EV Charging Terminology

Charging mode describes the method by which an electric vehicle is connected to an electrical supply for charging. It covers whether charging is AC or DC, whether dedicated EV supply equipment is used, whether control communication is present, and what level of protection or control exists between the supply and vehicle.

Charging Mode 1 is basic AC charging where an electric vehicle is connected directly to a standard socket-outlet without dedicated EV control communication or dedicated EVSE control functions.

Charging Mode 2 uses a standard AC socket-outlet with an in-cable control and protection device between the supply and the vehicle. It is typically seen in portable charging leads rather than fixed charge points.

Charging Mode 3 uses dedicated AC electric vehicle supply equipment with control pilot communication between the charger and vehicle. The charger manages connection state, available current signalling and safety-related control functions.

Charging Mode 4 uses dedicated DC charging equipment that supplies DC power directly to the vehicle battery through a DC charging interface. The charger carries out the AC-to-DC conversion outside the vehicle.

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.