What is CCS Charging? Understanding Combined Charging System
What we discuss
Introduction
Electric vehicles (EVs) and CCS chargers are quickly becoming a significant part of the global automotive landscape, so much so that as of 2023, there are over 3 million public EV charging points worldwide, a number that has increased by over 60% in just the last two years. This rapid growth reflects the significant global investment in EV infrastructure to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road and reduce range anxiety for drivers.
One of the most widely adopted charging standards in the EV world is the Combined Charging System, or CCS. But what exactly is CCS car charging, and why is it so important for EV owners and potential buyers to understand?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of CCS car charging. We’ll explore what it is, how it works, its benefits, and how it stacks up against other charging standards. Whether you’re a seasoned EV driver or considering your first electric car purchase, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know about CCS car charging.
What is CCS Car Charging?
“CCS” stands for Combined Charging System, a standardised method for charging electric vehicles that combines both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging capabilities into a single system. This flexibility allows for a wider range of EV’s to use charging stations, making the infrastructure more accessible to all.
CCS was designed to be a universal charging solution that works across different car manufacturers and charging networks. It supports both slower, lower-voltage AC charging for regular use and faster, higher-voltage DC charging for quick top-ups on long trips. If you are interested in further detail about AC/DC charger types, check out our What is an EV charger blog for more detail.
Think of it like the USB-C cable. Samsung and Apple moved to the USB-C cable as a universal cable that supported both charging and data transfer across devices. That’s the idea with CCS chargers. A universal solution for consumers regardless of their make or model of EV.
Development of CCS Charging
The development of CCS began in Central Europe in the early 2010s as part of an effort by several major automakers, including BMW, Volkswagen, and Daimler, to create a standardised charging system. The goal was to simplify the EV charging landscape, which was fragmented at the time. Most car manufacturers were using different charging standards for all early EV’s. By developing a single system that could accommodate multiple charging speeds and connector types, these companies aimed to make EV ownership more convenient and user-friendly.
Since its inception, CCS has been adopted by a wide range of manufacturers worldwide, particularly in Europe and North America. It is now one of the most common charging standards for electric vehicles, used by a variety of models from different brands.
Benefits of CCS Car Charging
Compatibility and Flexibility:
One of the biggest advantages of CCS car charging is its compatibility across different car manufacturers and charging networks. It also supports all charger levels, 1 through 3 due to its AC/DC compatibility. This universal approach means that a wide range of electric vehicles can use CCS chargers, reducing the confusion and inconvenience associated with having multiple, incompatible charging standards.
Fast Charging Capability:
CCS supports fast charging, which is crucial for reducing charging times and making long-distance travel more feasible for EV owners. With the ability to handle high-power DC charging, CCS can significantly reduce the time required to recharge a vehicle, making it comparable to refuelling a traditional gasoline car in terms of convenience.
Growing Infrastructure:
As more automakers adopt CCS as a standard, the number of CCS-compatible charging stations is rapidly expanding worldwide. This growing infrastructure means that EV owners have more options for charging on the go, reducing “range anxiety” and making electric vehicles a more practical choice for everyday use.
CCS Car Charging vs. Other Charging Standards
Here is a brief overview of the Pros and Cons of CCS vs other charging standards. This is a short insight into what benefits you can expect if you choose an EV with CCS connection.
Pros of CCS:
- Widely adopted across multiple brands and regions.
- Supports both AC and DC charging in a single connector.
- Increasingly available infrastructure.
Cons of CCS:
- Incompatibility with other standards without an adapter (such as some Japanese and Chinese EV’s).
- Slightly less efficient at very high charging speeds compared to some proprietary solutions like Tesla’s Supercharger network.
While CCS may not be the very best of the charging standards that exists, it allows for wider adoption of EV’s for consumers. Tesla superchargers may be the fastest, but CCS is likely to be the most widely available option.
Who Uses CCS Car Charging?
Manufacturers:
Many of the world’s leading automakers have adopted CCS for their electric vehicles. This includes brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Audi, and Porsche. Popular models that use CCS include the Volkswagen ID.4, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Audi e-tron, and Porsche Taycan.
Regions and Markets:
CCS is particularly popular in Europe and North America, where it is the dominant charging standard. In these regions, the majority of public charging stations are equipped with CCS connectors, making it the most convenient choice for local drivers. In contrast, regions like Asia, particularly Japan and China, have different dominant standards (CHAdeMO and GB/T, respectively), although CCS is still present.
Future of CCS Car Charging
The future of CCS charging looks promising, with ongoing technological advancements aimed at increasing charging speeds and efficiency. As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, the number of CCS-compatible charging stations is expected to increase dramatically. This growth will make it easier for EV owners to find charging stations, particularly on long trips or in less densely populated areas.
Governments around the world are introducing policies and incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and the development of charging infrastructure. These efforts are likely to include support for CCS as a standard, further boosting its adoption and availability.
Summary
- What is CCS charging: CCS, or Combined Charging System, is a standardised charging solution that supports both AC and DC charging through a single connector, making it a universal option for a variety of EV models.
- The development of CCS: the history of CCS originating in central Europe, pioneered by several large car manufacturers who aimed to create a universal standard for EV charging.
- Benefits of CCS: The system’s widespread compatibility, fast charging capabilities, and growing infrastructure make it an attractive choice for EV owners. It reduces range anxiety and simplifies the process of charging an electric vehicle.
- Comparison with Other Standards: the Pros and Cons of CCS vs other charging standards
- Future Outlook: With continuous technological advancements and increasing support from governments and regulatory bodies, the future of CCS car charging looks promising. The infrastructure for CCS charging stations is expanding, making electric vehicle adoption more convenient than ever.
We get asked by clients if EV’s are just a passing trend or if they really are worth it. Our answer to that is electric vehicles are here to stay and CCS charging stations are the standard moving forward. Installing an electric car charger for your home or business is a smart choice and with our range of EV chargers, we can help you make that step into the future of driving. If you still have questions, why not contact us today for a casual chat about your EV plans. Our experts will provide their knowledge and experience giving you the advice that’s right for you.
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