Most electric cars in India use a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a CCS2 connector for DC fast charging, and both plug into the same port on the car. Older cars, imported models and electric scooters can use different connectors, and a charger that does not match your EV's port is useless to you, no matter how fast it is. This guide explains each connector type, shows how to identify your EV's port and gives you a checklist to confirm compatibility before you drive to a charging station.
EV charging connector types in India at a glance
| Connector | Current | Used for | Status in India |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 | AC | Cars at homes, offices, hotels and public AC chargers | Standard for car AC charging |
| CCS2 | DC (with AC pins) | Cars at DC fast chargers | Standard for car DC fast charging |
| CHAdeMO | DC | Some older Japanese EVs | Rare on cars today |
| GB/T | AC and DC | Chinese-standard EVs, some buses and older infrastructure | Limited use |
| Bharat AC001 / DC001 | AC / DC | Early low-power standards for light vehicles | Found at some older chargers |
| Light-EV connectors (Type 6, Type 7 / LECCS) and brand-specific plugs | AC and DC | Scooters, three-wheelers and small vehicles | Varies by brand |
Type 2: the AC connector for cars
Type 2 is the everyday AC connector for electric cars in India. It is used at homes, workplaces, hotels, malls and public AC chargers, and it supports charging up to about 22 kW. Your car's actual AC speed is limited by its onboard charger, which on many EVs is only 3.3 kW to 7.4 kW. Planning a home setup? Choose a charger with a Type 2 connector and match its power to your car's AC limit.
CCS2: the DC fast-charging connector
CCS2 (Combined Charging System, Type 2) is the dominant DC fast-charging connector for passenger EVs in India. The clever part is the shape: a CCS2 inlet looks like a Type 2 socket with two larger DC pins added underneath. The upper section handles communication and AC charging, and the two large pins carry the high-current DC power. That means one port on your car works for both slow AC charging and DC fast charging, with no adapter.
Most Indian electric cars, including popular models such as the Tata Nexon.ev, follow this Type 2 and CCS2 arrangement. You can compare specifications and fast-charging times in the TRANDS Electric Cars directory.
How to identify your EV's charging port
- Open the charging flap on your car.
- Look at the shape. A round upper section with small pins is a Type 2 socket.
- Check for two large pins below it. If you see them, it is a CCS2 inlet, which supports both AC and DC.
- Confirm in the manual or spec sheet. It will list the AC and DC connector and the maximum charging rate.
CHAdeMO, GB/T and other connectors
- CHAdeMO: An older DC fast-charging standard linked to earlier Japanese EVs. It has largely faded from the Indian car market as cars moved to CCS2.
- GB/T: The Chinese national standard. It appears on some early Chinese-designed EVs, certain buses and some older infrastructure.
- CCS1 and NACS: North American connectors. An imported EV that uses them may have limited compatibility with Indian chargers.
If you own an older or imported EV, check with the manufacturer or a specialist about which public chargers will work with your car.
Bharat AC001 and DC001
India developed the Bharat standards as low-cost options for light vehicles such as electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers. Bharat AC001 is a 3.3 kW AC standard, and Bharat DC001 is a low-voltage DC standard. As cars moved to CCS2, an early requirement to include a Bharat DC charger at stations was dropped, and the standards now mostly appear at older chargers. The BIS standard IS 17017 covers EV charging equipment in India.
Scooters, three-wheelers and light EVs
Two-wheelers are the biggest part of India's EV market, but they are the least standardised when it comes to charging. Light EVs use a mix of home sockets, Bharat standards, newer light-EV connectors (Type 6 and Type 7, also called LECCS) and, in some cases, brand-specific plugs. As a result, a scooter from one brand may not fit another brand's public charger. Before you rely on a public charger for a scooter, check your owner's manual and the network's compatibility list. Scooter networks such as Ather Grid are covered in our EV charging station guide.
Does the connector change charging speed?
No. The connector only decides whether you can plug in. Speed depends on two other things: the charger's power rating and your car's maximum charging rate. A car with a 50 kW limit will not charge faster than 50 kW on a 150 kW charger, even if the connector matches perfectly. See EV Charging Station vs EV Charger for how the equipment and the site fit together.
Compatibility checklist before you go
- Know your port: Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC) for most cars.
- Check the station listing: look for the connector type and power rating. Browse stations in the TRANDS EV charging station directory.
- Confirm AC charger type: some AC chargers have a tethered cable, others are socket-type and need your own Type 2 cable.
- Check live status in the operator's app.
- Check access: some chargers are brand-specific or limited to customers or guests.
- Carry a Type 2 cable for AC charging, and keep a backup station in mind.
Are adapters a good idea?
Adapters exist for some connector combinations, but they are not always approved, safe or capable of fast charging. Charging systems exchange data with the car, and the wrong adapter can cause faults or unsafe conditions. Prefer a charger with your vehicle's native connector, and follow your manufacturer's advice before using any adapter.
For station owners: which connectors should you install?
If you serve cars, offer CCS2 on DC chargers and Type 2 on AC chargers. If you want scooter and three-wheeler customers too, ask your charger supplier about light-EV connectors, but check which brands your customers use, because compatibility varies. Also check that chargers meet Indian standards and support OCPP for commercial use. Compare suppliers and operators in the TRANDS EV Charging directory and read investment opportunities before you plan a station.
Own a charging station or make chargers? Get listed
EV drivers search by connector and city. Add your station's connector types, power rating, timings and contact number so they can find you. List your business free, claim your profile, or browse stations by city in our city-by-city EV charging guide.
Conclusion
For electric cars in India the rule is simple: Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC, both in one port. For scooters and older or imported EVs, compatibility needs an extra check. Know your port, confirm the connector and power rating at the station, and verify live status before you drive.
Disclaimer: Connector standards and compatibility vary by vehicle and charger and change over time. This guide is general information; confirm details with your vehicle manufacturer and the charging operator. TRANDS is an independent directory.