By EV Charge Cost Editorial Team. Published September 28, 2026, updated October 26, 2026.
The three plugs at a glance
| Connector | AC (Level 1 and 2) | DC fast charging | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|---|
| J1772 | Yes | No | Home chargers, workplace and public Level 2 stations |
| CCS1 (Combined Charging System) | Yes, through its J1772 upper half | Yes, through two extra DC pins | Many DC fast chargers; many non-Tesla EVs |
| NACS / SAE J3400 | Yes | Yes, same pins | Tesla vehicles and Superchargers; a growing number of other brands and networks |
J1772: the AC standard
J1772 carries alternating current. The car's onboard charger converts it to DC for the battery, so charging speed is limited by the smaller of the station's power and the onboard charger. Most home chargers and Level 2 public stations sold for non-Tesla cars use it.
CCS1: J1772 plus DC
CCS1 keeps the J1772 shape on top and adds two large DC pins below. A CCS1 port accepts a J1772 plug for AC charging and the full CCS1 plug for DC fast charging, which bypasses the onboard charger and feeds the battery directly.
NACS / SAE J3400: one plug for both
NACS started as Tesla's connector and was standardized by SAE as J3400. It uses the same small set of pins for both AC and DC, making the plug and the car's port smaller. Automakers and charging networks across the U.S. are adopting it, so the mix of ports on new cars and cables at stations is changing. Check your own car's port and the station's listing rather than assuming by brand.
Plugs versus charging levels
Connector type and charging level are separate ideas. Level 1 (120 V) and Level 2 (240 V) are AC charging and can use either a J1772 or a NACS plug. DC fast charging uses CCS1 or NACS. So "a NACS charger" can mean a home wall unit delivering a few kW of AC or a fast charger delivering far more power as DC. When comparing options, ask two questions: which plug, and AC or DC?
Adapters
Adapters between these standards exist and are widely used, for example to plug a J1772 charger into a NACS port or to reach NACS fast chargers from a CCS1 car. Some practical rules:
- Use adapters your automaker approves or that are certified for the power level, especially for DC fast charging, which carries very high current.
- Do not chain adapters together.
- Check compatibility in the car's app or manual. A plug that fits does not guarantee the car and station can communicate for DC charging.
Does the plug change what you pay?
No. You pay for kWh, and the price is set by your utility at home or by the network in public. What matters is where you charge, not which plug carries the energy.
| Model | kWh/100 mi | Home (18.16¢) | Home in Nevada | Home in Hawaii | Example public price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 26.9 | $4.88 | $3.42 | $12.67 | $12.09 |
| Chevrolet Equinox EV | 32.6 | $5.92 | $4.15 | $15.39 | $14.68 |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | 33.6 | $6.11 | $4.28 | $15.87 | $15.14 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 34.5 | $6.26 | $4.39 | $16.28 | $15.52 |
| Kia EV9 | 40.0 | $7.26 | $5.09 | $18.87 | $18.00 |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 47.9 | $8.70 | $6.09 | $22.61 | $21.56 |
The public column uses an example price; public prices vary widely by network, location and time, so replace it with what you actually pay. Home prices are August 2026 state averages from EIA. See your state on the state price pages.
What to do if you are buying an EV or a home charger
- Home charger: buy one with the connector your car uses, or one that ships with an approved adapter. The plug does not affect energy cost; power level and installation matter more. See Level 1 vs Level 2 charging.
- New car: look at which fast-charging networks near your usual routes it can use natively or with an adapter.
- Road trips: plan with the plug type in mind, and budget with the approach in our road trip cost guide.