What Cars Use J1772? The Ultimate List of Compatible Electric Vehicles

Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the SAE J1772 connector is designed for AC charging, supporting both Level 1 and Level 2 charging and delivering up to 19.2 kW of power. The J1772 connector includes 5 pins for AC charging and is designed to withstand 10,000 mating cycles. This standard plug ensures EV owners can rely on a broad network of charging stations to power their vehicles. All electric vehicles sold in the US and Canada use the SAE J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, except for Tesla. The J plug is widely used in North America and is mandated by regulatory bodies like the California Air Resources Board to promote charging standardization.

Levels of Charging Supported by J1772

• Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard wall outlet (120V) and supplies AC power at a slow rate, typically adding 3-5 miles of range per hour. A Level 1 charger is the most basic option for home charging and requires no special installation. Level 1 chargers generally take up to 24 hours for a full charge on a large battery EV. Level 1 charging is best suited for plug-in hybrids with smaller batteries.
• Level 2 Charging: Uses a 240V supply AC power source and is found in public charging stations and home charging setups. It provides significantly faster charging, adding 10-60 miles per hour. A Level 2 charger is ideal for EV owners looking for a more efficient home charging solution or faster top-ups at public stations. Level 2 charging can provide 3 kW to 19.2 kW of AC power.
• DC Fast Charging: Allows EV drivers to charge their vehicle to 80% in under 20 minutes. DC fast chargers provide charging speeds from 50 kW to 360 kW.

Although the J1772 connector does not directly support DC fast charging, it can be found in vehicles that utilize CCS connectors (Combined Charging System) which include additional DC fast charging pins for extremely fast charging functionality.

Charging Infrastructure for J1772 Vehicles

Public Charging Stations

Public charging stations in North America predominantly support the J1772 plug, ensuring broad compatibility with non-Tesla vehicles. These stations supply AC power and are found in parking spaces, shopping malls, workplaces, and along highways. Many of these stations provide Level 2 AC charging, supplying alternating current (AC power) at 240V to efficiently charge EVs over a few hours.

Additionally, many public charging networks offer membership programs, allowing EV owners to locate and access charging stations through mobile apps. Some networks even offer real-time data on charger availability, making it easier for drivers to plan their charging stops.

Home Charging Solutions

For home charging, many EV owners install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) compatible with the J1772 connector. This allows for efficient overnight charging and ensures that EVs are ready for daily use. Home charging solutions typically include:

• Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard wall outlet (120V), adding 3-5 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 Charging: Requires a dedicated 240V outlet, significantly increasing charging speeds to 10-60 miles per hour.

Some home chargers integrate smart charging technology, enabling users to monitor charging sessions, schedule charging during off-peak hours, and optimize energy consumption.

Fast Charging and J1772 Limitations

While J1772 charging solutions support Level 1 and Level 2 charging, fast charging requires additional capabilities.

• DC fast chargers utilize different plug standards like CCS plugs and the CHAdeMO connector.
• The SAE Combo plug (CCS) integrates the SAE J1772 connector with DC fast charging pins for direct current (DC) fast charging.

What Cars Use J1772?

The SAE J1772 connector is widely used by many electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), making it one of the most critical charging standards in North America. This universal compatibility allows EV owners to confidently charge their vehicles at thousands of public and home charging stations across the country.

How J1772 Compares to Other Charging Standards

• Tesla Connector: Tesla vehicles use their proprietary Tesla connector, which is not natively compatible with J1772. However, Tesla owners can use an adapter to charge at J1772 charging stations.
• CHAdeMO Connector: Used by select vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, the CHAdeMO connector supports DC fast charging but is not as widely available as J1772.
• CCS (Combined Charging System): The CCS connector is an evolution of the SAE J1772 connector, adding DC fast charging pins for extremely fast charging functionality.

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Using J1772

The Chevy Bolt is one of the best-selling BEVs in the market

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) rely entirely on electric power and must be charged using external charging stations or home charging solutions. The SAE J1772 connector is widely used by various BEV manufacturers, ensuring that EV drivers have convenient and accessible charging options. Below is an expanded list of BEVs that use the J1772 connector for AC charging and often support CCS for DC fast charging.

1. Chevrolet Bolt EV – A popular and affordable EV offering an EPA-estimated range of up to 259 miles. It supports J1772 for AC charging and CCS for fast charging.
2. Nissan Leaf – One of the world’s best-selling electric cars, featuring J1772 for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Older models use a CHAdeMO plug for DC fast charging, while newer versions may support CCS.
3. BMW i3 – A compact and efficient EV, the BMW i3 features a J1772 connector for AC charging and CCS for rapid DC charging.
4. Ford Mustang Mach-E – A performance-focused electric SUV that supports J1772 for home and public AC charging, while also incorporating CCS for fast charging at high-power stations.
5. Hyundai Kona Electric – A widely adopted EV that uses the J1772 connector for AC charging, with CCS capability for fast DC charging up to 100 kW.
6. Audi e-tron – A luxury SUV that provides seamless integration with the J1772 standard for AC charging, alongside CCS compatibility for rapid charging.
7. Jaguar I-PACE – A high-performance electric SUV utilizing the J1772 standard for AC charging and CCS for fast charging at speeds up to 100 kW.
8. Volkswagen ID.4 – Volkswagen’s fully electric crossover SUV, equipped with a J1772 plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging and CCS for DC fast charging.
9. Rivian R1T & R1S – Adventure-focused electric vehicles with J1772 for home and public AC charging, as well as CCS for high-power DC charging.
10. Lucid Air – A premium luxury EV featuring a J1772 connector for AC charging and CCS for ultra-fast charging at speeds up to 300 kW.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) Using J1772

The Toyota Prius Prime, one of world's the best-selling PHEVs

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) bridge the gap between internal combustion engine vehicles and fully electric cars. These vehicles come equipped with both a gasoline engine and an electric motor, allowing them to operate on electric power for short distances before switching to gasoline for extended range. The SAE J1772 connector plays a crucial role in PHEVs, enabling drivers to conveniently charge their batteries at home or public charging stations. Below is a comprehensive list of popular PHEVs that utilize the J1772 connector for charging:

1. Chevrolet Volt – A well-known PHEV that can drive up to 53 miles on electric power before switching to gasoline. It features a J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
2. BMW i8 – A high-performance plug-in hybrid sports car utilizing a J1772 connector for charging, with a limited all-electric range before engaging its gasoline engine.
3. Honda Clarity PHEV – A fuel-efficient PHEV with an electric range of approximately 47 miles before gasoline use. It supports J1772 AC charging for overnight charging convenience.
4. Ford Fusion Energi – A popular plug-in hybrid sedan that offers an electric range of about 26 miles before gasoline kicks in. Uses J1772 for AC charging.
5. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid – The first plug-in hybrid minivan, offering 32 miles of electric range. Uses J1772 for home and public charging.
6. Toyota Prius Prime – A plug-in version of the Prius with an all-electric range of 44 miles. It supports J1772 charging solutions for easy compatibility.
7. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – One of the best-selling PHEVs globally, featuring an electric range of 38 miles. Uses J1772 for AC charging at home and public charging stations.
8. Kia Niro PHEV – A compact plug-in hybrid SUV with a 33-mile electric range, compatible with J1772 home and public chargers.
9. Hyundai Ioniq PHEV – A plug-in hybrid version of the Ioniq lineup, offering 29 miles of electric driving range before switching to gasoline. Uses J1772 for AC power charging.
10. Volvo XC60 Recharge – A luxury plug-in hybrid SUV providing a 35-mile all-electric range with J1772 charging compatibility for AC charging solutions.

Tesla Vehicles and J1772 Compatibility

Tesla vehicles primarily use their proprietary plug, which is not natively compatible with J1772 charging stations. However, Tesla owners can still access J1772 charging points using a J1772 to Tesla adapter, which is often sold separately. This adapter allows Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y to charge at non-Tesla public charging stations equipped with J1772 EV charging plugs. Similarly, J1772 EVs can charge at Tesla charging stations using a Tesla to J1772 adapter.

One key advantage of the J1772-to-Tesla adapter is the expanded charging flexibility it provides. While Tesla’s Supercharger network remains a major advantage for Tesla cars, some locations may lack Superchargers, making access to J1772-equipped charging stations essential for long-distance travel and urban convenience.

Additionally, home charging station setups for Tesla vehicles can incorporate J1772 compatibility. Many electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) solutions are designed with J1772 connectors, allowing Tesla owners to use standard wall outlet-based Level 1 charging or faster Level 2 charging at home with the adapter.

Transition to New Charging Standards

The North American Charging Standard (NACS) is designed to accommodate all forms of EV charging in one plug, streamlining the charging process. In 2022, Tesla opened the NACS standard to other manufacturers, allowing for broader industry adoption.

Many EV charging providers plan to add NACS connector options to their chargers in the future, providing more flexibility for EV owners. Additionally, most major car manufacturers will begin switching to NACS starting in 2025, further reducing reliance on J1772.

The NACS connector, standardized as SAE J3400, is engineered for both Level 2 AC charging and Level 3 DC fast charging, making it a versatile solution for modern EVs. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has proposed standardizing the NACS connector under SAE J3400, ensuring industry-wide compatibility.

As the automotive industry embraces this shift, the SAE J1772 standard will see reduced usage as manufacturers adopt the NACS standard for future EV models. As the automotive industry transitions toward widespread EV adoption, the J1772 connector will remain a fundamental standard. Future improvements may include enhanced fast charging capabilities and better integration with charging networks.

Final Thoughts

The SAE J1772 connector continues to be the dominant plug standard for electric vehicles in North America, ensuring seamless compatibility across different car manufacturers. From plug-in hybrids to all-electric vehicles, J1772 provides a reliable solution for AC charging at home and public charging stations.

For Tesla owners, an adapter enables them to access J1772 charging stations, expanding their charging options beyond Tesla Superchargers. With the continued expansion of charging infrastructure, EV drivers can expect even more charging solutions that cater to the needs of most electric cars.

The J1772 connector is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. By supporting the transition to electric mobility, it plays a key role in minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainable transportation. As governments and industries invest in cleaner energy solutions, the J1772 standard will remain vital in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

FAQs

• Can Tesla vehicles use J1772 charging stations?

  Yes, Tesla vehicles can charge at J1772 stations using a Tesla-to-J1772 adapter, which is often sold separately.

• What is the difference between J1772 and CCS connectors?

  No. J1772 supports only AC charging, while CCS combines AC and DC charging. The J1772 plug forms part of the CCS plug.

• How long does it take to charge an EV using J1772?

  • Level 1 (120V): Adds 3-5 miles of range per hour.

  • Level 2 (240V): Adds 10-60 miles of range per hour.

• Do all non-Tesla EVs use J1772?

  Most non-Tesla electric vehicles in North America use the SAE J1772 connector for AC charging.

• Can I use a J1772 connector for DC fast charging?

  No, J1772 only supports AC charging. For DC fast charging, EVs use CCS or CHAdeMO connectors.

• Is J1772 supported at all public charging stations?

  Most public charging stations in North America offer J1772 compatibility, making it widely accessible for EV owners.