CCS stands for Combined Charging System. Its defining feature is a vehicle inlet that accommodates AC charging and DC fast charging through different plugs. This gives the vehicle one combined charging inlet rather than requiring separate AC and DC inlets. See CharIN's CCS overview.
The two familiar variants are CCS1, also called Combo 1, and CCS2, also called Combo 2. They follow a similar concept but have different physical interfaces.
CCS1 and CCS2 compared
| Feature | CCS1 / Combo 1 | CCS2 / Combo 2 |
|---|---|---|
| AC interface at the top of the inlet | Type 1 | Type 2 |
| AC charging arrangement | Single-phase | Single- or three-phase, depending on vehicle and supply |
| DC interface | Two additional large DC contacts | Two additional large DC contacts |
| Main regional association | North America | Europe and other markets using CCS2 |
The AC plug uses the AC portion of the vehicle inlet. For DC charging, the larger Combo plug uses the dedicated DC contacts and the required signaling connections. “Combined” does not mean AC and DC are delivered simultaneously. See the CharIN CCS Basic guide.
CCS1 and CCS2 are not directly interchangeable plugs. For an imported vehicle, verify the exact inlet before assuming that a station labeled “CCS” is suitable.
Why a CCS label does not guarantee a charging speed
Fast charging is a negotiation between the car and equipment. A charger's advertised maximum does not mean that every compatible vehicle will receive that power throughout a session.
Check the vehicle's accepted DC voltage range and charging capability against the charger's output specifications. Battery temperature, state of charge, and site power sharing also affect the result. A useful comparison looks at energy delivered over the available stop, not only the highest displayed kW figure. See the DOE charging-station guide.
For example, a charger with a high headline rating may still be limited by its current output at a particular vehicle voltage. Procurement specifications should therefore include voltage and current ranges alongside maximum power.
Interoperability extends beyond the plug
CCS includes vehicle-to-charger communication based on standards such as DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO 15118. Features such as Plug & Charge depend on the implemented capabilities across the vehicle, charger, and supporting services; they are not guaranteed simply by having a CCS inlet. See CharIN's CCS specification resources.
For operators, recommended acceptance testing should cover representative vehicles, repeated session starts, interrupted sessions, and correct final energy records. For equipment with several cables, verify whether outputs can run simultaneously and how power is shared. Two cables should not automatically be advertised as two independently available charging spaces.
When considering CarChargeOS or another white-label CSMS, request a demonstration with the proposed charger model and firmware. Review authorization, status reporting, fault visibility, and session completion together. This makes the management requirements concrete without confusing them with vehicle-side connector compatibility.
Practical takeaway
Choose CCS1 or CCS2 to match the vehicles your site will serve. Then validate electrical range, communication, and complete charging sessions. The connector is the starting point; reliable fast charging depends on the whole installation.
Related: Type 1 AC charging, Type 2 AC charging, and NACS / SAE J3400.