Standard Plug for EVs to be Finalized Soon

SAE International is finalizing a standard that will define an electric-vehicle charging system and coupler for widespread public use.

Standard J1772, "SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler," spells out the general physical, electrical and performance requirements for the coupler, which consists of a connector and vehicle inlet. The purpose of the standard is to define a common electric-vehicle charging network, which will reduce costs and increase convenience for owners of electric vehicles.

The Standard J1772 can charge at either 120 V or 240 V and deliver up to 70 amps at the higher voltage. The standard will also support communication over power lines, which will help with vehicle identification and load shifting of these vehicles. It has 5 pins, 2 for power, 2 for communications, and 1 for ground.

The J1772 should be good for over 10,000 insertion/removal cycles.If you plug in twice a day, that's something like 13 years of service.

The standard will also provide for a proximity detector that will detect a plugged in coupler even if the charger is de-powered, to help prevent the vehicle operator from driving away with the coupler still engaged. Performance requirements include impact resistance and a life- span of 10,000 cycles.

"By standardizing, you're reducing costs and allowing everyone to use the same connector. All of the charging equipment you would pull up to in public would have identical connectors, so any vehicle could use one. It will be a consistent, reliable interface," said Gery Kissel, Chair of the SAE Hybrid J1772 Task Force.

The coupler has passed testing by Underwriters Laboratories for safety and durability.