Charging An European Car In The US: What You Should Know

Jul 8
17:36

2024

Viola Kailee

Viola Kailee

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Are you moving towards the USA from Europe with your EV and now wondering about USA vs European EV charging standards? Here is a complete guide that will help you.

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Have you ever wondered how to charge your European electric car in the US? That can be pretty challenging,Charging An European Car In The US: What You Should Know Articles primarily when the local setup for charging doesn't quite correspond to the needs of your vehicle. That's why it's essential to understand the European EV charging standard.

The following article will summarize it, offering you some practical solutions. We will cover everything you need to know about charging your European EV in the US, whether you're planning on taking a trip or making a move.

So, let us begin.

Differences in Charging Standards

When it comes to charging electric vehicles, there are differences in both European and US standards:

CCS2 charging (European Standard)

CCS2 is the clear leader in Europe as the most used format for charging electric cars. It's a system capable of AC and DC charging with one plug, thus efficient and versatile. CCS2 also supports faster charging velocities for those extended journeys and quick-charge stations all over Europe. Hence, it works with many car models, thus supporting EV owners across the continent.

CCS1 charging (US Standard)

CCS1 is the American standard for the charging of EVs. Like CCS2, it combines AC and DC charging in a single connector but has a different form factor. CCS1 is devised to fit the US's electrical configuration and legal stipulations to guarantee perfect compatibility with the electric vehicles from the American market. It shares its fast-charging capacity with CCS2, though adjusted to the American conditions and requirements—a way through which cars are running on electricity in this country.

Now let's discuss what types of adapters are available to help you if you are moving from Europe to the USA with your EV.

What Types of Adapters are Available?

There are 2 different types of adapters out there that will help you:

CCS1 to CHAdeMO

Specifically, this would be a CCS1 to CHAdeMO adapter if you visit the US from Europe in your EV. CHAdeMO is another fast-charging standard in use at some points within the US. That means it would enable your car, most probably running on CCS1, to plug into the CHAdeMO charging points. This is entirely instrumental in achieving compatibility and, therefore, comfort when it comes to charging across the varied networks with your EV.

CCS1 to CCS2 adapter

An adapter from CCS1 to CCS2 is, therefore, essential when moving to the US for all those EVs that come with a CCS1 European EV charging standard. This would let your car charge from CCS2 stations typically found in Europe. It ensures that even with the use of a CCS1 plug type, it will be able to support the higher charging speeds and infrastructural compatibility possible with CCS2.

Using a Home Charger in the US: Is it Different?

If you brought your European electric vehicle into the US, then using a home charger may differ from here. While each home charger is compatible with a CCS2 standard in most parts of Europe, the same chargers demand a CCS1 standard over in the US. This may mean checking the compatibility of your home charger with the local electric system and critical thinking towards CCS1 to CHAdeMO adapters, or probably an installation for a new charger that will align with US standards.

Knowing the difference will assure you that you can charge your EV both safely and efficiently at home in the US to maintain both the convenience and reliability of using an electric vehicle.