An overview of popular electric vehicle charging standards in Vietnam, including CCS2, GB/T, and AC ports, as well as information on which standard EVsafe charging stations support.
One of the most frequently asked questions about electric vehicle charging stations is which charging station my car can be plugged into. The answer lies in the charging standard, or the type of connector between the car and the station. Understanding the electric vehicle charging standards used in Vietnam helps drivers feel secure and helps property owners choose stations that can accommodate the most vehicle models.
Why are charging standards important
Charging standards determine the physical plug and also how the car and station exchange information to charge safely. If the car's connector standard does not match the station's connector standard, it simply cannot be plugged in, or an adapter is needed. This is why a station that wants to serve many vehicles needs to carefully consider the connector standard when installing.
CCS2, a popular fast-charging standard
CCS2 is a fast DC charging standard widely used in many markets, including Vietnam. The advantage of CCS2 is that it combines both AC and DC fast charging into the same connector on the car, so cars using this standard can charge slowly at home and quickly at a station using the same connector area. Many electric vehicle models sold in Vietnam use CCS2 for fast charging.
GB/T and cases of imported vehicles
In addition to CCS2, some vehicle models, especially those originating from the Chinese market, use the GB/T standard. Since Vietnam's electric vehicle market includes both domestically assembled and imported vehicles from many sources, in reality, multiple standards coexist. Vehicle owners should check their vehicle's technical documentation to know the exact connector standard before heading to a charging station.
AC ports are commonly used
With AC charging of medium and low power, many cars use the standard AC port, a familiar standardized connection. This is the slow charging part that serves the need for long parking. Because AC charging is simpler in terms of connection, this is often the common denominator that is easy to compatible between different car models.
What standard does EVsafe charging station support
EVsafe car charging stations focus on supporting the fast charging standard CCS2, which is popular with most electric cars in Vietnam, and also have plans for some cars that use GB/T and AC charging options. The goal is for an EVsafe station to serve as many car models as possible, rather than being limited to just one brand.
For property owners, choosing a charging station that supports the most popular standard helps optimize the number of cars that can be served, thereby increasing the efficiency of exploitation. For drivers, a network of stations that support multiple standards means less worry about finding a compatible charging point on their journey.
Before arriving at the station, the most certain way is still to determine the standard port of the car and choose a station with a corresponding port. Once familiar, charging outside the station will be as simple as refueling.
EVsafe accompanies property owners and drivers in the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and National Highway 1. If you have a suitable location or want to learn about the cooperative investment model of sharing revenue, buying or borrowing to buy a charging station with 0% interest loan support from financial partners, please contact EVsafe to be surveyed and consulted. You can also view the EVsafe charging station map to find the nearest charging point and experience the service before making a decision.
