Introduced in 2010, CHAdeMO is one of the first standardised methods for DC fast charging, capable of delivering up to 62.5 kW of power with its first-generation technology, and up to 400 kW with its second-generation specification. It uses a proprietary connector and communication protocol that allows electric vehicles to be charged quickly and safely. The system is designed to convert alternating current (AC) from the grid into direct current (DC) at the charging station, which is then directly supplied to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger and significantly reducing charging times.
CHAdeMO is widely used in Japan and is included in several international vehicle charging standards. However, its adoption outside Japan has been limited compared to other standards like the Combined Charging System (CCS). CCS, developed later, integrates both AC and DC charging capabilities into a single port, making it more versatile and preferred in Europe and North America. Consequently, many new EV models in these regions are equipped with CCS ports rather than CHAdeMO.
One of the significant advantages of CHAdeMO is its support for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows EVs to return stored energy to the grid, supporting grid stability and providing potential cost savings for users. Despite this, the gradual shift towards CCS has been evident, with several automakers transitioning their new models to CCS in regions outside Japan. The CHAdeMO Association continues to innovate, working on the ChaoJi project, a next-generation protocol aiming to deliver up to 900 kW, developed in collaboration with the China Electricity Council to ensure compatibility with global charging standards.