Type 1 EV charger connectors in Ireland
Still driving an EV with a Type 1 charging port? While less common in newer vehicles, Type 1 connectors are still used by some older and imported electric cars in Ireland. EVChargers.ie explains what Type 1 plugs are, how they work, and what your charging options are at home and in public.
Type 1 connectors support AC charging at speeds of 3.7kW or 7kW. They are single-phase only and are most commonly found on EVs manufactured by Asian brands such as Mitsubishi and early Nissan Leaf models. Although the majority of newer EVs in Ireland now use Type 2, there’s still good support for Type 1 charging with the right cable or adaptor.
Find Type 1 compatible chargers
What is a Type 1 connector?
A Type 1 EV plug is a five-pin AC charging connector designed for slow or standard charging using a single-phase supply. It supports charging speeds of up to 7kW and is generally used for home or workplace charging. It was once widely used in North America and Asia and has made its way into Ireland through imports and early-generation EVs.
Unlike Type 2 plugs, Type 1 does not include a locking mechanism, meaning it can be disconnected without the driver’s consent. For this reason, many Type 1 users opt to charge at home or use adapters to connect to public charge points more securely.
Charging speed and compatibility
Type 1 charging operates via alternating current (AC), where electricity is converted from AC to DC inside the vehicle. Charging speeds depend on the power source and the vehicle’s onboard charger:
- 3.7kW: Adds approximately 20km of range per hour
- 7kW: Adds approximately 40km of range per hour
Most Type 1 compatible vehicles can safely use these speeds when charging at home or at slow/standard AC public charge points.
Where can you charge using a Type 1 plug?
Because Type 1 connectors are becoming less common in Ireland and Europe, it’s important to plan your charging setup carefully. You have a few options:
- Home wall box: Install a home charger with a Type 1 tethered cable
- Untethered charger: Use your own Type 1 cable with a universal wall box
- Public charge points: Use a Type 2-to-Type 1 adaptor to connect to modern AC charging stations
If you’re using a Type 1 vehicle, it’s recommended to keep a compatible charging cable or adaptor with you, especially when using public infrastructure.
Is it time to upgrade?
Type 1 connectors are considered a legacy charging solution in Ireland, and many drivers are now switching to vehicles with the more modern Type 2 plug. If you’re planning to change your car in the near future, it may be worth installing a universal charger at home that supports both plug types or preparing to upgrade to a Type 2 system altogether.
Frequently asked questions about Type 1 chargers
Which EVs in Ireland use a Type 1 charging port?
Type 1 connectors are mostly found on older EV models and imports, such as early Nissan Leafs, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs, and some Kia or Chevrolet models. Most newer EVs now use the Type 2 standard.
Can I charge a Type 1 vehicle at a Type 2 public charger?
Yes, but you’ll need a Type 2-to-Type 1 adaptor. These allow you to safely connect to standard AC public charge points across Ireland, many of which now use Type 2 sockets as the default.
Is a Type 1 charger safe to use at home?
Yes, as long as the unit is installed correctly by a qualified electrician. Tethered Type 1 wall boxes are a popular home charging option for vehicles that use this connector. However, because they lack a locking mechanism, they’re more suited to private, secure environments.
Can I future-proof my charger if I currently use Type 1?
If you're planning to upgrade your vehicle in future, consider installing an untethered wall box that supports any cable type. This way, you can use a Type 1 cable now and switch to a Type 2 cable when you change cars.
What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 connectors?
Type 1 plugs have five pins, support single-phase AC charging, and are common in older EVs. Type 2 plugs have seven pins, support single- or three-phase charging, include a locking mechanism, and are now the standard in Ireland and Europe.
