What power levels can I expect with a Type 2 connector?

Most Type 2 connections will provide either 7.4 kW on single-phase power or 11 kW to 22 kW on three-phase power. The 43 kW figure is a maximum theoretical AC output, rarely seen in the wild and usually limited to older specific car models like the Renault Zoe. Always check the station's label for its actual output.

Can I use a Type 2 cable with any EV?

If your car has a Type 2 inlet, yes. Most modern EVs sold in Europe, Australia, and other Type 2 regions come with this port. If your car has an older Type 1 inlet, you will need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter to use a Type 2 station. Conversely, if the station has a Type 3 cable, you'll need a Type 2 to Type 3 adapter.

Is Type 2 suitable for fast charging?

Type 2 is primarily for AC charging, which is slower than DC fast charging. While 22 kW AC charging is relatively quick for overnight or destination charging, it is not comparable to DC fast chargers that can add hundreds of miles of range in under an hour. For true fast charging, look for CCS2 or CHAdeMO connectors.

Where is the Type 2 connector used?

Type 2 is the standard AC connector across Europe, including countries like Germany, France, and the UK. It's also widely adopted in Australia, Türkiye, and most markets outside of North America. You'll encounter it at public charging stations, workplaces, and home charging installations in these regions.

Will my older EV work with Type 2 stations?

If your older EV has a Type 1 inlet, you will need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable to connect it to a Type 2 station. However, if your older EV already has a Type 2 inlet, you can use a standard Type 2 cable directly. Most newer EVs have Type 2 ports as standard.

ACactive

Type 2 charging

IEC 62196-2 Type 2 ("Mennekes")

The default AC connector across Europe and most of the world for both home and destination charging. Single-phase up to 7.4 kW or three-phase up to 22 kW (43 kW seen rarely, typically on Renault Zoe).

43 kW

Peak power

Current type

Europe · Australia · Türkiye · most non-NA markets

Where you'll meet it

Spec sheet

Type 2 in practice

Formal designation: IEC 62196-2 Type 2 ("Mennekes")
Current: AC
Max kW (commercial): 43
Adoption status: active

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Where to plug in a Type 2 car

The live map and country pages let you filter by connector. Pick a region to see only the stations that carry a Type 2 cable.

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Deep dive

The Type 2 Connector: Europe's Standard for EV Charging

Type 2, also known as IEC 62196-2 or Mennekes, is the dominant AC charging connector across Europe and many other global markets. It replaced older, less capable connectors with a unified, safer standard. While you'll most often see it providing up to 22 kW, understanding its capabilities and limitations is key for any EV driver.

Standardization efforts in Europe led to the adoption of Type 2. It is designed for AC charging, supporting both single-phase and three-phase power. In practice, most home chargers and public AC stations utilize single-phase connections up to 7.4 kW. Public three-phase chargers commonly offer 11 kW or 22 kW. The 43 kW peak power, primarily associated with older Renault Zoe models on specific high-power AC chargers, is rarely encountered today.

Across Europe, Australia, Türkiye, and most non-North American markets, Type 2 is the default. You will find it on nearly all public charging networks. Many car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi, equip their European models with Type 2 inlets.

For adapters, Type 2 offers flexibility. If your car has a Type 2 inlet, you can use a Type 2 to Type 2 cable with any compatible station. For stations with a tethered Type 3 cable (less common now but still present in some areas), you might need a Type 2 to Type 3 adapter. Conversely, if your car has an older Type 1 inlet, adapters exist to connect to Type 2 stations, though this is becoming less relevant as newer cars predominantly feature Type 2.

The future for Type 2 is strong in its established regions. While DC fast charging standards like CCS2 (which uses the Type 2 AC connector as its base) are becoming more prevalent for rapid charging, Type 2 remains the workhorse for slower, destination, and overnight charging.

FAQ

What power levels can I expect with a Type 2 connector?: Most Type 2 connections will provide either 7.4 kW on single-phase power or 11 kW to 22 kW on three-phase power. The 43 kW figure is a maximum theoretical AC output, rarely seen in the wild and usually limited to older specific car models like the Renault Zoe. Always check the station's label for its actual output.
Can I use a Type 2 cable with any EV?: If your car has a Type 2 inlet, yes. Most modern EVs sold in Europe, Australia, and other Type 2 regions come with this port. If your car has an older Type 1 inlet, you will need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter to use a Type 2 station. Conversely, if the station has a Type 3 cable, you'll need a Type 2 to Type 3 adapter.
Is Type 2 suitable for fast charging?: Type 2 is primarily for AC charging, which is slower than DC fast charging. While 22 kW AC charging is relatively quick for overnight or destination charging, it is not comparable to DC fast chargers that can add hundreds of miles of range in under an hour. For true fast charging, look for CCS2 or CHAdeMO connectors.
Where is the Type 2 connector used?: Type 2 is the standard AC connector across Europe, including countries like Germany, France, and the UK. It's also widely adopted in Australia, Türkiye, and most markets outside of North America. You'll encounter it at public charging stations, workplaces, and home charging installations in these regions.
Will my older EV work with Type 2 stations?: If your older EV has a Type 1 inlet, you will need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable to connect it to a Type 2 station. However, if your older EV already has a Type 2 inlet, you can use a standard Type 2 cable directly. Most newer EVs have Type 2 ports as standard.

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