Everything about the Combined Charging System Combo CCS 2 for your electric car

According to the European Commission, more than 80% of fast-charging points installed across the European Union already use the CCS Combo 2 system, which has become the preferred standard for charging electric vehicles. This figure highlights the importance of choosing cutting-edge solutions such as those developed at V2C, where the CCS2 connector plays a central role in our rapid-charging technology.

Here we explain all the advantages of this charging cable and why it is the current European standard.

What is the Combined Charging System (CCS) and why is it the European standard?

The CCS (Combined Charging System), also known as Combo 2 or CCS2, is the European standard for charging electric vehicles, enabling both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) charging. Its main advantage is flexibility: with a single connector, users can access both slow and fast charging, adapting to any need or environment.

• Versatility: allows AC and DC charging with a single connector.
• Efficiency: drastically reduces charging times in DC mode.
• Compatibility: it is the standard across the European Union for both public and private points.
• Safety: includes protection systems and temperature control.
• Compliance: meets IEC 62196 standards, ensuring interoperability.

At V2C, as manufacturers of electric car chargers, we are committed to CCS2 technology to facilitate the transition towards efficient and universal electric mobility.

What is the difference between CCS, CCS2 and Type 2 connectors for electric cars?

The CCS connector is an evolution of the Type 2 connector, adding two additional pins that enable fast charging in direct current. CCS2 is the European version of the system, while the Type 2 connector is mainly used for alternating current charging.

Feature	Type 2 Connector	CCS2 Connector (Combo 2)
Charging type	AC only	AC and DC
Maximum power (AC)	Up to 43 kW	Up to 43 kW (AC)
Maximum power (DC)	Not available	Up to 350 kW (depending on station)
Main use	Europe (domestic/public)	Europe (public and fast)
Compatibility	European vehicles	Modern European vehicles

• CCS2 integrates both fast DC charging and conventional AC charging.
• Type 2 is ideal for domestic or semi-public charging.
• CCS2 is essential for ultra-fast charging at public roadsides and service stations.

How does the CCS2 connector work and what advantages does it offer over CHAdeMO?

O conector CCS2 permite carregar um carro elétrico com potências muito superiores às dos sistemas tradicionais, graças ao seu design que combina o conector tipo 2 com dois pinos de alta potência para corrente contínua. Em comparação com o conector CHAdeMO, o CCS2 oferece maior compatibilidade na Europa e uma integração mais simples com a infraestrutura existente.

• Ultra-fast charging: CCS2 supports power levels up to 350 kW, while CHAdeMO is generally limited to 100 kW.
• European standard: CCS2 is mandatory for new public installations.
• Interoperability: enables both AC and DC charging, simplifying use for different types of vehicles.
• Smart management: advanced protocols for vehicle-charger communication, optimising safety and performance.

At V2C, our fast charger Denka incorporates the CCS2 connector, ensuring compatibility with most electric vehicles on the market.

How is the CCS2 connector integrated into V2C chargers?

At V2C, we integrate the CCS2 system into our chargers to provide a rapid, safe and connected charging experience.

Advantages this connector brings to our chargers:

• Smart communication: charger and vehicle exchange information to adjust power and protect the battery.
• Remote control: monitoring and management via the V2C Cloud app.
• Full compatibility: compliance with European standards and support for firmware updates.

Denka: our fast, compact and connected charger with CCS2 Combo connector

Denka is our first fast charger for electric cars with CCS2 technology, designed and manufactured in Spain. It offers options of 20 kW or 40 kW, adapting to the needs of each user and making it easier to increase vehicle turnover at both public and private charging points.

• Fast charging: up to 40 kW to minimise waiting times.
• Compact design: ideal for urban or commercial spaces.
• Advanced connectivity: WiFi, Ethernet, 4G and management via V2C Cloud.
• Smart management: support for RFID, Plug & Charge, and OCPP 1.6J, Modbus TCP/RTU and ISO 15118 protocols.
• Easy integration: perfect for service stations, car parks and shopping centres.
• Integrated payment: V2C Payments system to manage all payments in one place.

Interested in installing a fast-charging point? Find your professional V2C charging point installer for your business.

At V2C, we work with a network of certified installers who can support you at every stage: purchase, installation and assistance with applications for national and regional incentives for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.

Thanks to these incentives, you can significantly reduce installation costs for your charging points and accelerate the transition towards sustainable mobility.