With the rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the development of charging infrastructure has become a key focus in the industry. Currently, SAE J1772 and CCS (Combined Charging System) are the two most widely used charging standards in North America and Europe. This article provides an in-depth comparison of these standards, analyzing their charging types, compatibility, use cases, and future trends to help users choose the right charging solution for their needs.
1. What is CCS Charging?
CCS (Combined Charging System) is a versatile EV charging standard widely used in North America and Europe. It supports both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging through a single connector, offering great flexibility to users. The CCS connector combines standard AC charging pins (such as J1772 in North America or Type 2 in Europe) with two additional DC pins, enabling both slow AC charging and high-speed DC fast charging through the same port.
Advantages of CCS:
• Multi-functional Charging: Supports both AC and DC charging, suitable for home and public charging.
• Fast Charging: DC fast charging can typically charge a battery to 80% in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing charging time.
• Wide Adoption: Adopted by major automakers and integrated into an increasing number of public charging stations.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), as of 2024, over 70% of public charging stations in Europe support CCS, with coverage exceeding 90% in countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands. Additionally, data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) shows that CCS accounts for over 60% of public charging networks in North America, making it the preferred standard for highway and long-distance travel.
2. Which Vehicles Support CCS Charging?
CCS has become the dominant fast-charging standard in North America and Europe, supported by vehicles such as:
• Volkswagen ID.4
• BMW i4 and iX series
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
These vehicles are compatible with most high-speed charging networks, providing a convenient experience for long-distance travel.
According to the European Association for Electromobility (AVERE), over 80% of EVs sold in Europe in 2024 support CCS. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.4, a top-selling EV in Europe, is highly praised for its CCS compatibility. Additionally, research by the American Automobile Association (AAA) indicates that Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5 owners highly value the convenience of CCS fast charging.
3. What is J1772 Charging?
SAE J1772 is the standard AC (Alternating Current) charging connector in North America, primarily used for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), it is compatible with nearly all EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold in North America.
Features of J1772:
• AC Charging Only: Suitable for slow charging at home or workplaces.
• Wide Compatibility: Supported by almost all EVs and PHEVs in North America.
• Home and Public Use: Commonly used in home charging setups and public AC charging stations.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), over 90% of home charging stations in North America use J1772 as of 2024. Tesla owners can charge their vehicles at most public AC stations using a J1772 adapter. Additionally, a report by Electric Mobility Canada highlights the widespread reliance on J1772 by Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV owners for daily charging.
4. Which Vehicles Support J1772 Charging?
Most EVs and PHEVs in North America are equipped with J1772 connectors, including:
• Tesla models (with an adapter)
• Nissan Leaf
• Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV)
The broad compatibility of J1772 makes it one of the most popular charging standards in North America.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 95% of EVs sold in North America in 2024 support J1772. Tesla’s use of J1772 adapters allows its vehicles to charge at nearly all public AC stations. Additionally, research by Electric Mobility Canada shows that Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV owners highly value the compatibility and ease of use of J1772.
5. Key Differences Between CCS and J1772
When choosing a charging standard, users should consider charging speed, compatibility, and use cases. Here are the main differences:
a. Charging Type
CCS: Supports both AC (Level 1 and 2) and DC fast charging (Level 3), offering a versatile charging solution in one connector.
J1772: Primarily supports AC charging only, suitable for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging.
b. Charging Speed
CCS: Provides rapid charging speeds with DC fast-charging capabilities, typically reaching up to 80% charge in 20-40 minutes for compatible vehicles.
J1772: Limited to AC charging speeds; a Level 2 charger can fully recharge most EVs within 4-8 hours.
c. Connector Design
CCS: Combines J1772 AC pins with two additional DC pins, making it slightly larger than a standard J1772 connector but allowing greater flexibility.
J1772: A more compact connector that supports AC charging exclusively.
d. Compatibility
CCS: Compatible with EVs designed for both AC and DC charging, especially beneficial for longer journeys requiring quick charging stops.
J1772: Universally compatible with all North American EVs and PHEVs for AC charging, widely used in home charging stations and public AC chargers.
e. Application
CCS: Ideal for both home charging and high-speed charging on the go, suitable for EVs that require fast charging options.
J1772: Primarily suited for home or workplace charging, best for overnight charging or settings where speed is not a critical factor.
SAE J1772 Pinouts
CCS Connector Pinouts
6. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can CCS chargers be used for J1772-only vehicles?
No, J1772-only vehicles cannot use CCS for DC fast charging, but they can use the AC charging ports on CCS chargers.
2.Are CCS chargers widely available at public charging stations?
Yes, CCS chargers are increasingly common in major public charging networks across North America and Europe.
3.Do Tesla vehicles support CCS or J1772?
Tesla vehicles can use J1772 chargers with an adapter, and some models also support CCS fast charging.
4.Which is faster: CCS or J1772?
CCS supports DC fast charging, which is significantly faster than J1772’s AC charging.
5.Is CCS capability important when buying a new EV?
If you frequently take long trips, CCS is highly beneficial. For short commutes and home charging, J1772 may suffice.
6.What is the charging power of a J1772 charger?
J1772 chargers typically support Level 1 (120V, 1.4-1.9 kW) and Level 2 (240V, 3.3-19.2 kW) charging.
7.What is the maximum charging power of a CCS charger?
CCS chargers typically support power levels ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW, depending on the charging station and vehicle.
8.What is the installation cost for J1772 and CCS chargers?
J1772 chargers are typically less expensive to install, costing around 300−700, while CCS chargers, supporting fast charging, cost between 1000and5000.
9.Are CCS and J1772 charging connectors compatible?
The AC charging portion of the CCS connector is compatible with J1772, but the DC charging portion only works with CCS-compatible vehicles.
10.Will EV charging standards be unified in the future?
Currently, standards like CCS and CHAdeMO coexist, but CCS is rapidly gaining popularity in Europe and North America, potentially becoming the dominant standard.
7.Future Trends and User Recommendations
As the EV market continues to grow, the adoption of CCS is rapidly increasing, especially for long-distance travel and public charging. However, J1772 remains the preferred standard for home charging due to its wide compatibility and low cost. For users who frequently travel long distances, choosing a vehicle with CCS capability is recommended. For those primarily driving in urban areas, J1772 is sufficient for daily needs.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global EV ownership is projected to reach 245 million by 2030, with CCS and J1772 continuing as dominant standards. For instance, Europe plans to expand its CCS charging network to 1 million stations by 2025 to meet growing EV demand. Additionally, research by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) suggests that J1772 will maintain over 80% of the home charging market, especially in new residential and community charging installations.
Post time: Oct-31-2024