IEC 62196-2 - Battery Design

EV Plugs and Connectors — Type 2 AC Charging Interface (Mennekes)

IEC 62196-2:2022 specifies the Type 2 EV connector and socket-outlet — commonly known as the Mennekes connector — for AC conductive charging of electric vehicles. Mandated across the European Union since 2014, the Type 2 interface supports single-phase charging at up to 70 A and three-phase charging at up to 63 A at voltages up to 480 V AC, covering both domestic 7 kW and fast public 22 kW AC charging infrastructure. The standard covers both the vehicle-side inlet and the cable plug; both use Type 2 geometry. The 2022 third edition updated pin configuration and contact requirements in alignment with IEC 62196-1:2022.

Published by: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Current edition: IEC 62196-2:2022 (3rd edition)

Scope

Nominal rated voltage up to 480 V AC at 63 A three-phase or 70 A single-phase
Mandatory connector type in the EU, UK, and many other markets for Mode 3 AC charging
Covers vehicle-side inlet, infrastructure-side socket-outlet, and cable plug geometry
Carries the control pilot (CP) and proximity pilot (PP) signals defined in IEC 61851-1
Compatible with ISO 15118 Plug and Charge (PnC) via power line communication on the CP conductor

Relationship to other standards

IEC 62196-2 builds on the general requirements of IEC 62196-1. The Type 2 connector is used in Mode 3 charging as defined in IEC 61851-1. For DC fast charging, the CCS Combo 2 interface (AC Type 2 pins plus additional DC pins) is defined in IEC 62196-3. ISO 15118 Plug and Charge digital communication operates over the physical Type 2 connection. SAE J1772 defines the North American Type 1 single-phase AC connector.

Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.