Type 2 is Europe's standard AC charging connector, serving the same role J1772 plays in North America — the everyday plug for home and public Level 1/2-equivalent charging.
How it differs from J1772
Type 2 has a similar function to J1772 but a different pin layout and shape, and it also supports three-phase AC power common in European electrical systems, allowing for faster AC charging speeds than typical North American Level 2 setups.
Its role in CCS Combo 2
Just as CCS in North America combines a J1772 head with DC pins, Europe's CCS Combo 2 combines a Type 2 head with the same additional DC pins, making Type 2 the AC foundation of European DC fast charging too.
Where it's standard
Type 2 is the default AC connector across the UK, EU, and much of the rest of Europe, comparable in ubiquity to how universal J1772 is across North America.
Can a North American EV charge in Europe?
Only with the right adapter or a vehicle built for that market — connector shapes differ enough between regions (J1772/CCS1 vs. Type 2/CCS2) that a straight plug swap usually isn't possible without an adapter.