The SAE J3400 Charging Connector is a standardized electric vehicle (EV) charging connector based on Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS). This new standard ensures interoperability and accessibility for EV charging across North America.
J3400 Key Features
- Compact 5-pin design
- Supports both AC and DC fast charging using the same two primary pins
- Compatible with existing Tesla connectors
- Allows for digital communication between the vehicle and charger
SAE J3400 Standardization Process
SAE International initiated the standardization process in June 2023, forming a task force of over 120 experts from public and private sectors. The process moved at an unprecedented pace:
- December 2023: Technical Information Report (TIR) published
- August 2024: SAE EV Coupler Task Force voted to establish this as a Recommended Practice
- October 2024: SAE released the J3400 Recommended Practice document
Industry and Government Adoption of the SAE J3400 Connector
Major automakers have announced plans to adopt the connector as early as 2025. Many are expected to offer J3400-equipped vehicles beginning in 2025, with adapter support starting in 2024. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has allowed J3400/NACS adapters to be installed on all federally funded direct-current fast charging (DCFC) chargers, provided there is also a CCS1 connector.
Advantages over CCS1 and CHAdeMO
The SAE J3400 connector offers several advantages compared to CCS1 and CHAdeMO connectors:
- Versatility: It supports all charging levels (AC Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging) using a single compact connector. In contrast, CCS1 requires a larger connector for DC fast charging, and CHAdeMO needs a separate port for AC charging.
- Widespread adoption: As of June 2024, approximately 62% of registered all-electric vehicles in the United States were compatible with this connector, compared to 34% for CCS and 4% for CHAdeMO
- Size and weight: It is significantly smaller and lighter than both CCS1 and CHAdeMO connectors
- Future-proofing: Major automakers have announced plans to adopt the connector as early as 2025, indicating a shift towards this standard in the North American market
- Standardization: SAE International has standardized the J3400 connector, ensuring interoperability and accessibility across North America
While the transition to J3400 is ongoing, CCS1 remains widely available, and adapters are being developed to ensure compatibility between different connector types during the transition period.
The SAE J3400 Charging Connector represents a significant step towards a unified, efficient, and accessible EV charging infrastructure in North America.
