SAE International has released the SAE J3400: NACS Electric Vehicle Coupler Technical Recommended Practice (RP), which SAE calls “a major milestone in the advancement of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.” The SAE J3400 RP establishes a framework for EV charging in North America including general physical, electrical, functional, safety, and performance requirements for the rollout of the industry-developed standard later this year. 

SAE announced efforts to standardize the Tesla-developed North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector in June of 2023 to address the critical need for consistency and compatibility among various charging systems and EV models. The publication of the J3400 Technical Information Report, which laid the foundation for SAE’s implementation of the standard, was announced six months later in December 2023.

The SAE J3400 NACS Task Force has also announced that the NACS acronym has been updated to “North American Charging System,” reflecting that it is a system comprising a set of industry standards covering aspects beyond the vehicle coupler.

“The SAE J3400 recommended practice adds 1000V DC fast-charge with adapter thermal awareness, SAE Universal AC charging for mass electrification using carry-along cables and adopts V2G and backup power requirements,” said Dr. Rodney McGee, Ph.D., P.E., chairman, SAE J3400TM NACS Task Force, and research engineer at the Transportation Electrification Center at the University of Delaware.

Rivian Automotive, Inc. senior director of public policy Chris Nevers added: “As Rivian adopts NACS and J3400 beginning next year, the official publication of SAE J3400 will enable the update of federal and state requirements leading to an improved charging experience with additional charging locations and reduced need for charger adapters.”

With an emphasis on compatibility, SAE J3400 will advance an interoperable charging network that will make it easier for drivers to access charging infrastructure without the need for multiple adaptors or proprietary systems, SAE said. In addition to benefiting EV drivers, the standard will help to ensure that any supplier or manufacturer will be able to use, manufacture, or deploy the J3400 connector for EVs and charging stations across North America.