Electric charging:
which plug do I need?
First time in an electric car? Don't worry. We explain the differences simply, so you'll never have to doubt at a charging station again.
The 4 most important plugs
In Belgium and the rest of Europe you really only encounter four types. Below you can see exactly which one you use when.
The Fast Charger
This is the European standard for fast charging. You find this plug at stations such as Fastned, Ionity and Tesla Superchargers along the highway.
The Standard Plug
The most common plug in Europe. You use this for public stations in residential areas, in car parks and at your home.
The Japanese Fast Charger
A fast charging standard that is mainly used by Japanese brands such as the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander.
Emergency Charging
Charging via a regular socket. This is the slowest method and is mainly used if there is no other station nearby.
Frequently asked questions
Which cable should I bring myself?
For public charging stations in the city you almost always need your own Type 2 cable. With fast chargers (CCS/CHAdeMO) the cable is always already hanging on the station.
Can I break my car by using the wrong plug?
No, that's impossible. The car and the charging station 'talk' to each other first. If the plug doesn't fit or doesn't deliver the right current, it simply won't charge.
How do I know which plug my car has?
Almost every new electric car in Europe has a CCS port. This port consists of a round top (Type 2) and two extra pins at the bottom for fast charging.