As EV adoption increases, charge point access is a topic that attracts more and more attention. It is in the interest of everyone in the industry (i.e. solution providers, site owners, charge point operators, electric vehicle companies) to ensure that EV drivers can easily charge their cars regardless of where they are, the charging points they use or the vehicle they drive. In other words, interoperability is of paramount importance for the entire EV charging ecosystem. The Combined Charging System standard (also known as CCS) is an attempt to solve this issue, by standardising the charging process across different charge point and electric vehicle manufacturers. The main motive behind the creation of the CCS standard was the development of an one-size-fits-all connector which would be compatible with both AC and DC charging and could be used by everyone involved in EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) and EV manufacturing. Except for AC and DC charging, the CCS standard succeeds in standardising a number of other EV charging processes, as well. Some of the most important are the following: Learn more: EV roaming: Drive anywhere, charge anytime The CCS standard idea was first presented in public back in 2011 during the 15th International VDI-Congress in Germany and it quickly gained the support of many car manufacturers (Volkswagen, Daimler, Ford, BMW, General Motors, Audi, Porsche). A first example of how the CCS standard could be implemented in praksis was presented to the public in May 2012.What is CCS standard for?
When was the CCS standard introduced?
The Combined Charging System standard was an attempt to bridge the gap between the different types of plugs that were used in the global market at that point.
To achieve that, it would rely on building a single connector pattern with enough space for both a Type 1 and a Type 2 plug placed directly on the electric vehicle and on ensuring enough space for a 2-pin DC plug/connector.
What are the different CCS combo chargers?
There are two types of CCS combo chargers (or combo plugs).
Starting from AC charging, there is the CCS1 plug which is built based on the SAE J1772 standard originating from the U.S (single-phase connection) and the CCS2 plug which follows the EU-standards (three-phase connection).
As far as DC charging is concerned, both CCS1 and CCS2 plugs follow the same manufacturing and shape standards.
Read also: What is Plug and Charge?
Where is the CCS standard adopted?
Europe and North America are the two corners of the world where the adoption of the Combined Charging System standard is dominant.
- Regarding CCS1, the North American Charging standard (NACS) developed by Tesla might threaten the CCS dominance in US and Canada in the near future.
Nevertheless, CCS is for now expected to remain the number one option amongst EV manufacturers (except for Tesla, of course). Some other areas of the world where CCS1 prevails are Taiwan, Central America and Korea. - When it comes to CCS2, Europe is its realm. EU regulations have played a significant role in that, as charging networks in Europe are obliged to comply with the CCS2 standard.
CCS2 is widely used to many different areas and countries across the world such as South America, India, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting a good understanding of the Combined Charging System standard can in the beginning be very confusing.
To make things simpler, we have prepared below a detailed FAQ list to answer some of the questions you might have:
Which electric vehicles use CCS charging?
Almost all well-known EV manufacturers support CCS charging. Here is a detailed list of all the different automotive manufacturers who support the CCS standard:
- Honda
- Mazda
- Jaguar
- Volkswagen
- General Motors
- BMW
- Renault
- Polestar
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Ford
- Tesla
- Nissan
- Rivian
- MG
- PSA Group
- Daimler
- Tata Motors
- Mahindra
- FCA
The length of the list is another proof of how widespread the use of the CCS standard is across the entire world.
Is CCS the same as Type 2?
CCS and Type 2 are similar but not exactly the same.
CCS is an improved and more powerful version of the Type 2 connector. The main difference is that a CCS Type 2 plug has two extra power contacts to support rapid charging.
The charging speed of a CCS Type 2 connector can reach up to 350 kW (not that common yet though).
Does CCS support DC fast charging?
The charge rates might differ from vehicle to vehicle, but the answer to this question is yes.
Generally speaking, CCS charging is fast and will allow you to fully charge the battery of your vehicle in significantly less time than a standard EV charger.
How fast are CCS connectors?
The output of a CCS plug or a CCS connector varies from 50 to 350kW.
At the moment, the most common plugs are those with an output of 50kW. However, this doesn’t mean that its performance isn’t satisfactory.
On the contrary, it can provide you with a charge of approximately 75 miles within half an hour.
If you now are one of the few who have access to a 350kW plug, then you can expect a charge of up to 525 miles in the same time window.
As for the 150kW is concerned, it can go up to 225 miles (again within 30 minutes).
What is the difference between CCS and NACS?
CCS and NACS are two different DC connector standards, which are both widely used in the North American market. NACS is built by Tesla and hasn’t reached to Europe yet.
They both support EV fast charging and their main difference has to do with the shape of the connector.
The CCS plug is a combined charging system where one part of the connector serves as a level 2 EV charger, and the whole connector serves as a fast charger.
NACS, on the other hand, is a lighter hybrid connector where the same plug can serve both purposes. NACS can reach up to 250kW, while CCS’s top charging speed is estimated to 350kW.
What is the difference between CCS and CHAdeMO connectors?
CCS and CHAdeMo chargers have one main difference. CCS connectors support both DC and AC charging in one charge port.
On the contrary, CHAdeMO connectors require two distinct ports (one for AC charging and one for DC charging).
In a sense, it can be said that CCS connectors are more practical and agile.
Another difference between CCS and CHAdeMo connectors have to do with where they are used.
CCS plugs are mainly used in Europe and North and Central America, while CHAdeMo connectors are more popular in Asia and primarily in Japan.
Is CSS better than CHAdeMo?
If we look at the charging speed of a CSS and a CHAdeMo connector, CCS appears to be one step ahead.
Electric vehicles charged in a CCS charge point can reach to 80% in 30 minutes or even less.
For electric cars charged in a CHAdeMo charge point, an 80% charge can be achieved approximately in an hour (usually a little less).
