What is the J1772 Charger?

The J1772 charger, also known as SAE J1772, is a widely used charging standard for electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), this charger is compatible with the majority of non-Tesla EVs. J1772 chargers are primarily used for AC charging and come in two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.

• Level 1: Uses a standard 120V outlet and typically provides up to 15 amps, making it suitable for overnight charging.
• Level 2: Requires a 240V outlet and can deliver up to 50 amps, significantly reducing charging time.

The J1772 interface features five pins—two for power (L1 and L2) and three for signals and grounding—ensuring a stable and safe charging process.

What Makes J1772 Chargers Different from Other Chargers?

In North America, there are two primary EV charging standards: SAE J1772 and NACS (North American Charging Standard). NACS is primarily used by Tesla vehicles, but starting January 1, 2025, new models from other brands will also begin using the NACS standard. This means J1772 chargers are currently more widespread across the U.S.

If you own a Tesla, you'll need a J1772 to Tesla adapter to use these chargers.

Is the J1772 Charger a Fast Charger?

No, J1772 is an AC charging standard, which means it doesn't support the rapid speeds of DC fast charging. While a J1772 charger can deliver up to 12kW, providing ample power for home use, it's not as fast as DC fast chargers like CCS (which can reach up to 350kW) or Tesla's Superchargers (up to 250kW).

J1772 Charging Speeds and Levels

• Level 1 Charging: Uses a 110V household outlet, with a maximum current of 15A. This setup typically adds 6-10 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 Charging: Requires a 240V outlet and can deliver up to 50A. This level can add about 40-45 miles of range per hour, making it the fastest home charging option.

Advantages of J1772 Chargers

Compatibility: The J1772 standard is widely adopted by almost all car brands except Tesla. Popular models include the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt EV, BMW i3, Volkswagen ID.4, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE, and Chevrolet Volt. One J1772 charger can power most EVs in your garage.

Convenience: With J1772, you'll find public charging stations across every state in North America. Use a J1772 charger at home for daily commutes, and tap into public stations for longer trips or when you're out and about.

Cost-effectiveness: Compared to DC fast chargers, J1772 chargers are much cheaper to purchase and install, making them ideal for home use. Plus, scheduling your charging during off-peak hours can save you money on your electric bill.

Enhance Your J1772 Charging Experience

• Install a Level 2 J1772 Charger at Home: This solves your daily charging needs quickly and efficiently.
• Get a Tesla to J1772 Adapter: Use Tesla's vast Supercharger network to power your J1772-compatible EV.
• Use a J1772 Charging Extension Cord: Perfect for reaching those tricky spots where a regular cord might not suffice.