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SAE International has released the SAE J3400™: NACS Electric Vehicle Coupler Technical Recommended Practice (RP), marking a major milestone in the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in North America. The new standard sets comprehensive guidelines for physical, electrical, and safety requirements, aiming to enhance compatibility across the growing EV ecosystem. This release comes as part of ongoing efforts to establish a unified charging framework, benefiting both consumers and industry stakeholders.
Key Highlights:
- SAE J3400™ RP provides a framework for EV charging in North America, covering physical, electrical, functional, and safety standards.
- NACS acronym updated to “North American Charging System” to reflect a broader system of standards beyond the vehicle coupler.
- Supports 1000V DC fast charging and SAE Universal AC charging, along with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.
- Promotes a seamless and compatible charging ecosystem, reducing the need for multiple adaptors and enhancing user experience.
The SAE J3400™ RP aims to support rapid progress in EV charging technology while promoting consistency and compatibility across different charging systems and EV models. Dr. Rodney McGee, chairman of the SAE J3400™ NACS Task Force, emphasized that the standard incorporates essential features like 1000V DC fast-charge with adapter thermal awareness and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. Chris Nevers from Rivian highlighted how this release will facilitate the adoption of NACS and improve the charging experience.
Gabe Klein, executive director of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, noted, “A successful EV charging experience is one that is easy for consumers to use and for suppliers and manufacturers to innovate within. The J3400 Recommended Practice is a major milestone toward a fully compatible charging ecosystem.”
Christian Thiele, director of global ground vehicle standards at SAE International, added that the J3400 RP is close to becoming a full standard by the end of the year, and efforts will continue to adapt the guidelines as technology evolves. The goal is to create an interoperable charging network across North America, minimizing the need for proprietary adaptors and ensuring suppliers can meet industry expectations.
The standardization of the Tesla-developed NACS connector, initiated in 2023, is part of SAE’s broader mission to achieve compatibility across charging infrastructure. This effort was supported by automakers, charging providers, and government agencies, with the aim of creating a consistent EV charging experience that encourages widespread adoption and supports innovation.
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