CCS2 vs CHAdeMO: Which Connector Does Your Electric Car Use?
The short answer
The vast majority of EVs sold in Brazil use the CCS2 connector, also called Combo 2: BYD, GWM, Volvo and BMW adopt this standard. CHAdeMO, the Japanese standard, was basically limited to the Nissan Leaf. When in doubt, confirm your car's connector in the spec sheet before choosing the charging station.
If you are entering the world of electric vehicles, understanding the difference between connector standards is essential. Find out which connector your car uses, why CCS2 is dominating the Brazilian market and how it affects your charging experience in Curitiba and region.
What are fast charging connectors?
Direct current (DC) fast charging connectors are the equivalent of the "nozzle" at a fuel station, but for electric cars. Unlike common household outlets, these connectors were designed to transmit large amounts of energy in short periods of time — we are talking about power levels ranging from 50 kW to more than 350 kW.
In the global market, two standards competed for manufacturers' preference over the past decades: CCS2 (Combined Charging System type 2) and CHAdeMO. Each has its own origins, technical characteristics and distinct compatibilities.
CCS2: the standard that won in Brazil
CCS2 — or Combo 2 — was born from collaboration between European and American manufacturers. It combines the alternating current (AC) charging pins of the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector with two additional pins at the bottom for direct current (DC). This "combined" approach gives the system its name.
Technical characteristics of CCS2:
- Power: supports from 50 kW up to 350 kW in direct current
- Maximum voltage: up to 1,000 V
- Communication: integrated PLC (Power Line Communication) protocol
- AC/DC compatibility: the same connector works for slow and fast charging
In Brazil, CCS2 became the dominant standard. The vast majority of electric vehicles sold in the country — BYD Dolphin, BYD Yuan Plus, GWM ORA 03, Volvo EX30, BMW iX1, among others — uses this connector exclusively.
With more than 90% of the new EVs sold in Brazil using CCS2, investing in infrastructure with this standard is the safest choice for the present and the future.
CHAdeMO: the Japanese pioneer
CHAdeMO (short for "CHArge de MOve", with a Japanese pun meaning "tea time") was developed by Japanese manufacturers such as Nissan, Mitsubishi and Toyota. It was the first DC fast charging standard to be marketed on a large scale, reaching the market in 2010.
Technical characteristics of CHAdeMO:
- Power: up to 400 kW in version 3.0 (most common: 50 kW)
- Protocol: communication via CAN bus
- Dedicated connector: exclusive to direct current (requires another connector for AC)
- Native V2G: bidirectional support from the start
In Brazil, CHAdeMO was basically limited to the Nissan Leaf, which had limited sales. With Nissan migrating to the CCS standard in its new global models, CHAdeMO is in accelerated decline in the Brazilian market.
Comparison table: CCS2 vs CHAdeMO
| Characteristic | CCS2 | CHAdeMO |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Europe/USA | Japan |
| Maximum power | 350 kW | 400 kW (v3.0) |
| AC + DC in the same connector | Yes | No |
| Vehicles in Brazil | BYD, GWM, Volvo, BMW, Audi, Porsche | Nissan Leaf |
| Charging station availability | High and growing | In decline |
| V2G (bidirectional) | Being implemented | Native |
| Future in Brazil | Dominant standard | Gradual discontinuation |
Which connector do the best-selling cars in Brazil use?
The Brazilian electric vehicle market is dominated by brands that adopted CCS2. Here are the most popular models in Curitiba and region:
- BYD Dolphin: CCS2 (accepts up to 60 kW DC)
- BYD Yuan Plus: CCS2 (accepts up to 80 kW DC)
- GWM ORA 03: CCS2 (accepts up to 67 kW DC)
- Volvo EX30: CCS2 (accepts up to 153 kW DC)
- BMW iX1: CCS2 (accepts up to 130 kW DC)
- BYD Seal: CCS2 (accepts up to 150 kW DC)
Practical Tip
If you are buying your first electric car in Brazil, the chance of it coming with CCS2 is practically 100%. All BYD, GWM, Volvo, BMW and Mercedes models currently sold in the country use this standard.
What about the Tesla connector (NACS)?
Tesla uses its own proprietary standard, NACS (North American Charging Standard), in the United States. However, for the Brazilian and European markets, Tesla vehicles already come equipped with a CCS2 connector, following local regulations.
This means a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y sold in Brazil charges normally at any station with CCS2 — including fast charging stations like Elektro Charge in Pinhais.
Where to charge with CCS2 in Curitiba and region?
The Curitiba metropolitan region has approximately 445 charging points, of which 125 are fast chargers (DC). The trend is clear: new charging stations installed in the region are prioritizing the CCS2 standard.
Paraná already adds up to more than 1,281 charging points across the state, with the network expanding rapidly along the main highways. For those who live in or pass through Pinhais, Elektro Charge offers 60 kW DC fast charging with a CCS2 connector, operating 24 hours on Av. Maringá.
The difference? While your car charges in 30 to 50 minutes, you enjoy the local dining with restaurants next to the station. An experience that turns charging time into quality time.
Conclusion: CCS2 is the standard for Brazil
The battle between CCS2 and CHAdeMO already has a clear winner in Brazil. With practically every manufacturer adopting CCS2 and the national infrastructure consolidating around this standard, it is safe to say this is the technology that will accompany Brazilian electric mobility in the coming decades.
If you are considering buying an electric car, don't worry about the connector question — the market has already solved that equation. Focus on range, cost per kilometer and, of course, the availability of charging stations on your daily route.
CCS2 fast charging in Pinhais
60 kW of power, 24 hours, with dining right next door. Discover the charging station that turns charging into an experience.
See on Google Maps →Frequently asked questions
Does the Tesla charge at a CCS2 charging station?
Yes. Teslas sold in Brazil already come with a CCS2 connector, following local regulations, and charge normally at any CCS2 station, including fast charging. NACS is the proprietary standard Tesla uses in the United States, and it is not the connector of the cars sold here.
What is the technical difference between CCS2 and CHAdeMO?
CCS2 combines the AC pins of Type 2 with two DC pins, so the same connector works for slow and fast charging. CHAdeMO is DC only and requires another connector for AC. CCS2 supports from 50 to 350 kW and CHAdeMO reaches 400 kW in version 3.0.
How much DC power does each model accept?
The BYD Dolphin accepts up to 60 kW in DC, the Yuan Plus up to 80 kW, the GWM ORA 03 up to 67 kW, the BMW iX1 up to 130 kW, the BYD Seal up to 150 kW and the Volvo EX30 up to 153 kW. All use CCS2, so the connector is the same, and what changes is the power limit.
Will CHAdeMO cease to exist in Brazil?
It is in accelerated decline: Nissan migrated to the CCS standard in its new global models, and more than 90% of the new EVs sold in Brazil already use CCS2. The charging stations installed in the Curitiba region also prioritize CCS2.
Where to charge with CCS2 in Curitiba and region?
Elektro Charge has DC with CCS2 in Pinhais (Av. Maringá, 2729, 60 kW) and in Boqueirão, in Curitiba (Av. Marechal Floriano Peixoto, 8326, 60 kW), both open 24 hours. For other points, filter by CCS2 in your charging app.
