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> Those connectors are a fucking bear to plug in

The connectors themselves aren't usually the cause for the perceived difficulty of plugging in. It's instead the weight and flexibility of the cable. Try this: plug in a CCS connector at Electrify America, and then plug in a CCS connector at ChargePoint. The latter feels much heavier than the former. Yet both are CCS connectors. Even though the former is rated for 350kW and the latter usually only 125kW.

The CCS connector itself doesn't dictate what kind of cables manufacturers use and what kind of cooling. Tesla designs cables with less cooling and they replace them more often; other brands want long-lasting cables with fewer field visits so they add more cooling. And some brands use liquid cooled cables, others simply opt for thicker copper without liquid cooling. All of these have nothing to do with the connector.




That's true, although connector quality does vary as well. And in his case, he was using an adapter, which adds some unique potential problems. Some connectors have electronic latches. I've had those engage before the connector and the adapter were fully seated, making it nearly impossible to push them the rest of the way together. Usually fiddling with the latch button is the easiest way at that point.

Also, some connectors have nasty white plastic, while others have really nice and usable handles.




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