timpootle wrote:Second question - who uses this Mennekes plug-hole?
"Mennekes" (Type 2: VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2) is just one of the physical connectors supported by the IEC 62196 standard. Other connectors include SAE J1772 (Type 1), EV Plug Alliance (Type 3), and future DC standards...
The good news is that while all these connectors are all physically different the communications protocol is identical which means that you basically need an 'adapter' to connect them all up. Here's an example of a Type 2 (VDE-AR-E 2623-2-2 or "Mennekes") Charging Station cable to Type 1 (J1772) car;
- J1772_mennekes_low_res.png (245.21 KiB) Viewed 26377 times
Type 2 also supports 3 Phase, V2G, and DC using the same connector and this is obviously good news for future EV's
The bad news is that all these standards use a communications protocol to tell the car and Charging Station info like maximum current capacity, fault conditions, etc.... therefore, simply plugging in a 'dumb' car will not result in any power being provided so unless you support the protocol you will have to plug into the 13A standard socket at the site (assuming it's provided).