other EVs sold in Europe.

Type 1 (SAE J1772) – The Legacy Standard

Type 1 is a five-pin connector that was common in early EVs, particularly Japanese and American models. It only supports single-phase AC charging up to 7.4 kW.

Vehicles using Type 1:

Nissan Leaf (older generations), Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (early models), older Kia Soul EV, Chevrolet Volt (European imports). Type 1 is being phased out in favor of Type 2 in most markets.

GB/T – The Chinese Standard

GB/T is China's national standard for EV charging. While visually similar to Type 2, it's not compatible. Chinese EVs sold in Europe are typically converted to use Type 2 connectors.

Vehicles using GB/T:

EVs sold in China, including domestic versions of BYD, NIO, Xpeng, Li Auto, and others. European versions of these cars use Type 2.

Tesla NACS (North American Charging Standard)

Tesla's proprietary connector, now officially called NACS (North American Charging Standard), is standard on Teslas sold in North America. It's smaller and more elegant than other connectors, supporting both AC and DC charging through the same port.

NACS is rapidly being adopted by other manufacturers in North America (Ford, GM, Rivian, etc.), but European Teslas use the Type 2 standard.

Vehicles using NACS:

All Tesla vehicles in North America, plus an increasing number of other brands adopting the standard for the US/Canadian market.

2. The Car End: Charging Cable Connectors

The car-end of your charging cable must match your vehicle's socket type. This is a simple compatibility rule: Type 2 socket requires Type 2 connector, Type 1 socket requires Type 1 connector, and so on.

When you purchase a portable EV charger from Ampere Point, you'll select the car-end connector type based on your vehicle. For European drivers, this is almost always Type 2. We also offer Type 1 connectors for older vehicles and Tesla (NACS) connectors for North American Tesla owners.

Key point: The connector that goes into your car is a "plug" (male pins), while the socket on your car is a "receptacle" (female openings). They're designed to fit together like puzzle pieces.

Car-End Connector Summary:

3. The Power Source End: Cable Plugs

Now we move to the other end of the charging cable – the part that connects to your power source. This is where things get more varied, because there are many different types of electrical outlets you might want to charge from.

Schuko (Type E/F) – Standard Household Outlet

The Schuko plug is your standard European household plug. It's the same plug used by your kettle, toaster, or laptop charger. Schuko supports single-phase charging at up to 16A, delivering a maximum of 3.7 kW.

Power: 3.7 kW (230V, 16A, 1-phase)

Best for: Emergency charging, very low daily mileage (<30 km/day), or situations where no other outlet is available

Important warning: About 20% of household outlets have installation problems (missing ground, reversed phases, inadequate wiring). Quality portable chargers like Ampere Point models include safety systems that detect these issues and won't operate on faulty outlets. Not sure if your socket is safe? Check it with our Dr Storm socket tester before you plug in your EV charger for the first time.

Type G – UK Standard Outlet

Type G is the standard British three-pin plug. Like Schuko, it supports single-phase charging at up to 13A (UK standard) or up to 16A in some applications, delivering around 3 kW of charging power.

Power: ~3 kW (230V, 13A, 1-phase)

Best for: UK households, emergency charging

Type 2 Socket – Public Charging Stations

Some portable chargers can plug directly into a Type 2 socket at public charging stations. This is called "Mode 3" charging. Instead of bringing your own power source, you're using the station's power with your own cable.

Power: Up to 22 kW (depending on station)

Best for: Public AC charging stations with Type 2 sockets

CEE Industrial Plugs – Serious Home Charging Power

CEE plugs are industrial-grade connectors designed for high-power applications. They come in different colors and configurations to indicate their specifications. For EV charging, these are your pathway to faster home charging.

CEE Blue (Single-Phase):

• CEE 16A Blue (1-phase): Also known as "camping plug" or "caravan plug." Delivers 3.7 kW. Common at campsites and some garages.
• CEE 32A Blue (1-phase): Delivers 7.4 kW. Found in workshops and industrial settings.

CEE Red (Three-Phase):

• CEE 16A Red (3-phase): The sweet spot for home EV charging. Delivers 11 kW, matching the onboard charger of most modern EVs. This is what we recommend for most EV owners.
• CEE 32A Red (3-phase): Maximum power for AC charging. Delivers 22 kW. Only useful if your EV has a 22 kW onboard charger (some BMW, Renault Zoe, Smart models).

IMPORTANT ! 16A and 32A sockets look the same. Look for descriptiion printed on plug. 

CEE Plug Summary:

4. The Power Socket: Your Electricity Source

The final link in the chain is the actual power outlet you're plugging into. This determines the maximum power available for charging and must match your cable's power-source plug.

Household Sockets (Schuko / Type G)

Standard wall outlets provide the most accessible but slowest charging option. In continental Europe, you'll find Schuko sockets (Type E/F). In the UK and Ireland, Type G sockets are standard.

Charging speed: 3.0-3.7 kW (roughly 15-20 km of range per hour of charging)

Typical full charge: 12-20+ hours for a typical EV battery

Type 2 Socket (Public Stations)

Public AC charging stations often have Type 2 sockets that you connect to using a Mode 3 cable. Power levels vary by station.

Charging speed: 7.4 kW to 22 kW (depending on station)

Typical charge time: 2-6 hours depending on power level

CEE Industrial Sockets

CEE sockets are the gold standard for home EV charging. They're designed for continuous high-power use and provide a reliable, safe connection. An electrician can install one in your garage or parking space.

Available configurations:

• CEE 16A Blue socket: 3.7 kW, single-phase
• CEE 32A Blue socket: 7.4 kW, single-phase
• CEE 16A Red socket: 11 kW, three-phase (most recommended for EVs)
• CEE 32A Red socket: 22 kW, three-phase (for EVs with 22 kW onboard chargers)

Putting It All Together: How to Match Your Setup

Here's the golden rule: your charging power is limited by the weakest link in the chain. If your car can charge at 11 kW, but you're usiing a Schuko outlet (3.7 kW), you'll only get 3.7 kW. If you have a CEE 32A Red socket (22 kW potential), but your car only accepts 11 kW, you'll charge at 11 kW.

Step 1: Check your EV's onboard charger capacity (typically 7.4 kW, 11 kW, or 22 kW for AC charging)

Step 2: Assess what power outlet you have or can install at home

Step 3: Choose a portable charger that matches the lower of these two values

Step 4: Make sure the car-end connector matches your vehicle (Type 2 for European EVs)

Example Scenarios

Tesla Model 3 owner with three-phase power available:

The Model 3 has an 11 kW onboard charger. Install a CEE 16A Red socket and use a portable charger with Type 2 connector (car-end) and CEE 16A Red plug (power-end). Result: 11 kW charging, full battery in about 5-6 hours.

Renault Zoe owner (22 kW AC charger):

The Zoe has a 22 kW onboard charger. Install a CEE 32A Red socket and use a 22 kW portable charger. Result: 22 kW charging, full batery in about 2-3 hours.

Apartment dweller with only Schuko outlets:

Use a portable charger with Schuko plug for emergency/overnight charging (3.7 kW). Consider the Ampere Point Q11 with adapter set – you get adapters for Schuko (3.7 kW) now, but can upgrade to CEE 16A Red (11 kW) when you move or install a proper outlet.

Which Ampere Point Charger Is Right for You?

At Ampere Point, we make choosing simple. Our chargers come with Type 2 connectors (car-end) as standard – compatible with virtually every EV sold in Europe. The difference is on the power-source end.

For Most EV Owners: Q11 or P11 (11 kW)

If your EV has an 11 kW onboard charger (Tesla Model 3/Y, VW ID series, BMW iX1, Skoda Enyaq, Kia EV3/EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and most modern EVs), choose Q11 or P11.

• Q11: 11 kW portable charger with WiFi app control. The version with adapters includes both CEE 16A Red (11 kW) and Schuko (3.7 kW) plugs – perfect for maximum flexibility.
• P11: 11 kW portable charger with LCD display. Simple, reliable, excellent value.

For 22 kW EVs: Q22

Only choose Q22 if your EV has a 22 kW onboard charger (Renault Zoe, some BMW models with optional upgrade, Smart #1/#3). Otherwise, you're paying for power you can't use.

For PHEVs or Single-Phase Only: Q74 or P72 (7.4 kW)

If you only have single-phase power available, or if you drive a plug-in hybrid (which typically has a smaller battery and 7.4 kW charger), choose Q74 or P72.

For Emergency / Backup: Q37, P35, or B35 (3.7 kW)

Our 3.7 kW models plug directly into standard Schuko outlets. They're perfect as backup chargers, for occasional use, or when no industrial socket is available.

The Bottom Line

EV charging might seem complicated at first glance, but once you understand the four connection points, everything falls into place. Match your car's socket type, consider your available power source, and choose a portable charger that bridges the two.

For the vast majority of European EV owners, that means: Type 2 connector for your car, and either an 11 kW charger with CEE 16A Red plug (if you have or can install three-phase power) or a 3.7 kW charger with Schuko plug (for standard outlets).

Not sure what you have at home? Contact us at Ampere Point or choose the Q11 with adapter set – it comes with multiple plugs so you can charge from different sources without buying multiple chargers.

Happy charging!

Explore Ampere Point Chargers:

Q11 (11 kW with WiFi): https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q11-16a-11kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi

Q11 with Adapters: https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q11-16a-11kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi-adapters

P11 (11 kW): https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-p11-16a-11kw-type-2

Q22 (22 kW with WiFi): https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q22-32a-22kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi

Q74 (7.4 kW with WiFi): https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/portable-charger-q74-32a-7-4kw-type-2-display-bag-included-wifi

P35 (3.7 kW): https://www.amperepoint.pl/products/ampere-point-ladowarka-przenosna-ev-16a-3-7kw-typ-2-wyswietlacz-i-torba

Sources:

(1) IEC 62196 – Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets

(2) IEC 61851 – Electric vehicle conductive charging system

(3) SAE J1772 – Electric Vehicle and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler

(4) GB/T 20234 – Connection set for conductive charging of electric vehicles

(5) Tesla NACS Technical Specification

(6) European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) – EV charging standards