J1772 Charging Speed: How Fast Does It Charge?

If you’re new to electric vehicles or setting up your home charging station, you’re likely wondering about J1772 charging speed. How fast does a J1772 charger really charge? The answer could surprise you—particularly if you’re accustomed to quick fill-ups at gas stations.

A J1772 charger typically charges an EV at a speed of 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW on Level 2 (240V), which adds about 10 to 60 miles of range per hour. The actual speed depends on both your EV’s onboard charger and the charging station’s output. J1772 isn’t built for speed, but it’s steady and reliable, especially for daily or overnight charging.

While it’s not the fastest charger out there, J1772 is the most common connector for AC charging in North America. So, understanding its limits—and when to use it—can make a big difference in your EV charging experience¹.

Is J1772 Level 2 Charging?

People often ask if J1772 means Level 2². The answer is yes—but not only.

J1772 supports both Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) AC charging. Most public charging stations and home wall chargers use Level 2, and J1772 is the standard plug for that in North America. Level 1 is much slower and usually done from a regular household outlet.

At Level 2, J1772 is more than enough for overnight charging. It’s the most common setup for daily EV users who aren’t depending on ultra-fast top-ups.

Which is Faster, CCS or J1772?

J1772 chargers work fine for daily charging, but is there something faster? Yes, there is—and it’s called CCS.

CCS (Combined Charging System) is significantly faster than J1772 because it supports DC fast charging, delivering up to 350 kW in some cases. J1772, on the other hand, is limited to AC charging and tops out at 19.2 kW. CCS can add hundreds of miles in 30 minutes, while J1772 takes hours to do the same.

So if you’re on a road trip and need a quick top-up, CCS is the way to go. J1772 is your go-to for slower, steady charging at home or while parked at work.

Charging Speed Comparison Table

Connector Type	Charging Type	Max Power Output	Typical Range Added per Hour
J1772	AC (Level 1/2)	19.2 kW	10–60 miles
CCS	DC Fast	50–350 kW	100–250+ miles in 30 mins

What is the Maximum Current for J1772?

One of the limits of J1772 charging is the amount of current it can handle. This determines how fast your car can actually charge.

The maximum current for J1772³ is 80 amps at 240V, which equals a power delivery of 19.2 kW. However, many EVs and home chargers operate at lower currents—typically between 16A and 48A—so the actual charging speed is often much less.

Here’s how different current levels affect J1772 charging speed⁴:

J1772 Current and Power Table

Amperage	Voltage	Power (kW)	Approx Miles Added per Hour
16A	240V	3.84 kW	12–15 miles
32A	240V	7.68 kW	25–30 miles
40A	240V	9.6 kW	30–35 miles
48A	240V	11.5 kW	35–40 miles
80A	240V	19.2 kW	55–60 miles

Is J1772 Being Phased Out?

With new charging standards emerging, it’s fair to wonder: is J1772 going away?

J1772 is still widely supported but may gradually fade as North America shifts to the Tesla-developed NACS (North American Charging Standard)⁵. Ford, GM, and other automakers have announced plans to adopt NACS by 2025. However, J1772 will remain relevant for many years, especially at existing public stations and home chargers.

So while it’s not future-proof forever, J1772 still has a long runway ahead. For now, it’s a safe choice for home setups and non-Tesla EVs.

How Fast Does a J1772 Charge a Tesla?

Tesla doesn’t use J1772 natively—but there’s a workaround.

With a J1772-to-Tesla adapter⁶, you can charge a Tesla at up to 19.2 kW if the EVSE supports it and your car’s onboard charger allows it. In real-world conditions, that often means 25–40 miles of range added per hour, which is great for overnight charging.

This makes J1772 a practical option for Tesla owners who want to plug in at work or use third-party public chargers. The adapter is simple and reliable.

What Vehicles Use the J1772 Plug?

If you drive an EV in North America and it’s not a Tesla, chances are high that you’re using a J1772 plug. 

This connector is the standard for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging⁷ across almost every major brand. That includes popular models like the Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Nissan LEAF, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Kia EV6. You’ll also find it on newer EVs from Volkswagen, Toyota, Subaru, and many others. Even plug-in hybrids like the Toyota Prius Prime and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid use J1772.

Automakers have adopted this plug because it’s reliable, widely supported, and simple to use. Whether you’re at a public charging station or plugging in at home, J1772 is likely the connector you’re using.

Conclusion

J1772 isn’t fast compared to today’s DC fast-charging standards, but it’s a solid, dependable way to keep your EV charged up day to day. It supports Level 1 and 2 AC charging up to 19.2 kW, works with almost every non-Tesla EV, and still fits nicely into most home charging setups. For now, it’s still a core part of EV life in North America.

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1. Discover tips and strategies to optimize your EV charging experience, making it more efficient and convenient. [↩]
2. Learn about Level 2 EV charging, its benefits, and how it compares to other charging levels for electric vehicles. [↩]
3. Learning about the maximum current for J1772 can inform your charging decisions and efficiency. [↩]
4. Exploring charging speed variations can help you choose the right charger for your EV needs. [↩]
5. Learn about NACS and how it may change the EV charging experience for users and manufacturers alike. [↩]
6. Discover how this adapter enables Tesla owners to utilize J1772 chargers effectively, enhancing charging options. [↩]
7. Learn about Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging standards to better understand EV charging options and capabilities. [↩]