Saying Goodbye To The CHAdeMO Plug
While filling a gas tank is straightforward, electric vehicle charging can be challenging. Mainly because there are so many charging plugs and chargers.
Thankfully the industry is leaning towards standardization, and CHAdeMO is slowly being phased out.
Although, there’s no need to panic if you use a CHAdeMO plug to power your electric car!
- Most current US charging stations will continue to provide connectors.
- It’s important to know why CHAdeMO plugs are less popular. Particularly compared with other leading DC fast-charging plugs like CCS (Combo 1 in North America) and Tesla.
So, if you want to know the future of CHAdeMO plugs, read on!
Why CHAdeMO Is No Longer The Preferred DC Fast Charging Plug
CCS1, Tesla, and CHAdeMO are America’s three primary DC charging standards. And they all have their own connectors. Thus, the need to be standardized.
For example, you cannot charge a CHAdeMO plug via a CCS port. Or a Tesla Supercharger without the correct cable adaptors.
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is now the preferred DC fast charging plug in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, including South Korea, India, and Singapore.
Standardized CCS plugs reduce manufacturing costs and confusion. So new charging stations are offering fewer CHAdeMO connectors.
How Does CHAdeMO Compare With The Combined Charging System?
Unlike CHAdeMO plugs, the Combined Charging System (CCS) unifies all current charging ports.
It only uses one charging port for single-phase and fast three-phase AC charges. Including home DC charges and super-fast DC charges.
And CCS combines Type 1 (the J1772 plug) and Type 2 DC charging plugs with two extra charging pins in the bottom area.
The upper pins are for communication and safety as an earth conductor. CCS plugs can handle up to 350 kW of power.
CHAdeMO charging stations are not compatible with CCS plugs. As their communication systems are different, so you need adapters.
- Rated 150 to 200kW
- Available for all Tesla Models S/X/Y/3
Countries Where CHAdeMO Are Still In Use
Japan is the birthplace of the CHAdeMO association. Thus, it makes sense that most Japanese cars have these plugs.
CHAdeMO plugs are also still in use in countries like Australia, India, the UK, and throughout South America.
There are more than 800 “Electrify America” CHAdeMO charging stations throughout the US, including ChargePoint, EVGo, Blink, and CHAdeMO power stations.
But, only 7% of charging stations in California have CHAdeMO power facilities as CARB oversees the Golden State on behalf of Electrify America.
How Do CHAdeMO Plugs Work?
Using CHAdeMO plugs is straightforward. All you need to do is insert a slow or fast charging plug in your EV’s side inlet. Then push a button to remove the plug once it has charged.
The slow and fast charging plugs have different charging voltages, shapes, and functions.
First-generation CHAdeMO plugs supply roughly 62.5 kW power through a 125A DC, 500V supply. Its modern version can sustain up to 400 kW speeds.
The handle-shaped connector has a durable automatic safety lock. It stops it from disconnecting when it is charging. And the cable is durable and bendable.
CHAdeMo Plugs Vs. Other Types Of EV Charging Connectors
Although there are several EV charging connector types, most DC plugs are either CCS1, CCS2, or Tesla.
So, let’s look at how they compare with each other.
The Combined Charging System (CCS1) uses J1772 ports and two DC pins underneath. In contrast, CHAdeMO plugs need a larger inlet area to hold two single charging sockets.
Tesla uses a patented, universal connector that can withstand any voltage. Thus, different connectors or adapters to CCS Combo 2 and CHAdeMO are not needed for DC fast charges up to 500kW.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
So, now that you know the ins and outs of CHAdeMo plugs, here is some extra information.
Is CHAdeMO The Same As J1772?
J1772 Level 2 (AC) plugs are entirely different compared to CHAdeMO plugs which are far larger, with two sockets. J1772 ports are part of the CCS family in appearance. Tesla has also included a smaller and more high-tech version of the J1772 in their Model S.
What Cars Use CHAdeMO?
Japanese manufacturers use CHAdeMO plugs in Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi vehicles. However, these car makers provide CCS1 sockets for the American market.
What Is The Difference Between CCS And CHAdeMO?
CCS plugs are universal, as you can use them for AC/DC charges via the same port. CHAdeMO plugs need extra connectors for AC or DC charging.
CHAdeMO plugs are incompatible with Type 1 or Type 2 vehicle charging options. So they need special adapters for those types of charging.
Key Takeaways
Even though it is true that you can say goodbye to the CHAdeMO plug in the long run, it will take some time before CCS and Tesla plugs dominate the US market. Although, having said that:
1️⃣ The Combined Charging System (CCS) is the preferred DC fast charging method. In North America and Europe.
2️⃣ CHAdeMO plugs are not compatible with CCS. So, you need special adaptors to use them.
3️⃣ Tesla plugs don’t need special adaptors as they can withstand any voltage.
Here is an interesting resource on Electrify America’s plans to phase out CHAdeMo plugs.
