CCS vs CHAdeMO: Comparing Charging Standards for Electric Vehicles

CCS. CHAdeMO. That’s a whole lot of letters and not a whole lot of sense, right? As a potential EV buyer understanding these two abbreviations is important.

The main difference between CCS and CHAdeMO is the shape and layout of the connector and its pins. But don’t worry because it’s impossible to plug the wrong one into your EV.

A single connector standardization would be nirvana, but it’s pretty straightforward nonetheless. Below is a snapshot of what to be aware of.

1️⃣ CCS supports higher charging speeds and has a single connector design combining AC and DC charging.

2️⃣ European and American automakers mainly use CCS, while Japanese manufacturers prefer CHAdeMO; both are available at numerous public charging stations.

3️⃣ CCS is gaining global popularity due to faster speeds and simpler design, while CHAdeMO’s future remains uncertain.

It’s worth noting that these standards differ not only in terms of their physical connectors but also in terms of the network expansion and charging speeds they provide.

So let’s dive deeper into the advantages and disadvantages of the CCS and CHAdeMO charging standards.

Technical Comparison

CHAdeMO: “CHArge de MOve,” which translates to “charge for moving” in Japanese. Additionally, it’s a pun on “O cha demo ikaga desuka” in Japanese, meaning “How about some tea?” referring to the short time it takes to charge a vehicle.

CCS: “Combined Charging System.” It’s named this way because it combines the capability of AC and DC charging into a single port.

Charging Speed

Both CCS and CHAdeMO provide DC fast charging capabilities for electric vehicles. However, their charging speeds differ as the technologies continue to evolve.

CHAdeMO’s initial charging standard supported speeds up to 62.5 kW, with recent advancements pushing the maximum to 150 kW for some vehicles. 

On the other hand, CCS has a higher charging capacity, with current charging speeds reaching up to 350 kW. The increased charging capacity provides faster charging times for vehicles equipped with CCS-compatible ports.

Power Output

The power output of these charging systems dictates how quickly an electric vehicle can be charged. While CHAdeMO introduced the ability to charge at a maximum power output of 62.5 kW, which was later increased to 150 kW, CCS consistently offered higher power outputs as part of its design.

With CCS2, for example, power output can reach up to 350 kW, significantly surpassing what CHAdeMO can offer.

This difference in power output has important implications for the charging times of electric vehicles, ultimately impacting the charging experience of EV owners.

Connector Design

There are a few critical differences between CCS and CHAdeMO. First, CCS uses a single connector design that combines AC and DC charging capabilities, making it more versatile for electric vehicle owners. 

Integrating the DC fast charging pins into the already existing Type 1 or Type 2 connector design, creates a streamlined “combo” connector for the North American (Combo 1) and European (Combo 2) markets.

CHAdeMO uses a separate connector exclusively for DC fast charging, which means vehicle owners need a different charging port for AC charging.

Compatibility and Interoperability

Regarding EV charging, compatibility and interoperability are essential factors to consider. Being aware of these technical elements and your vehicle is advisable as a potential buyer. A fundamental understanding of EV charging can assist you in comparing CCS and CHAdeMO.

Vehicle Support

Some major brands supporting the CCS standard include Volkswagen, BMW, and General Motors. On the other hand, you’ll find CHAdeMO connections on makes such as Nissan and Mitsubishi.

In America, the trend is leaning towards CCS, so bear that in mind for future buying decisions. It is essential to identify which standard is more compatible with your EV. This brings us to charging infrastructure.

Charging Infrastructure

Charging infrastructure for both CCS and CHAdeMO has seen significant growth in recent years. But, there are some differences in charging station availability and compatibility with emerging technologies.

In the United States, many charging stations offer both CCS and CHAdeMO connectors, enhancing EV owners’ flexibility when searching for a charging station.

More recently, the decision by Tesla to open its network of superchargers to EV owners of other brands was a victory for the industry.

However, these superchargers are only compatible with CCS (via an adapter) and leave owners with a CHAdeMO connection in the dark. This could potentially be the beginning of the end for CHAdeMO in America.

On the technology front, both charging standards have been working on ensuring interoperability. An example is the progress made in CHAdeMO 2.0 and its interoperability with CHAdeMO 3.0.

Check the charging options available in your area before selecting a charging standard. Doing so will guide you in making a well-informed choice and enhance your overall charging experience.

Global Adoption and Market Share

Let’s explore the global adoption and market share of CCS and CHAdeMO charging connectors in various regions worldwide.

United States

In the United States, CCS is more commonly found on electric vehicles from American and European automakers.

There are currently three major DC fast-charging connector types in the US: CCS, Tesla, and CHAdeMO. However, CCS connectors are gaining traction and becoming more prevalent in the market, especially after the integration with Tesla’s network.

Europe

Europe has chiefly adopted the CCS as the standard charging connector for electric vehicles. Although CHAdeMO connectors can still be found, the overall market share of CCS connectors has significantly increased. 

Most European electric vehicles now come equipped with CCS connectors, making them more popular and widely available across the region.

Japan

CHAdeMO originated in Japan and continues to hold a significant market share. The connector is utilized by most Japanese automakers, such as Nissan (for now), Mitsubishi, and Toyota. While CCS connectors are also available in some models from Nissan, CHAdeMO remains the dominant connector within the Japanese market.

Rest of the World

In other regions like Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) and Latin America, CCS, and CHAdeMO connectors adoption varies depending on factors like automaker preferences and local charging infrastructure development. However, due to the global trend toward standardization, CCS connectors are gradually gaining a more substantial market share in these areas as well.

Future Developments

Technology Advancements

The CCS network is expanding significantly, mainly in the US and Europe, enabling faster charging speeds of up to 350 kW. This rapid expansion gives CCS an edge regarding widespread availability and future-proofing.

Meanwhile, CHAdeMO has introduced version 3.0, which features a new design that aligns with the Chinese GB/T standard for fast charging. However, no vehicles currently support this new port, so its adoption rate remains uncertain.

Industry Trends

In recent years, the automotive industry has shown a preference for CCS, particularly among European automakers.

Vehicles like the BMW i3, Jaguar I-Pace, and Tesla (with an adapter) already use the CCS system. This trend and efforts from organizations like CharIN highlight the growing support for CCS as a preferred charging solution.

Similarly, Electrify America, a major charging infrastructure provider in the US, has announced plans to phase out CHAdeMO installations beginning in 2022. This decision could further encourage the adoption of CCS-compatible vehicles and charging equipment in the market.

Key Takeaways

In the ongoing debate between CHAdeMO and CCS, both have their supporters. To recap, the most important points are below:

1️⃣ CCS combines AC and DC charging capabilities into a single port, making it more versatile. On the other hand, CHAdeMO requires separate connectors for fast DC charging and AC charging.

2️⃣ The global market share of CCS is increasing, especially in the US and Europe. However, despite CHAdeMO’s significant presence in Japan, its future is uncertain due to industry trends favoring CCS and Tesla’s decision to open its network to other brands using CCS.

Ironically CHAdeMO was the first attempt at a universal charging system and continues to have its supporters.

But, with major Japanese automakers like Nissan beginning to adopt CCS for their models, the future seems more inclined towards CCS standards.