The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has issued two new International EV charging standards: the IEC 62196-1 and the IEC 62196-2.
The aim of the two new standards is to reflect a global consensus on the plugs and sockets that are needed to charge electric vehicles. They can be used in different electricity infrastructures and address diverse electricity infrastructure and regulations in different countries.
It is believed that the new standards will make it possible to avoid the risk that incompatible solutions would be developed by separate organisations in different regions – different national approaches could ultimately hamper the mass marketability of electric vehicles.
Let’s take a closer look at each standard:
The IEC 62196-1 outlines the general requirements for the charging system; while the IEC 62196-2 standardises three types of grid connecting systems – types one-three.
Type one is a single phase vehicle coupler; type two is a single- and three-phase vehicle coupler and mains plug and socket-outlet without shutters; while type three is a single- and three-phase vehicle coupler with mains plug and socket outlet with shutters. Which type is appropriate will depend on the electrical infrastructure and regulatory conditions in each country.
