CHAdeMO vs. CCS Electric Vehicle Chargers: What’s the Difference?
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, understanding charging standards like CHAdeMO and CCS can help you make informed decisions about your EV and charging options. Here’s a simple guide to the key differences.
1. What Are CHAdeMO and CCS?
CHAdeMO, short for "Charge de Move," is a standard that was developed in Japan. It’s designed specifically for DC fast charging and has been widely used in EVs from brands like Nissan (e.g., Nissan Leaf) and Mitsubishi. Known for its reliability, CHAdeMO has a distinctive, round, and slightly bulky plug.
CCS (Combined Charging System) combines AC (slow charging) and DC (fast charging) capabilities into a single connector, making it versatile. It’s a global standard, especially in Europe, and is widely supported by manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, Tesla (in Europe), and Ford.
2. Speed and Power
CHAdeMO typically delivers up to 50 kW, although newer versions can go higher (up to 400 kW in rare cases). It’s a good option for older EVs or those that don’t need ultra-fast charging.
CCS supports much faster charging, often exceeding 350 kW, which is ideal for newer EVs with larger batteries. It allows for ultra-fast top-ups, making it the go-to standard for long-distance travel.
3. Compatibility
CHAdeMO is primarily used by Japanese brands. Older Nissan Leafs and Mitsubishi Outlanders are popular examples. They are however becoming less common in Europe and other global markets, as most new EVs now use CCS.
CCS is widely adopted across Europe, the U.S., and beyond. Almost every new EV sold in these regions supports CCS, including Tesla.
4. Charger Availability
CHAdeMO is still supported at many charging stations in Ireland, but the number of CHAdeMO chargers is declining as networks focus on CCS. This provides a great option for owners of older EVs but may limit future choices.
CCS is fast becoming the dominant standard in Ireland and across Europe, with more chargers being installed to support CCS-compatible vehicles.
5. The Future
The EV industry is moving towards CCS as the standard for most regions outside of Japan. While CHAdeMO remains viable for existing vehicles, it’s likely to phase out gradually in favour of CCS.
6. Which One Should You Choose?
If you already own an EV it may be best to stick with the standard your car supports. CHAdeMO chargers are still widely available and will continue to work for years. If you’re buying a new EV, you may want to opt for one with CCS compatibility to ensure access to the fastest chargers and the broadest network.
In Summary
Both CHAdeMO and CCS are reliable options, but CCS is the future for most EVs in Ireland and Europe. If you’re driving an older EV, CHAdeMO chargers will still serve you well. If you’re planning for the long term, CCS offers speed, flexibility, and widespread adoption.
