Making the shift to an electric vehicle often requires upgrading home charging capabilities with a Level 2 (240V) charging station. But for regular long-distance driving or trips beyond your EV‘s range, DC fast charging is essential – enabling compatible EVs to add hundreds of miles of range in less than an hour.
As you consider electric vehicles capable of DC fast charging, two of the leading public DC fast charging connector standards are:
- Tesla Supercharger – A proprietary DC fast charging network focused exclusively on Tesla vehicles
- CHAdeMO – An open DC fast charging standard supported by many automakers globally
This article will compare Superchargers and CHAdeMO chargers across key criteria like charging speeds, real-world availability, connector approach, vehicle interoperability, and recent developments that may shape standards alignment industry-wide. We‘ll also make recommendations based on EV ownership scenarios and priorities to help determine which fast charging solution may be best aligned to your needs.
A Brief History of EV Fast Charging Approaches
Public electric vehicle charging infrastructure only dates back just over a decade, with significant growth in networks like Tesla‘s Superchargers and CHAdeMO since 2015. Early on there were divergent approaches between automakers – some developed proprietary charging networks focused solely on their own EV models, while open standards bodies sought to align the industry around shared fast charging connectors usable by any vehicle.
Tesla Superchargers launched in 2012 focused exclusively on Tesla vehicles. Offering 120-150kW initially and up to 250kW speeds today, the network has grown rapidly to over 40,000 individual Superchargers globally as of late 2022. Tesla uses a proprietary connector design, but thousands of sites now offer CHAdeMO or J1772 adapters to accommodate other EVs as well.
CHAdeMO debuted publicly in 2010 through collaboration between Tokyo Electric Power Company and Japanese automakers like Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota. Developed as an open industry standard, CHAdeMO charging stations support both battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. With a maximum charge rate of 62kW originally and now 400kW for next-generation connections, over 45,000 CHAdeMO chargers are installed globally across Europe, Asia and North America.
Now over a decade into mainstream EV adoption, Tesla and CHAdeMO take divergent approaches to delivering DC fast charging capabilities. This article will analyze the differences in-depth across five key categories:
- Charging speeds supported
- Real-world availability and locations
- Connector design and charging experience
- Vehicle interoperability
- Recent changes and outlook
By comparing each standard side-by-side on these technical and practical measures, you‘ll be better equipped to determine which fast charging solution(s) may be best aligned to your electric vehicle ownership needs and priorities.
Charging Speed Comparison
The rate that electric vehicles can charge is measured in kilowatts (kW) defining the maximum power transferred by the charging equipment to the battery. More kilowatts means faster charging and less downtime waiting to get back on the road.
Tesla V3 Superchargers support charging at up to 250kW enabling compatible vehicles to add up to 200 miles of driving range in just 15 minutes. The power is delivered directly from the charge post to Tesla‘s proprietary battery and charging system design with liquid-cooled charging cables.
Comparatively, the CHAdeMO Generation 2 charging protocol updated in 2014 theoretically supports up to 400kW charging speeds. But in practice most CHAdeMO-compatible vehicles on the market today charge at between 50-130kW rates. This is likely due to tradeoffs around battery cooling systems and complexity required to charge safely at over 250kW.
So while CHAdeMO supports twice the peak charging speed on paper, virtually all vehicles offered to date charge slower than the latest Tesla models due to battery management system limitations. As this table summarizes, Tesla vehicles achieve the fastest real-world charging speeds today:
| Electric Vehicle Model | Max Charging Speed | Time for 80% Charge | Miles Added per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 RWD Long Range | 250 kW | 25 minutes | Over 170 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance | 250 kW | 23 minutes | Over 180 |
| 2023 Nissan Leaf e+ | 100 kW | 60 minutes | Over 150 |
| 2023 Nissan Ariya Venture+ | 130 kW | 45 minutes | Around 160 |
And over the next 3-5 years, charging speed capabilities are expected to increase substantially. Tesla plans to launch its "V4" Supercharger generation supporting peak rates up to 350kW by 2025. Meanwhile Extreme Fast Charging (XFC) initiatives led by CharIN could demonstrate charging at up to 500kW later this decade.
So while CHAdeMO theoretically supports faster charging today, Tesla Superchargers consistently deliver the fastest charging experience in practice. And developments in coming years will likely push maximum speeds even higher across both standards.
Availability and Accessibility Analysis
In additional to charge rate, arguably the most important consideration for any EV owner relying on public fast charging is where stations are located. More charging locations with convenient site amenities provides flexibility and confidence to rely on charging infrastructure for daily needs instead of simply occasional long-distance travel.
Tesla has prioritized opening stations positioned for convenience and amenities – favoring retail locations like shopping centers, grocery stores, and convenience stores rather than utilitarian off-highway sites. This approach improves access near errands while also making charging time more productive. Tesla also operates charging-only rest stop-style sites along highway corridors focused exclusively on ultra-fast charging for road trips rather than amenities.
CHAdeMO locations are most highly concentrated in Japan and Europe, with networks like Nissan‘s "No Charge to Charge" program located primarily at vehicle dealerships. While convenient for some drivers, dealership locations risk challenges like access restrictions during business hours or internal combustion vehicles blocking available charging stalls. Third party CHAdeMO network operators like EVgo are expanding locations similar to Tesla‘s retail area approach, but coverage remains far lower overall compared to Superchargers in countries like the United States.
Analyzing DC Fast Charger availability by geographic region shows the current landscape:
United States
- 8,200+ Supercharger stalls at 800+ locations
- 2,500 CHAdeMO stations nationwide
Europe
- 7,885 Tesla Supercharger stalls at 769 locations
- 22,500 CHAdeMO stations concentrated in western Europe
China
- 3,674 Supercharger stations with multiple stalls each
- Under 2,000 CHAdeMO stations nationwide
So by virtually any availability measure, Tesla Superchargers significantly outpace CHAdeMO stations globally at 5-10 times the station count stretched across North America, Europe and Asia. For non-Tesla EV owners CHAdeMO remains essential for roadtrips, but growth is needed match coverage expectations set by Tesla‘s network.
Charging Connector and Experience Comparison
As much as sheer charging speed, the physical connection between electric vehicle and charging post matters for user experience. An ideal connector should be lightweight and easy to handle for users of varying ability, durable across thousands of insertions over decades, and feel solid and premium. The charging session itself should start instantly upon connecting, require no unnecessary authorization steps, and clearly communicate progress.
On both fronts Tesla again sets the benchmark for premium physical connector design and simplified charging experience. The company‘s proprietary connector is smaller than competing standards at around half the size. By integrating cooling systems into the car itself rather than the charge handle, Tesla also enables a flexible, lightweight design using liquid coolant rather than air. The streamlined form factor is easier to plugin repeatedly, with nothing to authorize charging begins instantly upon connecting to a Supercharger stall.
CHAdeMO uses a larger, heavier connector design since components like cooling fans are integrated directly into the charge handle itself. This means bulkier, heavier equipment is supported primarily by the user when connecting their EV. While ruggedized, the size and weight make CHAdeMO connectors objectively more difficult to handle, particularly for drivers unable to lift heavy equipment repeatedly on multi-leg journeys. And before initiating charging, most CHAdeMO networks still require interacting with an additional payment terminal and authorization process compared to Tesla‘s directly integrated charging UX.
So when considering charging experience beyond just speed, Tesla again outperforms based on physical connector design and simplified user experience. Smaller, lighter, easier to use connections enable frictionless charging while CHAdeMO still requires external payment and authorization steps slowing the end-to-end driver experience.
Vehicle Interoperability and Standards Philosophy
With different designs, connectors and network approaches, Tesla Superchargers and CHAdeMO stations take divergent views on vehicle interoperability. Proprietary standards that only work for one automaker allow customization and optimization, while open charging standards aim to work across brands globally through collaboration. There are good arguments on both sides.
The Tesla connector and Supercharger network ecosystem is designed exclusively for the needs of Tesla vehicles. For Tesla drivers this singular focus means more charging locations positioned perfectly for latest models, consistently reliable ultra-fast charging speed, and a frictionless user experience. Without collaborating across automakers, Tesla can optimize performance and tech integration. The downside however is fully closed infrastructure locking out all other EV brands – for now only Tesla‘s can charge natively at Superchargers.
Alternatively, CHAdeMO was developed as an open industry standard for DC fast charging – collaboratively designed to be accessible by any automaker globally. There are now over 260 vehicle models sold worldwide compatible with CHAdeMO charging stations, either through dedicated CHAdeMO charge ports or plug adapters. But this interoperability also means standards advancement adapts more slowly compared to a proprietary ecosystem. Still for drivers considering EV models beyond just Tesla, CHAdeMO interoperability provides essential access to ultra-fast charging.
So in summary Tesla takes a mostly proprietary approach optimizing solely for Tesla vehicles, while CHAdeMO favors collaboration for wider industry interoperability. There are good arguments on both sides around optimizing infrastructure access for specific use cases rather than compromised one-size-fits-all standards.
Recent Developments and Outlook Towards Alignment
Both Tesla‘s connector approach and CHAdeMO continue to evolve quickly – with innovations around charging speed, connectors, cooling systems and global infrastructure deployment constantly developing. Two major recent announcements also signal increased collaboration ahead:
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General Motors and Ford in 2022 shared plans to support the Tesla charging connector moving forward. This endorsement from other major automakers may help align the broader industry.
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Groups like the CharIN Association with members spanning auto, charging and utilities continue working towards interoperability around new standards beyond 400kW rates.
So while Tesla and CHAdeMO take different approaches optimizing infrastructure today for their vehicles and use cases, alignment on charging standards has benefits globally. Open access, ultra-high reliability, extreme charging speed and vehicle interoperability are all crucial for mass EV adoption. So increased partnership between automakers, charging firms and governments will likely blend the unique strengths of both approaches in coming years for a unified fast charging ecosystem.
Recommendations By Use Case
So with different locations, speeds, connectors and interoperability approaches, should you choose the Tesla Supercharger network or CHAdeMO for your electric vehicle charging needs? The answer depends primarily on whether you own a Tesla vehicle or other electric car model.
For Tesla Owners
Given expansive fast charging coverage focused specifically on latest Tesla models plus free charging credits with vehicle purchase, relying on the Supercharger network makes sense for most Tesla drivers. Tesla is also committed to keeping pace with charging speeds, promising 350kW chargers within 2 years. The only reason to consider CHAdeMO would be occasional trips to areas without sufficient Supercharger coverage.
For Non-Tesla EV Owners
Since Tesla‘s network remains largely restricted to Tesla vehicles only, CHAdeMO is the best widely available DC fast charging option for non-Tesla models today. Charging speed trails Tesla slightly, connectors tend to be bulkier, and locations less ubiquitous. But for non-Tesla EV buyers, CHAdeMO interoperability provides essential access to roadtrip-enabling fast charging thanks to open standardization.
Longer Term Outlook
Long term, increased standardization across networks and vehicles has potential to provide open-access, ultra-reliable fast charging ecosystems accessible to all major EV models with limited adapter needs. So hopefully the unique strengths of both closed and open charging networks today help evolve the entire fast charging industry to new levels. More choice and reliability is undoubtedly positive for this crucial transition to electric mobility.
Key Takeaways Comparing Tesla Superchargers and CHAdeMO
In summary, while Tesla Superchargers and CHAdeMO take different technological approaches to delivering fast charging:
- Tesla Superchargers lead industry-wide on charging speed, connector design, charging UX and availability
- CHAdeMO enables essential road trip fast charging for non-Tesla EV owners via interoperability
And with increased collaboration between automakers, charging networks and governments plus continual speed and reliability improvements, a more unified fast charging ecosystem accessible to all seems increasingly achievable long term combining the unique strengths of both platforms today.
So which fast charging standard is best aligned to your electric vehicle ownership needs? Reach out via email or social for personalized recommendations based on your individual use cases and priorities. I‘m happy to analyze options in-depth and suggest locations to consider test charging in your region.
