The Battle of EV Charging Standards: SAE J1772 vs CHAdeMO

Today’s two most popular fast-charging standards for EVs are SAE J1772 from the Society of Automotive Engineers and CHAdeMO from the CHAdeMO Association. This article will compare these two standards, examining their features, compatibility, charging speeds, and overall impact on the EV market.

Overview of SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO

Before delving into the specifics of each standard, let’s first understand what they are and their origins.

SAE J1772

The SAE J1772, also known as the Type 1 or Level 2 connector, is a North American standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). It’s designed primarily for AC (Alternating Current) charging, although it can also support DC (Direct Current) fast charging through its Combo variant (CCS, or Combined Charging System).

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is a Japanese standard developed by the CHAdeMO Association, which includes major Japanese automakers and energy companies. The term “CHAdeMO” is an abbreviation of “CHArge de MOve,” which translates to “charge for moving.” CHAdeMO is designed exclusively for DC fast charging, providing rapid recharges for EVs.

Compatibility and Adoption

One of the primary concerns for EV owners is whether their vehicle’s charging connector is compatible with the charging stations they encounter. Let’s look at the compatibility and adoption of both SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO.

SAE J1772

The SAE J1772 is the standard connector for all EVs sold in North America, except for Tesla vehicles, which use a proprietary connector. However, Tesla provides an adapter that allows their vehicles to charge at J1772 stations. This standard is also used in some European and Asian models, making it a widely accepted connector.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is primarily used by Japanese automakers, such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Toyota, as well as Korean automaker Kia. While popular in Japan, CHAdeMO’s presence in North America and Europe is limited. However, many charging stations offer dual-standard chargers that include both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors to accommodate various EV models.

Charging Speeds

Charging speeds are a critical factor for EV owners, as they directly impact the time it takes to recharge a vehicle’s battery. Let’s compare the charging speeds of SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO.

SAE J1772

As an AC charging standard, the J1772 connector typically provides charging speeds between 3.3 kW and 19.2 kW, depending on the EV’s onboard charger capabilities. Most Level 2 charging stations offer 6.6 kW to 7.4 kW charging, which translates to approximately 20-25 miles of range per hour of charging.

The SAE J1772 Combo (CCS) allows for DC fast charging, with speeds ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. However, most EVs and charging stations currently support speeds of up to 150 kW. These higher speeds enable charging from 20% to 80% battery capacity in as little as 20-30 minutes.

CHAdeMO

Being exclusively a DC fast charging standard, CHAdeMO provides significantly faster charging speeds than the base J1772. Early CHAdeMO chargers offered 50 kW charging, but newer models can deliver up to 100 kW or more. Some stations even support up to 150 kW, allowing for rapid recharging.

Future Outlook and Impact on the EV Market

As the EV market continues to evolve, so do the charging standards. The future of both SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO will be shaped by several factors.

SAE J1772

The SAE J1772 standard is likely to remain the primary charging standard for North American EVs, given its widespread adoption and compatibility with most non-Tesla vehicles. The CCS variant will continue to gain traction in the fast charging segment, as more EVs and charging stations support the higher charging speeds it offers.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO’s future is less certain, as it faces challenges from the CCS standard and the growth of Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger network. However, the CHAdeMO Association is working on improving the standard, with CHAdeMO 3.0 (also known as “ChaoJi”) promising charging speeds of up to 500 kW. This could help CHAdeMO maintain relevance, especially in the Asian market.

Conclusion

Both the SAE J1772 and CHAdeMO standards play essential roles in the EV charging landscape. While the J1772 offers a widely compatible solution for AC charging and an increasingly popular option for DC fast charging