Terms referencing EN 62196
Standard or regulation
EN 62196
EN 62196 is the UK-relevant BS EN IEC standard series for EV plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets. It underpins terminology around Type 2, CCS and other conductive charging connector formats used in UK charger specifications.
EN 62196-1
EN 62196-1 sets general requirements for EV plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets used for conductive charging. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
EN 62196-2
EN 62196-2 defines dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for AC EV charging pin-and-contact-tube accessories, including Type 2. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
EN 62196-3
EN 62196-3 covers DC and combined AC/DC vehicle couplers, including standardised DC charging connector configurations. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
EN 62196-4
EN 62196-4 covers dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for DC pin-and-contact-tube accessories used in certain charging systems. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
EN 62196-5
EN 62196-5 relates to dimensional compatibility and interchangeability requirements for DC connectors used in specific conductive charging systems. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
EN 62196-6
EN 62196-6 covers dimensional compatibility requirements for DC connectors intended for lower-voltage DC charging applications. On EVCP Info, it links related terminology to the relevant regulatory, standards or compliance framework used by UK-focused audiences.
A
AC Charging
AC charging supplies alternating current to the vehicle, with conversion to DC handled by the vehicle's on-board charger. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.
C
CCS1 Connector (North America Only)
CCS1 is a Combined Charging System connector variant used mainly in North America for DC fast charging. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.
CCS2 Connector
CCS2 is the Combined Charging System connector variant commonly used in the UK and Europe for DC rapid and ultra-rapid charging. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.
Combined Charging System (CCS)
Combined Charging System (CCS) is an EV charging system and connector family designed to support both AC and DC charging through a common vehicle inlet concept. Its two main connector variants are CCS1 (Combo 1), used mainly in North America, and CCS2 (Combo 2), which is the relevant CCS format for most UK and European EV charging.
D
DC Charging
DC charging supplies direct current to the vehicle battery from off-board charging equipment. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.
H
High Power Charging (HPC)
High Power Charging refers to very high-output DC charging intended to add energy quickly during short stops. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.
M
Mode 4 Charging
Mode 4 charging uses off-board DC charging equipment to supply DC power directly to the vehicle battery. It is normally assessed alongside charging mode, AC/DC architecture, power rating, connector type and how the charger shares or delivers power.
O
Outlet Type
Outlet type describes the physical connection provided by the charger, such as a socket, tethered cable, plug or DC connector. In the UK and Europe, the standardised AC connector is Type 2, while the standardised DC connector is CCS2.
S
Shuttered Socket
A shuttered socket includes a mechanical shutter or barrier over live contacts when no plug is inserted. It is normally assessed during product selection, circuit design, installation verification and maintenance of EV charging equipment.
T
Tethered Charger
A tethered charger has a fixed charging cable permanently attached to the charge point. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.
Type 1 Connector
Type 1 is an AC EV charging connector associated mainly with older or non-European vehicles using the SAE J1772 format. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.
Type 2 Connector
Type 2 is the standard AC charging connector widely used for EV charging infrastructure in the UK and Europe. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.
U
Untethered Charger
An untethered charger provides a socket outlet and requires the user to supply a separate charging cable. It is normally checked against vehicle compatibility, socket or cable arrangement, installation design and the intended user group.