Chargers are becoming unified: smartphones under USB-C, but what about electric vehicles (EVs)? In North America, there remain competing connectors, and it becomes more important now than ever to recognize which connector will spread its roots in EV charging.
While regions like Europe and China rally around single standards—CCS and GB/T, respectively—North America is experiencing three connector types: CCS1, NACS, and CHAdeMO. This fragmentation complicates infrastructure planning and driver experiences. However, there are efforts to unify, as charging connectors integrate international standards such as ISO 15118, a communication protocol. Here’s what each connector type brings to the table:
CCS1 Fuels Durability
Full name: Combined Charging System Type 1
Advantage: Built to last, excels in harsh weather, ideal for public stations
ISO 15118 compliance: Yes
Recognized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International, CCS1 offers the industry standard for AC charging at Level 2 and DCFC at Level 3 stations (see AC vs. DCFC). Its compliance with the ISO 15118 enables the Plug & Charge functionality, where EVs can automatically identify and authorize themselves to a station without manual authentication. Most non-Tesla automakers have adopted this top-durability connector in North America.
NACS is the Rising Standard
Full name: North American Charging Standard (technically a.k.a. SAE J3400)
Advantage: Faster charger speeds without compromising communication or reliability
ISO 15118 compliance: Yes
Like CCS1, this connector has become certified by SAE and can handle AC and DC charging in one. A key feature is its cross-compatibility with CCS1 charging infrastructure and EVs: CCS EVs can use NACS stations with adapters, and vice versa. Despite its origins as Tesla’s connector, NACS has widened access over recent years. A market shift marks NACS as the port major automakers are transitioning to.
CHAdeMO: Fading but Leading
Full name: CHArge de MOve
Advantage: Supports up to 400 kW in its new version (CHAdeMO 2.0) while serving as the bidirectional charging leader, as the only standard certified for V2G for now
ISO 15118 compliance: No
CHAdeMO declines regionally while remaining popular in Japan, where it was developed. Many automakers are switching to NACS for newer models in North America.
Why Choose Connector Diversity?
Though a transition to NACS is at bay, we must ensure no EV owners or charge point operators (CPOs) are left behind:
Infrastructure costs: Installation options for multi-connectors guarantee future users.
Driver satisfaction: Offering charging options for all EVs avoids lost revenue from incompatibility.
Adapter needs: The expense of adapters, up to hundreds of dollars, can be overwhelming.
At viveEV, we offer chargers that support today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s standards. While our FCDC chargers focus on current and future needs, the CCS1 and NACS connector types, we additionally provide CHAdeMO options in the 180 kW Pumpy.
Unifying EV charger ports to NACS, as available in viveEV’s FCDC, including the 600 kW Ultra Slim & Tron, will be beneficial. Depots, charging points, and drivers should not leave assets stranded.
One Network, Everyone Connected
Smart infrastructure choices can turn fragmentation into opportunity. viveEV’s commitment to versatility and reliability ensures CPOs can serve all drivers—yesterday’s CHAdeMO users, tomorrow’s NACS users, and everyone in between.
As standards evolve, so do we. Explore viveEV solutions – where every plug powers progress.
At viveEV, we are committed to providing fast chargers that people can reliably utilize, boasting industry-leading uptimes. Check out viveEV.com for more information.