AC J1772: Overview, Significance, and Compatibility with EVs

The connectors are key in bridging the gap between the electric vehicle and power sources. You cannot deny its role in contributing to sustainable transportation. The only issue many EV owners face is the incompatibility of the connector with their EVs. This prevents them from charging their EVs and continuing their ride. 

It also raises the difficulties in locating the EV charging station that features the connectors that their vehicle can support. Connecting the wrong connector along with the adapter can damage the vehicle’s charging system and batteries. Therefore, this is not feasible.

This article highlights the AC J1772 connectors’ importance and compatibility level. Sounds great? Don’t stop reading.We also introduced EV Charging Station Voltage: Specifications, Compatibility, and Considerations in our previous articles. Hope it will be helpful to you.

AC J1772 – A Short Overview

The J1772 refers to a connector that works on an AC (Alternating Current) source. It offers perfect compatibility with the Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. You can set up the chargers featuring the J1772 connector to both input sources, 120 V or 240 V. It can offer a power output ranging from 1.6 kW to 19.8 kW. 

The J1772 is a standard outlet when it comes to charging EVs. There are several EV manufacturers which use J1772 as a standard outlet. But in these manufacturers, the Tesla is not included. However, you can connect the Tesal to the J1772 connector using an adapter for smooth charging. The J1772 supports the single-phase charging at super convenience.

Description of The J1772

AC J1772 comprises the 5 total pins. The upper three pins refer to the pins that play a key role in connection to the Neutral AC, ACLine 1, and the protective earth (PE). The Control Pilot (CP) and Proximity Pilot (PP) roles are two smaller pins on the bottom. These two pins are communication and safety points between the charging station and the EV (Electric Vehicle). 

Using the J1772 connector, you can charge your vehicle at two speeds.

When it comes to level 1 charging, using it for 20 hours, you can get a travel distance of 140 miles or more.

On the other hand, for Level 2 charging, using it for 4 to 6 hours, you can get 150 miles or more. The level 2 J1772 connectors offer 3 to 7 times faster charging than those of level 1 J1772. 

This is mainly because when you connect the J1772 to 120 V output and a capacity of 16 amperes, you can get a power output of 1.92kW.

In contrast, connecting the J1772 with the 208 V to 240 V input with a total capacity of 80 Amp. In this way, you can get a power output of 19.8 kW. 

AC J1772 – Working Mechanism

The working mechanism of the AC J1772 involves multiple steps. Some key steps you need to note include:

Insertion of Plug

At first, the EV owner needs to put the AC J1772 plug within the vehicle charging port. The owner can do this by using the cable attached to the connector on the EV Charging station. On the other hand, you can also do this by using the cable and plug that comes with the EV purchase. This eliminates the need for usage of the station cable.

Authentication

multiple communication protocols exist when it comes to the AC J1772. These protocols include WiFi or RFID. This determines the compatibility with the charging station for the specific EV model. This authentication copes with the safe and secure charging process. It also prevents damage to the vehicle’s charging accessories, including batteries.

Flow of Power

After the completion of the authentication successfully, the power goes directly from the AC EV charger station to the vehicle’s charger. The connector pins provide the medium for this operation. If these pins do not exist, no power transfer occurs through the AC J1772 connector.

Energy Conversion

Later, the AC power is transformed into the DC. The inverter plays a great role in this regard. The main purpose of this conversion is that the DC charging is much faster than the AC charging. This way, you can successfully charge your batteries on the go.

Control for Charging

Controlling the charging is crucial to maintaining the optimum health of the battery and charging systems. This is crucial to manage the battery status, electricity flow, and charging rate. The optimum charging control also ensures a longer battery and vehicle life. 

This is how the AC J1772 works. The working process indicates the significance level for charging your vehicle and the EV charging station. 

The Significance/Importance of The AC J1772

The multiple reasons reflect the importance and significance of the AC J1772. Some of the key reasons for your attention include the following:

Unmatchable Convenience

Using the AC j1772 offers you with the unmatchable convenience. With the AC J1772, you don’t need to employ other adapters. You can use it with multiple charging stations on the go. This connector prevents the users from locating compatible charging stations. Hence, you can save your time and money. You can contact any nearby EV charging station to hook up your vehicle.

Extra Travel Range

Using the AC j1772, you can reach out to any nearby charging station. This ensures you always get the maximum travel range and stay charged. You don’t need to remain in stress and anxiety when it comes to vehicle charging. This makes more and more individuals transfer to electric vehicles. 

No Adverse Environmental Impact

Using the J1772 connectors, you can ensure zero adverse environmental impact, unlike vehicles that run on fossil fuels and contribute to environmental pollution. You can prevent that by using or adopting EVs. You will not contribute to greenhouse gases, which indirectly alter the water cycle and poison the environment. 

Future Proofing

You don’t need to worry about the AC J1772 technology getting outdated. It features complete scalability in the future. Instead, you can employ or adopt rapidly changing and advancing technologies. This will help you stay on the safe side and avoid any worries. 

Facilitate Residential Charging

As you know, the EV charging stations run on a single phase. You can install the EV charging station with the AC J1772 connectors at your home. This will help you charge your vehicles at home. You don’t need to go anywhere. This home charging station can charge your vehicle at any time.

How would You Elaborate on the Compatibility of The AC J1772?

Multiple factors elaborate the wide range of compatibility for the AC J1772. Some of the key factors for your concern are:

Support Different Power Levels

Support for different power levels is the number one feature that makes it compatible. You are familiar with the different levels of EV charging, for instance, the Level 1 charger and the Level 2 charger. You can put the J1772 connector with any level you want on the go. Each level caters to the different power outputs and speeds. 

You can get higher charging speed using the Level 2 charger (approx 5 to 7 times). On the other hand, you can get a lower speed with level 1. You can set up your J1772 connector with any charging level without interruption or worry. This way, you can receive the charge as per your requirement.

Wide Range of Standardization

Standardisation is The second feature that adds up to the compatibility of the AC J1772. You can use it with various charging stations and different EV models. The J1772 also refers to the universal connector. 

The one thing many owners hate is the incompatibility of the charging station with their vehicle. This makes them make an effort both physically and online to research supportive EV charging stations. Later, they need to travel a long distance to retrieve their particular charging station. However, having access to the J1772 can prevent you from enjoying a complete range of standardization. 

Widespread Adoption

The other thing that reflects the wide range of compatibility of the EV charging station is the wide adoption. Over 80% of the vehicles support the J1772 connector. This has catered to developing a wide range of EV charging stations that support the J1772 connector. 

Conclusion

The AC J1772 connector possesses a lot of importance. It features a higher level of stability and compatibility with many vehicles. Every EV manufacturer includes the J1772 to support the Level 1 and Level 2 charging easily. With this connector, you can enjoy complete peace of mind. You can plug it into any vehicle and any charging station. 

It ultimately prevents you from spending extra on your vehicle’s charging system. With PiwinEV charging technology, you can find a compatible charging station to electrify your journeys wherever you go. So what are you waiting for? Invest in this high-quality system and witness the perks.

Click to learn：Components of EV Charging Station: Understanding the Infrastructure