SAE International has published a new standard, SAE J3400/2 – Connectors and Inlets for the North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles (EVs). Developed by SAE’s Hybrid-EV Committee, the new standard defines the physical architectural and mechanical specifications of the EV connector and inlet, enabling safer and faster electric vehicle charging across North America.

SAE J3400/2 standardizes the physical architecture of EV connectors and inlets using 2D mechanical drawings and 3D modeling. This gives OEM and charging equipment engineers the critical specifications needed to develop interoperable hardware.

The publication of SAE J3400/2 as an SAE International standard represents our confidence in the maturity of the 1000-volt-capable NACS coupler for reliable and safe bidirectional power transfer. During our open-to-the-public meetings, our group will continue to lead the development of industry-led vehicle standards expeditiously.

—Dr. Rodney McGee, Ph.D., P.E., chairman, SAE J3400 NACS Task Force, and Research Engineer at the Transportation Electrification Center at the University of Delaware

The SAE J3400 North American Charging System (NACS) “Family of Standards”:

• J3400 – North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles. General requirements for NACS, including communication protocols, AC/DC power transfer, interoperability, security, and V2X.

• J3400/1 – Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter Safety and OEM-Qualified Device Designation. Covers physical, electrical, and performance requirements for adapters

• J3400/2 – Connectors and Inlets for the North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles. Defines physical architecture through 2D drawings and 3D modeling.