NACS To J1772 adapter

User100723

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2023
Threads
20
Messages
386
Reaction score
351
Location
United States
Vehicles
GT
Country flag
So I’ve been comparing the different options out there, and I’m stuck between two options. Def don’t want to go with any of the numerous cheap uncertified Amazon adapters, no matter how many positive reviews they might have. Lectron has been ruled out as well, especially after watching one highly-rated product after another suddenly experience major, sometimes even catastrophic/life-threatening issues.

The two I’m trying to decide between are:

1. The OG TeslaTap Mini Lightning adapter (http://www.umc-j1772.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=17&product_id=174)

and

2. The newer & cheaper A2Z Stellar Tesla To J1772 adapter (https://a2zevshop.com/collections/charging-adapters/products/a2z-stellar-plug)


In comparing the two, I find that both are rated as 80a adapters, but only the TeslaTap is described as being rated specifically for continuous 80a load. Does anyone know if the A2Z adapter is also a continuous load adapter, or if the 80a rating is only for that current spike at the beginning of the charge?

Also, anyone with experience using both adapters? How’s the build quality/durability between the two adapters? Ease, speed and reliability of connecting and sustaining a charge?

Finally, I notice that the A2Z adapter has a built-in theft-deterrent lock and key mechanism. Looks much more convenient than the dual pad-lock loops that the TeslaTap offers. Two questions about the A2Z:

1. Is this a double-ended lock, or is it single -ended? In other words, can it actually lock both the cable and the car together (so as to prevent the unauthorized disconnection of either the cable or the adapter from the car), or does it only lock the adapter to the car (which would allow some rando to interrupt a charging session but not walk away with the adapter)?

2. Anyone experience issues with dirt, grime, snow, rust or any other elemental buildup/corrosion due to the upward-facing orientation of the keyhole on the A2Z adapter? As convenient as it the built in lock may be, the last thing I want is some grime or ice to prevent the key from fitting into the slot and releasing the adapter. Would this ever be a concern for overnight charges with mixed weather, such as wind, rain, dust or snow?

Both adapters look really good, but the price difference is significant, so would like some insight from the community. Thanks!
Sponsored

 

Aubury

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 4, 2023
Threads
3
Messages
230
Reaction score
272
Location
Dearborn, MI
Vehicles
2023 Mach E Premium - Grabber Blue
Country flag
As far as I'm aware the lock only works on the J1772-side, the NACS-side is locked by a little slider on the bottom of the A2Z adapter.

The 80 amp rating should be continuous. There's not really any initial surge current I'm aware of, at least over the amount the EV wants to charge at. It's a moot point anyways. The Mach E can only charge at a maximum 48 amps on AC. Very few EVs even have an 80 amp on board charger. Tesla hasn't even made any EVs with an 80 amp on board charger for a long time, except maybe the cybertruck does but I don't know much about that thing.
 
OP
OP

User100723

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2023
Threads
20
Messages
386
Reaction score
351
Location
United States
Vehicles
GT
Country flag
As far as I'm aware the lock only works on the J1772-side, the NACS-side is locked by a little slider on the bottom of the A2Z adapter.

The 80 amp rating should be continuous. There's not really any initial surge current I'm aware of, at least over the amount the EV wants to charge at. It's a moot point anyways. The Mach E can only charge at a maximum 48 amps on AC. Very few EVs even have an 80 amp on board charger. Tesla hasn't even made any EVs with an 80 amp on board charger for a long time, except maybe the cybertruck does but I don't know much about that thing.
Thanks for this, yeah regarding the 80a thing, I was thinking more long-term (say I eventually step up to a larger vehicle like the F150 Lightning, which supports 80a of continuous AC current). Third-party NACS home EVSE units are getting more capable I hear, so was thinking to just be on the safe side, in case something goes awry and manufacturers for some reason opt to stick with CCS1 for longer than expected.

But yeah, as you mentioned, I suppose it is a moot point.
 

Jerrytball

Well-Known Member
First Name
Jerry
Joined
Feb 21, 2024
Threads
30
Messages
2,152
Reaction score
1,136
Location
Gulfport MS
Vehicles
2026 bmw i4 M50
Occupation
Retired
Country flag
What other EV’s out there use the same charger that I use at home, the Ford connected one not the one that comes with the car I’m talking about the permanent wall mounted Ford charger?
 

VaporTrails

Well-Known Member
First Name
Steve
Joined
Nov 25, 2022
Threads
2
Messages
394
Reaction score
561
Location
Southeast US
Vehicles
2023 MME GTPE Vapor Blue, 1995 Acura Integra GS-R
Country flag
What other EV’s out there use the same charger that I use at home, the Ford connected one not the one that comes with the car I’m talking about the permanent wall mounted Ford charger?
Almost every current US EV supports J1772 plug that charger has. Even a Tesla would with an adapter. The Nissan Leaf with ChaDemo is the outlier.
 


SpaceEVDriver

Well-Known Member
Joined
Aug 26, 2021
Threads
71
Messages
2,651
Reaction score
4,774
Location
Arizona
Vehicles
2022 CA Route 1 AWD, ER; 2023 Lightning Lariat ER
Occupation
Planetary Science
Country flag
Question for you: Do you really want to lock a $200 part to a $50,000 car? Seems to me if someone has no problem stealing the adapter, they probably have no problem damaging your charge port to do so...

I have been thrilled with @A2ZEV's customer service for the DC NACS to CCS1 adapter, though I haven't used their J1772 adapter.
 
OP
OP

User100723

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2023
Threads
20
Messages
386
Reaction score
351
Location
United States
Vehicles
GT
Country flag
Question for you: Do you really want to lock a $200 part to a $50,000 car? Seems to me if someone has no problem stealing the adapter, they probably have no problem damaging your charge port to do so...

I have been thrilled with @A2ZEV's customer service for the DC NACS to CCS1 adapter, though I haven't used their J1772 adapter.

Well that’s a good way to look at it, though I’m not necessarily concerned with someone actually walking up to it with the intention of stealing it. I’m thinking more along the lines that some jerk would randomly unplug the car when I’m at 10% and need at least 50% in three hours or so - and then realize they can walk off with the adapter as a consolation prize.
 

ChasingCoral

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mark
Joined
Feb 3, 2020
Threads
502
Messages
14,318
Reaction score
28,675
Location
Maryland
Vehicles
2021 GB E4X FE, 2022 F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
Occupation
Retired oceanographer
Country flag
What other EV’s out there use the same charger that I use at home, the Ford connected one not the one that comes with the car I’m talking about the permanent wall mounted Ford charger?
You should be able to use your charger to charge almost any EV in the US.
 

ChasingCoral

Well-Known Member
First Name
Mark
Joined
Feb 3, 2020
Threads
502
Messages
14,318
Reaction score
28,675
Location
Maryland
Vehicles
2021 GB E4X FE, 2022 F-150 Lightning Lariat ER
Occupation
Retired oceanographer
Country flag
So I’ve been comparing the different options out there, and I’m stuck between two options. Def don’t want to go with any of the numerous cheap uncertified Amazon adapters, no matter how many positive reviews they might have. Lectron has been ruled out as well, especially after watching one highly-rated product after another suddenly experience major, sometimes even catastrophic/life-threatening issues.

The two I’m trying to decide between are:

1. The OG TeslaTap Mini Lightning adapter (http://www.umc-j1772.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=17&product_id=174)
I've been using the TeslaTap Mini 80A for a couple of years now (Lightning version came out after I purchased). While I've used it a few times for the Mach E, I've usually been using it for our Lightning.

In all my charging sessions I have never had a charger try to deliver more than 11.5 kW. In other words, the 50A adapter would have been fine. I'm glad I have the 80A to use with the Lightning but it's been a bit of overkill, even for a Lightning that can charge at 19.2 kW.
 
OP
OP

User100723

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 20, 2023
Threads
20
Messages
386
Reaction score
351
Location
United States
Vehicles
GT
Country flag
I've been using the TeslaTap Mini 80A for a couple of years now (Lightning version came out after I purchased). While I've used it a few times for the Mach E, I've usually been using it for our Lightning.

In all my charging sessions I have never had a charger try to deliver more than 11.5 kW. In other words, the 50A adapter would have been fine. I'm glad I have the 80A to use with the Lightning but it's been a bit of overkill, even for a Lightning that can charge at 19.2 kW.
Thanks for the reply! I’ve decided to go with the A2Z adapter.
Sponsored

 
 







Top