EV Charging Glossary

What Is C2L?

C2L (Charger-to-Load) is an adapter that converts the energy from an AC charging station's Type 2 output into a standard socket or an industrial (CEE) socket. The difference from V2L is the energy source: V2L takes energy from the vehicle's battery, while C2L takes it from the charger, and thus from the grid behind it. As a result, the vehicle does not need to support V2L, its range is not reduced, and usage time is not limited by the battery's remaining charge; a vehicle does not even need to be present during the connection. In return, C2L has only one requirement, an AC charger: it works wherever there is a charging point. The available power is limited by the lower of the adapter's current rating and the charger's current setting, and on multi-socket versions all connected devices share the same limit. Bemis C2L adapters have a Type 2 input and a maximum current of 16A; they come as single, double and triple socket extensions with a 3 m cable, an industrial 5/32A socket version, and a cableless single-outlet version that plugs in directly. Typical uses include powering lights or hand tools in a car park that has a charging unit but no wall socket, bringing power to a temporary work area on a construction site, or supplying several devices from a single point at an event venue. To power a caravan, the C2C (Charger to Caravan) adapter from the same family is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between C2L and V2L?

The difference is where the energy comes from. V2L (Vehicle to Load) takes energy from the vehicle's battery, while C2L (Charger to Load) takes it from an AC charging station's Type 2 output, that is, from the grid. So with C2L the vehicle does not need to support V2L and its range is not reduced. On the other hand, C2L works where a charger is available, whereas V2L goes wherever the vehicle goes. The two complement each other: C2L at a fixed point, V2L on the road.

Which uses is C2L suitable for?

C2L is useful where a charging point exists but there is no normal socket: powering lights, hand tools or measuring devices in car parks and site installations, bringing power to a temporary work area on construction sites and in workshops, and supplying several devices from one point at events and trade fairs. The industrial 5/32A socket version is intended for construction and industrial equipment. To power a caravan, the C2C (Charger to Caravan) adapter from the same family is used.

Does C2L work with every vehicle?

C2L has no vehicle-side connector and takes its energy from the charger, not from the vehicle, so the vehicle brand and V2L support make no difference. A vehicle does not even need to be present during the connection. The only requirement is an AC charger. The available power is limited by the lower of the adapter's 16A limit and the charger's current setting.