EV charging connectors can be confusing, especially in the UAE where locally sold and imported vehicles use different standards. This guide explains the main connector types and when you need a cable or an adapter.
The main connector standards
- Type 2: the standard AC connector used by most EVs sold in the UAE and Europe.
- CCS2: the DC fast-charging standard used alongside Type 2, common on public rapid chargers.
- GB/T: the Chinese standard, found on many imported Chinese-market EVs.
- CCS1: the North American combo standard, on some imported US-spec cars.
- NACS: the connector used by Tesla and a growing number of North American vehicles.
Cables vs adapters
A charging cable connects your car to a charge point, for example a Type 2 to Type 2 cable for a standard EV, or a Type 2 to GB/T cable for an imported vehicle charging from Type 2 infrastructure.
An adapter bridges two different standards so your car can use charging equipment it would not otherwise fit. For example, a Type 2 to GB/T adapter lets a GB/T car charge from a Type 2 charger, and a CCS2 to NACS adapter lets a Tesla use a CCS2 rapid charger.
AC and DC adapters
Adapters come in AC (slower, everyday charging) and DC (fast rapid charging) versions. A good rule of thumb: match the AC adapter and the DC adapter of the same connector for your car, so you are covered for both home and rapid charging.
Which do you need?
If your car uses Type 2 (most UAE EVs), a Type 2 cable is all you need for AC charging. If you have imported a GB/T, NACS, or CCS1 vehicle, you will likely need the matching adapters to use local infrastructure.
Browse our EV charging cables and adapters, or ask us which fits your car.
