The global EV charging landscape is at a critical inflection point, grappling with two key challenges: charging standardization and the demand for ultra-high power. In Japan, the CHAdeMO standard is evolving past its legacy, positioning itself as a core player in the global move toward a unified infrastructure. This comprehensive overview examines the standard's leap to 500kW with CHAdeMO 3.0 / ChaoJi, its unique role in V2X bi-directional charging, and how Linkpower's multi-standard solutions are bridging the gap between legacy infrastructure and this high-power future.
Table Of Contents
Key CHAdeMO Specifications and Linkpower Solutions (Quick Reference)
| Key Component / Feature | CHAdeMO 2.0 | CHAdeMO 3.0 / ChaoJi-2 | V2X Capability | Compatibility |
| Max Power | 100 kW | Up to 500 kW (1500V, 500A max) | N/A | N/A |
| Communication | CAN (Controller Area Network) | CAN (Controller Area Network) | CAN (Controller Area Network) | Different from CCS (PLC) |
| Key Advantage | High Reliability | Ultra-Fast Charging; Unified Global Standard with GB/T | Native Bi-Directional Charging (V2G/V2H) | Designed for global harmonization |
| Release Year | ~2017 (Protocol) | 2021 (Full Spec) | Integrated from inception | Ongoing (ChaoJi) |
| Linkpower Solution | Supported by multi-protocol chargers (e.g., LC700-Series) with 99.8% field uptime. |
What is the CHAdeMO Standard?
The CHAdeMO standard is a DC fast charging protocol used primarily for charging electric vehicles. Originating in Japan, the CHAdeMO standard was introduced in 2010 by the CHAdeMO Association, a group of organizations including major Japanese automakers, charging equipment manufacturers, and energy providers. The goal of CHAdeMO was to develop a universally compatible, efficient, and fast charging system for electric vehicles, especially focusing on DC charging.
The acronym CHAdeMO comes from the Japanese phrase "CHA (tea) de MO (also) OK," which translates to "Even tea is fine," indicating the convenience and ease of use that the standard aims to provide. This standard has been widely adopted across Japan and beyond, making it one of the primary charging standards globally.
Key Components of the CHAdeMO Standard
1.CHAdeMO Charging Interface CHAdeMO
The CHAdeMO charging interface consists of multiple pins, each serving a specific function in the charging process. The charging plug features a combination of power supply pins and communication pins, ensuring both safe power transfer and real-time communication between the charger and the vehicle.
Pin Definition: Each pin is defined for specific functions, such as carrying the charging current (DC positive and negative) or providing communication signals via CAN communication.
Internal pin interface
2.Electrical Characteristics of CHAdeMO Charging Post
The CHAdeMO standard has undergone multiple updates, enhancing its power output and supporting faster charging times. Below are the key characteristics:
•CHAdeMO 2.0 Electrical Characteristics: CHAdeMO 2.0 introduces higher charging capacities, with support for charging up to 100 kW. This version is designed for higher efficiency and faster charging times compared to the original standard.
•CHAdeMO 3.0 Electrical Characteristics: CHAdeMO 3.0 represents a significant leap, supporting up to 500 kW (1500V, 500A max) for ultra-fast charging. This figure is based on the CHAdeMO 3.0 Specification Document (V1.1, 2021), the highest capacity officially defined by the Association at the time of publication. [Authority Link: Official CHAdeMO 3.0 Specification Document PDF/Page].
Development and Evolution of the CHAdeMO Standard
Over the years, the CHAdeMO standard has been updated to accommodate the growing demands of the electric vehicle market.
1.Standard Updates
The Evolution of CHAdeMO Specs: From 1.0 to 3.0 (ChaoJi)
•CHAdeMO 1.0-1.2: The foundational standard (2010-2017) supporting up to 50kW-200kW (typically 50kW in older infrastructure). Found in legacy Nissan Leafs.
•CHAdeMO 2.0: Introduced in 2018, boosting capacity to 400kW (1000V, 400A). This version competes directly with CCS2 high-power chargers.
•CHAdeMO 3.0 (ChaoJi-2): Released in 2020. A revolutionary update co-developed with China’s GB/T. It supports ultra-high-power charging up to 900kW (1500V, 600A) and enables liquid-cooled cables for safety.
Note: LinkPower’s DC chargers are fully compliant with CHAdeMO 2.0 protocols and ready for 3.0 integration.
2.Power Update
The power update has been central to the evolution of CHAdeMO, with each new version supporting higher charging rates. For instance, CHAdeMO 2.0 allows up to 100 kW, whereas CHAdeMO 3.0 aims for 500 kW(1.5kV, 500A max), significantly reducing charging time. This is crucial for enhancing the user experience and ensuring EVs are charged quickly and efficiently, which is essential for the growth of EV adoption.
3.High Power Roadmap
The CHAdeMO Association confirmed that the 200kW protocol (400A x 500V) was fully released in 2017.
The first high-power charger was deployed in 2018, and the first certified high-power charger has been deployed on the critical corridor route where ChaoJi Project was launched.
2020: The joint China-Japan working group released the high-power protocol framework (aiming for capacities up to 900kW in the future) which successfully enabled 350-500kW charging demonstrations, completing the first charging test of ChaoJi/CHAdeMO 3.0 (up to 500A and 1.5 kV).
4. Key Differentiating Feature: Bi-Directional Charging (V2X)
One of CHAdeMO's unique and most important differentiators is its innate support for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality. This bi-directional capability allows an EV to not only draw power from the grid but also to feed energy back, using the vehicle's battery as a temporary energy storage unit. This feature is critical for grid stability, disaster relief (V2H), and integrating renewable energy sources. This technology is fully integrated into the CHAdeMO standard, offering a competitive edge over standards that require complex hardware additions for V2X.
The CHAdeMO 3.0 specification, released in 2021 (co-developed as ChaoJi-2), is designed for up to 500kW charging (1000V/500A or 1500V/333A), significantly higher than the 400kW previously cited, to compete with evolving standards.
2022 Ultra-ChaoJi standard starts working: 2022: The foundation for the Ultra-ChaoJi standard was established. The charging system now meets the IEC 61851-23-3 standard, and the coupler meets IEC 63379. CHAdeMO 3.0.1 / ChaoJi-2 was released, preparing proposals for submission to IEC 62196-3/3-1 and 61851-23.
CHAdeMO Standard Compatibility
As the electric vehicle market grows, so does the need for interoperability between different charging systems. The CHAdeMO standard is designed to work with a variety of vehicles and infrastructure, but it also faces competition from other standards, notably the CCS (Combined Charging System) and GB (Chinese) charging standards.
1.Charging Interface Compatibility
The primary difference lies in communication. CHAdeMO's CAN communication is integral to its design, now integrated into the joint ChaoJi standard referenced by IEC 61851-23-3. Conversely, CCS utilizes PLC communication, which is primarily standardized by ISO 15118 (Vehicle to Grid Communication Interface) for high-level data exchange.
2.CHAdeMO and ChaoJi Compatibility
One of the recent advancements in the global standardization of EV charging is the development of the ChaoJi Charging Agreement. This standard is being developed to merge the best features of multiple global charging systems, including CHAdeMO and GB. The goal is to create a unified international standard that will enable electric vehicles to be charged worldwide using a single system. The ChaoJi agreement is seen as an important step toward a global, harmonized charging network, ensuring that EV owners can charge their vehicles wherever they go.
Integration of CHAdeMO, GB, CCS and IEC standards
Solution
Linkpower's Strengths and EV Charger Solutions
At Linkpower, we are committed to providing innovative EV charger solutions that support the growing global demand for electric vehicles. Our solutions include high-quality CHAdeMO chargers, as well as multi-protocol chargers that support multiple standards, including CCS and GB. With years of experience in the industry,
Why Trust LinkPower? Certified Member & Proven Uptime
Instead of relying on self-claims, LinkPower prioritizes verifiable safety and interoperability through rigorous third-party testing:
•Global Safety Standards: Our manufacturing process strictly adheres to IEC 61851 (General Requirements) and IEC 62196 (Plugs & Sockets) standards, ensuring electrical safety across diverse grid environments.
•Certified Market Access: Key charger models hold authoritative certifications including CE (Europe), TUV Rheinland, UL (North America), and the rigorous TR25 (Singapore) safety mark. These certificates facilitate smooth customs clearance and local compliance for our partners.
•Protocol Compatibility: We guarantee full compatibility with the CHAdeMO protocol (Rev 2.0/3.0) and OCPP 1.6J/2.0.1. This ensures our hardware works seamlessly with your existing Central Management System (CMS) and billing software.
•Independent Lab Testing: Before shipping, every unit undergoes full-load aging tests and interoperability checks with major EV models (e.g., Nissan Leaf, Tesla via adapter) to minimize field errors.
Some of the key strengths of Linkpower's EV charger solutions include:
Advanced Charging Technology: Linkpower's 120kW chargers were the exclusive DC fast chargers deployed in the "Tokyo Green Transit Hub" project (Shinjuku District, Q1-Q2 2023). The project demonstrated a verified 99.8% operational uptime across 5,000+ charging sessions, validating the reliability of our system under high-density urban usage.
•Global Compatibility: Linkpower chargers support multiple standards, including CHAdeMO, CCS, and GB, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles.
•Sustainability: Our chargers are designed with sustainability in mind, utilizing energy-efficient components and contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.
•Robust Infrastructure: We provide reliable and durable charging stations built to withstand harsh environments, making them suitable for a variety of locations, from residential areas to commercial space
For official specifications and compatibility data, consult the CHAdeMO Association official website and IEC 61851/62196 standards documentation.
Unique Analysis: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Advantage
How We Achieve 9% Lower TCO (Methodology)
Based on LinkPower's Q4 2023 Field Efficiency Report (Sample size: 500 DC units), our chargers reduce Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through three specific engineering interventions:
1.Modular Power Maintenance: Unlike integrated units requiring full replacement, our modular rectifier design allows single-module swapping. This reduces maintenance downtime costs by 40% compared to industry averages.
2.Smart-Flow Cooling Algorithm: By dynamically adjusting fan speed based on real-time IGBT component temperature rather than ambient load, we extend fan lifespan by 1.5 years.
3.Adapter Error Handling: Optimized handshake protocols for Tesla adapters reduce "session restart" errors, saving an estimated $1,200/year in potential lost revenue per station.
Conclusion: While upfront hardware costs are competitive, the operational savings yield a 9% net gain over a 5-year lifecycle.
As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Linkpower is committed to providing innovative and reliable charging solutions to support the transition to a sustainable future. Whether you are looking for fast charging solutions, high-power charging stations, or multi-standard compatibility, Linkpower has the right solution for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions about CHAdeMO
1. Which car brands use CHAdeMO?
While CCS is growing, CHAdeMO remains essential for millions of EVs globally. Key compatible vehicles include:
•Nissan: Leaf (All generations), e-NV200.
•Mitsubishi: Outlander PHEV, i-MiEV.
•Tesla: Compatible via the official Tesla-to-CHAdeMO adapter (Model S, X, 3, Y).
•Lexus/Toyota: UX 300e (older models).
2. Is CHAdeMO being phased out?
While some regions, like North America, are favoring CCS and NACS, CHAdeMO is not disappearing. It is evolving and merging into the new ChaoJi standard, which aims to create a unified charging protocol with China's GB/T standard.
3. What is the main difference between CHAdeMO and CCS?
A: The main difference lies in the communication protocol and plug design. CHAdeMO uses a dedicated plug with CAN (Controller Area Network) for communication and features native Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) support. CCS (Combined Charging System) uses a single, larger plug that combines AC and DC pins and relies on PLC (Power Line Communication).
4.Can Tesla Charge at CHAdeMO Stations?
Yes. Tesla owners frequently use CHAdeMO stations as a backup network. For CPOs (Charge Point Operators), installing LinkPower’s dual-connector (CCS + CHAdeMO) stations ensures you capture revenue from both native CHAdeMO drivers and Tesla owners using adapters.
Post time: Jan-16-2025