CCS2 (Combined Charging System, Combo 2) is the connector the European Union selected as the single standard for electric vehicle charging, covering both AC and DC. That's precisely its biggest advantage over other systems: a single physical connector handles both charging speeds.
Technically, CCS2 builds on the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector already used for AC charging, adding two additional high-power pins dedicated exclusively to DC. Those two pins are what make it possible to reach power levels of tens or even hundreds of kW without needing a separate connector.
Beyond the power side, CCS2 also defines a communication protocol between vehicle and charger (based on PLC, power line communication) that negotiates power, voltage, and state of charge in real time, enabling fast charging that is both safe and efficient.
From a regulatory standpoint, every public fast-charging installation in the European Union must offer a CCS2 connector, as required by the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive. That's why, when evaluating charger manufacturers or suppliers for your business, CCS2 isn't just one option among several — it's the baseline requirement.