You need to plug-in your EV, but not just anywhere! Standardization is always an important issue when it comes to new technological breakthroughs. But which side shall rule the world, East or West, in the EV plug design war?
Recent developments
Back in 2012, the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) rendered its verdict and chose the Combined Charging System design known as J1772, even though the CHAdeMo standard had taken into account quick-charge DC capability, which the 2009 J1772 standard ignored. An entire network of CHAdeMo charging stations is available in Japan, which explains why the American Nissan LEAF has two connectors.
Japanese Zen
In Japan, every object seems to have its own sense of purpose and belonging. The CHAdeMo designation is not as soulless as an alphanumeric designation. In fact, it is an abbreviation of « CHArge de Move » or, if you like, ''charge for moving.'' The Japanese language then takes this another step to, "O cha demo ikaga desuka," which means '' let's have some tea while it recharges.''
The symbol chosen to represent the recharge literally smiles, with its curved line symbolizing movement and the green color, which refers to tea.
The West has won
The American connector, which was initially used for the EV1, has been remodeled and improved. The 2009 version had five contact points designed to safely connect to standard 120V and 240V outlets for recharging purposes. A second two-pin DC connector has now been added in order to accommodate different types of recharging stations that are found outside the home.
Recent developments
Back in 2012, the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) rendered its verdict and chose the Combined Charging System design known as J1772, even though the CHAdeMo standard had taken into account quick-charge DC capability, which the 2009 J1772 standard ignored. An entire network of CHAdeMo charging stations is available in Japan, which explains why the American Nissan LEAF has two connectors.
 |
| CHAdeMo connector (left) and J-J1772 connector (right) (Photo: Nissan) |
Japanese Zen
In Japan, every object seems to have its own sense of purpose and belonging. The CHAdeMo designation is not as soulless as an alphanumeric designation. In fact, it is an abbreviation of « CHArge de Move » or, if you like, ''charge for moving.'' The Japanese language then takes this another step to, "O cha demo ikaga desuka," which means '' let's have some tea while it recharges.''
The symbol chosen to represent the recharge literally smiles, with its curved line symbolizing movement and the green color, which refers to tea.
The West has won
The American connector, which was initially used for the EV1, has been remodeled and improved. The 2009 version had five contact points designed to safely connect to standard 120V and 240V outlets for recharging purposes. A second two-pin DC connector has now been added in order to accommodate different types of recharging stations that are found outside the home.