Casteyanqui.com | Electric Vehicles | J3400 Adapter for my Ioniq 5

A2Z Typhoon PRO
(Click to enlarge)

J3400 Adapter
for my Ioniq 5

Mark D Larsen

August 22, 2024

Some of the first accessories that I purchased for our Ioniq 5 were two J1772 Stellar Adapters from A2Z so that I could charge it from my High Power Wall Connector (HPWC) in the garage and Universal Mobile Connector (UMC) when away from home. I was so impressed with their solid workmanship that I resolved to seriously consider also buying A2Z’s J3400 Typhoon Adapter someday so that I could plug in at Superchargers, once Hyundai had been given the green light to do so.
Since that time, I have been researching everything I could find about J3400 adapters, not only this A2Z Typhoon, but also the Lectron Vortex. I have watched some thorough testing of the A2Z Typhoon, which even included measuring the heat generated when connected to a Supercharger, like this video from the Mach-E Vlog and this one from State of Charge. In both instances, they gave high praises to the Typhoon for its solid, durable materials and its ability to handle DCFC currents without overheating. They are convinced that it works just as well and as safely as the “official” adapter from Ford and Rivian, despite Tesla’s admonition that “using third-party adapters is prohibited.” They have convinced me as well.
Consequently, two months ago I decided to go ahead and order the A2Z Typhoon Adapter, even though Hyundai has stated that its EVs won’t come with J3400 ports until Q4 2024, with its own adapters available in Q1 2025. Of course, it wouldn’t surprise me if those plans will now be seriously delayed, precisely because, out of petulant spite and jealousy, E’loon Isherwell fired the senior director of Supercharging, Rebecca Tinucci, and 500 members of her team in April.
To clarify, TIME Magazine had named Tinucci one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders” in the world at the end of 2023, and MotorTrend in March ranked her #2 in its list of the 50 “Auto Industry’s Biggest Movers and Shakers,” —while E’loon was ranked at… wait for it… #50. I purport that his NPD just couldn’t handle the blow to his fragile ego. Consequently, the only automakers that gained access to Superchargers before those dismissals were Ford in February and Rivian in March. Tesla’s NACS webpage had originally stated that GM, Volvo, and Polestar would be joining them in “Spring 2024.” Well… summer solstice came and went two months ago without that happening. Now the webpage has been redacted and states that such authorizations are “coming soon” —whatever that means— with Mercedes and Nissan added to the list. Regardless, whenever Hyundai does finally gain access to Superchargers, I want to be ready to use them.
Shortly after placing my order, however, I saw on A2Z’s website that they were now selling a new and improved Typhoon PRO version. Drat! Chalk in up to my luck of the Danish, I guess. The new model now releases both the J3400 and CCS1 safety latches with one button —instead of two like on the original I had ordered. Consequently, I contacted A2Z to request that they allow me to exchange it for the PRO model, paying the difference in price. They agreed, I immediately paid the difference, and returned the original model to them. Of course, shipping adapters back and forth from Canada greatly delayed the process, so just yesterday I finally took delivery of the Typhoon PRO Adapter. Below is my usual annotated description.

NOTE: You can click on the following photos to enlarge them and the movie to play it.

Like my Stellar 1772 adapters, the Typhoon PRO came with a nice padded carrying case.

Inside the case, was the adapter, along with an instruction booklet.

As a comparison, here is the original Typhoon model that I returned to A2Z, plugged into my UMC —even though it won't work with a 240V Level 2 EVSE, just with a Supercharger.

And here is the new Typhoon PRO model that arrived yesterday. You can see that it is a longer, more robust adapter, with a slightly raised lip around the J3400 port to facilitate plugging it in to a Supercharger without loosing your grip on the handle.

Here is a short movie in which I demonstrate how the one button releases the locks on both ends. First, you can see how pressing it raises the hook connecting it to the vehicle. Then, I turn the adapter and press the button down firmly to show how it also releases the tiny catch that locks it to a J3400 plug. Clever design!

To verify that the Typhoon PRO fits on a Supercharger plug, I drove to our local site that has 12 units designated to accommodate CCS1 EVs with an adapter.

I parked lengthwise at the very end of the row so that my charging port was next to the last Supercharger without occupying two stalls. Because Superchargers have such short cables, parking without inconviencing others will prove a real problem for other EVs —at least until A2Z releases its dedicated extension cable.

Sure enough, the Typhoon PRO fit on the J3400 plug just fine.

I then plugged it into Rocinante, so that both ends were connected —even though I couldn't get a charge yet without authorization.

At least I know that the Typhoon PRO will work, when and if that authorization is programmed into the Supercharger network. It was easy to disconnect it from both the car and the plug using its dual purpose button, although I did have to press it fairly firmly to release the tiny catch inside the plug’s port.

I plan to store this adapter with all my other roadtrip charging paraphernalia in the frunk. In this photo you can barely see the wider CCS1 end of it underneath the UMC's plug with its J1772 adapter.

When and if I will finally be able to plug in at a Supercharger, well… I’ll let you know! I’m not holding my breath that it will happen according to Hyundai’s announced timeline, due to E’loon’s petulance. If it does… color me surprised, but pleased.

Like my Stellar 1772 adapters, the Typhoon PRO came with a nice padded carrying case.	Inside the case, was the adapter, along with an instruction booklet.
As a comparison, here is the original Typhoon model that I returned to A2Z, plugged into my UMC —even though it won't work with a 240V Level 2 EVSE, just with a Supercharger.	And here is the new Typhoon PRO model that arrived yesterday. You can see that it is a longer, more robust adapter, with a slightly raised lip around the J3400 port to facilitate plugging it in to a Supercharger without loosing your grip on the handle.
Here is a short movie in which I demonstrate how the one button releases the locks on both ends. First, you can see how pressing it raises the hook connecting it to the vehicle. Then, I turn the adapter and press the button down firmly to show how it also releases the tiny catch that locks it to a J3400 plug. Clever design!
To verify that the Typhoon PRO fits on a Supercharger plug, I drove to our local site that has 12 units designated to accommodate CCS1 EVs with an adapter.	I parked lengthwise at the very end of the row so that my charging port was next to the last Supercharger without occupying two stalls. Because Superchargers have such short cables, parking without inconviencing others will prove a real problem for other EVs —at least until A2Z releases its dedicated extension cable.
Sure enough, the Typhoon PRO fit on the J3400 plug just fine.	I then plugged it into Rocinante, so that both ends were connected —even though I couldn't get a charge yet without authorization.
At least I know that the Typhoon PRO will work, when and if that authorization is programmed into the Supercharger network. It was easy to disconnect it from both the car and the plug using its dual purpose button, although I did have to press it fairly firmly to release the tiny catch inside the plug’s port.	I plan to store this adapter with all my other roadtrip charging paraphernalia in the frunk. In this photo you can barely see the wider CCS1 end of it underneath the UMC's plug with its J1772 adapter.