Combined Charging System (CCS) is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles (EVs) that was developed to provide a single solution for both AC and DC charging. It is designed to support a wide range of EVs, including both European and American models, and can deliver charging speeds of up to 350 kW. In this article, we will explore what CCS is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.
What is CCS?
CCS is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles that was developed by a group of automakers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche, and Volkswagen. It combines AC and DC charging into a single plug, which allows for greater flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of vehicles.
CCS uses a Type 2 connector for AC charging and a two-pin DC connector for high-power DC charging. The DC connector is based on the CCS Combo 2 standard, which is used in Europe and North America, while the Type 2 connector is used primarily in Europe.
How does CCS work?
CCS supports both AC and DC charging, which allows EVs to be charged at home or at public charging stations. AC charging is typically slower and less powerful than DC charging, but is more widely available and can be used with a standard household socket or a dedicated charging station.
DC charging is faster and more powerful than AC charging, and is typically used for long-distance travel or when fast charging is required. During a DC charging session, the vehicle’s onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC power from the charging station is delivered directly to the battery.
The charging process starts with a communication between the vehicle and the charging station to verify that the vehicle is compatible with the charger and that the charging session can begin. Once the connection is established, the charger sends DC power to the vehicle, which is converted into the appropriate voltage and current by the vehicle’s power electronics. The charging rate is controlled by the vehicle’s battery management system, which ensures that the battery is charged safely and efficiently.
Advantages of CCS
One of the main advantages of CCS is its high charging power, which can deliver charging speeds of up to 350 kW. This is significantly faster than other charging standards like CHAdeMO, which typically deliver up to 50 kW or 100 kW of power. This high charging power can significantly reduce charging times and make EVs more practical and convenient for long-distance travel.
Another advantage of CCS is its flexibility and compatibility with a wide range of EVs. It is designed to support both European and American models, and can be used with both AC and DC charging. This means that drivers of CCS-compatible EVs have access to a large and growing network of charging stations, including both public and private chargers.
Disadvantages of CCS
One of the main disadvantages of CCS is its limited availability compared to other charging standards like CHAdeMO. While CCS is widely used in Europe and North America, it may not be available in other parts of the world, particularly in Asia.
Another disadvantage of CCS is its higher cost compared to slower charging standards like Level 2 AC charging. The high power and complexity of CCS charging stations can make them more expensive to install and maintain, which can limit their availability in some areas.
Conclusion
Combined Charging System (CCS) is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles that combines AC and DC charging into a single plug. It offers high charging power and compatibility with a wide range of EVs, making it a practical and convenient option for many EV drivers. However, it also has some disadvantages, including limited availability and higher costs compared to slower charging standards. Overall, CCS is an important and widely used charging standard that will continue to play a role in the development of the EV charging infrastructure.