CHAdeMO is a charging standard for electric vehicles (EVs) that was first introduced in Japan in 2009. It stands for “Charge de Move,” which translates to “charge for moving.” CHAdeMO has gained popularity in many parts of the world, and is one of the most widely used fast charging standards for EVs. In this article, we will explore what CHAdeMO is, how it works, and its advantages and disadvantages.
What is CHAdeMO?
CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging standard for electric vehicles that was developed by the CHAdeMO Association, a group of Japanese automakers, charger manufacturers, and utilities. It allows EVs to be charged at high power levels, typically up to 50 kW or 100 kW, which can significantly reduce charging times compared to slower AC charging.
How does CHAdeMO work?
CHAdeMO uses a specialized charging connector that is different from the Type 1 or Type 2 connectors commonly used in Europe and North America. The CHAdeMO connector has eight pins, which allows for both DC and AC charging. During a DC charging session, the vehicle’s onboard charger is bypassed, and the DC power from the charging station is delivered directly to the battery.
The charging process starts with a communication between the vehicle and the charging station to verify that the vehicle is compatible with the charger and that the charging session can begin. Once the connection is established, the charger sends DC power to the vehicle, which is converted into the appropriate voltage and current by the vehicle’s power electronics. The charging rate is controlled by the vehicle’s battery management system, which ensures that the battery is charged safely and efficiently.
Advantages of CHAdeMO
One of the main advantages of CHAdeMO is its high charging power, which can significantly reduce charging times compared to slower AC charging. This is particularly useful for long-distance travel, where fast charging can make EVs more practical and convenient.
Another advantage of CHAdeMO is its widespread availability. CHAdeMO charging stations are available in many parts of the world, particularly in Japan and Europe, and are supported by a range of automakers, charger manufacturers, and utilities. This means that drivers of CHAdeMO-compatible EVs have access to a large and growing network of fast charging stations.
Disadvantages of CHAdeMO
One of the main disadvantages of CHAdeMO is its limited compatibility with newer EVs. Some newer EVs, particularly those made by Tesla, use proprietary charging standards that are not compatible with CHAdeMO. This means that drivers of these EVs may need to use a different charging standard or carry an adapter to use CHAdeMO charging stations.
Another disadvantage of CHAdeMO is its limited charging power compared to newer fast charging standards like CCS (Combined Charging System). While CHAdeMO can typically provide up to 50 kW or 100 kW of power, CCS can provide up to 350 kW of power, which can significantly reduce charging times.
Conclusion
CHAdeMO is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles that has gained popularity in many parts of the world. It offers high charging power and widespread availability, making it a practical and convenient option for many EV drivers. However, it also has some disadvantages, including limited compatibility with newer EVs and lower charging power compared to newer standards like CCS. Overall, CHAdeMO is an important and widely used charging standard that will continue to play a role in the development of the EV charging infrastructure.