CCS vs CHAdeMO: 5 Key Differences in EV Charging

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on pinterest
In the electric vehicle charging sector, CCS and CHAdeMO are two common charging standards. As a dealer, you might encounter these concepts when selecting charging equipment that meets your customers’ needs but may be unsure about the difference between CCS and CHAdeMO or which standard is better suited for your market.
 
No need to worry! This article will dive into the key distinctions between CCS vs CHAdeMO, helping you offer the best solutions to your clients.
ccs vs chademo

What is CHAdeMO charging?

You may wonder, “What does CHAdeMO stand for?” CHAdeMO is a fast-charging standard for electric vehicles (EVs) developed in Japan, and it stands for “CHArge de MOve,” meaning “charge for moving.” It is primarily used in Japanese EVs, such as Nissan and Mitsubishi models, though some European and American vehicles also support it.
CHAdeMO charging

What cars use CHAdeMO chargers?

Several electric vehicles (EVs), especially from Japanese manufacturers, use CHAdeMO chargers. Here’s the list of cars that support CHAdeMO charging:
  • Nissan Leaf, Nissan e-NV200 electric van
  • Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Mitsubishi i-MiEV
  • Kia Soul EV (early models)
  • Peugeot iOn (based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV)
  • Citroën C-Zero (based on the Mitsubishi i-MiEV)
  • Tesla models (with a CHAdeMO adapter)
  • Subaru Solterra (Japanese market models)

What is CCS charging?

The CCS (Combined Charging System) stands as a leading standard for DC fast charging of electric vehicles. CCS splits into CCS1 and CCS2. North America uses CCS1, which incorporates a Type 1 connector with extra pins for DC fast charging. In contrast, CCS2, the standard in Europe and other regions, including South Korea, Singapore, India, and Russia, employs a Type 2 connector that combines AC and DC pins.
 
Both standards provide efficient and fast charging solutions but address different regional requirements and connector designs.
CCS charging

What cars use CCS charger?

Many electric vehicles use CCS for fast DC charging. Here are some notable examples:
  • Tesla Model 3 (with an adapter)
  • BMW i3, i4, iX
  • Ford Mustang Mach-E
  • Volkswagen ID.4
  • Audi e-tron
  • Hyundai Kona Electric, Hyundai Ioniq 5
  • Porsche Taycan
  • Mercedes-Benz EQC
These vehicles support CCS charging, allowing them to utilize high-speed DC charging infrastructure, which is increasingly available across various regions.

What is the difference between CHAdeMO and CCS?

The key differences between CHAdeMO and CCS lie in their design, compatibility, charging speed, and regional usage. Here’s a breakdown of the main distinctions:

CCS Vs CHAdeMO: Connector Design

CHAdeMO uses a dedicated DC charging connector. The CHAdeMO plug is larger, with a distinct circular shape and multiple pins. It requires a separate AC charging port on the vehicle if both AC and DC charging are supported.
 
CCS combines both AC and DC charging into a single plug. The CCS connector is an extension of the Type 1 or Type 2 AC charging standard, with additional pins for DC fast charging, allowing a more compact design and no need for two separate charging ports.

CHAdeMO Vs CCS : Charging Speed

CHAdeMO traditionally supports up to 62.5 kW of power, though newer versions (CHAdeMO 3.0) can deliver up to 400 kW. However, most CHAdeMO chargers in public use are limited to lower speeds.
CCS can provide much higher power levels, with most stations delivering between 50 kW and 350 kW. This allows for faster charging, especially with the rise of high-powered CCS stations.

CHAdeMO Vs CCS Charger: Vehicle Compatibility

CHAdeMO is primarily used by Japanese automakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Subaru. The Nissan Leaf, one of the most popular EVs, uses CHAdeMO.
CCS is adopted by most European and North American automakers, including Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Ford, and General Motors. CCS has become the dominant standard for most new EVs sold outside of Japan.

CHAdeMO Charger Vs CCS: Bidirectional Charging (V2G)

CHAdeMO charger supports Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) functionality, allowing energy to flow from the vehicle back to the grid. This makes CHAdeMO ideal for applications like using the EV as a backup power source for homes or supporting the energy grid.
 
While CCS charger is initially did not support V2G, though newer CCS standards are being developed to include bidirectional charging capabilities.

CCS Charger Vs CHAdeMO: Future Prospects

CHAdeMO is still in use, especially in Japan, it is slowly being phased out in many markets in favor of CCS, particularly as manufacturers shift focus to higher power capabilities and universal standards.
 
CCS is expected to become the global standard for DC fast charging, especially with its growing adoption by automakers and charging networks worldwide.
 
While CCS charger is initially did not support V2G, though newer CCS standards are being developed to include bidirectional charging capabilities.
Whether you want a CCS or CHAdeMO charger, EVB offers a wide range of reliable, high-performance DC fast chargers to meet your needs. With advanced technology, flexible installation options and comprehensive support, EVB ensures seamless integration into your EV infrastructure, enabling faster and more efficient charging for all users.
Upgrade your EV charging with EVB's CCS and CHAdeMO solutions.

Table of Contents

Contact us

Related Posts

en_USEnglish

Talk to Specialists Register