The U.S. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has announced the release of standards for interfaces between electrical charging systems and plug-in hybrids as well as full electric vehicles.

The “SAE Electric Vehicle Conductive Charge Coupler” or in short Standard J1772(TM) defines the general physical, electrical and performance requirements for the coupler, consisting of a connector and vehicle inlet. The objective is to create a common interoperable EV charging network, allowing any EV or PHV to be connected to any charging equipment. The benefits of compatibility in smart grids, charging systems and energy storage solutions are cost savings and greater user friendliness.

The proposed plug standard has been tested by Underwriters Laboratories for safety and durability. The proposed plug standard connector, initially developed by the supplier Yazaki and adopted by the SAE task force in January 2008, was also submitted to the International Electrotechnical Commission in Europe for approval.

Working together for common standards

A wide range of automotive OEMs and suppliers as well as charging equipment manufactures, national labs, utility companies, universities and standardisation organisations from different parts of the planet contributed to the work of the SAE Hybrid J1772 Task Force in order to create this standard.

Other initiatives in this respect have so far always been limited to a few companies working together and agreeing on standards for single components, e.g. USCAR, the United States Council for Automotive Research (a consortium of GM, Ford and Chrysler) developing a standard for high voltage wiring and connectors in hybrid and electric cars.

Thanks to the common effort of all involved parties, it should in the future be possible to travel with EVs and plug them in where-ever you are no matter which maker the EV is from. A big step forward in preparing the way for mass distribution of EVs.