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EV charging

What Is CCS Charging?

CCS means Combined Charging System. It is an EV connector family designed to support both AC charging and DC fast charging through a combined vehicle inlet.

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026CarGlossary Phase 2 glossary
Simple definition

CCS combines AC charging pins with additional DC pins so the same vehicle inlet can support everyday AC charging and higher-power DC fast charging.

CCS1 vs CCS2

CCS1 is based around the Type 1/J1772 AC connector and is common in North America. CCS2 is based around the Type 2 AC connector and is widely used in Europe and many other markets.

For Saudi Arabia and much of the GCC, imported vehicle origin, local charging standards and connector availability all matter. Buyers should check the exact vehicle inlet and adapter rules before relying on a charging network.

AC charging vs DC fast charging

When using AC charging, the car's onboard charger converts AC power to DC for the battery. During DC fast charging, the external charger supplies DC power more directly to the pack through vehicle-controlled communication and safety checks.

This is why a CCS port does not by itself guarantee a specific kW rate. Battery voltage, charger capability, thermal state and BMS limits all matter.

CCS and Plug and Charge

CCS charging can support advanced communication paths, including ISO 15118-style Plug and Charge where implemented by the vehicle, charger and backend. But the connector shape alone is not enough; software and account support are required.

The same connector can feel very different depending on the charging network's reliability and payment flow.

What to check

  • Vehicle inlet type: CCS1, CCS2 or another standard.
  • Maximum DC charging voltage and current.
  • Supported public networks in your market.
  • Adapter availability and limitations.
  • Whether Plug and Charge is supported by both the vehicle and charger.
Plug and ChargeNACS charging800V architectureC-rate chargingMegawatt EV chargingOnboard charger

Sources

CarGlossary note:

Feature names, connector support and EV specifications can vary by model year, trim, software version and market. Always verify the exact vehicle and charging-network documentation before buying or repairing.