SAE J1772 vs. CCS: EV Fast Charging Standard

CCS, or the Combined Charging System, is a versatile EV fast-charging standard widely used in North America and Europe. This charging standard enables both AC (slow) and DC (fast) charging through a single connector, allowing EVs to charge at multiple speeds with one plug. The CCS connector combines the standard AC charging pins (used in J1772 in North America or Type 2 in Europe) with additional DC pins. This setup provides flexibility for EV users, who can use the same port for both slow, overnight AC charging and high-speed DC fast charging, which can significantly reduce charging time.

CCS Advangtage:

Flexible Charging: Supports both AC and DC charging in one connector.
Fast Charging: DC fast charging can often recharge an EV battery up to 80% in under 30 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charging station.
Widely Adopted: Used by major automakers and integrated into a growing number of public charging stations.

 

2. Which Cars Use CCS Chargers?

CCS has become a dominant fast-charging standard, especially in North America and Europe, with broad support from automakers including Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, and others. EVs equipped with CCS are generally compatible with many high-speed charging networks.

Notable EV models that support CCS include:

Volkswagen ID.4

BMW i3, i4, and iX series

Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The compatibility with public charging stations and widespread automaker support makes CCS one of the most popular choices for EV fast charging today.

 

3. What is a J1772 Charger?

The SAE J1772 connector, often referred to simply as "J1772," is the standard AC charging connector used for EVs in North America. Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), J1772 is an AC-only standard, primarily used for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. J1772 is compatible with nearly all EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold in the U.S. and Canada, providing a reliable and user-friendly interface for home charging or public AC stations.

J1772 Specificities:

AC Charging Only: Limited to Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, suitable for overnight or slower charging.

Compatibility: Universally compatible with North American EVs for AC charging, regardless of make or model.

Residential and Public Use: Commonly used for home charging setups and at public AC charging stations across the U.S.

While J1772 does not support high-speed DC charging on its own, many EVs with J1772 ports may also feature additional connectors or adapters to enable DC fast charging.

 

4. Which Cars Use J1772 Chargers?

Most electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in North America are equipped with J1772 connectors for AC charging. Some popular vehicles that use J1772 chargers include:

Tesla Models (with a J1772 adapter)

Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Hyundai Kona Electric

Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV)

Most public AC charging stations in North America also feature J1772 connectors, making them universally accessible to EV and PHEV drivers.

 

5. Key Differences Between CCS and J1772

When choosing between CCS and J1772 charging standards, it’s important to consider factors like charging speed, compatibility, and intended use cases. Here are the main distinctions between CCS and J1772:

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.

 

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a CCS charger for my J1772-only car?

No, vehicles with only a J1772 port cannot use CCS chargers for DC fast charging. However, they can use J1772 ports on CCS-equipped chargers for AC charging if available.

2. Are CCS chargers available at most public stations?

Yes, CCS chargers are increasingly common, especially on major charging networks across North America and Europe, making them ideal for long-distance travel.

3. Can Tesla vehicles use CCS or J1772 chargers?

Yes, Tesla vehicles can use J1772 chargers with an adapter. Tesla has also introduced a CCS adapter for certain models, allowing them to access CCS fast-charging stations.

4. Which is faster: CCS or J1772?

CCS provides faster charging speeds, as it supports DC fast charging, whereas J1772 is limited to AC charging speeds, typically slower than DC.

5. Should I prioritize CCS capability in a new EV?

If you plan to take long-distance trips and need fast charging, CCS capability is highly beneficial. However, for primarily short trips and home charging, J1772 may be sufficient.
In conclusion, both SAE J1772 and CCS serve essential roles in EV charging, each designed for specific needs. While J1772 is the foundational standard for AC charging in North America, CCS offers the added benefit of fast charging, which can be a game-changer for EV users who frequently travel. As EV adoption continues to grow, the availability of CCS fast chargers will likely expand, making it an increasingly attractive option for both EV manufacturers and users.