The SAE J1772 connector—commonly called “J1772”—is the universal standard for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging
in North America for all non-Tesla EVs. Understanding how J1772 works is essential for EV owners, installers,
and anyone evaluating home charging equipment.
A J1772 EV Charger refers to any AC charging station (Level 1 or Level 2) that uses the SAE J1772 plug standard.
Every major EV manufacturer (except Tesla) in North America uses this connector for AC charging.
J1772 Standard Highlights
Used for **AC charging only** (Level 1 & Level 2)
Supports **120V or 240V operation**
Handles up to **80 amps AC** (depending on EVSE design)
Contains **five electrical pins** for power + communication
Supports safe communication between EV & charger (pilot signal)
All non-Tesla EVs in the U.S. use J1772 for AC charging. Teslas use J1772 chargers with a simple adapter.
2. J1772 Connector Pin Functions
The J1772 connector includes five pins with distinct roles:
Pin
Function
L1
AC Line / Hot
L2 / N
AC Line 2 (Level 2) / Neutral (Level 1)
Ground
Safety grounding
Control Pilot (CP)
Communication between EV & EVSE (current limits, readiness)
Proximity Pilot (PP)
Detects insertion/removal; prevents drive-off during charging
The CP and PP signals are key safety features that distinguish EV charging from standard power connections.
3. J1772 Charging Speeds: Level 1 vs Level 2
J1772 supports both Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging:
Charging Type
Voltage
Power
Speed
Level 1
120V
1.2–1.9 kW
~3–5 miles/hr
Level 2
240V
3.5–11.5 kW
12–40+ miles/hr
While the connector is the same, the charging speed depends on the EVSE power rating and the EV’s onboard charger.
4. Which EVs Use J1772?
All major non-Tesla EV brands use J1772 for AC charging, including:
Nissan (LEAF, Ariya)
Ford (Mach-E, F-150 Lightning AC charging)
Chevrolet (Bolt EV / EUV)
Hyundai / Kia (IONIQ, EV6, Kona)
BMW, Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes
Toyota, Honda EV models
Tesla vehicles use a **J1772 adapter**, which comes included with many models, allowing full compatibility.
5. J1772 vs Tesla Connector (NACS)
In North America, Tesla uses its proprietary connector—now standardized as the **North American Charging Standard (NACS)**.
However, J1772 remains the universal connector for public AC charging.
Quick Comparison
Feature
J1772
Tesla/NACS
Connector Type
Round, 5-pin
Compact 2-in-1 AC/DC design
Used For
AC charging only
AC & DC supercharging
Compatibility
All non-Tesla EVs
Tesla only (others need adapter)
Many automakers are transitioning to NACS in future EV models,
but **J1772 will remain essential for millions of EVs on the road** for the next decade.
6. Safety Features of J1772
6.1 Automatic Power Shutoff
The connector communicates with the EV to prevent unsafe conditions before power flows.
6.2 Locking Mechanism
Prevents accidental unplugging during charging.
6.3 Weather Resistance
Most J1772 connectors are rated for outdoor use with high durability.
6.4 Controlled Power Ramp-Up
Charging current increases only after both EV and EVSE confirm safety readiness.
7. Choosing a J1772 Charger
J1772 chargers vary in power, cable length, installation type, and smart features.
When choosing a charger, consider:
Power rating: 3.5 kW, 7.68 kW, 11.5 kW
Current: 16A, 32A, 40A, 48A
Plug-in or Hardwired
Cable length (20–25 ft recommended)
Wi-Fi/app controls
Outdoor weatherproof rating
For most households, a 32A or 40A Level 2 J1772 charger offers the best balance of speed and electrical load.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Tesla use J1772 chargers?
Yes—Teslas work with J1772 chargers using a simple adapter.
Is J1772 going away?
No. Even as NACS grows, J1772 will remain essential for AC charging for many years.
Does J1772 support fast charging?
No. J1772 is for AC charging only (Level 1 & Level 2).
Do all EVs accept J1772?
All non-Tesla EVs support it. Tesla supports it via adapter.
Shop J1772 EV Chargers
Find reliable J1772-compatible Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers here:
