The short version
Chinese EVs are built in two main socket configurations. Cars made for the Chinese market use GB/T sockets. Cars made for export to Europe, the Middle East and many African markets usually use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging.
Before you buy, check which version the car is. A China-market car and an export car of the same model can look identical but plug into different chargers.
AC charging: Type 2 and GB/T AC
AC charging is the slower charging you do at home or at work. The car's own on-board charger converts AC power from the supply into DC for the battery, so the car sets the maximum speed, typically 6.6 kW, 7 kW or 11 kW.
- Type 2 is the standard AC socket on export cars.
- GB/T AC is the Chinese standard. It looks similar to Type 2 but is not compatible without an adaptor.
DC fast charging: CCS2 and GB/T DC
DC fast chargers supply DC directly to the battery, so they can be much faster. The speed depends on both the charger and the car's maximum DC power.
- CCS2 combines the Type 2 socket with two extra DC pins underneath. Most export Chinese EVs use it.
- GB/T DC is a separate, larger socket used on China-market cars.
Adaptors
Adaptors exist for some combinations, but they add risk, may not support full power, and some chargers will refuse them. For fast charging, buying a car with the connector your local chargers use is the safer choice.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller which market the car was built for.
- Look at the charging flap: one combined socket (CCS2) or two separate sockets (often GB/T).
- Check the chargers you expect to use. Each station page on ElectriVic lists its connectors.
- Ask whether the car's software and navigation work outside China. This is a separate issue from charging, but it often affects the same imported cars.