GB/T vs Type 2 vs CCS2 vs Tesla — UAE standards explained
Five connector names, one simple rule for the UAE: public chargers use Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC. Here's what each connector is, and why GB/T and US-Tesla cars need an adapter.
Updated June 2026 · by EV Destination
Short answer: The UAE uses Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging on all public chargers. GB/T (Chinese cars) and NACS (US Teslas) are car-side connectors you will not find on a UAE charger — those cars need an adapter.
The connectors at a glance
| Connector | Where it's from | AC / DC | On UAE public chargers? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 (Mennekes) | Europe / GCC standard | AC | Yes — standard |
| CCS2 | Europe / GCC standard | DC | Yes — standard |
| GB/T | China | AC & DC (separate) | No — needs adapter |
| NACS / Tesla (US) | North America | AC & DC | No — needs adapter |
| Type 1 / J1772 | North America / Japan (AC) | AC | Adapter for AC |
What each one is
- Type 2 — the UAE/European AC standard. Almost every home wallbox and public AC point uses it.
- CCS2 — Type 2 with two extra DC pins underneath, for fast charging. The UAE DC standard.
- GB/T — China's national standard. It looks like Type 2 but the male/female layout is reversed and the signalling differs, so it is not interchangeable.
- NACS (Tesla US) — the slim connector on US-market Teslas. GCC Teslas do not use it; they use Type 2 / CCS2.
- Type 1 / J1772 — an older AC connector on some imports (e.g. early Nissan Leaf); needs a Type 2-to-Type 1 adapter here.
GB/T resembles Type 2 — but don't assume. The shapes are close enough to confuse, yet they will not charge each other directly. If your car came from China, treat it as GB/T until you've confirmed the inlet.
Bridging the gap — the adapters
If your car's connector isn't Type 2 / CCS2, an adapter is the car-side bridge. These are real, in-stock options.
CCS2 / Type 2 to Tesla US Adapter
US-import Tesla & Cybertruck (NACS) · DC up to 250 kW / AC up to 80 kW
400 AED Out of stock
View productRelated: Which adapter does my Chinese EV need? · UAE charging network connector map · AC vs DC adapter safety
Frequently asked questions
What charging standard does the UAE use?
UAE public chargers use Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging. You will not find a GB/T or US-Tesla (NACS) plug on a UAE public charger.
Is GB/T compatible with Type 2 chargers in the UAE?
Not directly. GB/T looks similar to Type 2 but the pins and signalling are different, so they are not interchangeable. A GB/T car needs a Type 2-to-GB/T adapter to charge on a UAE AC charger.
What connector do DEWA Green Charger stations use?
DEWA Green Charger stations in Dubai provide Type 2 for AC charging and CCS2 for DC fast charging; some older units also still carry a legacy CHAdeMO DC connector.
Do Teslas in the UAE use a different plug?
Officially-sold GCC Teslas use Type 2 (AC) and CCS2 (DC) — the same as other UAE EVs. Teslas imported from the US use the NACS connector and need a CCS2/Type 2-to-Tesla adapter to charge here.