FHWA RFI on the J3400 Connector: What It Signals for the Future of U.S. EV Charging Standards

In March 2024, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) issued a pivotal Request for Information (RFI) addressing the emergence of the SAE J3400 connector—widely known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS)—and its potential role within federally funded electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

This RFI represents more than a technical inquiry. It marks a strategic inflection point in U.S. EV infrastructure policy, signaling a possible shift away from rigid, connector-specific mandates toward a more flexible, performance-based regulatory framework. For stakeholders operating under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program, the implications are substantial.

Why the J3400 Connector Triggered Federal Review

The SAE J3400 specification formalized what had previously been a proprietary charging interface, following widespread adoption commitments from major automotive manufacturers. As J3400 transitions from private standard to industry-recognized specification, FHWA faces a policy challenge:

How can federal EV charging rules remain interoperable, equitable, and future-proof without hard-coding assumptions about connector technology that may evolve rapidly?

The RFI acknowledges that existing federal minimum standards—developed before the formalization of J3400—may require reassessment to remain aligned with real-world market adoption.

Core Questions FHWA Is Asking the Industry

1. Market Readiness and Adoption Timelines

FHWA seeks clarity on when J3400-equipped vehicles and charging equipment will reach meaningful national scale. This includes understanding transition timelines, regional variation, and fleet versus consumer adoption patterns.

2. Interoperability and Consumer Experience

The agency is evaluating how J3400 can coexist with existing CCS and J1772 infrastructure without degrading user experience. Central to this inquiry is whether interoperability should be achieved through:

• Multi-connector chargers
• Station-level connector diversity
• Vehicle- or driver-supplied adapters

3. Performance-Based Alternatives to Connector Mandates

One of the most consequential aspects of the RFI is FHWA’s explicit interest in performance-based charging standards. Rather than specifying connector types, future rules could define outcomes such as:

• Supported vehicle classes
• Minimum power delivery capabilities
• Uptime, reliability, and accessibility metrics
• Open access and roaming compatibility

This approach mirrors broader trends in federal infrastructure policy, where outcome-based requirements are increasingly favored over design mandates.

Implications for NEVI-Funded Charging Projects

For NEVI participants, the RFI does not change current compliance obligations. However, it strongly suggests that future updates to NEVI standards may:

• Reduce regulatory friction caused by connector transitions
• Lower the risk of stranded infrastructure investments
• Encourage innovation among EVSE manufacturers and network operators

At the same time, FHWA is clearly balancing flexibility with safeguards to ensure that federal investments continue to support universal access, competitive markets, and long-term interoperability.

Strategic Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders

From an expert policy standpoint, the J3400 RFI highlights three strategic realities:

• Connector standardization is now a federal concern, not merely an industry one.
• Flexibility is becoming a regulatory objective, not a concession.
• Future compliance may focus more on outcomes than hardware choices.

Charging network operators, site hosts, utilities, and OEMs should view this RFI as an early indicator of how federal EV infrastructure policy is adapting to market-driven innovation.