The J1772 charger is a widely used standard for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) in North America. Whether you're new to electric vehicles or considering a home EV charger for convenient charging, knowing which cars are compatible with a J1772 charger is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the vehicles that use J1772 chargers and explain how this versatile connector functions across different models.

What is a J1772 Charger?

The J1772 connector, also known as the SAE J1772, is the standard charging interface for electric vehicles in the U.S. It supports both Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging, making it versatile for home and public charging stations. One of the major advantages of the J1772 is its universal compatibility with most electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles (except Tesla, which requires an adapter). Whether you're charging at home or a public charging station, chances are that a J1772 connector will fit your car.

Also: Is J1772 a Fast Charger?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) That Use J1772 Chargers

The J1772 charging standard is compatible with the vast majority of electric vehicles (EVs) available in North America. As the primary connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, J1772 provides a convenient and reliable way to charge EVs at home or at public stations. Below is a list of popular electric vehicle models that are compatible with J1772 chargers:

Nissan Leaf

As one of the first mass-produced electric cars, the Nissan Leaf remains a popular choice. It uses the J1772 connector for both home and public charging stations, making it easy to charge at Level 1 (120V) or Level 2 (240V) power sources.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

Known for its impressive range at a competitive price, the Chevrolet Bolt EV relies on the J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. This makes it a practical option for drivers looking to recharge at home or using public charging infrastructure.

BMW i3

The BMW i3, a compact and highly efficient EV, also utilizes the J1772 connector for charging. Whether charging at home with a Level 1 charger or using a faster Level 2 station, the i3 is fully compatible with the J1772 standard.

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford's entry into the electric SUV market, the Mustang Mach-E, is compatible with J1772 chargers. It supports both Level 1 and Level 2 charging, making it convenient for both home use and public charging stations.

Volkswagen ID.4

The Volkswagen ID.4, an all-electric compact SUV, uses the J1772 charging interface to power its battery. With its compatibility with both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, the ID.4 offers flexible charging options at home and public stations.

Hyundai Kona Electric

This popular compact electric SUV uses the J1772 connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, offering excellent range and versatility in charging locations.

Tesla (with adapter)

Although Tesla uses a proprietary connector for its Supercharger network, Tesla vehicles can still use J1772 chargers with an adapter. This allows Tesla owners to access the broad network of J1772-equipped public charging stations for convenient Level 2 charging.

Kia Soul EV

Kia’s fully electric Soul EV is another model that utilizes the J1772 connector, allowing drivers to easily charge at home or at public stations with Level 2 charging.

Other notable EVs that use J1772 chargers include the Honda Clarity Electric, Hyundai Ioniq Electric, and Kia Niro EV. These vehicles, along with many others, rely on the universal J1772 standard to simplify charging access and ensure compatibility across multiple charging platforms.

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs) That Use J1772 Chargers

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) also utilize J1772 chargers to power their batteries. PHEVs combine gasoline engines with electric motors, allowing drivers to switch between gas and electric power. These are some of the popular PHEVs that rely on J1772 for charging:

• Toyota Prius Prime: This well-known PHEV model charges via J1772 and is ideal for those who want a blend of gasoline and electric power.

• Chevrolet Volt: Although no longer in production, the Volt remains a popular PHEV model that uses the J1772 charger.

• Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid: The Clarity PHEV offers a balance between electric driving and gasoline-powered range, with charging via J1772.

• Ford Escape PHEV: A spacious plug-in hybrid SUV, the Escape PHEV is J1772 compatible for convenient charging.

Other PHEVs include the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid and Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid, which can all be charged using J1772.

How J1772 Works with Tesla

Tesla vehicles are known for their proprietary charging technology, particularly the Tesla Supercharger network. However, Tesla owners can still make use of J1772 chargers, which are widely available at public charging stations across North America. The compatibility between Tesla and J1772 chargers requires an adapter, but the flexibility it offers Tesla drivers is worth exploring in more detail.

Using the J1772 Adapter with Tesla

Tesla’s charging port is designed for its proprietary connectors, which allows it to charge at Superchargers and Tesla home chargers. However, to access the thousands of J1772-equipped public chargers, Tesla provides a J1772 adapter. This adapter is a simple yet essential accessory that allows Tesla vehicles to connect to J1772 chargers, whether at Level 1 or Level 2 power levels. The adapter plugs into the J1772 connector on one end, while the other end fits into the Tesla charging port.

Using the J1772 adapter offers Tesla drivers access to a broader range of public chargers, especially in locations where Tesla Superchargers are not available. While the charging speeds on a J1772 charger are typically slower than Tesla’s Superchargers, using the adapter makes Level 2 public chargers viable for overnight or extended charging periods when on the road.

Benefits and Limitations of J1772 for Tesla

One of the major benefits of using J1772 chargers with a Tesla is the flexibility it provides. With public J1772 chargers being more common than Tesla Superchargers in some areas, Tesla owners can ensure their vehicles are charged even in regions where Tesla-specific infrastructure is limited. This adaptability can be especially useful for Tesla drivers who frequently travel to rural or less densely populated areas, where J1772 chargers may be more accessible.

However, there are limitations to this setup. Charging speed is a key factor to consider. J1772 chargers, especially at Level 2, typically offer slower charging speeds compared to Tesla’s Supercharger network. For example, a J1772 Level 2 charger might provide a charging rate of around 25-30 miles per hour, while a Tesla Supercharger can provide up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Therefore, while J1772 is a great option for overnight charging or when there’s no Tesla Supercharger nearby, it’s not ideal for quick recharges on long trips.

Moreover, while the adapter is reliable, it introduces an extra step in the charging process. Tesla owners must remember to carry the adapter with them to use J1772 chargers, as it is not a built-in feature. Without it, a Tesla cannot directly connect to J1772 chargers, which could limit charging options if the adapter is forgotten or misplaced.

Why the J1772 Charger is Widely Used

The J1772 charger has become the standard in North America due to its universal compatibility, ease of use, and support for both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Its versatility allows it to work with almost every EV and PHEV model, and it is commonly found at public charging stations as well as in-home charging setups. Because it supports both basic and fast charging, J1772 offers a flexible charging solution for drivers who want an accessible and reliable way to power their vehicles.

Conclusion

Whether you're driving a Nissan Leaf, Ford Escape PHEV, or a Tesla with an adapter, understanding J1772 compatibility simplifies your charging experience. For those seeking a smarter and more efficient charging option, Autel provides advanced EV chargers and smart EV chargers with enhanced features like app control and real-time monitoring. Discover the right solution for your needs at Autel Energy.