Pull up to a charger for the first time and you may see two or three different plugs hanging from it. Pick the wrong one and nothing happens. This guide explains the main EV connector types used in Pakistan, CCS2, CHAdeMO, GB/T and Type 2, how to tell which one your car uses, and how common each one is on the ChargeNest charging map.
First: AC vs DC charging
Every EV battery stores DC (direct current) power. The grid supplies AC (alternating current). Something has to convert AC to DC, and where that happens is the difference between AC and DC charging.
- AC charging: the charger passes AC power to your car, and the car's built-in onboard charger converts it. This is limited by the onboard charger, usually somewhere between about 3 and 11 kW. It is what you use at home and at many hotels and offices.
- DC fast charging: the station converts power itself and feeds DC straight to the battery. It is much faster, often 30 kW to well over 100 kW, and is what you look for on motorways.
Different connectors are used for AC and DC, which is why many cars have one plug type for slow charging and another for fast charging.
The main connector types
Type 2 (Mennekes), AC
A round plug with seven pins. Type 2 is the standard AC connector for European-style cars and is used on most EVs sold in Pakistan for home and slow public charging. Most home wallboxes use it.
CCS2 (Combined Charging System 2), DC
CCS2 is a Type 2 plug with two large DC pins added underneath. That lets one inlet on the car handle both AC (top part) and DC fast charging (whole plug). CCS2 is by far the most common fast-charging connector in Pakistan.
CHAdeMO, DC
A large round DC plug, originally developed in Japan. It is found on older Nissan Leafs and some Japanese-market imports. Cars with CHAdeMO usually have a separate Type 1 or Type 2 inlet for AC charging.
GB/T, AC and DC
GB/T is China's national standard and has separate AC and DC versions. Cars built for China's domestic market use it. Many Chinese-brand EVs sold officially in Pakistan come with CCS2 and Type 2 instead, but a car imported from China outside official channels may have GB/T. Always check your specific car.
Others you may see
- CCS1 and Type 1 (J1772): the North American and older Japanese standards, mostly found on imported used cars.
- 3-pin domestic socket: a normal plug point, for slow charging with a portable charger.
How common is each connector on ChargeNest?
We counted the connectors listed for the 108 charging stations currently on ChargeNest across Pakistan (as of November 2026). Many stations have more than one type, so the numbers add up to more than 108.
| Connector | Current | Stations listing it |
|---|---|---|
| CCS2 | DC | 92 |
| Type 2 | AC | 16 |
| CHAdeMO | DC | 11 |
| 3-pin socket | AC | 6 |
| CCS1 | DC | 2 |
| GB/T DC | DC | 1 |
A few more points from the same data:
- 89 stations are DC-only, 16 are AC-only, and 3 offer both.
- CCS2 appears at roughly 85% of all listed stations.
- GB/T DC appears at just one listed station, so GB/T-only cars face a real challenge on public fast charging today.
We also looked at the plug-in cars in the ChargeNest EV database. Every model that lists a DC connector uses CCS2, and every model that lists an AC connector uses Type 2. Some models do not have connector details recorded yet, so check the individual car page or the owner's manual.
These numbers change as stations are added or updated, and a listing does not guarantee a charger is in service. Check the station's page on the map for its verification status and recent check-ins, and call ahead before a long trip.
How to find out which plug your car uses
- Open the charging flap. A CCS2 inlet looks like a Type 2 socket with two big pins underneath. A CHAdeMO inlet is large, round, and usually separate.
- Check the manual or the spec sheet. Look for "AC connector" and "DC connector".
- Look up your car on ChargeNest. Model pages in our EV database show the AC and DC connectors and charging speeds where available. You can also put cars side by side in compare.
- Ask the dealer before you buy, especially for imported vehicles.
A word of caution on adapters
Adapters exist, for example to fit a GB/T car to a CCS2 charger, or a CHAdeMO car to CCS. Be careful:
- DC adapters carry very high power. A poor-quality adapter can overheat, damage your car's battery system, or create a safety hazard.
- Compatibility is not guaranteed. The car and the charger must "talk" to each other correctly; an adapter may physically fit but fail to start a session, or behave unpredictably.
- Warranty and station rules. Using an adapter may affect your car's warranty, and some operators do not allow them.
If you rely on an adapter, buy from a reputable source, ask your dealer or the car maker for advice, and check with the station operator first. Never modify charging cables or inlets yourself.
Planning trips by connector
Use the map and charging stations directory to filter by connector, and the route planner to plan stops along your route. For a CCS2 car, the motorway network already has a reasonable number of listed DC stations. For CHAdeMO or GB/T cars, plan more carefully and keep backup options.
FAQ
What is the most common EV charger plug in Pakistan?
On ChargeNest, CCS2 is listed at 92 of 108 stations, making it the clear leader for DC fast charging. Type 2 is the most common AC connector.
Can a CCS2 car use a Type 2 charger?
Yes. A CCS2 inlet accepts a Type 2 plug in its upper part for AC charging, so CCS2 cars can use Type 2 AC chargers, just at slower AC speeds.
My imported car has a GB/T port. What can I do?
Very few listed stations offer GB/T DC today. Check the map for compatible stations, rely more on home AC charging, and talk to your dealer about safe, approved options before using any adapter.
Is CHAdeMO being phased out?
Globally, fewer new cars use CHAdeMO, but stations supporting it still exist. On ChargeNest, 11 listed stations include a CHAdeMO connector.
Does the connector affect charging speed?
The connector decides compatibility. Speed depends on the charger's power and how much your car can accept.