Some knowledge allows us to quickly understand IEC 62196

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IEC 62196 is an international standard that defines requirements for electric vehicle charging connectors and charging stations, ensuring their safety, interoperability, and performance.Here are some core points covered by IEC 62196:

1. Connector Types: IEC 62196 defines different connector types for AC and DC charging. For AC charging, it includes Type 1 (SAE J1772), Type 2 (Mennekes), and Type 3 connectors. For DC charging, it includes Type 4 (CHAdeMO), Type 2 Combo (CCS Combo 2), and Type 1 Combo (CCS Combo 1) connectors.

2. Electrical Safety: The standard establishes safety requirements for charging connectors and charging stations to ensure the protection of users and the EV. It covers aspects such as insulation, protection against electric shock, temperature rise, and resistance to mechanical stress.

3. Communication Protocol: IEC 62196 defines the communication protocol between the EV and the charging station, which enables functions such as control, safety, and billing. It includes the signaling between the vehicle and the charging station to determine the charging parameters and to establish a reliable connection.

4. Charging Modes: The standard specifies different charging modes, including Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4. These modes define the different levels of charging power and the necessary safety measures. Mode 3 is commonly used in Europe for AC charging and supports higher power levels compared to Mode 2.

5. Mechanical Requirements: IEC 62196 covers mechanical aspects of the charging connectors, including dimensions, materials, durability, and resistance to environmental conditions. This ensures compatibility and reliability between different EVs and charging stations.

6. Performance and Testing: The standard outlines testing procedures and requirements to verify the performance and safety of charging connectors and charging stations. This includes tests for electrical and mechanical properties, environmental conditions, and interoperability.

It’s important to note that IEC 62196 has several parts, each focusing on different aspects of EV charging. These include IEC 62196-1 (General requirements), IEC 62196-2 (AC charging connectors), IEC 62196-3 (DC charging connectors), and others.

 

Part 1: General requirements
IEC 62196-1:2022 is applicable to EV plugs, EV socket-outlets, vehicle connectors, vehicle inlets, herein referred to as “accessories”, and to cable assemblies for electric vehicles (EV) intended for use in conductive charging systems which incorporate control means, with a rated operating voltage not exceeding:

690 V AC 50 Hz to 60 Hz, at a rated current not exceeding 250 A;
1500 V DC at a rated current not exceeding 800 A.
This fourth edition cancels and replaces the third edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

Part 1 can check more details from the official website page:

https://www.iecee.org/certification/iec-standards/iec-62196-12022

Part 2: Dimensional compatibility requirements for AC pin and contact-tube accessories

IEC 62196-2:2022 applies to EV plugs, EV socket-outlets, vehicle connectors and vehicle inlets with pins and contact-tubes of standardized configurations, herein referred to as accessories. These accessories have a nominal rated operating voltage not exceeding 480 V AC, 50 Hz to 60 Hz, and a rated current not exceeding 63 A three phase or 70 A single phase, for use in conductive charging of electric vehicles.

Part 2 can check more details from the official website page:

https://www.iecee.org/certification/iec-standards/iec-62196-22022

Part 3: Dimensional compatibility requirements for DC and AC/DC pin and contact-tube vehicle couplers

IEC 62196-3:2022 is applicable to vehicle couplers with pins and contact tubes of standardized configuration, herein also referred to as “accessories”, intended for use in electric vehicle conductive charging systems which incorporate control means, with rated operating voltage and current in accordance with IEC 62196-1:2022.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2014. This edition constitutes a technical revision.

Part 3 can check more details from the official website page:

https://www.iecee.org/certification/iec-standards/iec-62196-32022

As an importer of charging stations, it is crucial to comply with the relevant parts of IEC 62196 to ensure the products you import meet the required safety and performance standards for electric vehicle charging in Europe.

 

What’s the Charging Connectors and Standards for EVs in Europe.

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1 Type 2 (IEC62196-2):
– Type 2, Conforms to IEC62196-2 standard, is the most common charging connector used in Europe current (AC: single phase 230V/ Three phases 400V) home EV charging.
– It is a seven-pin connector that supports single-phase AC charging (up to 7.4 kW) and three-phase AC charging (up to 22 kW).
– Type 2 connectors are compatible with most European EV models and are widely available at public charging stations and home charging units.
– AC charging using a Type 2 connector is suitable for overnight charging or longer periods when the vehicle is parked. It’s much safer than Mode 2(Portable EV charger) with long-term charging.

2 Combined Charging System Type 2 (CCS2):
– The Combined Charging System (CCS2) connector is the European standard for high-power DC charging, which allows for faster charging times.
– CCS combines the Type 2 connector for AC charging with two additional DC pins located beneath the AC pins.
– CCS supports both AC and DC charging, making it versatile and compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles.
– DC charging using CCS can deliver power levels ranging from 50 kW to over 350 kW, enabling rapid charging for long-distance travel.
– CCS connectors are typically found at fast-charging stations along major highways and in urban areas.

3 Tesla’s Proprietary Connector:
– Tesla, a prominent electric vehicle manufacturer, uses its own proprietary charging connector known as the Tesla Connector or Tesla Supercharger.
– Tesla vehicles come with built-in charging adapters for the Tesla Supercharger network, which offers high-power DC charging.
– Tesla Superchargers have a unique plug design that is not compatible with other charging standards like Type 2 or CCS.
– However, Tesla has also equipped its vehicles with adapters to support charging at Type 2 AC stations and some CCS fast-charging stations.

4 Standardization Efforts:
– The European Union has been working towards standardizing charging connectors to ensure interoperability and ease of use for EV owners.
– The goal is to establish a unified standard that allows EVs to charge using any available charging infrastructure across different European countries.
– The chosen standard is the Combined Charging System (CCS), which combines AC and DC charging capabilities and supports different power levels.
– Type 2 and CCS2 is widely adopted by major European automakers, charging network operators, and public authorities, contributing to its prevalence in the market.
That means ,100% no problem if we config the type 2 connectors for home EV charging and CCS2 connectors for business/fast EV charging.
Some connectors and standards by referring to reliable sources or the official websites of relevant organizations and EV manufacturers:

  1. European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA):
    • Website: https://www.acea.be/
    • ACEA represents the interests of the major European automobile manufacturers and provides insights on the automotive industry, including electric mobility.
  2. European Charging Infrastructure Association (ECIA):
    • Website: https://www.ecia.eu/
    • ECIA is an association dedicated to promoting the development and deployment of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Europe.
  3. CharIN E.V. (Charging Interface Initiative):
    • Website: https://www.charinev.org/
    • CharIN is an international association that aims to promote and develop the Combined Charging System (CCS) standard for EV charging worldwide.
  4. European Union Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE):

How is the home EV charger developing in Europe?

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In Europe, the development of home EV chargers has been driven by a combination of factors, including the growth in electric vehicle adoption, government incentives to encourage EV charging infrastructure, and advancements in technology that have made EV charging more convenient and accessible.

Many European countries have set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing the adoption of electric vehicles is a key strategy for achieving these goals. Governments have introduced various incentives to encourage EV ownership, such as tax breaks, subsidies, and access to special parking and driving lanes.

In response to this growing demand, many companies have developed home EV charging solutions that are easy to install and use. These chargers typically require a 230V electrical supply or 3 phase 400V and can charge an EV’s battery in a few hours. Some models even come with smart features that allow users to monitor their charging sessions, schedule charging times, and remotely start and stop charging, also can safety management with RFID and Home DLB (Dynamic Load Balancing) functions. All these functions depended on the smart controller and protocol controller, now we- Focus EV power co.ltd supply the complete functions EV charge controller for both home charger and business charger solution.

Furthermore, many European countries have implemented regulations that require new buildings to have EV charging infrastructure installed, which has also contributed to the growth of home EV chargers. As a result, home EV chargers have become more affordable, user-friendly, and widely available throughout Europe, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to charge their cars at home.