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 EV charging across North America.
SAE J3400/2 standardizes the physical architecture of EV connectors and inlets using 2D mechanical drawings and 3D modeling. This provides OEM and charging equipment engineers with the critical specifications necessary to develop interoperable hardware.
“By standardizing these mechanical details, J3400/2 allows manufacturers to design and deploy EV charging infrastructure more rapidly. This is a critical step forward in supporting widespread EV adoption,” said Christian Thiele, Sr. Director, Global Ground Vehicle Standards, SAE International. “The broader J3400 standard also ensures system-level consistency, covering communications, AC/DC power delivery, cybersecurity, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities.”
The standards
The new SAE J3400/2 standard is part of the broader J3400 North American Charging System (NACS) “family of standards,” which provides a comprehensive framework for EV charging system design. Together, these standards support safer, more interoperable charging infrastructure and streamline development for both vehicle and charger manufacturers.
J3400 NACS Family of Standards:
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J3400 – North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles
General requirements including communication protocols, ac/dc power transfer, interoperability, cybersecurity, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X). -
J3400/1 – Electric Vehicle Charging Adapter Safety and OEM-Qualified Device Designation
Defines physical, electrical, and performance requirements for adapters. -
J3400/2 – Connectors and Inlets for the North American Charging System (NACS) for Electric Vehicles
Details the physical architecture using 2D drawings and 3D modeling.
Watch Dr. McGee discuss the J3400 NACS Standards with SAE Sustainability Editor, Roberto Baldwin here
Filed Under: Charging, Technology News