Type 1 to Type 2 Adapter
Type 1 to Type 2 adapters let a Type 1 (SAE J1772) charging cable or charger plug into a Type 2 (Mennekes) vehicle inlet
Adapter Overview
Key Specifications
- Rated Current: 32A (Smart EV Chargers, Drive EV); up to 32A (Sparts)
- Rated Voltage: 240V
- Cable Side: Type 1 (SAE J1772) plug
- Car Side: Type 2 (Mennekes, IEC 62196) vehicle inlet
- Charging Type: AC only (Mode 3); not for CHAdeMO or CCS DC fast charging (OEM Audio)
- Weather Rating: IP44 (Drive EV) to IP54 (Smart EV Chargers, Sparts)
- Housing: Fire-retardant plastic (Smart EV Chargers); UL94 V-0 flame-retardant thermoplastic, 15 x 6 x 6cm (Sparts)
- Warranty: 1 year (OEM Audio)
- NZ Price: $80 (Smart EV Chargers) to $169 (Sparts) inc GST; OEM Audio $115; Drive EV $119 on sale (regular $165)
Safe Use Guidelines
- • Use only EV charging adaptors supplied by the vehicle manufacturer or by an EVSE manufacturer (WorkSafe)
- • WorkSafe guidelines say EV adaptors should comply with IEC 61851:2017 and be marked with any conditions of use
- • Never put a household adaptor such as a multi-box, double plug or travel plug between a portable charger and a wall socket
- • Never use damaged, faulty or modified charging equipment
- • Connect the Type 1 charging cable to the adapter first, then plug the adapter into the car (OEM Audio)
- • End the charging session before unplugging (OEM Audio)
Benefits
- • Use an existing Type 1 wall charger or cable with a NZ-new Type 2 EV
- • Listed in stock at four NZ retailers on 1 November 2026, from $80 inc GST
- • Works with home and public AC charging stations that have a Type 1 cable (OEM Audio)
- • Compact enough to store in the vehicle
- • Rated up to 32A at 240V
Considerations
- • AC charging only: not compatible with CHAdeMO or CCS DC fast charging
- • WorkSafe treats EV adaptors not supplied by the vehicle or EVSE manufacturer as unsafe, so check who supplies the adapter
- • Works in one direction only: Drive EV sells a separate Type 2 cable to Type 1 car adaptor for older Type 1 vehicles
- • Weather rating varies between products (IP44 to IP54)
- • EECA says adaptors between charging standards should not be used for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging
About Type 1 to Type 2 Adapters
EECA says light EVs in New Zealand typically use one of two charging standards. CCS2 is the DC connector used on all new light EVs sold in New Zealand, and the upper part of a CCS2 inlet accepts a Type 2 AC connector. Used EVs imported from Japan commonly have a CHAdeMO DC inlet plus a separate inlet that accepts a Type 1 AC connector.
A Type 1 to Type 2 adapter sits between a Type 1 (SAE J1772) cable plug and a Type 2 (Mennekes, IEC 62196) vehicle inlet. Smart EV Chargers says it lets you use a Type 1 wall charger with a NZ-new Type 2 vehicle such as an MG, Polestar or Tesla. NZ retailers list 32A, 240V adapters from $80 (Smart EV Chargers) to $169 (Sparts) inc GST, with OEM Audio at $115 and Drive EV at $119 on sale.
The adapters are for AC charging only. OEM Audio notes they don't work with CHAdeMO or CCS DC fast charging. WorkSafe advises using only EV charging adaptors supplied by the vehicle manufacturer or by an EV supply equipment (EVSE) manufacturer, and its charging safety guidelines treat any other EV adaptor as unsafe.
More Information
WorkSafe adaptor guidance, EECA connector information and New Zealand adapter listings:
Type 1 to Type 2 Adapter Advice
Before buying an adapter, check that it is supplied for that purpose by your vehicle or charger (EVSE) manufacturer, as WorkSafe advises. Browse other EV parts or find an EV service centre near you.
