CCS vs J1772 EV Charging Plugs | What’s The Difference? 

The primary difference between CCS (Combined Charging System) and SAE J1772 is the charging capacity. The J1772 is a type 1 and 2 plug, while CCS has level three capacity with two direct DC inputs. This means that CCS is a faster charging plug than a J1772. 

Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ J1772 can handle up to 80 Amps on 240V AC up to 19.2kW
2️⃣ 70% of all charging stations in the USA have J1772 chargers
3️⃣ CCS can charge at a maximum of 350kW.
4️⃣ CCS and J1772 are the same pin configurations, but CCS has the additional DC pins
5️⃣ CCS is mandated under the Federal Infrastructure Funding Bill 

Let’s compare these two charging plugs side-by-side and explain why CCS could become the US standard for charging stations. 

Pin Configuration

If you look at either of these plugs, you will see a strong similarity between them, and this is because they essentially have the same layout. 

The J1772 has five pins, three of which are AC pins, and the other two are the proximity pilot pin and the control pilot pin. These AC pins are the live, neutral, and ground, delivering AC to the vehicle charging system. 

In a CCS plug, the configuration is the same, except that CCS has two additional pins underneath, which serve as a direct DC supply for level three charging. Those two pins are the main difference, allowing high-speed charging through commercial chargers. 

Remember that Level 3 DC fast charging is not available for domestic installation as this would require a 480V DC supply. Only AC level 1 (120V/12A-16A) or Level 2 (240V/ 24A – 80A) is available for domestic installations. 

Pin Functionality

Because these two plugs have the same basic configuration, the pin functions are the same outside the two additional DC pins on the CCS plug. 

The three larger diameter pins carry the live, neutral, and ground connections. In comparison, the two smaller pins are the Control Pilot and Proximity Pilot pins which communicate with the vehicle charging system concerning charge rate and vehicle proximity. 

The top left pin is the AC live, while the top right pin is the AC Neutral. The bottom central pin is the ground.  

The smaller pin on the lower right side is the Control Pin which uses PLC communication (Power Line Communication) technology to determine maximum charging current levels, vehicle detection, and when to start and stop charging. 

The smaller pin on the left side is the Proximity Pilot, which prevents the plug’s movement during the charging process. It will also communicate with the latch release and signal the charging to stop once the plug is disconnected. 

Where these two plugs differ are the two extra pins on the CCS, which deliver direct DC to the EVs battery. Whereas AC has to be converted to DC to charge the battery, the high-power DC inputs increase the capacity for rapid charging. 

Charging Capacity

Aside from the pin structure differences, the real difference between CCS and J1772 lies in the charging capacity, and here, CCS is the winner, hands down! 

Remember that J1772 is either a level 1 or level 2 charger, limited to a maximum of 19kW on an 80A circuit using 240V. 

The table below clearly demonstrates the superior charging time of CCS versus a J1772, even at level 2 charging.

Here, we will look at charging times for PHEVs and BEVs from empty as well as the kW output and miles per hour of charging.

*for this exercise, we assume a PHEV with an 8kWh battery and a BEV with a 60kWh battery. 

Even at its lowest kW rate, the CCS is 2,5 times faster than the J1772 Level 2 charger, and as a quick boost charge to finish your day or get you home, 20 minutes on CCS is more than enough – but the same can’t be said for the J1772. 

Convenience

While the CCS is faster, it’s estimated that 70% of all electric vehicle charging stations in the USA are equipped with J1772 chargers. This is a convenient charging option for anyone who doesn’t own a Tesla, but this will change.

Almost all modern electric cars have a CCS charging port. As the government moves to implement the Infrastructure Funding bill, they have made it mandatory that all charging stations funded under this initiative must have CCS chargers. 

This will speed up charging times tremendously and reduce queues and frustrations where charging takes too long. 

Tesla EV Charging

For a while, Tesla didn’t offer a CCS adapter for its EVs. Still, due to the growing demand and infrastructure rollout, Tesla has now developed and produced its CCS Combo 1 adapter, allowing Tesla owners to utilize non-Tesla CCS charging. 

Other FAQs

How Fast Is CCS Charging?

At a maximum charge rate of 350kW, A CCS charger can super-charge your EV battery in an hour or less, depending on the battery size and the level of depletion. While charging will slow as it approaches 80% full, CCS is still the fastest charging option available. 

Is J1772 A Fast Charger?

Because J1772 is limited to AC, it can only run up to 19.2kW on an 80A, 240V circuit. At the higher end (80A), it would be considered a fast level 2 connection. But not a fast charging connector compared to CCS plugs. 

Can You Charge J1772 With CCS? 

Yes, you can, but the CCS will only deliver a charge through the AC pins unless the J1772 has the CCS adapter to allow for rapid DC Direct charging.  

Key Takeaways: CCS vs J1772 Plugs

J1772 and CCS look the same in terms of the primary configuration, but the DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charging) feature on CCS makes it the superior charging connector.

But, you cannot have DCFC in your home, making the J1772 the most convenient for domestic charging, while CCS is preferred for charging at public EVSEs. 

Here are some further resources on charging speeds and the other types of charging plugs so you, too, can master the art of electric vehicle charging.