Is J1772 the Same as CCS?

The SAE J1772 charging, also known as J1772 AC charging, is the standard charging connector for AC charging of electric vehicles in North America. Developed by automotive engineers and widely adopted by EV manufacturers, it allows EV owners to charge their vehicles at home charging stations and public charging stations using alternating current (AC power). This standard has been instrumental in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers and models.

Key Features of J1772

• Uses a five-pin configuration that includes power, ground, and communication pins.
• Supports Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) AC charging, making it ideal for both residential and public use.
• Compatible with most electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in North America, including models from major automakers.
• Works with a vehicle's onboard charger to convert AC power into direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle's battery.
• Found in home charging setups and public charging stations, including workplace and retail locations.
• Ensures safety through built-in communication protocols that prevent accidental disconnections and manage power flow.
• Includes various safety features, such as ensuring no power flows until the connector is securely attached.

Charging Speeds of J1772

The J1772 standard supports charging speeds ranging from 1.4 kW (Level 1) to 19.2 kW (Level 2). While Level 2 charging is significantly faster than Level 1, it still falls short compared to DC fast charging solutions like the CCS standard. On average, Level 1 chargers can add about 2-5 miles of range per hour, whereas Level 2 charging can provide 10-60 miles per hour, depending on the vehicle's capabilities and the charger’s power output.

Limitations of J1772

• No DC fast charging support: Unlike CCS, J1772 cannot handle high-speed DC charging, making long-distance travel more challenging.
• Slower charging speeds compared to modern fast-charging solutions.
• Requires additional infrastructure for public use, as more charging stations are transitioning to CCS connectors.

What is the CCS Standard?

The Combined Charging System (CCS), also known as CCS Combo, builds upon the J1772 connector by adding large DC pins that enable DC fast charging. This makes CCS combo connectors a more versatile solution for EV charging infrastructure, as they allow for both AC and DC charging using the same single plug.

Key Features of CCS

• Incorporates the J1772 connector but adds two additional pins for DC fast charging.
  
• Enables high-speed EV charging at DC fast charging stations.
• Uses the same communication protocol as J1772 but with enhanced power levels.
• Preferred by other EV manufacturers, including Tesla vehicles, which are moving toward CCS compatibility.

Charging Speeds of CCS

The CCS standard supports charging speeds of up to 350 kW, enabling fast charging that can deliver power to an EV’s battery in minutes rather than hours. This charging speed is particularly useful for long-distance travel and commercial charging networks like Electrify America.

Comparing J1772 and CCS

Impact on EV Owners

• If you own an EV with a J1772 connector, you are limited to AC charging.
• If your EV has a CCS charge port, you can use both AC and DC fast charging stations.
• Tesla vehicles are gradually adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), but adapters allow them to use CCS charging stations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Standard

J1772

The SAE J1772 charging, also known as J1772 AC charging, is the standard charging connector for AC charging of electric vehicles in North America. Developed by automotive engineers and widely adopted by EV manufacturers, it allows EV owners to charge their vehicles at home charging stations and public charging stations using alternating current (AC power). This standard has been instrumental in the development of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers and models.

Advantages

• Widely available at home charging and public charging stations, making it accessible for most EV owners.
• Reliable and standardized for AC charging in North America, ensuring broad compatibility across different EV models.
• Compatible with most EVs and plug-in hybrids, allowing flexibility for users with multiple vehicle types.
• Lower infrastructure costs, as J1772 stations are more affordable to install and maintain compared to DC fast chargers.

Disadvantages

• Limited to AC charging (no DC fast charging support), making long-distance travel more time-consuming.
• Slower charging speeds compared to CCS, requiring more extended charging sessions.
• Cannot be used at DC fast charging stations without an adapter, reducing access to high-speed charging networks.

CCS

Advantages

• Supports DC fast charging, offering a faster charging solution.
• Faster charging speeds with high-speed EV charging capabilities, enabling rapid replenishment of battery charge.

Disadvantages

• Less common than J1772 for home charging, making residential installations more expensive and less standardized.
• Not all EVs are CCS-compatible, requiring adapters for vehicles that lack CCS support.
• Some public stations may not support CCS yet, though adoption is increasing.
• Higher costs for charging station installation and maintenance, which may limit widespread home adoption.
• Bleak future. Now that the North American Charging Standard (NACS) is being pushed as the DC fast charging standard in North America, the CCS connector faces uncertainties as more non-Tesla EV manufacturers switch alliances.

The Role of Power Levels and Charging Networks

Power Levels and Charging Speeds

Power levels play a crucial role in determining the efficiency and convenience of the EV chargers. The type of charging standard—J1772 or CCS—significantly impacts the charging speed and overall user experience.

• J1772 AC charging: This standard is ideal for overnight home charging and slow charging at public charging stations.
  • Level 1 (120V, AC): Charges at approximately 1.4 kW, adding around 2-5 miles per hour of range.
  • Level 2 (240V, AC): Provides up to 19.2 kW, delivering between 10-60 miles per hour of charge, depending on the vehicle and charger output.
  • Best suited for daily commuting and vehicles that do not require rapid replenishment of charge.
• CCS DC fast charging: Designed for high-speed EV charging, CCS allows for significantly faster charging speeds, making it well-suited for long-distance travel.
  • Level 3 (DC fast charging): Capable of delivering 50 kW to 350 kW, depending on the charging station and vehicle compatibility.
  • A 350 kW charger can add over 100 miles of range in just 10-15 minutes, making CCS the preferred choice for road trips and commercial fleets.
  • Ideal for drivers needing rapid charging while on the go.

Charging Networks and Public Charging Stations

The availability and expansion of charging networks directly impact the accessibility of J1772 and CCS chargers. Different networks offer varying levels of support for these standards:

• J1772-compatible charging stations are widely available, particularly in home charging setups, workplaces, and parking lots. These stations are prevalent in urban and suburban areas, catering to EV owners who charge overnight or during extended stops.
• CCS connectors may soon become a thing of the past with the EV industry switching to Tesla NACS. As of writing, major carmakers like Ford and GM can access Tesla Superchargers with a NACS adapter. Meanwhile, non-Tesla EVs with NACS inlets are slated to become available sometime this year.

Future Growth and Expansion

The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is crucial for the mass adoption of electric vehicles. As demand for high-speed EV charging grows, governments and private companies are accelerating investments in both J1772 chargers and CCS DC fast chargers.

• Public initiatives and incentives: Government grants and subsidies are fueling the deployment of high-speed CCS charging stations, ensuring widespread coverage. CCS is rapidly growing in acceptance, particularly for DC fast charging stations in Europe and North America.
• Interoperability improvements: Advancements in charging station technology are making cross-network access easier for all EV owners, regardless of their charging standard.
• Increased home charging adoption: More residential users are installing Level 2 chargers with J1772 compatibility, making home charging more efficient and reducing reliance on public infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

While the J1772 standard and CCS share similarities, they are not the same. The J1772 standard is an AC charging solution for home charging and public charging stations, whereas CCS connectors support DC fast charging. As the demand for high-speed EV charging grows, CCS standard is becoming the preferred choice for EV charging infrastructure.

For EV owners, choosing between these charging connector types depends on their vehicle's onboard charger, travel habits, and access to charging networks. As the electric vehicle industry evolves, the push for a unified charging standard will likely benefit EV manufacturers and charging station providers alike.

FAQs

• Can you plug J1772 EVs to CCS?

  Yes, but only for AC charging.

• Is J1772 AC or DC?

  J1772 is AC charging only, supporting Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) AC power.

• Can you charge a Type 2 car with CCS?

  In Europe, CCS Type 2 connectors support both AC and DC charging, making them compatible with Type 2 EVs.

• What type of plug is CCS?

  A CCS connector is a combination plug that includes a J1772 AC connector and two large DC pins for DC fast charging.