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AR As countries support electric vehicles, the number of charging stations has increased, leading to the development of various regional and national charging standards. The differences in charging interfaces across regions require electric vehicle charging designs to meet specific standards, or charging will not be possible.
This article explores the key differences between CCS and J1772, highlighting their advantages and implications for electric vehicle users.
What is CCS charging?
CCS charging, or Combined Charging System, is a popular fast-charging standard for electric vehicles that supports both AC and DC charging through a single CCS connector. This versatile system allows for slow AC charging or rapid DC charging, depending on the need.
CCS1 and CCS2 are the two main versions of the Combined Charging System for electric vehicle charging. CCS1 primarily serves North America, combining the Type 1 AC connector with extra DC pins for fast charging. CCS2, widely used in Europe and other regions, incorporates the Type 2 AC connector with DC pins, allowing for faster charging speeds.
What cars use CCS charger?
Below I have listed several vehicles equipped with either CCS1 (North America) or CCS2 (Europe and other regions) connectors, offering fast and versatile charging.
- Tesla Model 3
- BMW i4
- Audi e-tron
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
What is a J1772 charger?
A J1772 charger, also called SAE J1772, serves as the standard charging connector for electric vehicles in North America. It supports Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging (up to 240V). With its five-pin design for power delivery, communication, and safety, the J1772 connector offers a reliable and widely used solution for everyday EV charging.
What cars use J1772 charger?
The J1772 connector is the standard AC charging in North America and is compatible with most electric vehicles. Here are some cars that use J1772 chargers for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging:
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
- Nissan Leaf
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Tesla (with J1772 adapter)
- BMW i3
- Hyundai Kona Electric
- Kia Niro EV
- Toyota Prius Prime
Key difference between CCS and J1772
Below I have listed a table. You can intuitively understand the difference between J1772 and CCS.
Feature | CCS (Combined Charging System) | J1772 (SAE J1772) |
Charging Type | Supports both AC and DC charging | Primarily supports Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging |
Connector Design | Combines J1772 AC connector with additional DC pins | Standard AC connector with 5 pins |
Charging Speed | Enables faster DC charging (up to 350 kW) | Typically supports slower AC charging (up to 19.2 kW) |
Use Cases | Ideal for fast charging stations and long-distance travel | Common for home and public charging stations |
Compatibility | Used by various manufacturers, primarily in Europe and North America | Standard connector for many EVs in North America |
Pin Configuration | Uses Type 1 or Type 2 for AC, with additional DC pins | Standardized 5-pin configuration for AC charging |
Summary
When comparing CCS plug vs. J1772 plug, the key differences lie in their charging capabilities and speed. The J1772 charger vs. CCS charger highlights that J1772 is designed for AC charging only, while CCS accommodates both AC and DC charging, making it more versatile. Understanding the difference between CCS and J1772 is crucial for EV owners, as it influences charging infrastructure choices and overall charging efficiency.
FAQs about SAEJ1772 vs CCS
People have different questions about SAE J1772 vs CCS. In order to help you understand J1772 and CCS more accurately, I have compiled a FAQ about CCS vs J1772.
Is J1772 the same as CCS?
No. The J1772 and CCS (Combined Charging System) are related but serve different purposes in electric vehicle charging. The J1772 standard is primarily designed for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, supporting charging rates up to 19.2 kW with a 5-pin connector. In contrast, the CCS plug builds on the J1772 design by adding two additional pins for DC charging, allowing for much faster charging speeds, up to 350 kW.
Thus, when discussing CCS vs J1772, it’s clear that J1772 is focused on slower AC charging, while CCS caters to rapid DC charging needs.
Is J1772 a DC fast charger?
No, the J1772 connector is not a DC fast charger, it is primarily used for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. The J1772 standard supports charging rates of up to 19.2 kW using alternating current (AC). For DC fast charging, the CCS (combined charging system) is typically used, and it includes additional pins to enable much higher charging speeds.
Does Tesla use J1772 connector?
Tesla vehicles do not use the J1772 connector as their primary charging standard. Instead, they use a proprietary connector for their Supercharger network and home charging solutions.
Is J1772 a Type 2 charger?
No. J1772 is the standard used primarily in North America for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. However, the Type 2 connector is commonly used in Europe for AC charging and is also known as the Mennekes connector.
