Mode
The mode as it refers to this application describes the communication protocol used between the Electric Vehicle and the charging system. This protocol is critical to ensure safety across global applications for each of the three standards: Mode 1, Mode 2 and Mode 3, respectively.

Connector Types
Type 1
The Type 1 plug standard is used throughout the Australian charging station network and is designed to suit some vehicles from Europe and most vehicles from Japan and the USA. A selection of Australian-delivered vehicles that are compatible with the Type 1 connector is included below:

BMW i3 and i8 (2017 740e, X5 xDrive40e)
Holden Volt
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Leaf

Type 2
The Type 2 connector is used by manufacturers such as Mercedes Benz (C 350 e, GLE 500 e and S 500 e), Porsche (Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and Cayenne S E-Hybrid) and Tesla Motors in the Model S, Model X and upcoming Model 3. This connector uses a 7 pin configuration in either AC or DC applications depending on the vehicle and the capabilities of the charging station. At each of the seven* Tesla Superchargers in Australia, 80% charge can be reached in 40 minutes providing a range of over 270km.
*Correct as of 27/09/2016 | www.tesla.com/en_AU/supercharger

Type 3
A single- and three-phase connector standard. No longer used as it has been superseded by shutter-equipped Type 2 plugs such as those from PCE to make the live components finger-proof.

Type 4 CHAdeMO EV Charging Plug
This plug type was developed in Japan by the CHAdeMO association which takes its name from an abbreviation of an anglicised pun for the Japanese expression to ‘have a cup of tea while charging’: ‘charge de move’. The primary design considerations where to reduce the potential safety risks of DC current while providing a rapid charging solution (up to 62.5kW DC). Japanese manufacturers Mitsubishi, Nissan and Toyota employ the CHAdeMo type connector.

SAE Combo EV Plug
One of our leading suppliers, Phoenix Contact, co-developed a combination of both the Type 2 and CHAdeMO plug standards in concert with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) which provides both AC and DC charging. The take up of this type which is known as the Combined Charging System (CCS) and can charge at up to 90kw has already proven enthusiastic in Europe.
The University of Queensland Veefill charger offers both CHAdeMO or CCS standards.