Can I use a J1772 plug for DC fast charging?

In brief: No, a J1772 plug is not designed for DC fast charging, it is primarily used for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.

Expanding on this, the SAE J1772 plug is a standardized connector designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It lays out the physical and electrical specifications for the charging system of electric vehicles (EVs) and the EV supply equipment (EVSE)(1). While this connector is adept at handling Level 1 (120V AC) and Level 2 (240V AC) charging, it does not support DC fast charging.

Fast DC charging, also known as Level 3 charging, is a different beast altogether. It involves charging an EV directly with DC power, allowing for significantly quicker charging times compared to Level 1 or Level 2 AC charging. Fast DC charging requires specific connectors, such as the CHAdeMO plug or the Combined Charging System (CCS) plug, which are designed to handle the higher voltages and currents involved (2).

One point worth noting is that while the J1772 connector itself doesn’t support DC fast charging, the SAE has developed a modification to the J1772 standard called the Combo Coupler or the Combo Connector. This connector, also known as the SAE Combo or CCS (in its Type 1 variant), adds two DC pins to the standard J1772 plug, allowing for both AC and DC charging using a single port on the vehicle (3).

Therefore, while a standard J1772 plug cannot be used for DC fast charging, adaptations to the design, like the SAE Combo connector, do allow for fast DC charging via a compatible port.

References:

1. SAE International: SAE J1772
2. Energy.gov: DC Fast Charging
3. IEC: Charging Modes and Connectors