The Last of the Chademo: How Electric Vehicle Charging is Evolving
For years, a round charging connector was a common sight on new electric vehicles (EVs). But a quiet revolution has been underway, and in Europe, Chademo is rapidly becoming a relic of the past. With only one model currently available in Norway – the Lexus UX 300e – still offering this connection type, the industry is decisively moving towards a new standard.
The Rise and Fall of Chademo
Around 100,000 EVs with Chademo connectors still roam Norwegian roads, representing roughly 10% of the country’s electric car fleet. These are predominantly older Nissan Leafs and Kia Souls. However, the tide has turned. The newer Nissan Leaf now utilizes CCS, signaling the end of Chademo production for major manufacturers. This shift isn’t about abandoning existing Chademo owners, but about future-proofing and embracing faster, more versatile charging technology.
Did you know? Chademo, an acronym for “Charge de Move,” was once a leading fast-charging standard, particularly in Japan and parts of Europe. Its decline highlights how quickly technology standards can evolve in the automotive industry.
CCS: The Dominant Force in EV Charging
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is now the dominant charging standard in Europe and North America. CCS offers several key advantages over Chademo. Primarily, it supports significantly faster charging speeds. While Chademo typically maxes out at 50kW, CCS chargers are increasingly capable of delivering 400kW or more – and even exceeding that as technology advances. This means drastically reduced charging times, especially for EVs with larger battery packs.
The versatility of CCS is another major benefit. It combines AC and DC charging into a single port, simplifying infrastructure and reducing the need for separate connectors. This is particularly important as EV adoption grows and the demand for public charging stations increases.
Faster Charging, More Options: The Benefits of CCS
The impact of CCS isn’t just about speed. It’s about convenience and future-proofing. EV owners with CCS compatibility have access to a far wider network of charging stations. New charging infrastructure is overwhelmingly being built with CCS in mind, meaning fewer limitations on long-distance travel.
Recent advancements in charging technology are further accelerating this trend. Companies like StoreDot are developing extreme fast charging (XFC) batteries that can add 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes using CCS chargers. This level of performance was previously unimaginable with Chademo technology.
StoreDot’s XFC Technology is a prime example of the innovation driving the future of EV charging.
The Global Landscape: China’s Charging Revolution
The charging landscape isn’t uniform globally. China is leading the charge (pun intended) in ultra-fast charging infrastructure. They’ve already deployed chargers capable of delivering over 1000kW, significantly reducing charging times to under 10 minutes for many EVs. While these chargers aren’t yet widespread, they demonstrate the potential for even faster charging in the future.
Pro Tip: When planning a long road trip in an EV, always check the availability of CCS chargers along your route using apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner.
What Does This Mean for Chademo Owners?
The phasing out of Chademo doesn’t leave existing owners stranded. However, it does mean they’ll have fewer charging options as time goes on. While Chademo chargers will likely remain operational for several years, the number of new installations is dwindling. This could lead to longer wait times at public charging stations and increased reliance on home charging.
Unfortunately, there are currently no widely available and reliable adapters that allow Chademo-equipped vehicles to utilize CCS chargers. This limitation underscores the importance of considering charging compatibility when purchasing an EV.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EV Charging
The evolution of EV charging is far from over. Several key trends are shaping the future:
- Higher Voltage Systems: 800V architectures, like those found in the Porsche Taycan and Hyundai Ioniq 5, enable faster charging speeds and improved efficiency.
- Wireless Charging: Inductive charging technology is gaining traction, offering a convenient and cable-free charging experience.
- Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology: V2G allows EVs to not only draw power from the grid but also send it back, potentially stabilizing the grid and reducing energy costs.
- Standardization Efforts: Continued efforts to standardize charging protocols and connector types will be crucial for seamless interoperability.
The move away from Chademo is a clear indication that the EV industry is prioritizing speed, convenience, and future-proofing. As charging technology continues to advance, we can expect even faster, more reliable, and more accessible charging solutions for all EV drivers.
FAQ
- What is CCS?
- CCS stands for Combined Charging System. It’s the dominant fast-charging standard in Europe and North America, combining AC and DC charging into a single port.
- Is Chademo completely disappearing?
- While Chademo is being phased out of new EVs, existing Chademo chargers will likely remain operational for some time. However, the number of new installations is decreasing.
- Can I adapt a Chademo car to use a CCS charger?
- Currently, there are no widely available and reliable adapters that allow Chademo-equipped vehicles to utilize CCS chargers.
- How fast can CCS chargers charge an EV?
- CCS chargers can deliver speeds ranging from 50kW to over 400kW, significantly reducing charging times compared to Chademo.
Want to learn more about the latest EV charging technologies? Explore more articles on TV2 Broom and stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles.
