CCS (Combined Charging System)

Charging Infrastructure
Last modified: Apr 04, 2026

CCS (Combined Charging System) is a charging connector standard that combines AC and DC charging capabilities into one port. It exists in two variants: CCS1 (used in North America, with a J1772 AC base) and CCS2 (used in Europe, with a Type 2 AC base).

How It Works

The CCS connector features an AC charging section on top and two additional DC pins on the bottom. For home and workplace AC charging, only the upper portion is used. For DC fast charging, both sections connect simultaneously, allowing the high-power DC current to flow directly to the battery.

CCS2 supports DC charging speeds up to 350 kW with power delivery at up to 920V and 500A in the latest specifications. This makes it capable of supporting both 400V and 800V battery architectures.

Why It Matters

CCS has become the dominant DC fast-charging standard in Europe, mandated by EU regulations, and is widely supported across North America alongside NACS (Tesla's connector). Virtually every non-Tesla EV sold in Europe uses CCS2, ensuring broad compatibility with public charging networks.

When shopping for an EV, CCS compatibility means access to the largest number of public fast chargers in Europe. In North America, the industry is transitioning toward NACS, though CCS1 adapters remain available.

Common Values

  • Max power: up to 350 kW (CCS2)
  • Max voltage: 920V DC
  • Max current: 500A
  • AC charging: up to 43 kW (Type 2 portion)
  • Prevalence: standard on virtually all EVs in Europe
Back to EV Dictionary
More information