Understanding EV Charging Standards: GB/T, CCS2, Type 2, NACS, and CHAdeMO Compared

Understanding EV Charging Standards: GB/T, CCS2, Type 2, NACS, and CHAdeMO Compared

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to dominate global roads in 2026, one of the biggest challenges for drivers remains charging compatibility. Different regions adopted different standards early on, leading to a fragmented landscape of connectors and protocols. Whether you're a daily commuter, fleet operator, or international traveler, understanding these standards is essential to avoid being stranded with an incompatible charger.

Here's a visual overview of the major EV charging connector types:

In this technical guide, we'll break down the five major EV charging standards—GB/T, CCS2, Type 2, NACS, and CHAdeMO—comparing their design, capabilities, regional adoption, and interoperability options. We'll also explore how adapters bridge these gaps safely and efficiently.

EV Charging Standards Overview

1. GB/T (Guobiao/Tuijian – China National Standard)

• Connector Type: Unique dual-port design (separate AC and DC pins).
• Power Levels: AC up to 7.4 kW (single-phase) or 22 kW (three-phase); DC fast charging commonly 60–250 kW.
• Communication Protocol: CAN bus.
• Regional Dominance: Primarily China and some Asian markets. Almost all public chargers in China use GB/T.
• Advantages: High-power DC capability integrated into one connector; robust for commercial fleets.
• Limitations: Not natively compatible with Western standards.

2. CCS2 (Combined Charging System – Europe/Asia Variant)

• Connector Type: Type 2 AC base with added DC "Combo" pins below.
• Power Levels: AC up to 22 kW (three-phase); DC up to 350 kW+ (high-power charging).
• Communication Protocol: Power Line Communication (PLC).
• Regional Dominance: Europe, Australia, India, and increasingly global networks (e.g., Ionity, Electrify America adopting CCS).
• Advantages: Backward-compatible with Type 2 AC; supports ultra-fast charging.
• Limitations: Bulkier connector than pure AC options.

3. Type 2 (Mennekes – AC Only)

• Connector Type: Seven-pin design (three-phase capable).
• Power Levels: AC only – typically 3.7–22 kW (43 kW possible in some installations).
• Communication Protocol: PLC.
• Regional Dominance: Europe for home and public AC charging.
• Advantages: Compact, safe shutter mechanism (prevents live pins exposure), widespread in European public networks.
• Limitations: No native DC fast charging (requires CCS2 combo).

4. NACS (North American Charging Standard – formerly Tesla)

• Connector Type: Compact single-port design handling both AC and DC.
• Power Levels: AC up to 11.5 kW; DC up to 250 kW (V3 Superchargers) and 350 kW+ (V4).
• Communication Protocol: PLC (harmonized with CCS).
• Regional Dominance: North America – now the official SAE standard (J3400). By 2026, most non-Tesla manufacturers (Ford, GM, Rivian, Volvo, etc.) have adopted or are transitioning to native NACS ports.
• Advantages: Smallest, lightest connector; excellent thermal management for sustained high power.
• Limitations: Early Tesla-only ecosystem required adapters for non-Tesla vehicles.

5. CHAdeMO (Japan-developed DC Fast Charging)

• Connector Type: Large circular design with separate AC capability in some variants.
• Power Levels: DC up to 400 kW (newer 3.0 versions); older units typically 50–100 kW.
• Communication Protocol: CAN bus.
• Regional Dominance: Japan, some legacy networks in Europe/North America (Nissan Leaf primarily).
• Advantages: Early pioneer in bidirectional charging (V2G).
• Limitations: Declining adoption; many networks phasing out in favor of CCS/NACS.

Compatibility Matrix

Real-World Interoperability Solutions

• GB/T to CCS2 Adapters: Essential for Chinese EVs traveling to Europe or using international networks. These support up to 250A DC with IP65 waterproofing and over-temperature protection.
• NACS Adapters: With the 2025–2026 transition complete in North America, adapters allow legacy CCS1 vehicles to use expanding NACS networks (and vice versa for early adopters).
• Type 2 Extensions and Portable Solutions: For home users needing flexibility.

Always choose adapters with proper certifications (CE, TUV, UL) and current ratings matching your vehicle's capability. Poor-quality adapters risk overheating or communication failures.

At EVSE-Chargers.com, we specialize in OEM/ODM adapters and cables designed for exactly these scenarios. Explore our GB/T to CCS2 adapters or NACS-compatible solutions for reliable, high-amperage options. (For your blog, replace example images with your own product photos for branding.)

Conclusion

While the industry is consolidating around CCS2 (Europe) and NACS (North America), regional standards like GB/T remain dominant in the world's largest EV market. Understanding these differences empowers you to plan trips, choose vehicles, or expand charging infrastructure confidently.

As EV adoption accelerates in 2026, expect even greater harmonization—but adapters will remain crucial for the foreseeable future.

Have questions about compatibility for your specific vehicle? Contact our technical team or browse our full range of certified EVSE products.

Drive further, charge smarter.