From Past to Present: Evolution of Connectors in Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The proverbial expression necessity is the mother of invention is used to say that we find new and inventive ways to do things when there is a strong and urgent need. In other words, when you really need to do something, you’ll figure out a way. Similarly the need for faster charging speeds, greater compatibility, and more efficient use of space

Is responsible for the evolution of connectors in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.This article will talk about how evolution of connectors in electric vehicle charging stations happened.

The first generation of EV connectors

The first generation EV connectors were developed in the early days of electric vehicles, when the technology was still in its infancy.The first generation of EV charging connectors were designed for slow, overnight charging. These connectors were typically based on household electrical outlets and had a relatively low power output. 

Some of first generation connectors are:

Magne Charge : Magne Charge was an inductive charging connector that was developed by General Motors and Chrysler. It was used on the EV1 and S-10 EV vehicles.

Avcon : Avcon was a conductive charging connector that was developed by Ford and Solectria. It was used on the Ford Ranger EV and EV1 vehicles.

Yazaki : Yazaki was a conductive charging connector that was developed by Yazaki. It was used on the Toyota RAV4 EV vehicle

These connectors were all discontinued as EVs became more popular and the need for faster charging speeds emerged.

Second generation connectors

The second generation of EV connectors, still in use today.They are designed for both slow and fast charging. They are also more compatible with each other, making it easier for drivers to find charging stations for their vehicles.

Reasons why these connectors are not designed like normal three-plugs

Three-pins are unable to withstand power more than 10Wh

Affected by weather

Three-pins does not provide two-way communication

Some of second generation connectors are:

CHAdeMO : The CHAdeMO connector is a DC fast charging connector that is commonly used in Japan and Europe.The new CHAdeMO EV Connector Specification 2.0 provides for up to 400kW of charging power. Most electric vehicles are compatible with the CHAdeMO connector.

CCS (Type 1 and Type 2): The CCS connector is a combination of AC and DC connectors that is gaining popularity in Europe and North America.

SAE J1772 (Type 1 and Type 2): The SAE J1772 connector is the most common connector in North America and Japan. It is used for both AC and DC charging.

Tesla connector : The Tesla connector is a proprietary connector that is used on all Tesla vehicles.

The future of EV charging connectors

factors that could influence the future of EV charging connectors:

Availability of charging stations: If there is a high availability of CCS charging stations, it is more likely that this will become the standard. However, if Tesla continues to open up its charging network to other EVs, the Tesla connector could become more widely adopted.

Cost of implementing a single standard: If the cost of implementing a single standard is high, it is less likely that this will happen. However, if the cost is low, it is more likely that a single standard will be adopted.

Market share of different EV manufacturers: If Tesla continues to dominate the EV market, the Tesla connector is more likely to become the standard. However, if other manufacturers start to gain market share, there is a greater chance that CCS will become the standard.

Summing UP

The type of connector used is mainly dependent on the battery bank voltage used in the electric vehicle. Apart from these regular connectors, the industry is constantly in the phase of research & new connectors .The future connectors are uncertain, but it is likely that everyone will adapt a single, unified standard. This would make it easier for drivers to find compatible charging stations and would help to reduce the cost of EV ownership.Its early now to predict about future connectors but it is clear that there is a move towards a single standard, and this is likely to happen in the near future.