Ladestandard

Ladestandard is a term used in German-speaking contexts to denote the set of technical specifications, interfaces and procedures that govern the charging of electrical devices, particularly electric vehicles (EVs). It encompasses the physical connectors, electrical characteristics, safety requirements and communication protocols that enable interoperability between charging points, vehicles and network operators. In public discourse it often refers to the standards and regulations shaping EV charging infrastructure in Europe and Germany.

In Europe, the dominant AC charging standard is the Type 2 connector (Mennekes) for alternating current, while fast DC charging commonly uses the Combined Charging System (CCS), which adds a DC connector to the Type 2. Some vehicles and regions have also used CHAdeMO, though its market share has declined. Public charging networks typically require a Type 2 inlet on the vehicle and may supply charging up to multiple tens of kilowatts AC or hundreds of kilowatts DC, depending on the charger.

Key standards include IEC 61851 (Electric vehicle conductive charging system), IEC 62196 (Plugs, socket-outlets, vehicle connectors; including Type 2), and ISO 15118 (Vehicle-to-grid communication). OCPP is widely used for the software interface between charging stations and back-end systems, while OCPI supports roaming between networks. National implementations follow DIN and CENELEC harmonized standards, such as DIN EN 61851 and DIN EN 62196.

Overall, ladestandard aims to ensure safe, reliable and interoperable charging, reducing fragmentation and enabling seamless use across networks and borders.