Will The Same Plug Work for Every Vehicle? EV Connectors Explained
No single EV charging connector fits every electric vehicle, so a public or shared charging site usually offers more than one. In North America, the main DC fast charging connectors are CCS1 and NACS for cars, while MCS is emerging for some heavy-duty trucks like Tesla Semi. Kempower offers charging dispensers for all of these connector types.
The main connectors
- CCS1 (Combined Charging System). The most widely used DC fast charging connector among non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America. Kempower’s high-power CCS reaches up to 560 kW on the Kempower Mega Satellite.
- NACS (North American Charging Standard). The connector developed by Tesla, now adopted by many other automakers. It is a smaller plug that is gaining share on new vehicles.
- CHAdeMO. An older standard found on some earlier Japanese EVs. Fewer new vehicles use it, but existing vehicles still need support at some sites.
- MCS (Megawatt Charging System). The connector for heavy-duty trucks, like the Tesla Semi, delivering up to 1.2 MW on the Kempower Mega Satellite.
Questions to ask when choosing connectors
- Who will use the site? A fleet with known vehicles needs the connector those vehicles use. A public site needs variety.
- What will the mix look like in five years? For charging site operators uncertain about their future charging needs, Kempower offers flexible solutions, such as the Kempower Flex Satellite and Kempower Mega Satellite Flex, which support both connector types.
FAQ
What are the main EV charging connectors in North America? CCS1, NACS, and CHAdeMO for DC fast charging of cars, and MCS for heavy-duty trucks.
Does Kempower support NACS? Yes. In North America, Kempower Satellites can be equipped with CCS1, CHAdeMO, and NACS connectors.
How can a charging site stay ready for new connector types? Choose a system where dispensers can be added or changed without replacing the power equipment, as with Kempower’s design