Type 1 chargers use a 5-pin J1772 connector, while Type 2 chargers use a 7-pin Mennekes connector
If you are shopping for a home EV charger in the UK, the first decision you face is the connector type. The two main options are Type 1 and Type 2, and they are not interchangeable without an adapter cable. The most visible difference is the physical connector: Type 1 uses a 5-pin J1772 plug with a rectangular profile and a manual latch, while Type 2 uses a 7-pin Mennekes plug that is rounder and has a locking mechanism that can be engaged electronically (OZEV, 2026).
Type 1 and Type 2 EV chargers differ mainly in connector shape and pin count. Type 2 is the UK standard for new EVs since 2013 and can charge faster on three-phase supplies (up to 22 kW vs 7.4 kW for Type 1). Check your car's port before buying.
- Type 1 uses a 5-pin J1772 connector; Type 2 uses a 7-pin Mennekes connector.
- Type 2 is the UK standard for all new EVs since 2013.
- Type 1 maxes out at 7.4 kW on single-phase; Type 2 can reach 22 kW on three-phase.
- Both chargers are limited to 7.4 kW on a standard UK single-phase supply.
- Actual charging speed also depends on your car's onboard charger capacity.
- Type 1 chargers use a 5-pin J1772 connector, while Type 2 chargers use a 7-pin Mennekes connector
- Type 1 chargers deliver a maximum of 7.4 kW, whereas Type 2 chargers can deliver up to 22 kW on three-phase home supplies
- Quick numbers charging speeds, cable types, and home supply compatibility
- Type 2 chargers are the only type eligible for the UK's EV chargepoint grant schemes
- How to verify your charger and installer meet UK regulations
- The direct answer if you buy a new EV in the UK today, you need a Type 2 charger
Type 1 is the standard connector for most North American EVs and some older Japanese and Korean models, such as early Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi i-MiEVs. Type 2 has been the European standard for all new EVs sold in the UK since 2013 (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). A Type 1 plug is limited to single-phase AC charging, while a Type 2 plug can handle both single-phase and three-phase AC charging, which matters for homes with a three-phase electricity supply.
Type 1 chargers deliver a maximum of 7.4 kW, whereas Type 2 chargers can deliver up to 22 kW on three-phase home supplies
The maximum charging speed is the second major distinction. A standard UK home with a single-phase electricity supply will see both Type 1 and Type 2 chargers limited to 7.4 kW (32 amps) maximum charging speed. This is because a single-phase supply cannot deliver more current than 32A to a single circuit without significant electrical upgrades (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Three-phase supplies, which are common in newer or larger homes, allow Type 2 chargers to reach 11 kW (16A on three phases) or 22 kW (32A on three phases). Type 1 chargers remain capped at 7.4 kW regardless of supply type (DESNZ, 2026). However, the actual charging speed also depends on the car’s onboard charger. A car with a 3.6 kW onboard charger will charge at that rate regardless of the connector type, so a higher-rated charger does not always mean faster charging.
Quick numbers charging speeds, cable types, and home supply compatibility
| Connector type | Maximum power (single-phase home) | Maximum power (three-phase home) | Cable type (tethered or untethered) | Typical charge time for a 40 kWh battery at 7.4 kW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 (J1772) | 7.4 kW | 7.4 kW | Untethered only (separate cable) | Approx. 5.5 hours |
| Type 2 (Mennekes) | 7.4 kW | Up to 22 kW | Tethered or untethered | Approx. 5.5 hours |
The charge times above assume a 40 kWh battery, similar to a Nissan Leaf, and a 7.4 kW charging rate. Actual times vary with battery size and charging efficiency (OZEV technical specification, 2026).
Type 2 chargers are the only type eligible for the UK’s EV chargepoint grant schemes
The UK government’s grant schemes for home and workplace charging are restricted to Type 2 connectors. The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) and the Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) require that installed charge points use a Type 2 socket or a tethered Type 2 connector (GOV.UK, 2026). Type 1 chargers are not eligible for grant funding under current DESNZ rules, which apply to installations from 1 April 2022 onward.
If you buy a car with a Type 1 inlet, you must use a Type 2-to-Type 1 cable with a Type 2 charge point to qualify for a grant. A dedicated Type 1 wall unit will not be subsidised (OZEV grant eligibility criteria, 2026). This means that even if you own an older EV with a Type 1 inlet, installing a Type 2 charger is the only way to get government financial support.
How to verify your charger and installer meet UK regulations
All home charge points must be installed by a registered MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) installer or an OZEV-authorised installer to qualify for grants. You can check an installer’s MCS registration via the MCS website or the OZEV authorised installer list (MCS, 2026). The charge point itself must be certified to BS EN 61851-1, the UK standard for EV conductive charging systems, and carry a CE or UKCA mark (GOV.UK, 2026).
For Type 2 installations, the installer must also ensure compliance with the 18th Edition Wiring Regulations (BS 7671), including the requirement for a PEN fault protection device. This device protects against potential earth faults when using a public or home charge point (Legislation.gov.uk, 2026). Always ask to see the installer’s certification before work begins.
The direct answer if you buy a new EV in the UK today, you need a Type 2 charger
All new electric cars sold in the UK since 2013 use a Type 2 inlet. For DC rapid charging, they use the CCS Combo 2 connector, which includes a Type 2 plug for AC charging (DESNZ, 2026). This makes Type 2 the only connector that works with current models without an adapter. Type 1 chargers are only relevant for used imports from North America or older EVs that have not been retrofitted.
A Type 2 charge point with a tethered cable is the most convenient option for a Type 2 car. An untethered Type 2 socket allows you to use a Type 2-to-Type 1 cable for a Type 1 car, giving flexibility if you own or plan to own an older model. compare home EV charger installation costs If you are buying a new EV, the choice is clear: Type 2 is the standard. what to check before installing a home EV charger
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference is the connector: Type 1 has 5 pins and a manual latch, while Type 2 has 7 pins and an electronic lock. Type 2 is the European standard for all new EVs sold in the UK since 2013 (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Yes, but you need a Type 1 to Type 2 adapter cable. However, charging speed may be limited to 7.4 kW, and the adapter adds complexity (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Type 2 is faster on three-phase supplies, reaching up to 22 kW, while Type 1 is capped at 7.4 kW. On a standard single-phase UK home, both deliver the same 7.4 kW maximum (DESNZ, 2026).
Yes, all new EVs sold in the UK since 2013 use Type 2 connectors as the standard (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Older models like early Nissan Leafs may have Type 1.
It is a cable that lets you plug a Type 1 connector into a Type 2 charging point. It allows older cars with Type 1 ports to use modern public or home chargers, but speeds remain limited to 7.4 kW (OZEV, 2026).
