Guide · updated October 2026
EV charger types & connectors in India
AC or DC, CCS2 or Type 2, 7 kW or 120 kW — what the terms mean and which charger fits where.
AC vs DC charging
AC charging
The car's on-board charger converts grid AC to DC for the battery, so speed is capped by that on-board charger — usually 3.3, 7.2–7.4 or 11 kW. Best for homes, offices and overnight charging.
DC fast charging
The charging station converts power and feeds the battery directly at 30 kW to 240 kW+. Speed is capped by the car's maximum DC power. Best for highways, city hubs and fleets.
Why it slows at 80%
Both slow down as the battery fills; on DC, power typically drops sharply above about 80% to protect the cells — so on trips, charging to 80% saves time.
Connector types you'll see in India
| Connector | AC / DC | Used by | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCS2 (Combined Charging System 2) | DC | Almost all new electric cars and many e-buses | The standard for public DC fast charging; Relux DC chargers are CCS2. |
| Type 2 (IEC 62196) | AC | Electric cars (same inlet as CCS2's upper part) | Home wall-boxes and 22 kW public AC chargers. |
| Bharat AC-001 | AC | Early public AC points | Low-power AC sockets (3.3 kW outlets). |
| Bharat DC-001 (GB/T based) | DC | Early low-voltage fleet cars | Largely replaced by CCS2 for new cars. |
| CHAdeMO | DC | A few imported models | Rare in India today. |
| GB/T | DC | Some e-buses and commercial vehicles | Seen at depots rather than public car chargers. |
Charger power levels
| Charger | Type | Typical use | Example time (40 kWh car, 20→80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 kW | AC | Home socket / portable charger | About 8 hours |
| 7.4 kW | AC | Home or office wall-box | About 3.5–4 hours |
| 22 kW | AC (three-phase) | Offices, apartments, malls — limited by the car's on-board charger | As fast as the car's on-board charger allows |
| 30 kW | DC | Depots, residential compounds, small sites | About 1 hour |
| 60 kW | DC | City and highway stations | About 30–40 minutes (if the car accepts 60 kW) |
| 120 kW | DC | Highway and high-traffic hubs | Limited mostly by the car's peak power |
| 240 kW+ | DC | Super hubs, buses and trucks | Fastest for cars and heavy vehicles that accept high power |
Times are rough illustrations for a 40 kWh battery adding 24 kWh; use the calculator for your car.
Which charger for which place?
Homes & apartments
3.3–7.4 kW AC for overnight charging; 22 kW AC where several residents share chargers.
Highways & city hubs
60–120 kW CCS2 DC so drivers can add most of their range during a 20–40 minute stop.
Fleets, buses & trucks
30 kW DC at depots for overnight top-ups; 240 kW+ hubs for e-buses and trucks that need fast turnaround.
Frequently asked questions
Which charging connector do electric cars in India use?
Almost all new electric cars in India use CCS2 for DC fast charging and Type 2 for AC charging — both share the same inlet on the car.
What is the difference between AC and DC charging?
With AC charging the car's on-board charger converts AC to DC, so speed is limited to that charger (typically 3.3–11 kW). A DC fast charger converts power itself and feeds the battery directly, at 30 kW to 240 kW or more, limited by the car's maximum DC power.
Can I use any DC fast charger for my car?
If your car has a CCS2 inlet, yes — any CCS2 DC charger works, whatever its power. The car simply draws up to its own limit.
Are Bharat DC-001 and GB/T chargers still used?
They were used by early low-voltage fleet cars and some e-buses. Current passenger EVs use CCS2, which is why new public chargers, including Relux's DC chargers, are CCS2.
Which charger should I install at home?
A 3.3 kW or 7.4 kW AC wall charger suits most homes and charges overnight; a 22 kW three-phase AC charger suits offices and apartments where several cars share chargers. DC chargers are for public, highway and fleet sites.
Need chargers for your site?
Relux supplies and installs AC and DC chargers from 3.3 kW to 240 kW.