SAE J3068

SAE J3068, also known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector (though NACS is now managed by Tesla and not technically part of SAE J3068), is a technical standard published by SAE International defining a conductive charging system for electric vehicles in North America. Officially titled "SAE Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using a Three-Phase Capable Coupler", it outlines the physical connector, communication protocols, and performance requirements for AC and DC charging.

The standard facilitates AC Level 1, AC Level 2, and DC fast charging. It allows for higher power AC charging using three-phase power compared to older standards. One of its key features is the combination of AC and DC charging pins into a single connector, simplifying the charging process for users.

SAE J3068 leverages a communication protocol built upon existing standards like SAE J1772 for AC charging. For DC charging, it employs aspects of standards like DIN SPEC 70121 and ISO 15118, facilitating communication between the vehicle and the charging station to manage power delivery and safety.

The standard aims to improve interoperability and safety for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The increased adoption of the Tesla-designed connector (now sometimes referred to generically as NACS) by other automakers is leading to its increasing prominence in the North American electric vehicle market, though the underlying standard (SAE J3068) remains the official document specifying the technical requirements.