J1772 vs CCS Charging Standards: A Detailed Analysis of EV Charging Protocols

J1772 standard regulates the size, shape, color and electrical parameters of the charging interface of electric vehicles, making electric vehicles of different models and different manufacturers compatible with each other, and basic charging facilities such as standard charging piles can be widely laid. CCS charging is the integration of AC and DC charging interfaces, which not only provides a more flexible charging option for electric vehicles, but also effectively solves the problem of interoperability and convenience of electric vehicle charging worldwide.


What Is J1772

Vehicle charging gun interface standard is developed by the American National Standards Institute (SAE). It regulates the communication protocol for AC (AC) charging guns, the shape of the socket and the charging of electric vehicles. The appearance of the charging gun is similar to the traditional fuel gun, including a plug and socket, the plug with a buckle for fixing the socket, the J1772 wiring diagram is 5 metal terminals crimped the cable, the 5 terminals include 2 LN terminals responsible for transmitting power, 2 control signal PP, CP terminals and a ground terminal PE. The socket is installed on the electric vehicle to receive the plug of the charging gun.

The impact of SAE J1772 standard on the field of electric vehicles: enhancing the compatibility between different manufacturers, improving the convenience of electric vehicles, conducive to the construction of basic charging equipment, and promoting the development of the electric vehicle industry.


What Is CCS Charging

CCS charging standard is a charging standard that integrates AC and DC currents, mainly to make an interface meet a variety of charging scenarios and improve the adaptability of the charging interface of new energy vehicles. Its essence is a combination integration. When selecting the charging connector, we must first understand what kind of charging protocol of our new energy vehicle is, such as SAE J1772 combo or IEC 62196. After determining the protocol standard, the performance of the charging linker should be fully considered, such as whether it can adapt to the outdoor temperature difference, waterproof performance of outdoor use, rolling resistance, etc. After the basic performance is satisfied, the user's comfort should be considered, such as weight and holding comfort.


J1772 vs CCS: What's the Difference

The main difference between J1772 and CCS is the charging speed and charging method. The J1772 is suitable for low-power AC charging, and is more suitable for home charging scenarios. Combined charging system CCS includes CCS1 and CCS2 modes. CCS1 connector and plug make J1722 AC charging co-exist with the DC charging mode corresponding to its standard, while CCS2 plug  makes AC charging co-exist with IEC 62196 AC charging co-exist with the DC charging mode corresponding to its standard. Support higher charging speed and more charging equipment selection, making charging out more convenient and efficient.


(1) Charging Rate and Power Capabilities: J1772 vs CCS

According to the J1772 standard, the maximum charging power is usually limited to 20kw, the use of 208 to 240 volts of AC, J1772 charging speed is slow, generally up to several hours; CCS supports direct current (DC) fast charging, charging power is much higher than J1772, the maximum charging power can reach 350KW or more。Using a few high-powered CCS2 plug, electric cars could potentially boost their range by hundreds of kilometers in 20 to 30 minutes.


(2) J1772 vs CCS: Connector Design and Pin Arrangement

In terms of charging gun structure, J1772 is smaller overall, because it has only 5 terminals, including 2 LN terminals responsible for transmitting power, 2 control signal PP, CP terminals and a ground terminal PE. CCS adds two DC terminals on the basis of AC charging, so the volume is larger and the number of terminals is more. The difference between CCS1 and CCS2 is that one of the AC charging parts adopts the J1772 standard, while the other adopts the IEC 62196 standard.


                                                                 Charging connector comparison
Connector typeStandardScope of applicationMain feature
J1772SAE J1772Ac charging in North America1. Good compatibility, widely used in the North American market.
2. The plug contains 5 metal contact points for transmitting power, control signals and ground wires.
3. Support communication protocol functions such as handshake, power control and error detection.
CCS (Combined Charging System)SAE/IECWorldwide, integrated AC and DC charging1. Integrates J1772 standard and DC fast charging standard.
2. The plug adds two DC charging contact points to support DC fast charging.
3. Compatible with J1772 socket, more flexible charging options."
IEC 62196 Type 1IEC 62196European region AC charging1. The contact definition is similar to J1772 and applies to the European market.
2. It is widely used in domestic and public charging stations in Europe.
IEC 62196 Type 2IEC 62196Ac charging in Europe, some support three-phase charging1. It is widely used in areas supporting three-phase power in Europe
2. Higher charging power, faster charging speed.
CHAdeMOCHAdeMOJapan and some other countries DC charging1. Application with Japan and some other countries.
2. Only DC fast charging standard, fast charging speed.


Conclusion

The emergence of J1772 and CCS standards have standardized new energy vehicle charging standards, promoting the overall development of the new energy vehicle industry, in general, J1772 is more suitable for low-power, long-term home charging scenarios, while CCS is more suitable for the need for fast charging, can reduce the charging waiting time.