How Does The SAE J1772 Plug Work?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular worldwide due to their environmental benefits and their potential to transform the transportation industry. However, with the surge in the EV market, charging them effectively and efficiently has become critical. At the center of this is the SAE J1772 plug, the standard for charging most electric vehicles in North America and Japan. In this article, we’ll explore how this plug works and its pivotal role in EV charging.

What is the SAE J1772 Plug?

The SAE J1772 plug is a North American standard for electrical connectors for electric vehicles, maintained by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This type of connector is compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids sold in North America, excluding Tesla, which uses a proprietary connector (though Tesla provides a J1772 adapter with each car).

Connecting the Plug and Initiating the Charge

The operation of the SAE J1772 plug is simple and straightforward. When an EV needs to be charged, the J1772 plug is connected to the vehicle’s charging port, while the other end is inserted into a charging station or a wall-mounted charging unit.

The J1772 plug has multiple pins, each serving a specific purpose in the charging process. These pins are not just for electrical connectivity; they also help with communication between the vehicle and the charging station to ensure the charging process is safe and effective.

Two Levels of Charging

What makes the J1772 plug truly remarkable is its versatility. It supports both AC Level 1 and AC Level 2 charging, each meeting different charging needs.

AC Level 1 Charging

AC Level 1 charging is the simplest form of charging and typically involves plugging the EV into a standard household outlet. This provides a lower charging rate, generally around 1.4 kW, which may suffice for overnight charging or for topping up your battery during the day. It’s worth noting that while Level 1 charging is slower, it requires no additional equipment beyond the charging cord provided with the vehicle.

AC Level 2 Charging

For faster charging, there’s AC Level 2. This requires a dedicated charging station with a higher power output, ranging from 3.3 kW up to 19.2 kW. The J1772 plug facilitates this higher charging rate, reducing charging time significantly. For instance, while a Level 1 charger might take around 20 hours to fully charge an EV, a Level 2 charger could accomplish the same task in just 4-6 hours.

In Conclusion

Understanding how the SAE J1772 plug works helps appreciate the technology behind electric vehicle charging. Its dual charging level support, combined with its streamlined design and safety features, make it an integral part of the EV charging infrastructure. As the electric vehicle market continues to grow, so too will the importance of efficient and effective charging solutions like the SAE J1772 plug.