A charging handle for use in charging a plug-in vehicle with a charging port includes a body having a receptacle for engaging the charging port to allow charging of the vehicle. A latch rotatably attached to the body has a first end for securing the engagement of the receptacle to the charging port and a second end. An operating lever is rotatably mounted on the body. The operating lever has a first end connected to the second end of the latch and a second end. A trigger mechanism includes a trigger located on the opposite side of the body from the latch. The trigger mechanism is configured to push the trigger on the second end of the actuating lever so that the trigger is rotated and the latch is caused to rotate and release the latch from the charging port.