CCS (Combined Charging System)
Combined Charging System
A fast-charging connector standard: CCS2 is required on public high-power DC points in the EU, and CCS1 is common on US EVs. It combines AC and DC in one port.
CCS solves a packaging problem neatly: rather than a second socket for fast charging, the same port that accepts everyday AC charging also accepts high-power DC. One port covers both, hence "combined".
There are two versions, matching the two AC connector worlds. CCS2 is paired with the Type 2 AC connector. The European Commission's observatory says EU rules require it, as "CCS/Combo 2", on high-power DC charging points, and the Australian Government calls it the standard plug for DC fast charging there. CCS1 is the J1772 combo, the version used in North America: it adds two DC pins to the J1772 layout, the US Department of Energy says most EV models on the market can charge with it, and Natural Resources Canada says most automakers except Tesla use it. As of September 2026, manufacturers had committed to adding the NACS connector (SAE J3400) from 2025, with adapters covering the overlap years.
For shoppers in the EU and Australia, CCS is close to a non-decision: the car and the public network use the same standard. In the US, check which inlet a specific model year carries and which networks it can use.
Differs by market
EU rules require CCS2 (Combo 2) on public high-power DC charging points, and Australia uses CCS2. North America uses CCS1, built on J1772, while manufacturers committed to adding NACS (SAE J3400) from 2025 (as of September 2026); adapters bridge the transition.