Charging modes - Guide.

“Charging mode” is the technical description of the different types of charging: regulated (i.e. electronically controlled and monitored) or unregulated, with alternating current or with direct current.

There are 4 different Charging modes:

• Mode 1: Charging without communication - for example: Schuko charging cable

  
  

  
  

  • Mode 2: Charging through emergency charging cable - for example: Emergency charging cable / ICCB: Schuko / CEE to Type1 / Type2

    
    

    
    

    • Mode 3: Charging at wallboxes and charging stations - for example: Type1 - Type1 or Type2 - Type2 charging cable to wallbox / charging station

      
      

      
      

      • Mode 4: DC fast charging - for example: Chademo / CCS/Supercharger with fixed cable

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        - Which charging mode is recommended?

        
        

        
        

        The charging mode is determined by the charger used: for example, the wallbox at your home/workplace or the charging station on a motorway/rest stop. Therefore, you do not have to or cannot select the charging mode yourself.

        
        

        
        

        If you would like to be able to charge your car at all public charging stations, we recommend a charging cable for Mode 3 with a Type 2 plug, as all public charging stations in Germany must have at least one Type 2 coupling (socket) according to the Charging Station Ordinance.

        
        

        
        

        If your vehicle has a Type 1 charging plug connection, you will need a so-called "Type 1 to Type 2" charging cable: It fits into your vehicle (Type 1) on one side and into the Type 2 sockets of public charging stations on the other. -

        Here is an example

        
        

        
        

        You do not need to buy a charging cable for charging with direct current (DC) fast chargers because they are always permanently installed.

        
        

        
        

        
        

        
        

        - What charging power (for the electric car) is recommended?

        
        

        The charging power of your electric car is a technical specification determined by the rectifier built into the electric car by the manufacturer.