Are J1772 And CCS The Same？

J1772 and CCS are two popular types of EV charging connectors, but are they the same? In short, no, they are not the same. While they may look similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two that make them distinct.

What is J1772?

J1772 is a standard connector type used for Level 1 and Level 2 charging of electric vehicles in North America. It was developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and features a five-pin configuration. The J1772 connector has a standard 120V household plug for Level 1 charging and a 240V plug for Level 2 charging.

One of the main advantages of J1772 is that it is widely available, with many public charging stations and home chargers utilizing this type of connector. It is also relatively safe, with features such as a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection.

What is CCS?

CCS, or Combined Charging System, is a newer type of charging connector that is becoming increasingly popular in North America and Europe. It was developed by a consortium of automakers, including BMW, Daimler, Ford, GM, Porsche, and Volkswagen. CCS combines the J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging with an additional two-pin connector for DC fast charging.

The CCS connector can deliver power at up to 350 kW, making it one of the fastest charging options available. It is also able to charge both AC and DC, allowing for more flexibility in charging options.

Are J1772 And CCS The Same？

While J1772 and CCS may look similar, there are key differences between the two. One of the main differences is that CCS includes an additional two-pin connector for DC fast charging. This allows CCS to deliver power at a much higher rate than J1772, which is limited to Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

Another difference is that CCS is not as widely available as J1772. While CCS is gaining popularity, it is not yet as commonly found at public charging stations and home chargers as J1772.

It is important to note that not all electric vehicles are compatible with CCS. While many newer models of EVs are equipped with a CCS port, older models may not be compatible. In contrast, nearly all EVs sold in North America are equipped with a J1772 port.

Which Connector is Right for You?

When it comes to choosing between J1772 and CCS, the decision will depend on a number of factors, including the make and model of your electric vehicle and your charging needs. If you have an older EV model or primarily use Level 1 and Level 2 charging, J1772 may be the best option for you. However, if you have a newer EV model and require fast charging capabilities, CCS may be the way to go.

It is important to note that there are other types of EV charging connectors available as well, such as CHAdeMO and Tesla’s proprietary connector. It is always best to research and consider all available options before making a decision.

In conclusion, while J1772 and CCS may look similar, they are not the same. CCS offers faster charging capabilities and a more flexible charging option, but is not as widely available as J1772. The decision on which connector to use will ultimately depend on your specific charging needs and the compatibility of your electric vehicle.