Electric vehicle (EV) charger compatibility: Tips when buying a used car.

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Choosing a used electric vehicle (EV) can be a good way of entering the electric world without the showroom price tag. However, it’s a good idea to weigh up your options before you make a purchase.

To help you perfect your setup, we’re here to explain what to look for when choosing a home charger for older EVs. So, let’s explore connector plugs, AC vs DC charging, EV compatibility, and much more.

Getting started: Check your EV connector type.

Before you pick a pre-owned EV, you should get to know what’s under the charging flap. Identifying the physical connection will help make the whole process more straightforward.

Explained: AC vs DC charging.

Think of Alternating Current (AC) as the ‘slow and steady’ energy from your home. Your car has to digest this power and turn it into DC for the battery.

Then there’s Direct Current (DC), the high speed energy you find at motorway service stations. It bypasses your car's internal converter, which is why rapid charging is always DC.

Decoding plugs: The difference between Type 1 and Type 2 charging cables.

Now, we’ll get into EV charger connector plugs and the main types available;

• Type 1 (5-pin) plug: This 5-pin plug is common on North American and Japanese EVs, but less common on modern EVs. It also has no locking mechanism when your car’s connected to an electrical supply. It offers Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging capabilities. Exclusively for AC charging.

• Type 2 (7-pin) plug: The current UK and European standard plug, offering a power output of around 3 - 40 kW. They support Level 1, Level 2 and rapid DC charging through additional pins or adapter cables.

• Combined Charging System (CCS) plug: This plug is mainly used in Europe and North America and gives you a high power output of 50 - 300kW. IThe CCS can support ultra rapid chargers, giving you 85 - 200 miles per 30 minutes of charging. It combines a Type 2 connector for AC charging and additional pins for DC charging.

• CHAdeMO plug: This plug is compatible with Japanese vehicles and works with popular brands Nissan, Mitsubishi and Kia. It has a power output of around 50kW and is generally found in older EV rapid chargers, offering 85 miles ranges per 30 minutes charge. CHAdeMO plugs offer rapid DC charging and a larger connector for high power charging.

Learn more about EV chargers and connector types.

Japanese vs UK specs: Why it’s important to check.

Some Japanese imports can differ from UK-spec expectations. Even if the car looks like a UK model, the port could be different, so you should always verify the actual physical port before making an EV purchase.

The EV evolution: Your year by year compatibility guide.

Next, we’ll help you understand what to expect based on when your potential EV was first registered.

Side note: The years below are typical for UK/European models. Plus, remember to always verify the physical port and trim level on the specific car you have in mind.

2010 to 2013.

In the early days, there was no single standard for EV chargers.

• Typical AC inlet: Type 1 was very common (e.g. the early Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i-MiEV).

• Typical DC inlet: CHAdeMO was the go-to for Japanese models. However, many early EVs had no DC port, meaning they couldn’t ‘rapid charge’.

• What you should buy for your home: We recommend an untethered Type 2 socket wallbox combined with a separate Type 2 to Type 1 cable. This keeps your home charger future-proof. If you buy a newer Type 2 car later, you just swap the cable, not the whole box.

• Common pitfalls: Some models had tiny 3.3 kW onboard chargers, making home charging twice as slow as newer 7 kW versions.

2014 to 2016.

During the transition years, the European Type 2 standard started to win the popularity race.

• Typical AC inlet: A mix of Type 1 and Type 2. Most European brands (BMW, VW, Renault) moved to Type 2 at this point.

• Typical DC inlet: The CCS port started appearing on European cars, while CHAdeMO remained the standard for the Nissan Leaf.

• What you should buy for your home: An untethered Type 2 socket is still your safest bet for flexibility.

• Common pitfalls: Don't confuse a Type 2 (AC) port with a CCS (DC) port. Just because it has the 7-pin shape doesn't mean it can handle ultra-fast motorway charging unless it has those two extra pins at the bottom.

2017 to 2019.

By this point, the industry had largely agreed on the future and CCS became the direction of travel.

• Typical AC inlet: Type 2 became the absolute norm for almost every car sold in the UK.

• Typical DC inlet: CCS became increasingly popular.

• Common pitfalls: Assuming DC rapid charging is standard. However, on some cars from this era, rapid charging was an optional extra. If the car doesn't have the extra pins, you’re stuck with slower AC charging.

2020 to 2025.

If you’re buying a nearly new EV, things are usually much simpler.

• Typical AC inlet: Type 2 is still the norm.

• Typical DC inlet: CCS is the dominant expectation. EVA England notes that CCS is the standard for most drivers.1

• What to expect in the future: While CHAdeMO still exists, it’s no longer popular. TfL2(Transport for London) and other major infrastructure players are focusing new rapid charger installs on CCS, meaning fewer CHAdeMO charging points.

Model match-up: Popular used EV plug profiles.

Here’s a quick reference for the most popular models on the UK used electric vehicle market.

Source: Zapmap

Tethered vs untethered for older cars: Which home charger should I use?

Setting up your home for an older electric vehicle means thinking about today and the future. Your choice of wallbox can make life much easier.

Be aware that if you buy a tethered Type 2 unit (where the cable is fixed) and your car is Type 1, you could get stuck! Adapters aren't the industry norm and can come with risks. An untethered unit (just a socket) lets you swap the cable if you change cars.

Some simple ways to ensure you can safely charge your used electric car at home:

1. If your car has a Type 2 port: You'll need a charging unit with a regular Type 2 outlet and a separate cable that goes from Type 2 to Type 2. Or, you can get a charging unit that has the Type 2 cable permanently attached.

2. If your car has a Type 1 port: You'll need a charging unit with a regular Type 2 outlet and a cable that goes from Type 2 to Type 1.

Learn more about tethered and untethered charges.

Confusion around charging speed.

Just because you install a high-spec 7 kW home charger, it doesn't mean your car will charge at 7 kW. The car can only charge as fast as its own built-in charger allows.

So, if an older EV is only designed to take 3.3 kW, it will ignore the extra power from your 7 kW wallbox. It's safe, but it won't be any faster.

Out and about: Public charging for older EVs.

Charging on the go is where the difference between standards really hits home. Next, we’ll explore charging options when you’re out in public.

AC posts vs tethered DC rapid chargers.

Most ‘fast’ street chargers (e.g. those in supermarket car parks or on streets) are untethered AC posts. For these chargers, you must use the cable kept in your car boot.

However, DC rapid chargers (usually found at service stations) always have the cable attached. All you need to do is ensure they have the right plug for your car – CCS or CHAdeMO.

The future of CHAdeMO in a CCS world.

Before buying a CHAdeMO based used EV, check the routes you often take and local rapid availability. TfL2 recently confirmed that CCS is the main focus for new infrastructure, meaning CHAdeMO connectors could become harder to find over time. Always keep up to date with the latest news to stay in the know.

Common EV charger misconceptions.

Navigating the world of EV charging can sometimes feel like learning a new language. So, before you plug in, ensure you're not falling for one of the common pitfalls:

• Mixing up Type 2 and CCS: Remember, Type 2 is for ‘slow/fast’ AC charging. CCS is the same shape plus two pins for rapid DC charging (they’re not interchangeable).

• Assuming rapid charging is the standard: On many older EVs, the ability to use a DC rapid charger was an optional "extra" when the car was new. Always look for those extra pins under the flap.

• Buying the wrong wallbox: Don't get locked in by buying a tethered Type 2 unit if your car is a Type 1.

• Using cheap adapters: Avoid unverified third party adapters from auction sites. Stick to high quality EV charging cables that meet UK safety standards.

Learn more about charging your EV safely at home.

Six things to check before you buy a used EV.

Finally, get you pen and paper ready. Have you taken these steps before purchasing a second hand electric vehicle?

• Photo the charge flap: Look for both AC and DC ports.

• Confirm AC inlet type: Is it Type 1 or Type 2?

• Confirm DC capability: Does it have CCS, CHAdeMO, or none?

• Ask about cables: Which cables are included in the sale?

• Check max rates: What is the max AC kW and max DC kW?

• Check for local options: Are there compatible public chargers on your usual routes?

Learn more about inspecting a used electric vehicle before purchase.

• 1. Types of EV Connectors: https://www.evaengland.org.uk/about-electric-vehicles/about-charging/types-of-ev-connectors/
• 2. London’s electric vehicle infrastructure strategy (2025 update): https://lruc.content.tfl.gov.uk/electric-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy-2025.pdf
• 3.
  • Getting started: Check your EV connector type.
  • The EV evolution: Your year by year compatibility guide.
  • Model match-up: Popular used EV plug profiles.
  • Tethered vs untethered for older cars: Which home charger should I use?
  • Out and about: Public charging for older EVs.
  • Common EV charger misconceptions.
  • Six things to check before you buy a used EV.