Ready to Connect

Did you know that there is a standard connector “plug” for EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs)?  The connector was formally defined and approved in January 2010, by SAE International, the North American governing body for automotive design – with the participation of member companies like AeroVironment.  Industry insiders know the connector as “J1772,” in reference to the SAE Hybrid J1772 Task Force that researched and developed the connector standard. AV is proud to have been a part of this two-and-a-half year effort that involved the active participation of automakers, charger infrastructure developers, utility companies, national labs, universities, and other automotive and clean transportation thought leaders.

The five-pin coupler plug design has already been approved by the Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL) for safety and durability and is expected to be used by all participating auto manufacturers and EV charging systems for 120 volt (Level 1) and 240 volt (Level 2) single-phase electrical systems up to 70 amps in North America. It is capable of supporting two-way communications over power lines and is the backbone of the technology that will one day lead to smarter electric grids for EV drivers. AV is part of the SAE task force working to develop these communication standards as well.

Standardization is critical in order to allow any car to charge using any charging system that uses the protocol. In the first major EV rollout in the early 1990s, GM, Toyota, Honda, and others introduced their vehicles, but without the benefit of SAE standardization. In 2010, standardization is a high priority to enable shared infrastructure and reduced costs. The Japan Automotive Research Institute (JARI) has adopted the J1772 standard, but a different connector standard may be approved for Europe because of differences in European electric systems which rely on three-phase electrical infrastructure. AV is a participating member of the International Electricity Commission (IEC) that will define the European standard.

Click here to learn more about SAE International for automobiles.