16/32A Type2 1-Phase Vs 3-Phase EV Charging IEC62196

The IEC 62196 standard is a series of standards developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) for electric vehicle charging interfaces, aimed at ensuring that different brands and models of electric vehicles are compatible with various charging stations, thereby promoting the widespread adoption and charging convenience of electric vehicles. This series of standards covers electric vehicle power plugs, sockets, vehicle interfaces, vehicle entrances, and cable components used for conducting charging systems, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the electric vehicle charging process.

The IEC 62196 standard consists of multiple parts, each focusing on specific aspects of electric vehicle charging. For example, the IEC 62196-1 standard specifies the technical requirements and safety standards for electric vehicle power plugs, sockets, vehicle connectors, and vehicle entrances. This standard applies to situations where the rated working voltage of AC power does not exceed 690 volts, the frequency is between 50 Hz and 60 Hz, and the rated current does not exceed 250 A, as well as situations where the rated working voltage of DC power does not exceed 1500 volts and the rated current does not exceed 800 A. These standards ensure the interchangeability and compatibility of electric vehicle charging equipment, while also considering the safety and environmental adaptability of the equipment, such as being able to operate normally in environments ranging from -30 degrees Celsius to+40 degrees Celsius.

The IEC 62196 standard also defines different types of charging interfaces, including Type 1, Type 2, and Combined Charging System (CCS), which support AC and DC charging and meet the charging needs of different regions and purposes. Type 1 plugs and ports dominate the US and Japanese markets as their power grids primarily support single-phase AC charging. Europe and China mainly use Type 2 ports, which support single-phase and three-phase charging and can shorten the charging time of electric vehicles. The Combined Charging System is a unified charging interface that supports both AC and DC charging, proposed by multiple automotive companies.

In addition, the IEC 62196 standard also covers various aspects related to charging network topology, communication mechanisms, and safety, ensuring the standardization and safety of the charging process for electric vehicles. The formulation and implementation of these standards are of great significance for promoting the rapid development and popularization of the electric vehicle industry.

1-Phase vs 3-Phase Charging Process
What's happening during charging? Electricity flows from the power grid through the EV charger and into your electric car. And here, we come to the main distinction between the phases.
1-phase charging: Power flows through a single conductor (wire).  Max charging power - 7.4 kW (In some countries,  single-phase charging is only permitted or possible at lower charging power.
3-phase charging: Power flows through three conductors (wires).  Max charging power - 11 or 22 kW. 
So basically, the number of phases your car has only plays a role during AC charging. When using a DC charging station, only the max DC charging power of your electric vehicle and the charging station matters.