If you’re in the EV charging business — whether developing charging guns, manufacturing connectors, or sourcing components — you’ve probably noticed the connector landscape is fragmented. There isn’t one universal charging plug. Different regions, charging speeds, and vehicle requirements mean multiple standards co-exist, and new ones keep emerging.
This guide breaks down the three main EV charging connector standards — CCS, NACS, and Type 2 — and explains what they mean for component manufacturers, particularly those producing charging pins and connector hardware.
Type 2, also known as Mennekes after the German company that developed it, is the standard AC charging connector for Europe. It’s defined by IEC 62196 and is mandatory for all public charging stations in the EU.
Type 2 pins require precision machining because the multiple contacts must align within tight tolerances. We have a full guide on precision Swiss turning for EV charging contact pins that covers the manufacturing process in depth. The pins are typically Ø4mm–Ø8mm and require burr-free surfaces to ensure reliable electrical contact over thousands of plug cycles.
CCS combines the Type 2 (in Europe) or J1772 (in North America) AC connector with two additional DC power pins, allowing both AC and DC charging through a single connector. It’s the most widely adopted fast-charging standard globally.
CCS connectors are where charging pin precision really matters. The DC pins carry hundreds of amps — any imperfection in the pin surface or geometry creates hot spots that can damage the connector. This is why Swiss-type turning, with its superior surface finish and dimensional consistency, is the preferred manufacturing method for CCS charging pins.
Originally developed by Tesla as a proprietary connector, NACS (now standardized as SAE J3400) has been adopted by major automakers including Ford, GM, Rivian, and Volvo. It’s a compact, pin-efficient design that supports both AC and DC charging in a single connector.
NACS pins are smaller and more tightly packed than CCS pins. The reduced spacing means tighter dimensional tolerances are required to prevent arcing or short circuits. Swiss CNC turning is essential for these precision components. Choosing the right copper alloy for charging pins is equally critical for meeting these tight specs.
| Feature | Type 2 | CCS1 / CCS2 | NACS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pins | 7 | 7 + 2 DC | 5 |
| Max DC Power | N/A (AC only) | 350 kW | 250 kW+ |
| Max Current | 63A AC | 500A DC | 500A+ DC |
| Primary Region | Europe | Global | North America |
| Pin Ø (typical) | 4–8 mm | 6–12 mm | 4–10 mm |
| Tolerance Grade | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm | ±0.01 mm |
Each connector standard makes different demands on the precision-machined pins inside the charging gun:
Regardless of the standard, all charging pins share common requirements: tight dimensional control, burr-free surfaces, and consistent material properties.
At VOLCRIX, we manufacture charging pins for all three standards — Type 2, CCS, and NACS — using Swiss-type CNC lathes. If you’re developing a charging gun and need precision-machined pins that meet the latest connector standards, we’d be glad to discuss your requirements.
Contact us to discuss your charging pin requirements.
What is the difference between CCS1 and CCS2?
CCS1 is used in North America (based on J1772). CCS2 is used in Europe (based on Type 2). Both add two DC pins but the base AC connector differs.
Which connector standard uses 5 pins?
NACS (SAE J3400) uses 5 pins. It’s about 60% smaller than CCS while supporting up to 250 kW DC charging.
What is the most common charging standard worldwide?
CCS is the most widely adopted fast-charging standard globally. Type 2 dominates in Europe for AC charging.
