The ‘language’ of ev charging stations: a big analysis of charging protocols

Have you ever wondered why different brands of electric vehicles can automatically match the charging power after plugging in thecharging pile? Why do somecharging pilescharge fast and others slowly? Behind this is actually a set of “invisible language” controlling – that is, the charging protocol. Today, let’s reveal the “rules of dialogue” betweencharging piles and electric vehicles!

1. What is a charging protocol?

• TheCharging Protocolis the “langu+age” for communication between electric vehicles (EVs) andev charging stations(EVSEs) that specify:
• Voltage, current range (determines charging speed)
• Charging Mode (AC/DC)
• Safety protection mechanism (over-voltage, over-current, temperature monitoring, etc.)
• Data interaction (battery status, charging progress, etc.)

Without a unified protocol,ev charging pilesand electric vehicles may “not understand” each other, resulting in inability to charge or inefficient charging.

2. What are the mainstream charging protocols?

At present, the commonev charging protocolsaround the world are mainly divided into the following categories:

(1) AC charging protocol

Suitable for slow charging (home/public AC piles):

• GB/T (national standard): Chinese standard, domestic mainstream, such as BYD, NIO and other brands used.
• IEC 61851 (European standard): commonly used in Europe, such as Tesla (European version), BMW, etc.
• SAE J1772 (American standard): North American mainstream, such as Tesla (US version), Ford, etc.

(2) DC fast charging protocol

Suitable for fast charging (public dc fast charging piles):

• GB/T (National Standard DC): Domestic publicdc fast charging stationsare mainly used, such as State Grid, Telei, etc.
• CCS (Combo): mainstream in Europe and the United States, integrating AC (J1772) and DC interfaces.
• CHAdeMO: Japanese standard, used in early Nissan Leaf and other models, gradually replaced byCCS.
• Tesla NACS: Tesla-exclusive protocol, but is being opened to other brands (e.g., Ford, GM).

3. Why do different protocols affect charging speed?

Theelectric car charging protocoldetermines the maximum power negotiation between theev chargerand the vehicle. For example:

• If your car supports GB/T 250A, but theelectric car charging pileonly supports 200A, the actual charging current will be limited to 200A.
• Tesla Supercharging (NACS) can provide 250kW+ of high power, but ordinary national standard fast charging may only be 60-120kW.

Compatibility is also important:

• Using adapters (such as Tesla’s GB adapters) can be adapted to different protocols, but power may be limited.
• Someelectric car charging stationssupport multi-protocol compatibility (such as supportingGB/Tand CHAdeMO at the same time).

4. Future Trends: Unified Agreement?

Currently, globalelectric vehicle charging protocolsare not fully harmonized, but the trend is this:

• Tesla NACS is gradually becoming mainstream in North America (Ford, GM, etc. join).
• CCS2 is dominant in Europe.
• China’s GB/T is still being upgraded to accommodate higher power fast charging (such as 800V high-voltage platforms).
• Wireless charging protocols such asSAE J2954are being developed.

5. Tips: How to make sure the charging is compatible?

When buying a car: Confirm the charging protocol supported by the vehicle (such as national standard/European standard/American standard).

When charging: Use a compatibleelectric vehicle charging station, or carry an adapter (like Tesla owners).

Fast charging pileselection: Check the protocol marked on the charging pile (such as CCS, GB/T, etc.).

summary

The charging protocol is like a “password” between the electric vehicle and theev charger station, and only matching can be charged efficiently. With the development of technology, it may be more unified in the future, but it is still necessary to pay attention to compatibility. What protocol does your electric vehicle use? Go and check the logo on the charging port!