Charging Connector
A charging connector is the plug that links an EV to a charger, and the two ends have to match — just like needing the right nozzle at a fuel pump. Several standards exist, and knowing which your car uses saves confusion at a station.
In practice a couple dominate. Type 2 is the common connector for slower AC charging, while CCS is the widespread standard for rapid DC charging, effectively a Type 2 plug with two extra power pins. Some cars use other DC standards, so it is worth checking.
Public chargers usually have the common connectors built in or offer the right cable, but not always, so a rental EV should come with the cable it needs. Confirm at pickup that the charging cable is in the car.
You rarely have to think hard about this, but knowing your rental’s connector type — and that its cable is on board — means you can roll up to a charger confident the plug will fit. Mismatched connectors are an avoidable hassle.
Related terms
Charging Station
A point where an electric car plugs in to recharge — the EV equivalent of a petrol station.
Charging Levels
The categories of charging speed — slow home charging up to rapid DC — that decide how long a top-up takes.
Fast Charging (DC)
High-power direct-current charging that adds a large amount of range in a short stop, ideal on long trips.