What is a J1772 Charger, Charging Speed/Time: Guide
Purchasing an electric vehicle requires familiarity with the charging solutions available. For all other electric vehicles in North America, the J1772 connector (also known as a J-plug) is standard. This is the North American standard for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
It is slower than fast charging options such as DC fast chargers. While it may not provide the quick power boost of fast charging, the J1772 is still an important part of the EV charging ecosystem, especially for everyday use and home charging setups.
So, what is the J1772 charger? Read on to find out more.
What is a J1772 Charger
A J1772 charger is an electric vehicle (EV) charging station that uses the SAE J1772 standard connector.
The J1772 connector (also known as SAE J1772) is the standard interface for EV charging in the North American market and is widely used for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. It supports 120V (Level 1) and 240V (Level 2) charging, making it common in residential charging equipment.
The J1772 connector features a 5-pin design that includes two power pins, one ground pin and two communication pins for proper charging coordination between the vehicle and charging station. This connector ensures that charging only begins after a secure connection has been made, thus increasing safety and reliability.
The J1772 charger has a slower charging speed compared to DC fast chargers (which offer fast charging capabilities), but it is widely used for home charging. Remains an important part of the charging ecosystem, especially for everyday use and residential charging.
With virtually all major electric vehicle brands supporting the J1772 standard, this connector is a core part of the North American EV charging infrastructure, providing a convenient and reliable charging solution for businesses and consumers.
SAE J1772 charging speed
SAE J1772 charging speed is affected by several factors, the most important of which is the type of electrical outlet used:
120V NEMA 5-15 receptacle (Level 1 charging)
Charging power is approximately 1.44 kilowatts (12 amps) when using a standard household 120-volt outlet. This type of charging is very slow and typically provides only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour for electric vehicles. It is good for use at night or when you are not in a hurry for a quick charge.
240V system (2-stage charging)
Charging power can be up to 19.2 kW (80 amps) when using a 240-volt system. This type of charging is much faster, and most Level 2 chargers with the J1772 connector can provide an electric vehicle with a range of 12 to 25 miles per hour.
Level 2 charging is the most common home and public charging solution for most EV users. Its charging speed is sufficient for most everyday car needs, especially if the vehicle is charged primarily at night. For an EV with a range of about 250 miles, Level 2 charging usually takes about 10 hours to fully charge, but in reality most charging is from 20% to 80% or 85%, so the charging time will be shorter.
What charging stations use a J1772?
Every Level 1 and Level 2 charging station in North America uses J1772 plugs, except for Tesla charging stations. While these plugs aren’t compatible with Tesla cars, Tesla owners can use a cable adapter to allow them access to charging stations nationwide. Yes, even DC fast charging stations!
However, non-Tesla electric cars don’t have the same privilege. Electric cars from other manufacturers can’t use Tesla’s Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging stations as these don’t feature J1772 plugs.
Since DC fast chargers provide extremely fast charging functionality, only electric cars that feature a Combined Charging System connector can use these charging stations. But Tesla CEO Elon Musk has previously announced that the company is slowly opening up its Tesla Supercharger network to most electric cars.
Comparison: J1772 vs. Fast Chargers
Now that we understand what fast charging means, let’s compare J1772 with DC fast chargers:
- Speed: A DC fast charger can add 150-200 miles of range in around 30 minutes, whereas a J1772 Level 2 charger will add about 20-25 miles of range in an hour.
- Power Output: DC fast chargers can deliver 50kW to 350kW of power, while J1772 Level 2 chargers typically max out around 19kW.
In short, the speed difference is dramatic. J1772 is best suited for daily charging needs where time is not a critical factor, while fast chargers are ideal for long trips or when you need to quickly recharge.
The Best Use Cases for J1772
Here are the best use cases for J1772, highlighting its practicality for many electric vehicle (EV) owners:
- Public Charging Stations: Many public Level 2 chargers use J1772 connectors. These stations are perfect for topping up your battery while parked for longer periods, such as during shopping or at work.
- Home Charging: J1772 is ideal for overnight charging at home. With a Level 2 charger, EV owners can easily plug in overnight and have a fully charged vehicle by morning, which is often enough for daily driving needs.
- Affordability: Installing a J1772-compatible Level 2 charger at home is much more affordable than setting up a DC fast charger. This makes it an accessible option for most EV owners who want a cost-effective solution for daily charging.
Adapting J1772 for Fast Charging (Is It Possible?)
The J1772 connector is designed for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging and does not inherently support DC fast charging. However, some EV models have added features or used adapters (e.g., CCS Combo Adapter) to enable DC fast charging, often at charging stations equipped with CCS connectors.
It’s also important to emphasize the potential challenges of this approach. While adapters offer greater flexibility, they may not always offer the same performance or convenience as built-in connectors. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with using such adapters or upgrading charging capabilities, and depending on the specific EV model and charging infrastructure, compatibility issues may arise.
Considering how often fast charging is needed does help to make an informed decision on whether it is worth investing in such an upgrade.
In summary
while J1772 is not a fast charger, it plays a vital role in EV charging for everyday use. It offers convenience and affordability, particularly for home charging or regular top-ups at public stations. For rapid charging, DC fast chargers are the better option. However, for most EV drivers, J1772 provides sufficient power for daily driving needs without the complexity or cost of fast chargers.
Choosing between J1772 and faster options depends on your driving habits and how quickly you need to recharge. If you primarily use your vehicle for daily commuting and have access to home or public Level 2 chargers, J1772 is a practical and reliable choice.