Guides & Stories · Charging · All models

GB/T Charging Explained: What It Is and What It Means for BYD Owners in the Philippines

By BYDPH.org editorial · version 1 · Nov 03, 2026

GB/T is China's charging standard, with separate AC and DC connectors that are not interchangeable with Type 2 and CCS2. Here is what it is, why most Philippine BYDs use Type 2 and CCS2, and why to check before using any adapter.

GB/T is China's national charging standard. It has separate AC and DC connectors, and neither is interchangeable with the Type 2 and CCS2 plugs used in most of the Philippines. This guide explains the difference and what it means if you own or are thinking of buying a BYD.

AI-generated illustration of a BYD Dolphin parked at a public EV charging station in a Philippine mall parking lot — Illustration only. Actual vehicle appearance, features, and specifications may vary. · Illustration only, may vary from the real thing

BYDPH.org is an independent community and is not affiliated with BYD or its Philippine distributor. Check your own model's manual for its charge port.

What "GB/T" means

GB stands for Guobiao, a Chinese national standard, and "/T" marks it as recommended instead of mandatory. The GB/T 20234 family covers the charging connectors used in China, for both AC and DC charging. Sources describe GB/T interfaces as used mainly in China and in some vehicles and chargers built for Chinese-standard markets.

GB/T AC and GB/T DC are different connectors

GB/T AC (GB/T 20234.2) is the slower charging connector. It looks similar to the European Type 2 plug, but it uses different configuration and signaling. Wikipedia notes the vehicle side uses the opposite gender convention from the rest of the world. Treat it as a different plug, not a Type 2.
GB/T DC (GB/T 20234.3) is the fast-charging connector. It is a different, larger connector, and it is not the same as CHAdeMO or CCS.

Chinese-standard cars typically have two separate inlets, one for AC and one for DC. CCS cars use one port: the Type 2 AC section, with two extra DC pins below it.

What Philippine BYDs use

According to Expressway.ph, the Philippines has standardized on Type 2 for AC and CCS2 for DC fast charging, and nearly every EV sold here uses that pair. BYD Cars Philippines says CCS2 DC chargers are becoming more common and that BYD vehicles are fully compatible with that standard. In practice, a BYD sold by the local distributor should have a CCS2 port, which also accepts Type 2 AC. Confirm the inlet for your exact model and variant, because plug-in hybrids and different model years can differ.

A GB/T inlet is mostly a concern for cars that were built for the Chinese market and brought in some other way. Check the charge port before assuming anything.

Where GB/T still shows up in the Philippines

GB/T has not disappeared locally:

Philkotse reported in 2024 that ACMobility's two AC chargers in Ayala Center Cebu, rated at 22 kW, are compatible with vehicles using CCS2 or GB/T connectors.
A public listing on Open Charge Map, which is community-maintained, shows GB/T DC at a BYD Quezon Avenue location. Confirm with BYD Cars Philippines before relying on it.
A 2023 report on Hyundai's SM charging stations noted that Chinese EVs, which typically use GB/T, would need a separate adapter.

About adapters

Adapters between GB/T and CCS2 exist, and you can find them online. Before you buy or use one:

Check your own manual and ask your dealer whether an adapter is allowed on your car.
Check the charging network's rules. Expressway.ph notes that some networks restrict adapters, for example Shell Recharge.
Never use a damaged adapter or one of unknown quality on a high-power DC charger.

We do not recommend improvising with adapters. If your car's inlet does not match the local stations, ask your dealer for the supported options.

Quick guide

| What you have | What it generally means in the Philippines |
|---|---|
| CCS2 inlet | Works at CCS2 DC chargers and Type 2 AC chargers |
| Type 2 only | AC charging only; no DC fast charging |
| GB/T inlet | Check each station's connector first; do not assume it fits |

How to check your own car

Look at the charge port on the car, or the "Charging" section of your manual.
Ask your authorized dealer to confirm the connector type for your VIN and variant.
Before you drive to a station, check that the charger lists a connector your car accepts.

Owner experience

If you own a Chinese-spec BYD and charge using GB/T, tell us what works for you in the BYDPH.org forum. Treat any single owner's experience as theirs, not as a rule for every car.

Last checked: 2 November 2026. Station connectors and networks change often.

Where to learn more

7 views

Please read this as one informed perspective, not the final word. This article shares community research and experience. It may be incomplete or out of date, and it is not official guidance from BYD or its distributors. Before you act on it, check your owner's manual or an authorized service center, especially on safety, warranty and high-voltage matters.