Charging connectors, charging ports
Chinese electric vehicles
Keywords
charging connector, charging socket, Chinese electric vehicle charging connector, Chinese electric vehicle charging port, Chinese electric vehicle charging port type
Content:
1. Specifications GB/T
2. AC charging
3. DC fast charging
4. Pinout
5. GB/T adapters for CHAdeMO, type 1 or type 2
6. Other types of ports (connectors)
7. Video review of charging ports and adapters
On electric vehicles from China, according to the latest charging technology, GB / T connectors are installed.
GBT is China's national electric vehicle charging standard. It is also known as the Guobiao/T standard connector, named after the Chinese standardization organization that developed it.
The GB/T plug has two types of connectors: 20234.2 (AC, slow port) for AC charging and 20234.3 (DC, fast port) for DC charging.
The AC AC connector can provide up to 7.4kW of single-phase power output.
The DC connector can provide output power up to 237.5kW.
Additional adapters are required to charge a Chinese electric car from Type 1, Type 2 or CHAdeMO stations.
AC Charging
The GB/T Plug EV standard has two types of connectors - one for slow charging and the other for fast charging. The slow charge connector, also known as the AC connector, is a single-phase, three-pin connector. This connector is typically used for charging at home or in commercial areas where charging time is not a limitation. The AC connector can provide a maximum charging power of 27.7kW at three-phase current. The single-phase wire provides a maximum charging power of up to 7.4 kW.
The AC charger uses a GB/T AC 20234.2 plug, visually similar to the European Mennekes plug (type 2). However, they are technically different. The GB/T AC connector can be compatible with type 2 through an adapter.
DC fast charging
The fast charging connector, also known as the DC connector (GB/T DC 20234.3), is a nine-pin connector that provides a maximum charging power of 237.5 kW. Charging power is limited by the car's on-board charger, which is usually significantly less than the maximum socket capacity. This connector is commonly used at public charging stations and can charge an electric vehicle in less than an hour. The DC connector has a higher voltage and current rating than the AC connector, allowing for faster charging speeds.
The DC charger uses a GB/T DC 20234.3 connector compatible with CHAdeMO connectors via an adapter.
GB/T pinout
The GB/T AC 20234.2 standard defines seven pins for the EV AC charger:
CC (Charging Confirmation): Pre-installation alarm indicating that power is available for charging.
CP (Control Pilot): Alarm after installation, providing charging parameters such as voltage, current and mode.
PE (Protective Earth): A 6 mm diameter full current protective earth system that protects against electrical faults and shocks.
N (Neutral): A single-phase AC power system that provides a return path for electrical current.
L1 (Line 1): Single-phase AC power system, the main power source for electric vehicle charging.
L2 and L3 (line 2 and line 3): redundant pin assignment providing an alternative power source in the event of a main power failure.
The GB/T DC 20234.3 standard defines a six-pin interface for a male automotive connector. Each pin has a specific function, including charging communication, charging confirmation, post-installation alarm, DC main power, safety ground, and DC auxiliary power.
S+ / S- (CAN_H / CAN_L): These pins are used to charge communication. The controller network (CAN) is used as the communication protocol. The S+ pin is the CAN_H line and the S- pin is the CAN_L line.
CC1/CC2: These pins are used for charging confirmation and alarm after installation. A charge confirmation signal is sent by the vehicle to the charging equipment, indicating that it is ready to be charged. Once the plug is inserted, the charger sends a signal to the vehicle indicating that the connection is secure.
DC+/DC- (Positive/Negative): These pins are used for the main DC power. The DC+ pin is the positive pin and the DC- pin is the negative pin. These pins carry the high current needed to charge the battery of an electric vehicle.
PE: This pin is used for protective earth. This is a full current protective earthing system that provides protection against electric shock. It connects the car's chassis to the ground.
A+ / A-: These pins are used for DC auxiliary power. The A+ pin is the positive pin and the A- pin is the negative pin. These contacts are used to power auxiliary vehicle systems such as lighting and air conditioning.
Adapters
The GB/T Plug EV standard is exclusively used in China and is not compatible with other charging standards used in different countries. However, some EV manufacturers have developed adapters that can convert the GB/T Plug EV to other standards used in Europe, North America, and other regions.
CCS2 or CCS1 standards are compatible with GB/T standard with a special adapter that is used to connect the charging cable to the CCS charging station. The same story with the conversion to CHAdeMO.
GB/T AC to Type 2 adapter costs $70 and up (up to $250).
GB/T DC adapter on CHAdeMO starting at $1,300.
Other types of ports (connectors)
Video review of charging ports and adapters