Type 2 Plug Pinout
Starting the Charge
Step | Vehicle State | EVSE State | CP Voltage | Description |
1 | Not connected - The EV is not plugged in | Idle - EVSE outputs pilot at +12V (no vehicle detected) | ~12 V (State A) | The vehicle is not yet connected. The EVSE puts +12 V on the Control Pilot line to sense when a vehicle plugs in. |
2 | Physically connected - EV sees pilot signal | Detecting EV - EVSE sees pilot pulled down from 12 V to 9 V | ~9 V (State B) | As soon as the EV is plugged in, it applies a resistor to the CP line, pulling the voltage down to about 9 V. This indicates the EV is present but not ready to charge. |
3 | Requests charge - EV sets appropriate resistor on pilot | Pre-charge - EVSE sets current availability on pilot (PWM) | ~6 V (State C) | The EV signals it wants to charge by further changing the resistor on the CP line (transition from 9 V to 6 V). The EVSE reads this and prepares to supply AC power up to the advertised current. |
4 | Closes contactors - EV onboard charger ready | Closes contactors - EVSE energizes AC lines | ~6 V (State C) | The EVSE closes its internal contactors, sending AC power to the vehicle. The EV closes its internal contactors to begin charging. Charging current starts to flow. |
Stopping the Charge
Step | Vehicle State | EVSE State | CP Voltage | Description |
1 | Actively charging - EV contactors closed, drawing current | Delivering power - EVSE contactors closed, supplying AC | ~6 V (State C) | Normal charging is in progress. Both the EV and EVSE contactors are closed, and AC current is flowing according to the PWM pilot limit. |
2 | Requests to stop / user initiates stop - EV opens its contactors or pilot changes | Detect pilot transition - Prepares to disconnect power | ~9 V (State B) (or transitions to 12 V if plug is immediately removed) | The EV can signal the end of charging by opening its contactors or changing the pilot resistance (raising voltage from 6 V to 9 V). If the user physically unplugs the vehicle, the pilot may jump directly to 12 V (State A). |
3 | Contactors open - EV no longer drawing current | Stops delivering power - EVSE contactors open, returns to idle state | ~9 V (State B) or ~12 V (State A) | After the EV contactors open, the EVSE opens its contactors, removing AC power. If the plug remains connected but not charging, the CP line remains at ~9 V (State B). If the cable is fully disconnected, it returns to 12 V (State A). |
Control Pilot Voltage States (IEC 61851-1 Reference)
Below is a common mapping of CP voltages to standard states for AC charging under IEC 61851-1:
- 12 V (State A): EV not connected, or cable not detected
- 9 V (State B): EV connected, ready for pilot communication, not yet charging
- 6 V (State C): EV actively charging (no ventilation required)
- 3 V (State D): EV actively charging (ventilation required)
- 0 V (State E): EVSE or EV fault state
Proximity Pilot Resistance Values
These values are measured between the PP pin and earth (chassis) and are used by the vehicle to “read” the cable’s current rating (per phase):
Maximum Charging Current (per phase) | PP Resistor Value (Ω) | Comments |
6 A | 1,500 Ω | Typical for low-power cables |
10 A | 1,000 Ω | Common for modest domestic charging setups |
16 A | 680 Ω | Frequently used in many Level 2 installations |
32 A | 220 Ω | Common value for European Type 2 cables rated 32 A |
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