If in previous articles we have mentioned the different connectors that coexist in the world of electric vehicle charging, in this article we will go deeper into the CCS2 system (Combined Charging System 2), one of the most widely used for charging electric vehicles (EV).
What is the CCS2 system and how does it work?
The CCS2 system is the fast charging standard that has been implemented in the European Union for electric vehicle charging. It offers two major advantages:
- Allows absolutely all vehicles to be loaded. Even those that used to come with other connectors, such as Tesla or Nissan. The Nissan Leaf, for example, which was marketed in Europe with the Japanese Chademo connector now comes with CCS2.
- The magic of the CCS2 is that it is a complete female-male connector system. The beauty of this is that the female CCS2 plug found on the vehicle allows it to receive both a CCS2 fast charge connector and a type 2 slow charge connector (called Mennekes). Thus, with the CCS2, vehicles can be charged at home with AC power overnight. And then, charge at full power at any electric station.
It is composed of a total of 9 pins that allow charging in alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). These CCS2 connector pins are organized in two groups:
- Direct current (DC) charging pins, which are used for fast charging of the vehicle battery.
- Alternating current (AC) charging pins, responsible for normal or slow charging.
The connectors present in the CCS2 system:
- A control pin and a proximity pin, with the same functions as in type 2 (Menekkes). Here you can see the different types of electric vehicle charger connectors.
- Two power connectors, DC- and DC+, as it is direct current.
- A protection, or “grounding,” pin common to that of type 2.
In fast charging (DC), the control and proximity pins play an even more important role than in the case of slow charging (AC), as they are used by the BMS (Battery Management System) for communications. It should be noted that the charger is physically separated from the car.
A very positive point about electric vehicles is that not only do they run on energy that can be 100% green, but they also incorporate intelligence. All CCS2 high power chargers communicate with the vehicle, as it is the vehicle that ultimately indicates the charging power it can accept. It is a bidirectional system: the charger announces that it is ready to charge, the available power, and the vehicle, through the BMS, reports the power it can accept.
A vehicle loaded to 10% is not the same as a vehicle loaded to 90%. In the latter case, vehicle manufacturers prefer to reduce the charging power, to protect the batteries, and this is communicated to the charger. For this reason it is completely safe to charge with high power . The chargers are intelligent and communicate in real time with the vehicle to always do what the vehicle indicates, and for that the CCS2 standard is a key part. The CCS2 system is capable of providing up to 350 kW of power, allowing most electric vehicles to be charged in less than an hour. The current market average is around 50-100kW in large cities such as Barcelona and Madrid.
Benefits of CSS2 system in electric vehicle charging
Some of the benefits that the CCS2 system offers in electric vehicle charging are:
Two-way communication
The CCS2 system uses a bi-directional communication system between the charger and the electric vehicle, allowing for a safer and more efficient loading. The connector passes power to the vehicle (unidirectional) and, on the other hand, bidirectional communication works between charger and vehicle to ensure that the proper levels are being delivered, thus avoiding overcharging the vehicle’s battery.
Adaptability
This feature refers to the fact that it is capable of charging electric vehicles from different manufacturers and models using the same connector. In this way, interoperability and user convenience can be increased, as there is no need to search for the right connector for each vehicle.
Fast charging
The CCS2 system is capable of providing fast charging to electric vehicles, which means that drivers can charge their vehicles in less time. Fast charging offers greater possibilities of use for businesses wishing to install a charging point, providing the possibility of receiving new visitors, as well as building loyalty among regular customers.
Powerfloox, top performance from the very first minute
At Floox, we offer different models of chargers for electric vehicles and one of them is the Powerfloox. With a small and robust design, it is a perfect model for quick and easy charging. This model is mainly operated by a 30 kW DC fast charging system.
The installation of the Powerfloox is easy and does not require a large infrastructure, allowing stores and establishments to offer several recharging points to their customers at a very low maintenance cost. In addition, the Powerfloox allows optimal charging in an estimated time of one to one and a half hours to complete 80% of the battery capacity.
This model can be installed either on the wall or with a floor anchoring bracket, depending on the customer’s needs. It also includes a push button operation, user authentication with app and mobile payment, as well as a 7-inch LCD screen.
Other models of Floox electric vehicle chargers
Superfloox is a charging point that can charge up to three vehicles simultaneously. Two of them are charged with direct current at a power of 60 kW, sharing the power supply so that each receives a current of 30 kW. In addition, it has an optional third hose offering alternating current with a capacity of 22 kW.
This model is ideal for businesses, such as electric car parks, vehicle dealerships, transport fleets and PoR operators, that require a fast and high-capacity charging solution.
The most powerful model in the Floox line is the Ultrafloox, which also offers the capacity for simultaneous charging of two vehicles. It is available in different power ratings of 90, 120, 150 or 180 kW in direct current. Ultrafloox ultra-fast charging, like its medium-sized brother Superfloox, is recommended for petrol stations, dealers, transport fleets and PoR operators.
The advantage of these fast charging models is that vehicles requiring ultra-fast charging can reach 80% of their full capacity in as little as 15 minutes. These charging points provide fast and reliable charging for any electric vehicle.
By now it is clearer to you that the CCS2 system is a standard system for charging electric vehicles due to its speed and energy efficiency. At Floox we have all the necessary tools to meet the needs of users interested in electric mobility. Contact us to find out which one best suits your preferences.
