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Alternating Current and Direct Current

The power that comes from the UK National Grid when you plug in your electric car is known as 'Alternating Current', frequently abbreviated to 'AC'.

But the batteries in an electric car store electricity in the form of 'Direct Current' or 'DC'.

So, to switch the current between 'Alternating Current' from the electric mains to 'Direct Current' stored in the batteries, a special device called an 'inverter' is used inside the car.

The inverter also changes the stored 'DC' current from the batteries back to 'AC' electricity for the electric motor that drives the wheels.

Why Do Electric Cars Need AC?

In very simple terms, electric motors need to spin to generate propulsion to the wheels, i.e. forwards or backwards motion for the electic car.

To do that, electric motors need a rotating magnetic field from 'AC' electricity, rather than from a direct current.

How Alternating Current Powers A Motor

Rotating Magnetic Field: The alternating current in the coils of an AC motor creates magnetic fields that change direction. By energizing multiple sets of coils in an electric motor a continuously rotating magnetic field is produced.

Induction and Torque: This rotating magnetic field induces a current in the rotor of the motor. The interaction between the magnetic field and the rotor's magnetic field produces a force, or torque, that causes the rotor to spin.

Advantages of Alternating Current Motors: Direct Current motors typically have brushes in them to pass the electricity to the motor. These brushes can wear down and require maintenance.

Most Alternatiing Current motors are designed without brushes. This brushless design contributes to a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance.

AC motors are also efficient at converting electrical energy into mechanical motion, making them ideal for energy-intensive applications.

Alternating Current motors are also typically robust and reliable, suitable for demanding industrial environments and capable of operating continuously under various load conditions.

Why Electric Cars Have Different Sockets

Electric cars have different 'sockets' because there is no single universal charging standard across all countries, with connectors differing based on charging speed (slow, fast, or rapid) and the type of power being delivered (e.g. Alternating Current or Direct Current).

Additionally, different regions and countries have adopted different standards over time, leading to a variety of connectors like the European Type 2 and CCS, and the older Type 1 connector.

Why the Differences Exist

Charging Speed and Power Type: Slower AC charging uses different connectors than the high-power DC charging needed for rapid charging.

Regional Standards: Various countries and regions developed their own charging standards. The European Type 2 connector became standard for AC charging in Europe and is often combined with a DC connector in the CCS system.

Technological Evolution: Older electric vehicles may use different, less common connectors, while newer models often feature the more modern and widely adopted Type 2 and CCS connectors.

Manufacturer Choices: In some cases, manufacturers have chosen proprietary systems or different standards for different markets to suit their specific designs and the available infrastructure in those regions.

Common Connector Types in the UK/Europe

Here are some of the most common electric car charging connectors you'll find in the UK and Europe:

Type 1 (J1772): An older standard primarily used in North America and Japan, but still found on some older electric vehicles in Europe.
Type 2 (Mennekes): The standard connector for slower AC charging, often found in home and public charging points.
CCS (Combined Charging System): A combination of the Type 2 socket with two additional DC pins, allowing for high-speed DC rapid charging.
3-Pin Plug: Used for basic, slow charging from a standard domestic wall socket.

While there isn't a single universal socket, most modern electric cars in Europe use the Type 2 connector for AC charging and have a CCS connector for rapid DC charging.

So Which Socket Does My Electric Car Use?

The typical 3 pin plug used on electric sockets in the UK are different to those used in the charger cables for electric cars. Different manufacturers have chosen different sockets too, typically because of the power supply in the home country of manufacture.

The main types of sockets you'll find on electric cars are Type 1 (J1772), Type 2 or Mennekes, CHAdeMO (sometimes called 'CHArge de Move' or 'charge for moving'), CCS Type 1, CCS type 2, GB/T and Supercharger (typically for 'Tesla' brand cars).

We've put together details of the battery performance and charger socket types for new cars so you can check the socket type before you buy an electric car.

So Which Socket Does My Electric Car Use?

Click on this link where you can select the brand for your electric car manufacturer and see the socket type.