Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 EV Chargers
So, you’ve either made the plunge and bought an electric vehicle. Or you might are thinking about it. You are trying to determine the difference between type 1 and type 2 EV Chargers. We can understand why you might be confused with so many options to pick from.
To narrow it down, most EV cars are now either Type 1 or Type 2. This really depends on which type your car is most compatible with, which you should be able to find in your manufacturer’s guide.
Now, there is no point in owning an environmentally friendly electric vehicle if charging it causes more hassle than it’s worth. To avoid this, using a type 2 charger instead of a type 1 charger can help level up your EV charging experience.
We have noted down all that you need to know about the difference between type 1 and type 2 EV chargers down below to help explain the reasons why.
If you’re interested in finding out more please speak to my EV engineers here. They can discuss how we can install home EV chargers for you to use.
Table Of Contents
What Are Type 1 EV Chargers?
Typically, type 1 EV chargers are a single phase plus. It lets you charge your car at a speed of up to 2.4Kw. Sometimes they might go up to around 7kW but it’s not common.
They have a 3-pin design and usually they will be able to fit pretty much all EV vehicles.
It does have a little latch that aims to keep the plug in place, so you do not have to worry about it falling out when charging. However, this obviously doesn’t stop someone from walking past and removing the cable from the car.
Type 1 Will Charge Up To 2.4kW
Type 1 home EV chargers are the slowest option. If time is not something that bothers you, then a type 1 EV charger will be fine for you.
However, as the type 1 charger is plugged in your mains and only chargers are around 1.4kW to 2.4kW, it isn’t the most time-efficient. It also isn’t the most affordable option as it takes power straight from your mains rather than utilising your solar system like type 2 EV chargers do.
What Are Type 2 EV Chargers?
Now, the type 2 EV charger has 5 pins which can work with a single and a three-phase power main. It is also the standard plug-in in most countries, including Australia.
Type 2 is super speedy, and is the most common type of charger to install at your home. The charging speeds can reach anywhere between 7.4kw for single phase homes and up to 22kw for 3 phase homes.
Unlike type 1, the type 2 cable has a locking pink that can’t be removed by a passer Byers. This is safer as only the vehicle owner can remove the charger when the car is fully charged.
Most homeowners look to get type 2 installed in their garage or driveway, this ensures safety is at its highest.
Type 2 Will Charge At 7.4kW single phase or 22kW 3 phase
For at-home charging, type 2 chargers are much quicker than type 1 as they are installed using a manual wall box. This pulls power from the mains, the grid and your solar system, if you have one. In a single-phase, they charge at 7.4kW and 22kW 3 phase.
These are becoming extremely popular in Australia as they increase your return on investment by using your solar system to charge your EV car.
The Biggest Difference Between Type 1 And Type 2 Is Speed…
The most significant difference between type 1 and type 2 is the speed and reliability. Type 2 is hands down, so much faster than type 1.
As mentioned above, the average speed of a type 1 EV charger is 2.4kW, whereas type 2 can be as fast as 7.4kW single-phase or 22kW 3 phase.
Some of the more practical differences are that type 1 has 5 pins, and type 2 has 7. The main difference here is the locking pin that Type 2 has, which stops it from moving out of place.
Another factor you might want to take into consideration is the standard of the plugs. For example, type 2 is the standard charging cable in Europe and Australia. In contrast, type 1 is dominant in Japan, Asia and America. Therefore, type 2 is best for Australia.
Which One Is Better, Type 1 or Type 2?
Now, you might have guessed our opinion on this already. Type 2 EV chargers are better in our eyes than a Type 1. Here are a few reasons why.
They are faster and more reliable. Type 1 chargers we would only recommend if you don’t use your car as much and have the time to wait for your vehicle to charge. The type 2 EV chargers are much better for those using the car and need a quicker turnaround.
A great benefit of the back of Type 2 chargers being quicker is that you don’t have to plan ahead. So, for example, if you are charging your car from home or work, you don’t have to worry about finding EV chargers along the way.
Installing a type 2 EV charger in your home can help save you money in the long run as it is cheaper than charging at EV stations. Another added bonus is that you can link it up to your home solar system to make the process even more efficient.
Most EV cars can be charged by solar power if installed at your home. So, you are not only saving money on fuel and EV charging stations but on your own electricity bill. Type 2 chargers can be linked to your home solar system and easily installed in your home.
Type 2 EV Chargers Can Be Installed To A Solar System
So you have already done a fantastic job buying an EV car and installing solar panels in your house. So why not connect the two to maximise your efforts even more.
A home EV Charger can use the power you generate from the home solar system to charge your car. This can save you money as you are essentially getting it for free rather than buying it off the grid.
EV cars can be a long-term investment; however, you can make a return on investment by being able to charge your car for free from the comfort of your home. In addition, you won’t need to worry about finding the nearest EV charging station as it will be at your own home.
We would recommend the best solar system to charge an EV car to be above 9.9kW. Now, the only reason we recommend this size compared to something like 6.6kW is because of how much power an average household uses.
For example, most people have phones and laptops to charge, TVs and kitchen appliances plugged in and the AC system. This means a household is using more energy than usual.
Therefore, if you also want to charge your EV car from your house, so you are getting the most for your money, it is worth investing a bit more into your solar system.
At the end of the day, you will be able to see a return on your investment in your solar panels and EV car through a type 2 EV charging system at home.
You're Probably Going To Get A Better Return On Investment From A Type 2 Charger
That being said, you will still get a good return on investment from your type 1 charger. This is because you will be spending less on EV charging stations and utilising the home energy you already pay for.
However, type 2 EV chargers are what are going to give you the best and fastest return on investment.
If you are looking for an option with a quicker payback period or wouldn’t mind making some money back from your investment, type 2 is for you.
Type 1 EV chargers are more affordable, but you will lose out on the benefits of speed, convenience and the return on your investment.
Conclusion
Overall, it is easy to see why we think that type 2 EV chargers are the best for homeowners. Especially homeowners with solar systems installed.
Type 2 EV chargers are not only more reliable and faster than type 1 EV chargers, but they are more sustainable for the future. They can be used to charge most EV cars and can be installed easily in any home.
Not only that, but they are becoming the industry standard and can be found at most EV charging stations. The little details such as the locking pin reassure you when leaving your car to charge in a public place.
However, we do want to mention that type 2 still might not be for everyone. Type 1 EV chargers do what they need to do and are more affordable than type 2 chargers. They are great if you are just getting started on your sustainable journey and are not as bothered about the speed at which your EV car charges.
As time progresses, we do recommend investing in a type 2 charger and home solar system. Both of them combined have a great return on investment and help the planet’s future.
Let us know in the comment section below if you have any questions.
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Written By:
Luke Cove
Managing Director
Lightning Solar & Electrical
