What Cars Use CCS Combo?

Introduction

Electric vehicles are revolutionizing transportation, but charging them efficiently remains a challenge. Enter the CCS Combo Charger, a game-changer in EV charging. It combines AC and DC charging, simplifying the process. In this post, you'll learn what cars use CCS Combo and why it's crucial for EV infrastructure.

Understanding the Combined Charging System (CCS)

The CCS Combo charger has two main parts:

• Top Portion: This is the standard SAE J1772 connector. It supports AC charging for Level 1 and Level 2, suitable for home or workplace charging.

• Bottom Portion: Two large pins below the J1772 plug handle DC fast charging. These pins deliver high-voltage direct current straight to the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard charger.

Together, these parts allow CCS to support both AC and DC charging through a single port on the vehicle. This design simplifies EV charging and reduces the need for multiple connectors.

The CCS plug also includes communication pins that let the vehicle and charger exchange information. They negotiate charging speed, voltage, and safety checks to protect the battery and ensure efficient charging.

How CCS Combo Charger Works

AC and DC Charging Capabilities

The CCS Combo charger is unique because it supports both AC and DC charging through a single connector. The top part of the plug is the familiar SAE J1772 connector, which handles AC charging. This is what most home and workplace chargers use. It supplies alternating current that the car's onboard charger converts to direct current to charge the battery.The bottom part of the CCS plug has two large pins dedicated to DC fast charging. These pins bypass the onboard charger and deliver high-voltage direct current straight to the battery. This allows for much faster charging compared to AC, making CCS ideal for quick top-ups on the go.This dual capability means one port on the vehicle can accept both slow AC charging and rapid DC charging, simplifying design and user experience.

Step-by-Step Charging Process

1. Plug In and DetectWhen you plug the CCS connector into the vehicle, it uses communication pins to detect the connection. The car and charger start a handshake using signals called Proximity Pilot (PP) and Control Pilot (CP).

2. Negotiate Charging ParametersThe vehicle and charger exchange information to agree on safe voltage, current, and temperature limits. This negotiation ensures the battery charges efficiently without damage.

3. Select Charging ModeIf using AC charging, only the J1772 pins activate, drawing AC power from the charger. The onboard charger converts this to DC for the battery.For DC fast charging, the system activates the two large DC pins, delivering direct current straight to the battery and bypassing the onboard charger.

4. Charging and MonitoringDuring charging, the vehicle and charger continuously monitor current flow, battery temperature, and voltage. They adjust power delivery to maintain safety and optimize charging speed.

5. Complete and DisconnectOnce charging finishes or the plug is removed, the system safely stops power flow. The vehicle may perform a final battery check before allowing disconnection.

This step-by-step process ensures CCS charging is fast, safe, and compatible across many EV models.

Advantages of CCS Combo Charger

Versatility and Compatibility

The CCS Combo charger stands out because it combines AC and DC charging in one plug. This versatility means one port on the vehicle handles both slow, everyday charging and rapid fast charging. Drivers don’t need multiple ports or adapters, simplifying the vehicle design and user experience.Thanks to its design, CCS works with most electric vehicles from major automakers. Whether charging at home, work, or a public station, CCS offers broad compatibility. This wide acceptance has encouraged more charging stations to support CCS, making it easier for EV owners to find a charger almost anywhere.Moreover, CCS supports a broad power range—from Level 1 AC charging at 120 volts up to ultra-fast DC charging at 350 kW. This flexibility suits different use cases, from overnight charging to quick top-ups on road trips.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority in CCS design. The charger and vehicle communicate continuously during charging to monitor voltage, current, and temperature. This communication ensures charging happens within safe limits, protecting the battery from damage.The connector includes special communication pins that enable this data exchange. If any irregularities occur, the system can pause or stop charging instantly. This reduces risks like overheating or electrical faults.Additionally, the CCS plug has locking mechanisms that keep it securely connected during charging. This prevents accidental disconnections that could cause sparks or damage.The integration of safety features in CCS supports reliable, worry-free charging for drivers and charging station operators alike.

CCS Combo Charger vs. Other Charging Standards

Comparison with CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO was one of the first DC fast charging standards, mainly used by early electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV. It supports DC fast charging up to about 100 kW, which was impressive when it launched. However, CHAdeMO uses a separate connector exclusively for DC charging, unlike CCS, which combines AC and DC in one plug.Over time, CHAdeMO has lost ground, especially in North America and Europe. Many automakers have shifted to CCS due to its versatility and faster charging capabilities — CCS can deliver up to 350 kW, significantly faster than CHAdeMO’s typical maximum. The infrastructure for CHAdeMO is shrinking, while CCS charging stations are becoming widespread.Moreover, CCS’s communication protocols enable better control over charging speed and battery health. CHAdeMO’s older design lacks some of these advanced safety and efficiency features. For these reasons, many new EVs no longer support CHAdeMO, favoring CCS instead.

Comparison with Tesla NACS

Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS), officially SAE J3400, is Tesla’s proprietary charging connector. It supports both AC and DC charging through a compact, single connector, similar in purpose to CCS but with a different design.NACS offers fast charging speeds, typically above 250 kW, and Tesla’s Supercharger network is extensive across North America. Tesla vehicles use NACS by default, but non-Tesla EVs usually require adapters to access Tesla chargers.Recently, several major automakers announced plans to adopt NACS for future models, signaling a shift in the industry. Still, CCS remains dominant for most non-Tesla EVs and public charging stations.One key difference is that CCS combines the J1772 AC plug with DC pins, making it compatible with existing AC charging infrastructure. NACS uses a new design for both AC and DC, which may require new charging station hardware.In the near term, many charging stations will offer both CCS and NACS connectors or adapters to accommodate all EVs. This coexistence helps ensure broad compatibility during this transition period.

Cars Using CCS Combo Charger

Major Automakers Supporting CCS

Many leading car manufacturers have adopted the CCS Combo charger as the standard for their electric vehicles. This widespread support helps unify the EV market and simplifies charging infrastructure nationwide.

• Ford: Models like the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning use CCS1 ports for fast DC charging. Ford has been a strong proponent of CCS in North America.

• General Motors (GM): Chevy Bolt EV and the upcoming Silverado EV come equipped with CCS1 connectors, supporting fast charging at public stations.

• Volkswagen Group: VW ID.4 and Audi e-tron series use CCS, primarily CCS1 in North America and CCS2 in Europe.

• Hyundai and Kia: Popular models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 feature CCS ports, enabling fast charging up to 350 kW.

• BMW and Mercedes-Benz: Both brands have integrated CCS into their electric lineup, including the BMW i4 and Mercedes EQ series.

• Volvo and Polestar: These brands use CCS connectors, aligning with industry standards for fast charging compatibility.

This list continues to grow as more automakers commit to CCS for their electric platforms. The broad adoption by major players ensures that CCS remains the dominant fast charging standard for most non-Tesla EVs.

Popular EV Models with CCS

Here are some popular electric vehicles that come standard with the CCS Combo charger:

Tesla vehicles do not come with CCS ports by default. Instead, they use Tesla’s proprietary NACS connector. However, Tesla owners can use adapters to access CCS chargers, and non-Tesla EVs can use adapters to charge at Tesla Superchargers as the industry moves toward greater interoperability.

Conclusion

The CCS Combo charger simplifies electric vehicle charging by combining AC and DC capabilities in a single plug, enhancing user convenience and infrastructure efficiency. As automakers increasingly adopt CCS, it remains a dominant standard, supporting a wide range of EV models for fast, reliable charging. As the EV charging landscape evolves, Hangzhou Aoneng Power Supply Equipment Co., Ltd. offers innovative solutions, ensuring compatibility and safety while meeting diverse charging needs. Their products provide exceptional value in the rapidly advancing electric vehicle market.

FAQ

Q: What is a Combo Charger in electric vehicles?

A: A Combo Charger refers to the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector that integrates both AC and DC charging capabilities into a single port, simplifying the charging process for electric vehicles.

Q: How does the Combo Charger benefit EV owners?

A: The Combo Charger benefits EV owners by offering versatile charging options, supporting both slow AC charging and fast DC charging, thus making it easier to find compatible charging stations.

Q: Why is the CCS Combo Charger preferred over other standards?

A: The CCS Combo Charger is preferred due to its ability to combine AC and DC charging in one plug, which enhances compatibility and simplifies infrastructure deployment compared to standards like CHAdeMO.

Q: What should I do if my Combo Charger is not working properly?

A: If your Combo Charger is not working, ensure the connector is securely attached, check for any visible damage, and consult your vehicle's manual or contact the charging station provider for troubleshooting assistance.