As Nepal's EV ecosystem grows, so does the need for standardized, safe and reliable charging infrastructure. But with the influx of electric vehicles from both China and Europe, we’re seeing a worrying trend: the use of CCS2 to GB/T adapters or vice versa, as a shortcut to compatibility.
On the surface, it sounds convenient. Why not just use an adapter and charge anywhere? But here’s the truth:
Using these adapters may put your vehicle, the charger and even your safety at serious risk.
Why You Should Not Use CCS2 to GB/T Adapters
1. They’re Not Just Plug Converters, They Need to “Translate” Communication Too GBT and CCS2 are fundamentally different protocols:
- GBT uses CAN communication
- CCS2 uses PLC (Power Line Communication)
Most cheap adapters do not include proper protocol converters. The result? Incomplete handshakes, failed charging or worse electrical faults.
2. Safety Risks: You’re Playing with High Voltage
DC fast charging involves hundreds of volts and dozens of amps.
A mismatch or delay in communication can cause:
- Overheating
- Arcing or sparks
- Melted connectors
- Even fire hazards
3. You Could Damage Your EV or Charger Permanently
Using unauthorized adapters may:
- Overload internal components
- Damage the Battery Management System (BMS)
- Void your vehicle’s warranty
Public chargers are also at risk. A damaged charger could lead to days of downtime and costly repairs.
4. Warranty and Regulation Issues
Most CCS2 to GBT adapters are not approved by EV manufacturers. Using them may:
- Invalidate your EV warranty
- Violate terms of use for public charging stations
- Go against EV safety guidelines issued by OEMs
In Nepal, there are currently no certification standards for these adapters. You're placing your trust and vehicle in the hands of an unregulated and unverified device.
5. Reduced Charging Efficiency
Even if the adapter works, it may not work optimally.
- Many adapters throttle power to avoid overload, resulting in slower charging speeds
- Communication issues can cause frequent interruptions or charging restarts
- Some chargers completely reject the handshake, wasting time and creating frustration
What should take 30 minutes might take over an hour or fail entirely.
6. They’re Not a Long-Term Solution, They’re a Risky Shortcut
As Nepal’s EV ecosystem matures, chargers should be built with multiple ports (e.g., both GB/T & CCS2).
Adapters are just a temporary hack, not a professional or scalable solution for the future.
What Can Go Wrong (Real-World Scenarios)
- EV starts charging, then shuts down - due to handshake failure
- Charger stops responding - internal relay damaged after repeated adapter use
- Connector overheats and melts - especially during hot weather
- Public charger catches fire - due to a short circuit caused by poor contact points
These are not rare incidents and are often wrongly blamed on “charger issues” or “vehicle software bugs.”
The Better Way: Invest in Proper Infrastructure
- EV Owners: Stick to your vehicle’s native charging standard. Avoid adapters.
- Charging Station Operators: Install dual-standard chargers that support both GB/T and CCS2.
- Dealers & Importers: Don’t just sell EVs — educate customers on safe charging practices and risks of adapters.
Final Words: Don’t Let Convenience Compromise Safety
Using a CCS2 to GBT adapter might seem like an easy fix but it’s a ticking time bomb. For your own vehicle, for public safety, and for the future of Nepal’s EV ecosystem:
Don’t use charging adapters. Demand proper infrastructure. Spread awareness.
At AirCharge, we strongly discourage the use of unsafe adapters. Instead, we’re committed to building a safe, certified, and future-ready charging network across Nepal with multi-standard DC chargers, tested equipment, and manufacturer-backed integration.