CHAdeMO 2.0 Connector: full overview, specifications, schematic and compatibility

Electric vehicle charging is constantly improving, and one of the most important areas is the development of high-speed charging infrastructure. Direct current (DC) charging standards are key for long journeys and fast energy replenishment. One of the first and most widespread such solutions in the world was the CHAdeMO standard, which originated in Japan. Over the years, the technology has evolved, with CHAdeMO 2.0 being one of its major updates.

We remind you that you can purchase home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand also use the public charging stations ECOFACTORcharging points located throughout Ukraine. For convenient access to charging infrastructure, we recommend using our mobile applicationwhich is available on iOS and Android.

This version has increased charging power, new functionalities and is focused on maintaining backward compatibility with previous models. In this article, we will take a closer look at what CHAdeMO 2.0 is, how it works, where it is used, and how it differs from other fast charging standards.

What is the CHAdeMO 2.0 Connector

CHAdeMO (CHArge de MOve) is a Japanese standard for fast DC charging developed by TEPCO, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Subaru and Toyota. CHAdeMO 2.0 is an updated version of the standard, introduced in 2018, which allows charging with a capacity of up to 400 kW in theory, but in practice there are almost no stations with such a capacity due to the limitations of car batteries (usually up to 200 kW). The main goal of this version is to support the larger batteries of new electric vehicles and add bi-directional charging functions.

Unlike CCS (Combined Charging System), which developed primarily in Europe and the United States, CHAdeMO had a strong position in the Japanese and Asian markets from the very beginning. Version 2.0 is designed not only to maintain this position, but also to create a platform for further development in the direction of V2G (vehicle-to-grid) technology, which allows cars to return energy back to the grid.

Technical specifications

CHAdeMO 2.0 is the logical continuation of the first generation of the connector, which has been used for DC charging of electric vehicles for over a decade. This version was introduced as a response to the needs of the new generation of electric vehicles with high battery capacity, as well as a bridge to future solutions such as ChaoJi.

The main goal of CHAdeMO 2.0 is to significantly increase charging power, expand the possibilities for bi-directional power supply (V2G, V2H, V2B) and maintain full compatibility with existing infrastructure. As a result, the transition to the next level is possible without the need to completely replace charging stations or ports on vehicles.

Technical parameters of CHAdeMO 2.0:

• Current type: constant (DC)
• Maximum charging power: The theoretical limit is 400 kW, but most cars and stations are limited to 100 - 200 kW
• Maximum current output: up to 400 amps
• Maximum voltage: 1000 volts
• Minimum voltage for start-up: approx. 50 volts
• Communication protocol: CAN (Controller Area Network)
• Communication speedup to 500 kbps
• Cable length: usually 3 to 5 metres
• Protection: IP54 or higher, depending on the design of the station
• Locking mechanism: automatic physical locking of the plug during charging

One of the most important features of CHAdeMO 2.0 is the support for bi-directional energy flow, which allows not only charging an electric vehicle but also returning excess energy back to the grid, home or external devices. It is thanks to this that CHAdeMO has become a pioneer of V2G technologies, which are now actively developing in Japan, South Korea and partly in Europe. 

In addition, CHAdeMO 2.0 actively communicates the temperature, charge level, internal resistance and other parameters that the charging station takes into account when delivering current. This ensures not only high charging speeds, but also stability and safe operation throughout the entire charging cycle. CHAdeMO 2.0 will be the basis for CHAdeMO 3.0 (ChaoJi), which promises a power output of up to 900 kW.

Detailed pinout diagram

The CHAdeMO 2.0 connector retains the general architecture of previous versions, but its internal layout has been optimised for improved performance and stable signal at high current and voltage levels. The contact group consists of 10 contacts, including 2 power, 1 ground, 4 signal and up to 3 optional contacts, housed in a sealed housing with additional protective elements.

The main elements of the CHAdeMO 2.0 contact circuit:

• DC+ (Positive Power Contact)Main contact: the main contact through which the positive potential of the high-voltage current is applied. Rated for currents up to 400 A.
• DC- (Negative Power Contact): contact responsible for supplying the negative potential. Together with DC+, it forms the main power line.
• CS (Control Signal): control contact that serves as a safety element. Transmitting a signal via CS only activates the start of the charging process when the physical connection is complete.
• S (Ground / Safety Earth): protective earth, which prevents dangerous potentials on the device housing. It ensures electrical safety in the event of malfunctions or faults.
• CAN-H (Controller Area Network High)Signal line: the data communication line that transmits the bulk of the commands and telemetry between the vehicle and the charging station.
• CAN-L (Controller Area Network Low)The second signal line of the CAN bus, which is paired with CAN-H and ensures symmetrical data transmission.
• AUX Power (optional)Auxiliary power for communication devices in systems that require autonomous support for signalling or intelligent functions. AUX Power is used in selected V2G systems to power auxiliary devices.

Each of the CHAdeMO contacts is located in a strictly designated section of the connector, surrounded by seals that prevent the ingress of moisture, dust and foreign objects. The contacts are made of a high-copper or silver-containing alloy with an anti-corrosion coating, which allows them to withstand high temperatures and intense stress over many charging cycles.

The physical shape of the connector is large and robust, with comfortable stiffening ribs, a handle and a locking mechanism. Due to the high power output, the CHAdeMO cable is typically thick, with multiple layers of insulation and a built-in temperature sensor to avoid overheating when charging at high power.

For V2G-enabled charging stations, the internal contact circuitry has a dual current transfer direction. This means that the same power contacts can not only receive energy, but also return it to external storage systems or the grid.

Compatibility and adapters

CHAdeMO 2.0 retains full compatibility with previous versions, allowing older electric vehicle models to be charged at new stations and vice versa. However, this standard is not compatible with CCS without special adapters.

Adapters are available:

• CHAdeMO to CCS Combo: are used to connect an electric vehicle with a CHAdeMO connector to CCS stations. Adapters are expensive, heavy, and not widely available.
• CCS to CHAdeMO: rare solutions that are used in the opposite direction. Some versions support V2G. 
• Tesla CHAdeMO Adapter: a special adapter for charging Tesla (in the USA and Japan) via CHAdeMO stations.

It is worth noting that adapters between CHAdeMO and CCS in many countries have certification restrictions, so they are not always available for widespread use.

How the CHAdeMO 2.0 Connector works

CHAdeMO 2.0 is based on a stable physical connection, digital data exchange and high-voltage power supply. Once the connector is physically connected to the vehicle, the CAN communication between both devices is activated. The vehicle transmits information about the battery status and the charging station adapts the power and voltage to suit the needs.

The main stages of work:

• Connecting the cable and initialising the connection
• User authentication (depending on the payment system)
• Exchange of information about the battery status
• Setting the maximum power output
• Start charging
• Dynamic current control during charging
• End of charging and safe disconnection

CHAdeMO 2.0 has improved algorithms for detecting anomalies: overheating, communication breakdown, mechanical damage. All such situations cause charging to stop immediately.

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Comparison with other connectors

CHAdeMO 2.0 occupies a special place among fast charging standards. Its advantages and disadvantages become particularly apparent when compared to other common solutions such as CCS Combo (1 and 2), GB/T and NACS (Tesla).

Compared to CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO has a separate port for DC charging. Whereas CCS combines AC and DC in one connector, CHAdeMO requires a separate socket next to the AC connector (e.g. Type 1 or Type 2). This complicates the design and requires more space.

However, CHAdeMO has historically been ahead of CCS in terms of the development of bidirectional charging (V2G). V2G is only available if there is appropriate equipment at the station and in the car. V2G technology is already in active use in Japan, and CHAdeMO 2.0 has built-in support for this feature, while CCS has only recently added it in version 3.0.

Compared to GB/T, the Chinese standard, CHAdeMO is lagging behind in terms of adoption in Asia. GB/T supports charging up to 250 kW, but works on the basis of a different exchange protocol, so they are incompatible without special equipment.

NACS (North American Charging Standard, formerly Tesla Connector), which is currently being actively implemented in the US, offers a powerful and compact alternative to CHAdeMO, combining all functions in one convenient port. Its main advantage is ease of use, and its disadvantage is that V2G is not yet fully standardised.

CHAdeMO 2.0 is inferior to more modern solutions in terms of structural integration, but remains a reliable, proven option for a market with a large number of already installed stations.

Which socket is used with the CHAdeMO 2.0 Connector

CHAdeMO 2.0 does not require the use of standard household sockets. It is solely an interface for high-power DC charging, so no sockets are used as such. Instead, the connector is connected directly to a charging station equipped with a special port with a fixed cable.

The station is equipped with a socket designed for connecting the CHAdeMO cable and is part of the system, not a replacement socket. The user does not use their own cable, as is the case with Type 2 sockets. All cables are integrated into the charging station.

In terms of power supply, the CHAdeMO charging station is connected to a three-phase industrial network with a high voltage (usually 400 V and above), with an internal DC conversion system. Therefore, the installation of such a station requires a special electrical connection.

Regional use

CHAdeMO 2.0 is most widely used in Japan, where the standard is the dominant national solution for fast charging of electric vehicles. Japan's infrastructure has been built on CHAdeMO since 2010, and today there are more than 8,000 stations supporting this interface.

In Europe, CHAdeMO has been spreading mainly through Nissan electric vehicles (in particular, the Nissan Leaf), Mitsubishi i-MiEV and their derivatives. In the EU, the standard was an alternative to CCS for some time, but later gave way to it in public infrastructure. Since 2014, new public projects in the EU have been predominantly focused on CCS as the main DC charging standard.

In North America, CHAdeMO was used primarily in the first generations of Nissan Leafs, as well as on some Teslas via an adapter. However, its share is now sharply declining, as most new cars are equipped with CCS or NACS. Nevertheless, there are still several thousand CHAdeMO-enabled stations in the US, including those on the EVgo and Blink platforms.

In Korea, India, Thailand and partly in the UAE, CHAdeMO is also widespread, although in many regions it is competing with the Chinese GB/T standard.

Compatibility with cars

CHAdeMO 2.0 is compatible with both new and older electric vehicle models that use previous versions of this connector. As the interface retains mechanical and protocol backward compatibility, no additional adapters are required to charge CHAdeMO 1.x electric vehicles at CHAdeMO 2.0 stations.

Among compatible vehicles:

• Nissan Leaf (all generations)
• Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Outlander PHEV
• Kia Soul EV (first generation)
• Peugeot iOn, Citroën C-Zero (via adaptation)
• Tesla Model S, Model X (via adapter)
• Toyota Prius Plug-In (certain versions for the Japanese market)
• Subaru Stella EV
• Honda Fit EV

CHAdeMO has been used extensively by Japanese brands, but some manufacturers are switching to CCS in new models for global unification. For example, the new Nissan Ariya already has CCS2 for the European market.

Conclusion.

CHAdeMO 2.0 is an updated version of the proven DC fast charging standard that combines high power (up to 400 kW), stable performance and full backward compatibility with previous versions. The standard has unique V2G support, which makes it particularly attractive for the market focused on two-way grid integration.

Although CHAdeMO is gradually losing ground in the global market due to competition from CCS and NACS, it remains an important part of the infrastructure in Japan and continues to operate at thousands of charging stations in the US and Europe.

Its advantages, such as proven reliability, backward compatibility and V2G readiness, make it a relevant choice for those who already have an electric vehicle with this connector or plan to use existing infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)