CHAdeMO EV charging in Ireland
Driving a Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi EV? You’re likely using a CHAdeMO connector. As one of the original fast charging systems, CHAdeMO is still in use across Ireland, especially at older motorway and public charge points. While its presence is declining in favour of CCS, it remains important for many EV drivers today.
CHAdeMO supports DC (Direct Current) charging — where power is delivered straight to your vehicle’s battery, bypassing onboard conversion. This allows for fast charging, with most CHAdeMO units delivering 50kW and adding up to 150km of range in around 30–45 minutes.
Find CHAdeMO-compatible chargers
What is CHAdeMO?
CHAdeMO (short for “CHArge de MOve”) is a fast charging connector standard developed in Japan. It was one of the first DC charging systems introduced for electric vehicles and remains widely used by Asian manufacturers. The connector supports DC fast charging, with the charger converting AC power to DC before sending it directly to your EV’s battery.
Although newer EVs in Ireland increasingly use CCS, CHAdeMO is still common on earlier models — particularly the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
How fast is CHAdeMO charging?
Charging speeds vary by location and charger capacity, but most CHAdeMO units in Ireland deliver:
- 50kW: The most common — adds 100–150km of range in 30–45 minutes
- Up to 400kW: Technically supported by the CHAdeMO standard, but very rare in Ireland and across Europe
Like other DC systems, CHAdeMO is primarily found at public charging points, particularly along motorways and in older retail or local authority charge networks.
Which EVs use CHAdeMO connectors?
CHAdeMO is commonly found on Japanese-manufactured electric vehicles, including:
- Nissan Leaf (especially older models)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Some earlier models from Toyota and Lexus
Most newer EVs now use the CCS (Combined Charging System) connector, but CHAdeMO remains essential for legacy and imported vehicles still on Irish roads.
Is CHAdeMO being phased out?
Yes, but gradually. While CHAdeMO played a key role in the early days of EV adoption, most European manufacturers have adopted CCS as the standard for fast charging. As a result, many public charging networks in Ireland are prioritising CCS infrastructure, and some newer charging stations no longer include CHAdeMO plugs.
If your EV uses CHAdeMO, it’s still fully supported at many public fast charging sites, but it’s a good idea to check charger compatibility before your journey using an EV charging app.
Frequently asked questions about CHAdeMO connectors
What vehicles use CHAdeMO in Ireland?
CHAdeMO is used by vehicles such as the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and some early Toyota and Lexus EVs. Most of these vehicles were manufactured before CCS became the dominant standard in Europe.
How fast is a CHAdeMO charger?
Most CHAdeMO chargers in Ireland provide 50kW of DC power, which can add around 100–150km of range in 30–45 minutes. While the standard allows for up to 400kW, such chargers are not currently available in Ireland.
Can I use CCS instead of CHAdeMO?
No. CCS and CHAdeMO are entirely different connector types and are not interchangeable. You must use a charging point that supports the specific plug type your EV is equipped with.
Is CHAdeMO still supported in Ireland?
Yes. While CHAdeMO is being phased out in favour of CCS, it’s still available at many public charging points, especially those operated by ESB and other legacy networks. However, support may decline over time as infrastructure evolves.
Are CHAdeMO chargers tethered?
Yes. Like other DC fast chargers, CHAdeMO units are tethered, meaning the charging cable is attached to the unit. You don’t need to bring your own cable to use one.
