| 1 | CCS2 connector | The vehicle inlet and charging plug connect through the Type 2 upper section and two additional large DC contacts. | IEC 62196-2 and IEC 62196-3 | The combined connector supports AC charging through the Type 2 contacts and DC charging through the dedicated DC contacts. Ratings depend on the specific equipment. |
| 2 | Connection detection | The station and vehicle detect that the plug is connected and check the control signals before power transfer is enabled. | Control Pilot (CP) and Proximity Pilot (PP); IEC 61851-1 | The control pilot communicates charging states; the proximity circuit helps detect the connector and, in applicable designs, cable-current coding. |
| 3 | User authorization | A charging session may be authorized using a local or network-based method before charging begins. | Examples include RFID, a mobile application, or Plug & Charge where supported | The available method depends on the station, network, vehicle, and service configuration; authorization is not identical at every site. |
| 4 | Vehicle and station communication | For DC charging, the vehicle and station exchange information to establish charging parameters and coordinate the session. | PLC communication; DIN SPEC 70121 and/or ISO 15118, depending on implementation | Supported communication protocols and features vary by vehicle and charger. ISO 15118 features are not available in every installation. |
| 5 | Battery limits and charge request | The vehicle’s battery management system reports or coordinates the voltage and current limits the battery can accept. | DC charging communication between the vehicle and EV supply equipment | The requested power can change during a session as battery state of charge, temperature, and operating limits change. |
| 6 | DC power conversion | In DC fast charging, conversion from the site’s AC supply to controlled DC takes place in the charging station; DC is delivered to the vehicle battery system. | IEC 61851-23 | The station regulates its output within the limits agreed with the vehicle. Actual voltage, current, and power depend on both systems. |
| 7 | AC charging path | When configured for AC charging, AC power passes through the Type 2 contacts and the vehicle’s onboard charger converts it for the battery. | IEC 62196-2 and IEC 61851-1 | AC charging power is limited by the supply, station, cable, and vehicle onboard charger. CCS2 does not mean every station offers both AC and DC outlets. |
| 8 | Power control and sharing | The station adjusts output to stay within equipment and vehicle limits; some sites also coordinate available power among charging outlets. | Station control system and site energy management | A charger’s rated maximum is not a guaranteed session power. Power may be reduced by vehicle limits, site capacity, or shared-output operation. |
| 9 | Electrical and thermal protection | Monitoring and protective functions help stop or limit power if operating conditions fall outside permitted limits. | IEC 61851 series and applicable equipment safety requirements | Protection design varies by equipment. High-current cable assemblies may use liquid cooling, but this is not a feature of every CCS2 charger. |
| 10 | Session stop and connector release | Charging ends when the user or vehicle requests a stop, or when the session reaches its configured end condition. Power is stopped before the connector is removed. | Vehicle–station communication and connector interlocking | The station records session information where metering or network services are enabled; connector release procedures depend on the vehicle and charger. |