Chevrolet switched from the SAE J1772 plug to the Tesla connector, starting with 2024 and 2025 models
General Motors, which owns Chevrolet, decided to move away from the SAE J1772 plug — the standard charging connector used by most electric vehicles in North America for over a decade — and adopt the Tesla connector instead. This change rolled out gradually: some 2024 Chevrolet EVs came with the Tesla connector, and by 2025, the company completed the shift across its electric lineup. The Tesla connector is now becoming the industry standard, with Ford, Volkswagen, Hyundai, and others making the same move.
The reason for the change is practical: the Tesla connector is smaller, charges faster in many cases, and is becoming the dominant plug type across North America. Rather than maintain two separate connector types, Chevrolet aligned with the direction the market was already moving. If you own an older Chevrolet EV with the J1772 plug, your vehicle still works exactly as before — the change only affects new vehicles rolling off the line.
Key Takeaways
- Chevrolet EVs made before 2024 use the SAE J1772 plug, while 2024 and 2025 models use the Tesla connector.
- The Tesla connector is smaller and often faster than the J1772, and is now the standard across most major automakers in North America.
- If you own an older Chevrolet EV, you keep your J1772 plug and your existing charging cables work unchanged.
- Public charging networks are adding Tesla connector ports rapidly, though J1772 chargers remain widely available.
- Adapters exist to use one plug type with the other, though they add time and cost to charging.
What the SAE J1772 plug looked like and how long Chevrolet used it
The SAE J1772 connector is a round plug with five pins, about the size of a large coin. Chevrolet used it on all its electric vehicles from the Volt's introduction through the 2023 model year — the Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, and early Equinox EV all came standard with this plug. The J1772 was designed to be universal across the industry, so a Chevrolet, Nissan, Ford, or Volkswagen EV could all use the same public charging station.
The J1772 is still a reliable connector and millions of them are in use. Public charging networks installed thousands of J1772 ports over the past decade, and many of those stations remain in operation. If you own a Chevrolet EV from 2023 or earlier, you will continue to find J1772 chargers at shopping centers, workplaces, and dedicated charging stations.
The Tesla connector and why automakers are switching to it
The Tesla connector — officially called the North American Charging Standard (NACS) — is a smaller, flatter plug with a different internal design. Tesla developed it for its own vehicles and kept it proprietary for years. In 2023, the Society of Automotive Engineers standardized it as NACS, and major automakers began committing to it as the future standard.
The Tesla connector has practical advantages: it is more compact, which makes it easier to handle and store in your vehicle; it supports faster charging speeds on compatible equipment; and it is becoming ubiquitous, which means fewer "dead zones" where you cannot charge. For Chevrolet and other manufacturers, switching to it means their customers will have access to Tesla's Supercharger network — a huge advantage, since Tesla's network is one of the largest and most reliable in North America.
What happens if you own a Chevrolet EV with the J1772 plug
Your vehicle does not change. A 2023 Bolt EV or Bolt EUV will always have the J1772 connector, and you can continue using any J1772 charger at home, work, or in public. Chevrolet does not retrofit older vehicles, and there is no reason to — the J1772 works perfectly well and will continue to be supported by charging networks for years to come.
If you want to charge at a Tesla Supercharger or another location that only has the Tesla connector, you can purchase an adapter that converts the Tesla plug to J1772. These adapters cost between $200 and $400 and add a few minutes to your charging time, but they work. Most owners of older EVs do not need adapters because J1772 chargers remain widely available in most areas.
How to know which plug your Chevrolet EV has
The easiest way is to look at your vehicle's charging port. Open the charge door on the side of your car — on most Chevrolets, this is on the front fender or rear quarter panel. The J1772 plug is round and about the size of a quarter; the Tesla connector is rectangular and flatter. You can also check your owner's manual or the window sticker from when the vehicle was new.
If you bought your Chevrolet EV in 2023 or earlier, it has the J1772. If you bought it in 2024 or 2025, it almost certainly has the Tesla connector, though a few early 2024 models may have been built with J1772 before the transition was complete. Your dealer can confirm which one you have if you are unsure.
Public charging networks and which plugs they support
The charging landscape is in transition. Established networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint have thousands of J1772 ports still in operation and are adding Tesla connector ports as well. Tesla opened its Supercharger network to non-Tesla vehicles in 2023 and 2024, so owners of new Chevrolets with the Tesla connector can now use those stations directly.
In most urban and suburban areas, you will find both plug types available. Rural areas and smaller towns may have fewer options overall, but J1772 chargers are still the majority in many regions. If you are planning a long trip, apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Electrify America's own app let you search for specific connector types in your route.
Charging at home with either plug type
Home charging is where most EV owners charge most of the time, and your plug type matters here. If you have a J1772 vehicle, you will need a Level 2 home charger with a J1772 connector. If you have a Tesla connector vehicle, you need a Level 2 charger with a Tesla connector. These are not interchangeable without an adapter.
When you install a home charger, the electrician or installer will ask which connector type your vehicle uses. Home chargers cost between $500 and $2,500 installed, depending on your electrical setup and the charger model. Many utilities and some states offer rebates that can cover part of this cost. Since you will use your home charger far more often than public chargers, it is worth installing the right one for your vehicle's plug type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a J1772 charger with a Tesla connector vehicle?
Not directly. You would need an adapter that converts the Tesla connector to J1772. Adapters exist but add cost and charging time. Most owners of new Chevrolets with the Tesla connector will find Tesla connector chargers or other NACS-equipped stations available, so adapters are usually unnecessary.
Will Chevrolet ever make J1772 vehicles again?
No. Chevrolet has committed to the Tesla connector (NACS) as its standard going forward. The industry is consolidating around this plug type, and J1772 will gradually phase out as older vehicles age out and new ones replace them.
If I buy a used 2024 Chevrolet EV, which plug will it have?
Most likely the Tesla connector, since Chevrolet completed the transition during 2024. However, some very early 2024 models built before the changeover may still have J1772. Check the vehicle's charging port or ask the seller to confirm before you purchase.
Do I need to replace my home charger if I buy a new Chevrolet EV?
If your current charger has a J1772 connector and your new vehicle has a Tesla connector, yes — you will need a new charger with the Tesla connector. Adapters exist but are not practical for daily home charging. Plan to budget for a new Level 2 home charger when you switch vehicles.
Is the Tesla connector faster than the J1772?
The Tesla connector can support faster charging speeds on compatible equipment, but the difference depends on the specific charger and vehicle. At most public Level 2 chargers, the speed difference is small. At DC fast chargers, the Tesla connector often supports higher power, which means faster charging times.