With the rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), the development of charging infrastructure has become a key focus in the industry. Currently, CCS (Combined Charging System) is the most widely adopted fast-charging standard globally for non-Tesla vehicles, supporting both AC and DC charging.
While CCS dominates Europe, the North American market is undergoing a rapid transition.This article provides an in-depth comparison of CCS and SAE J1772, and crucially, addresses the rise of SAE J3400 (NACS), analyzing their charging types, compatibility, use cases, and future trends to help users choose the right charging solution.
1. What is CCS Charging?
CCS (Combined Charging System) is a versatile EV charging standard widely used in Europe and previously the dominant fast-charging standard in North America. It supports both AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current) charging through a single connector, offering great flexibility to users. The CCS connector combines standard AC charging pins (such as J1772 in North America or Type 2 in Europe) with two additional DC pins, enabling both slow AC charging and high-speed DC fast charging through the same port.
Advantages of CCS:
• Multi-functional Charging: Supports both AC and DC charging, suitable for home and public charging.
• Fast Charging: DC fast charging can typically charge a battery to 80% in under 30 minutes, significantly reducing charging time.
• Wide Adoption: Adopted by major automakers and integrated into an increasing number of public charging stations.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), as of 2024, over 70% of public charging stations in Europe support CCS [ACEA Source]. Data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) indicates that CCS remains the primary fast-charging standard for the current fleet of non-Tesla vehicles in North America, even amidst the NACS transition [DOE-AFDC Source].
2. Which Vehicles Support CCS Charging?
CCS remains the fast-charging dominant standard globally, especially in Europe. In North America, most existing non-Tesla EVs (pre-2025 models) support CCS1, though many manufacturers have announced a transition to NACS ports starting in 2025.
Supported vehicles include:
• Volkswagen ID.4
• BMW i4 and iX series
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Kia EV6
These vehicles are compatible with most high-speed charging networks, providing a convenient experience for long-distance travel.
3. The North American Landscape Shift: CCS1 vs. SAE J3400 (NACS)
The North American market is currently defined by a competition between CCS1 (the regional CCS standard) and the North American Charging System (NACS), which has been standardized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) as SAE J3400。
| Feature | CCS1 (Combined Charging System) | NACS / SAE J3400 (North American Charging System) |
|---|---|---|
| Connector Design | Larger, bulkier connector combining J1772 pins with two DC pins. | Smaller, lighter, and more ergonomic design; one pin set for both AC/DC. |
| Dominant Region | Europe (as CCS2) and previously North America. | North America (set to become the default standard). |
| Future Outlook | Will remain essential for the existing non-Tesla EV fleet and through adapters. | Major automakers are adopting it for new models starting in 2025/2026。 |
The standardization of the NACS connector as SAE J3400 provides a clear industry roadmap, ensuring interoperability and safety certification for its widespread adoption across North America.
4. What is J1772 Charging?
SAE J1772 is the standard AC (Alternating Current) charging connector in North America, primarily used for Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging. Developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), it is compatible with nearly all EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) sold in North America.
Features of J1772:
• AC Charging Only: Suitable for slow charging at home or workplaces.
• Wide Compatibility: Supported by almost all EVs and PHEVs in North America.
• Home and Public Use: Commonly used in home charging setups and public AC charging stations.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), over 90% of home charging stations in North America use J1772 as of 2024. Tesla owners can charge their vehicles at most public AC stations using a J1772 adapter. Additionally, a report by Electric Mobility Canada highlights the widespread reliance on J1772 by Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV owners for daily charging.
5. Which Vehicles Support J1772 Charging?
Most EVs and PHEVs in North America are equipped with J1772 connectors, making it the most broadly compatible standard for Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
Supported vehicles include:
• Tesla models (with an adapter)
• Nissan Leaf
• Chevrolet Bolt EV
• Toyota Prius Prime (PHEV)
The broad compatibility of J1772 makes it one of the most popular charging standards in North America.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), over 95% of EVs sold in North America in 2024 support J1772. Tesla’s use of J1772 adapters allows its vehicles to charge at nearly all public AC stations. Additionally, research by Electric Mobility Canada shows that Nissan Leaf and Chevrolet Bolt EV owners highly value the compatibility and ease of use of J1772.
6. Key Differences Between CCS and J1772
When choosing a charging standard, users should consider charging speed, compatibility, and use cases. Here are the main differences:
| Comparison | CCS | J1772 |
|---|---|---|
| Charging Type | Supports AC and DC charging | AC charging only |
| Charging Speed | DC fast charging in under 30 minutes | Level 2 charging takes 4-8 hours |
| Connector Design | Combines J1772 AC pins with DC pins | Compact AC charging connector |
| Compatibility | Vehicles supporting AC and DC | All EVs and PHEVs in North America |
| Use Cases | Home charging and long-distance trips | Home or workplace slow charging |
a. Charging Speed:
CCS and NACS support rapid DC fast charging, often ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW (depending on the station and vehicle architecture). J1772 is limited to Level 2 AC charging, with a maximum typical output of 19.2 kW.
b. Installation Cost: J1772 chargers are typically less expensive to install, costing approximately $300 – $700 USD[DOE−AFDCSource].CCS chargers, supporting fast charging, The hardware cost (e.g., a 50-150kW DCFC unit) typically ranges between $15,000 – $50,000 USD, excluding installation, utility grid upgrades, and permitting fees[NREL Cost Analysis].
c. Connector Design
CCS: Combines J1772 AC pins with two additional DC pins, making it slightly larger than a standard J1772 connector but allowing greater flexibility.
J1772: A more compact connector that supports AC charging exclusively.
d. Compatibility
CCS: Compatible with EVs designed for both AC and DC charging, especially beneficial for longer journeys requiring quick charging stops.
J1772: Universally compatible with all North American EVs and PHEVs for AC charging, widely used in home charging stations and public AC chargers.
e. Application
CCS: Ideal for both home charging and high-speed charging on the go, suitable for EVs that require fast charging options.
J1772: Primarily suited for home or workplace charging, best for overnight charging or settings where speed is not a critical factor.
SAE J1772 Pinouts
CCS Connector Pinouts
7. Frequently Asked Questions
1.Can CCS chargers be used for J1772-only vehicles?
No. J1772-only Vehicles cannot use the DC portion of CCS charging stations. Public DC fast charging stations usually only provide CCS charging guns, not separate J1772 (AC) gun tips. The J1772 vehicle is compatible with the AC terminal of the CCS charging station only through the adapter.
2.Are CCS chargers widely available at public charging stations?
Yes. CCS chargers (CCS1/CCS2) are common globally. In North America, the network is extensive, and many stations are adding NACS connectors alongside CCS1 for future compatibility.
3.Do Tesla vehicles support CCS or J1772?
Tesla vehicles natively use the NACS connector. They can charge at J1772 (AC) stations using an adapter, and they can also access the CCS DC fast-charging network using a manufacturer-provided CCS adapter.
4.Which is faster: CCS or J1772?
CCS and NACS (J3400) are significantly faster than J1772. This is because CCS and NACS support Level 3 DC fast charging, whereas J1772 is limited to Level 1/2 AC slow charging.
5.Do NACS/J3400 and CCS use the same communication protocol?
Yes. Both NACS (J3400) and CCS use the ISO 15118 communication protocol (Power Line Carrier – PLC) to manage the charging session, ensuring high interoperability.
6.What is the charging power of a J1772 charger?
J1772 chargers typically support Level 1 (120V, 1.4-1.9 kW) and Level 2 (240V, 3.3-19.2 kW) charging.
7.What is the maximum charging power of a CCS charger?
CCS chargers typically support power levels ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW, depending on the charging station and vehicle.
8.What is the installation cost for J1772 and CCS chargers?
J1772 chargers are typically less expensive to install, costing around $300 – $700 USD, while CCS chargers, supporting fast charging, cost between $15,000 – $50,000 USD.
9.Are CCS and J1772 charging connectors compatible?
The AC charging portion of the CCS connector is compatible with J1772, but the DC charging portion only works with CCS-compatible vehicles.
10.Will EV charging standards be unified in the future?
Currently, standards like CCS and CHAdeMO coexist, but CCS is rapidly gaining popularity in Europe and North America, potentially becoming the dominant standard.
8.Future Trends and User Recommendations
As the EV market continues to grow, the charging landscape is becoming clearly segmented by region and use case:
•Global Standard: CCS2 remains the non-Tesla standard across Europe and other major global markets.
•North America: SAE J3400 (NACS) is rapidly becoming the dominant new standard for passenger vehicle fast charging, backed by almost all major automakers. CCS1 will remain crucial during the transition period.
•Home Charging: SAE J1772 (Level 2) will continue to dominate the low-cost, slow-charging home and workplace market due to its universality and simplicity.
For consumers, the choice depends on location. In Europe, CCS2 compatibility is mandatory. In North America, choosing a vehicle with native NACS (J3400) is the best way to future-proof your investment, while current non-Tesla owners must rely on the existing CCS1 network and adapters for Supercharger access. The trend is toward dual-port charging stations to serve both the current CCS fleet and the future NACS fleet.
Post time: Oct-31-2024