Ever wondered what that chunky, distinct charging plug is at some EV stations? It’s called CHAdeMO, and understanding it is key to navigating the world of electric vehicle charging.
CHAdeMO is a direct current DC fast-charging standard for electric vehicles, primarily developed by Japanese automakers and the Tokyo Electric Power Company TEPCO back in 2010. The name itself is a clever play on words: it’s an abbreviation of “CHArge de MOve” which they translate as “charge for moving” and also a pun on a Japanese phrase, “o CHA deMO ikaga desuka,” meaning “How about a cup of tea?”. The idea was that you could grab a cup of tea while your car charges up quickly. And for many years, it delivered on that promise, becoming one of the most widely adopted fast-charging standards globally, especially in Japan.
While its presence outside of Japan is , CHAdeMO played a crucial role in kickstarting the fast-charging infrastructure we see today. It’s a proven and reliable technology that’s still important for many EV drivers, particularly those with older models. You’ll find CHAdeMO chargers in various countries, including Japan, Europe, North America, and parts of Asia and Australia. However, as the EV rapidly shifts, new vehicles and charging networks are increasingly opting for other standards like CCS and NACS. So, while CHAdeMO isn’t going away overnight, its role is certainly changing, becoming a bit more niche outside of its home market.
What Exactly is CHAdeMO Charging?
Think of CHAdeMO as one of the original trailblazers in the world of electric vehicle fast charging. Before it, quickly topping up your EV on the go was a pretty rare thing. This standard was brought to life by the CHAdeMO Association, formed in 2010 by TEPCO and major Japanese carmakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, and Subaru. Their goal was clear: create a standardized DC fast-charging system that any compatible EV could use, no matter the brand or model.
What makes it unique? Well, for starters, it’s all about Direct Current DC fast charging. Unlike the slower Alternating Current AC charging you typically do at home Level 1 or Level 2, DC fast charging bypasses your car’s onboard charger. Instead, it sends DC power directly to the battery, allowing for much quicker charging times.
The CHAdeMO connector itself is quite distinctive – it’s a large, round plug that handles both the power transfer and the communication between the car and the charger. This communication is super important for safety and to make sure your car’s battery is charged optimally.
The name’s origin, “Charge de Move” and “How about a cup of tea?”, perfectly captures its essence. It’s designed to give you a meaningful boost of range in a relatively short period, making longer trips and quick top-ups much more feasible for early EV adopters. In fact, the first commercial CHAdeMO charging infrastructure was up and running in 2009, right alongside the launch of the Mitsubishi i-MiEV.
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How Does a CHAdeMO Charger Work?
Alright, let’s break down how this rapid charging magic actually happens. When you pull up to a CHAdeMO station, you’re looking at a DC fast charger. This is different from the slower AC chargers you might have at home or at work.
Here’s the deal: electric vehicle batteries store energy as Direct Current DC. Your home’s electricity grid, however, supplies Alternating Current AC. For your car’s battery to get charged with AC, it needs an “onboard charger” a rectifier inside the car to convert that AC into DC. This process is pretty efficient but has a power limit, which means slower charging.
With a CHAdeMO charger, that conversion from AC to DC doesn’t happen in your car. Instead, it happens right there at the charging station itself. The charging station takes the AC power from the grid, converts it to high-voltage DC, and then sends that DC directly to your car’s battery through the CHAdeMO cable. This bypasses your car’s internal charger, allowing for a much faster flow of energy. That’s why they call it “DC fast charging” – it’s direct to the battery.
The CHAdeMO connector plays a crucial role here. It’s not just a power conduit. it’s also a communication channel. The charger and your car are constantly talking to each other, exchanging data about the battery’s state of charge, temperature, and other vital information. This sophisticated communication protocol ensures that the charging process is not only fast but also safe and efficient, preventing damage to the battery. It’s kind of like your car and the charger having a quick chat to make sure everything’s perfectly aligned before the power really starts flowing.
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CHAdeMO Charging Speed: How Fast Can You Top Up?
When it comes to charging speed, CHAdeMO has definitely evolved over the years. Early CHAdeMO connectors, like the first-generation spec, could deliver up to 62.5 kW 500 V, 125 A DC. To put that in perspective, that could add about 120 kilometers around 75 miles of range in just half an hour. That was a must back in the day!
Today, many public CHAdeMO stations you’ll encounter typically offer speeds around 50 kW. At this rate, a typical EV battery can often go from 20% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes to an hour. For instance, a Nissan Leaf using a 50 kW CHAdeMO charger might get from 20% to 80% in about 60 minutes. Charging speed isn’t linear though. it often slows down as the battery gets fuller, especially after 80%, to protect the battery’s health.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the technology has advanced. Newer CHAdeMO specifications allow for much higher power levels. Version 1.2, released in 2017, bumped the maximum to 200 kW, and CHAdeMO 2.0 from 2018 can go up to 400 kW 1 kV, 400 A DC. There’s even a third-generation standard called “ChaoJi” CHAdeMO 3.0, co-developed with China, that’s aiming for a whopping 900 kW. However, these ultra-fast CHAdeMO chargers are still less common, especially outside of Japan. Most U.S. CHAdeMO stations, for example, tend to cap out around 50 kW.
Several factors influence how fast your specific car will charge, even at a high-power CHAdeMO station:
- Your EV’s battery size: Bigger batteries take longer to fill up.
- The charger’s actual output capacity: Not all CHAdeMO chargers deliver the same maximum power.
- Your car’s onboard charging capabilities: Even if the charger can deliver 400 kW, your car might only be able to accept 50 kW.
- The battery’s current state of charge SoC: Charging is typically fastest when the battery is low e.g., 20-50% and tapers off as it gets fuller.
- Battery temperature: Extreme cold or heat can affect charging speed.
So, while CHAdeMO can theoretically be very fast, what you experience in the real world often depends on the specific charger and your vehicle. Getting Help with Your Rexing Dash Cam: Contact Numbers, Support, and More
Which Electric Cars Use CHAdeMO?
CHAdeMO has historically been the go-to fast-charging standard for many electric vehicles, especially those from Japanese manufacturers. You’ll often find this distinctive port on some of the earlier and most popular EV models that hit the market.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key vehicles that typically use or have used CHAdeMO:
- Nissan LEAF: This is probably the poster child for CHAdeMO. Since its launch in 2010, the Nissan LEAF has consistently featured a CHAdeMO port, making it one of the most notable vehicles compatible with this standard. Even though Nissan is transitioning to NACS for newer models in North America starting in 2026, older LEAFs still rely on CHAdeMO.
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: This plug-in hybrid SUV is another prominent user of CHAdeMO, especially in North America, where it’s one of the last remaining vehicles equipped with the port.
- Mitsubishi i-MiEV: An early electric vehicle, the i-MiEV also came with CHAdeMO charging capabilities, though it’s no longer in production.
- Kia Soul EV older models: Some earlier iterations of the Kia Soul EV included CHAdeMO ports. However, newer versions have moved towards the CCS standard.
- Toyota Prius Plug-In: Certain versions of this plug-in hybrid feature CHAdeMO charging.
- Lexus UX 300e: In some markets, the Lexus UX 300e also uses the CHAdeMO standard.
- Nissan e-NV200: This electric van also supports CHAdeMO.
- Citroen C-Zero and Peugeot iOn: These European models, which share a platform with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, also came with CHAdeMO ports.
- BMW i3 early models: Some versions of the BMW i3 had CHAdeMO compatibility for DC fast charging.
- Hyundai Kona Electric early models: Similar to Kia, some early Hyundai Kona Electric models also featured CHAdeMO.
It’s clear that CHAdeMO was widely adopted by many Japanese automakers and some European brands early on. However, if you’re looking at newer EVs, especially those sold in North America and Europe, you’ll notice a significant shift. Automakers are increasingly moving away from CHAdeMO in favor of other standards like CCS and NACS. For instance, Nissan’s Ariya, launched in North America in 2021, uses CCS instead of CHAdeMO. This means that while CHAdeMO remains a solid choice for its compatible vehicles, the list of new models supporting it is shrinking outside of Japan.
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CHAdeMO vs. The Competition: CCS and NACS
The world of EV charging standards can feel a bit like a competitive sport, and CHAdeMO has some strong contenders, mainly the Combined Charging System CCS and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard NACS. Each has its own strengths and prevalence in different regions.
CHAdeMO: The Japanese Pioneer
CHAdeMO was developed with a focus on DC fast charging from the start. Its distinct, large, round connector is dedicated solely to high-power DC charging. This dedicated design has some advantages, particularly its proven reliability and emphasis on safety features through continuous communication between the car and charger. One of CHAdeMO’s standout features is its support for bidirectional charging V2G – Vehicle-to-Grid. This means CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles can not only draw power from the grid but also send power back to it, which can be useful for grid stability or even powering your home during an outage.
Historically, CHAdeMO has had a strong presence in Japan and parts of Asia. As of May 2023, there were over 57,800 CHAdeMO chargers worldwide, with a significant number in Japan 9,600, Europe 31,600, and North America 9,400.
CCS Combined Charging System: The Global Hybrid
CCS emerged as a response to CHAdeMO, primarily championed by European and American automakers like Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, and General Motors. The “Combined” in its name is key: it’s a hybrid connector that integrates both AC Level 2 and DC fast charging into a single port on the vehicle. This means you don’t need a separate port for slower AC charging like some CHAdeMO-equipped cars do, which many find more convenient.
There are two main types of CCS connectors: CCS1 common in North America, based on the J1772 AC connector and CCS2 prevalent in Europe, based on the Type 2 AC connector. CCS chargers generally support much higher power levels than typical CHAdeMO stations, often reaching 150 kW or more, with high-end units capable of 350 kW or even over 500 kW. This makes CCS ideal for newer EVs with larger batteries that can accept ultra-fast charging. CCS has rapidly become the dominant standard in North America and Europe. While some sources mention CCS supporting bidirectional charging, CHAdeMO is often highlighted as the only standard with mass market production and certification for V2G. Rexing p1 bodycam
NACS North American Charging Standard: Tesla’s Influence
Then there’s Tesla’s proprietary connector, now known as NACS. For a long time, this was exclusive to Tesla’s Supercharger network, which is renowned for its widespread availability and reliability. The NACS connector is notably smaller and sleeker than both CHAdeMO and CCS.
While initially closed, Tesla made its NACS design available to other automakers, leading to a rapid industry shift. Many major manufacturers, including Ford, General Motors, and others, have announced plans to adopt NACS for their future EVs, often starting in 2025, and gain access to the extensive Supercharger network. This move has significantly impacted the charging , particularly in North America, making NACS a very strong contender for a unified standard in the region.
The Evolving Landscape
In summary, while CHAdeMO was a vital pioneer and still serves many existing EVs, especially in Japan, its global footprint is shrinking. CCS has taken the lead in Europe and North America due to its combined AC/DC port and higher power capabilities. NACS is also rapidly gaining traction, poised to become a dominant force in North America thanks to Tesla’s network and broad automaker adoption. The move towards fewer standards aims to reduce customer confusion and streamline infrastructure development.
Can Your Tesla Use CHAdeMO?
This is a common question, especially for Tesla owners who might find themselves near a CHAdeMO station and away from a Supercharger. The good news is, yes, some Tesla models can use CHAdeMO chargers, but you’ll need a special adapter. What is a Dash Cam Parking Monitor?
Specifically, the Tesla Model S and Model X are compatible with the CHAdeMO adapter. With this adapter, these vehicles can tap into the global network of DC charging stations that use the CHAdeMO standard. Tesla’s official shop states that CHAdeMO stations can enable charging at up to 43 kW, which translates to about 108 kilometers or 75 miles of range per half hour. Keep in mind that for older Model S vehicles without Supercharging enabled, some onboard hardware activation might be required to use the CHAdeMO adapter.
Here’s the catch:
- Model 3 and Model Y are not currently supported by the Model S and Model X CHAdeMO adapter.
- Adapter availability has changed: Tesla actually stopped selling its CHAdeMO adapter in some regions around 2021. While you might still find them on reseller sites like eBay, they are no longer a standard offering from Tesla. This reflects Tesla’s shift in focus towards its own NACS standard and, in some regions, CCS.
- Limited utility: As other charging networks like Electrify America are phasing out new CHAdeMO installations in favor of CCS, the long-term utility of a CHAdeMO adapter for a Tesla is diminishing, especially outside of Japan. In some areas, charging providers like EVgo have even installed Tesla CHAdeMO adapters directly at their stations on retractable cables, though often in locations that might not be ideal.
So, while a CHAdeMO adapter can provide a charging option for some Tesla owners, it’s becoming less relevant with the broader industry move towards CCS and NACS. For newer Teslas, the strategy is less about adapting to CHAdeMO and more about other EVs adapting to NACS, or Teslas using CCS especially in Europe or with specific adapters.
Advantages of CHAdeMO Charging
Even with newer standards making headlines, CHAdeMO still holds some unique advantages that made it a significant player in the early days of EV adoption and continue to serve many drivers today. Rexing V3 vs V5: Which Dash Cam Should YOU Buy in 2025?
- Pioneering DC Fast Charging: CHAdeMO was truly one of the first widely adopted DC fast-charging standards. It proved that electric vehicles could be charged quickly and conveniently, helping to alleviate early “range anxiety” for EV owners. This groundwork was crucial for the entire EV industry.
- Robust and Proven Reliability: Having been around since 2010, CHAdeMO is a well-established and highly reliable charging system. The CHAdeMO Association prioritizes safety, with a built-in safety system that continuously monitors the charging process and automatically shuts down if any irregularities are detected. This ensures a safe and dependable experience for users.
- Widespread Infrastructure Historically and in Key Regions: For many years, CHAdeMO chargers were installed in significant numbers globally. As of May 2023, there were over 57,800 CHAdeMO chargers in 99 countries. While its growth is slowing in some regions, it still boasts a substantial network, particularly in Japan where it remains very popular. For owners of compatible EVs in these areas, finding a CHAdeMO station is often straightforward.
- Bidirectional Charging V2G Capability: This is arguably CHAdeMO’s most compelling unique selling point. CHAdeMO is the only charging protocol with mass-market production and certification for Vehicle-to-Grid V2G capability. This means your CHAdeMO-equipped EV can not only draw power from the grid but also send electricity back to it. This functionality is incredible for:
- Grid stability: EVs can act as mobile energy storage, helping to balance supply and demand.
- Backup power: Imagine using your car to power your home during a blackout Vehicle-to-Home or V2H.
- Energy management: Potentially selling power back to the grid during peak demand.
No other major charging standard offers this V2G capability at the same level of deployment.
- Cost-Effectiveness for Chargers: Some sources suggest that CHAdeMO charging stations can have lower upfront installation costs compared to CCS stations, making them a potentially more affordable option for network operators. This contributes to its historical widespread deployment.
For existing EV drivers with CHAdeMO-compatible cars, these advantages ensure that their vehicles remain well-supported, at least in the near to medium term, especially with the unique V2G feature that’s still ahead of its time for many other standards.
Disadvantages and the Future of CHAdeMO
While CHAdeMO has a proud history and some notable advantages, the EV charging is rapidly changing, and this has brought several disadvantages and challenges for the standard.
- Declining Adoption Outside Japan: This is perhaps the biggest challenge. Outside of Japan, new EV models are increasingly adopting CCS and NACS. For example, the Nissan Leaf was the last fully electric car available in North America with CHAdeMO, and Nissan is adopting NACS for its 2026 models. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is now one of the only remaining CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles in North America. In Europe, only 4.12% of new EVs sold in 2021 were equipped with CHAdeMO, and this number is predicted to keep decreasing. This means fewer new cars are being made with CHAdeMO ports.
- Competition from CCS and NACS: CCS, with its combined AC/DC port, offers greater convenience and often higher peak charging speeds than many existing CHAdeMO stations. NACS, backed by Tesla’s expansive Supercharger network and now adopted by many other automakers, is rapidly becoming a dominant force, especially in North America. This intense competition makes it harder for CHAdeMO to expand its market share for new vehicles.
- Charging Networks Phasing Out Support: Major charging networks are starting to reflect the shift in automaker preference. Electrify America, one of the largest networks in the U.S., announced in 2021 that it would no longer install CHAdeMO connectors on its new EV chargers. Other networks like Allego in Europe are also slowly phasing out CHAdeMO chargers, meaning they aren’t actively replacing them or including them in new or renovated locations. While existing CHAdeMO chargers aren’t disappearing overnight, this trend indicates a reduced focus on expanding the network for the standard.
- Requirement for Adapters: If you have an EV that doesn’t natively support CHAdeMO like most newer non-Japanese EVs or many Teslas, you’d need an expensive adapter to use a CHAdeMO station. This adds an extra cost and a potential point of failure. Conversely, if you have a CHAdeMO-only EV in regions where CCS is dominant, you might need a CCS-to-CHAdeMO adapter to access the wider network.
- Dedicated DC-Only Port: Unlike CCS which combines AC and DC charging into a single port, CHAdeMO is exclusively for DC fast charging. This means CHAdeMO-equipped vehicles often need a separate port for slower AC charging, which can be seen as less convenient.
The Future: ChaoJi CHAdeMO 3.0
Despite the challenges, the CHAdeMO Association isn’t giving up. They’re actively working on a third-generation standard called ChaoJi also referred to as CHAdeMO 3.0, in collaboration with the China Electricity Council CEC. This new standard, released in 2020, aims for incredibly high power levels, targeting 900 kW.
What’s really interesting about ChaoJi is its design for backward compatibility. The new connector has a unique shape but is planned to be compatible with existing CHAdeMO and China’s GB/T DC-charging standards using dedicated adapters. It’s even designed to be fully compatible with CCS. This ambitious move aims to create a truly global ultra-fast charging standard that bridges the current divides. What Exactly Is a Rexing Dash Cam?
However, the widespread deployment and adoption of ChaoJi will depend on how quickly automakers and charging networks embrace it, especially in markets where CCS and NACS are already well-entrenched. For now, CHAdeMO’s role outside Japan is gradually shrinking, making it a reliable but increasingly niche option for a specific segment of EV owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CHAdeMO being phased out?
CHAdeMO is indeed being phased out in some regions, particularly in North America and Europe, as charging networks and automakers increasingly focus on CCS and NACS. While existing CHAdeMO chargers won’t vanish overnight, new installations are declining, and fewer new EVs are being released with CHAdeMO ports outside of Japan. In Japan, it remains a popular and supported standard.
How fast is a CHAdeMO charger?
The charging speed of CHAdeMO varies. Most public CHAdeMO chargers you encounter today typically deliver 50 kW of power. At this rate, many EVs can get from 20% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Newer CHAdeMO specifications allow for up to 400 kW, and the upcoming ChaoJi CHAdeMO 3.0 aims for 900 kW, but these ultra-fast chargers are less common.
Can all EVs use CHAdeMO?
No, not all EVs can use CHAdeMO. CHAdeMO is a specific standard with its own unique connector. It’s primarily used by electric vehicles from Japanese manufacturers like Nissan e.g., older Nissan Leaf models and Mitsubishi e.g., Outlander PHEV. Most newer EVs from European, American, and Korean brands sold outside Japan use the CCS standard. Tesla vehicles can use CHAdeMO with a specific adapter, but this adapter is primarily for older Model S and X vehicles and is no longer widely sold by Tesla. Unboxing the Mystery: What Exactly is an Apple Open Box Item?
What’s the main difference between CHAdeMO and CCS?
The main differences between CHAdeMO and CCS are their connectors and integration of charging types. CHAdeMO uses a dedicated, separate connector solely for DC fast charging. CCS, on the other hand, is a “Combined Charging System” that integrates both AC Level 2 and DC fast charging into a single port on the vehicle, offering more versatility. CCS also generally supports higher peak charging speeds, and CHAdeMO has unique bidirectional charging V2G capabilities that CCS currently lacks in widespread deployment.
Do Teslas need a CHAdeMO adapter?
Yes, Teslas need a CHAdeMO adapter to use CHAdeMO charging stations. This adapter was specifically designed for the Tesla Model S and Model X. However, it’s important to note that the adapter is not compatible with the Model 3 or Model Y. Additionally, Tesla stopped selling these adapters in some regions, and with the growing adoption of NACS Tesla’s own standard by other automakers and CCS in many public networks, the practical need for a CHAdeMO adapter for Tesla owners is diminishing.
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