Likelihood of a CHAdeMO adapter for the Model S

[dpeilow]

Contrary to the precursor superlatives, nothing in the Supercharger unveil really "blew me away" or caused a "never thought of that", but it is the little details like this that make me appreciate that they are being careful and thoughtful about the way they deploy this.

Someone doesn't like the look of the Supercharger box

Or maybe the superchargers are being financed by a hedge fund :scared::crying::scared:

 

[TEG]

I wonder if that "hedge" was just a prop backdrop for the photo-op?
Anyone know if it is still there?
If so, is it a real, growing hedge?

 

[Doug_G]

I wonder if that "hedge" was just a prop backdrop for the photo-op?
Anyone know if it is still there?
If so, is it a real, growing hedge?

Looks rather like a Photoshop hedge to me.

 

[vfx]

So dark it's hard to tell. Plastic or PS.

 

[HawaNY]

CHAdeMO plug is rather large...

(Model S socket is about the size of the smaller circle on the J1772 to the left)

(CHAdeMO on left, J1772 on right)


By the way, Audi R8 w/CHAdeMO:

Audi R8 e-tron Captures EV World Record with 8:09 Nurburgring Lap - WOT on Motor Trend

OK, wait, why hasn't the Roadster done the Nurburgring? The street R-8 etron has the same 125mph top speed limitation, which they increased to 155 for this stunt to grab the record. As a German, I demand the same respect from TM. (Sorry to be off topic!)

 

[TEG]

Looks rather like a Photoshop hedge to me.

Yeah, this was a recent photo too:
Buy, Sell or Research a New or Used Car - New York Times - The New York Times

And no hedge there!
Bring me a shrubbery! (Better get me a bucket too!)

- - - Updated - - -

OK, wait, why hasn't the Roadster done the Nurburgring? The street R-8 etron has the same 125mph top speed limitation, which they increased to 155 for this stunt to grab the record. As a German, I demand the same respect from TM. (Sorry to be off topic!)

Might want to check out this thread:
Tesla Roadster on Nürburgring Nordschleife

Yesterday we went there with 12 roadsters and several other ev's...

 

[artsci]

Could the the CHAdeMO be any bigger or more bulky? That alone should kill it. It seemed some somebody worked very hard to design the ugliest plug possible. Surely a good industrial designer could have created a plug with the same functionality but much better aesthetics.

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

Could the the CHAdeMO be any bigger or more bulky? That alone should kill it. It seemed some somebody worked very hard to design the ugliest plug possible.

While I also hate most of the current CHAdeMO connector designs the reality is they do work and today that's what's important.

 

[KenEE]

Tesla confirmed to me yesterday via email:

---

Model S will have adaptors for other fast-charging stations, including CHAdeMO. We don't have further details at this time.

Best regards,

Ownership Experience Team
[email protected]
1-877-77-TESLA (877-778-3752)

I just heard back from Tesla NOT to expect an adapter anytime soon.

"When it comes to DC fast charging using the CHAdeMO system Tesla Motors has not announced any plans to use the fast charge DC CHAdeMO. I agree the more charging the better, but I am not sure if the technologies really match up at this point. Tesla Superchargers have no impact on the degradation of the battery. Tesla Motors is very proud of this and we must be certain that other technology can do the same. The more charging solutions you have the better, but I would not expect an adapter for the CHAdeMO charger any time soon. "

So who do we trust? "Ownership Experience Team" or "HQ Product Specialist"?

 

[Discoducky]

So who do we trust? "Ownership Experience Team" or "HQ Product Specialist"?

I'd expect something formal by the time P#'s and 40/60's start shipping as we'll have a need for these more than Sig's

 

[dpeilow]

Yeah, this was a recent photo too:

And no hedge there!
Bring me a shrubbery! (Better get me a bucket too!)

No, that photo was taken on Brad's drive down to the event so was before they put them in place.

 

[doug]

I just heard back from Tesla NOT to expect an adapter anytime soon.

"When it comes to DC fast charging using the CHAdeMO system Tesla Motors has not announced any plans to use the fast charge DC CHAdeMO. I agree the more charging the better, but I am not sure if the technologies really match up at this point. Tesla Superchargers have no impact on the degradation of the battery. Tesla Motors is very proud of this and we must be certain that other technology can do the same. The more charging solutions you have the better, but I would not expect an adapter for the CHAdeMO charger any time soon. "

So who do we trust? "Ownership Experience Team" or "HQ Product Specialist"?

Which said that quote above?

...I am not sure if the technologies really match up at this point. Tesla Superchargers have no impact on the degradation of the battery. Tesla Motors is very proud of this and we must be certain that other technology can do the same.

Without any more info, this bit sounds like nonsense. The lower charge rate of CHAdeMO is likely to be more gentle on the battery and anyhow the car's control software determines the voltage and current supplied. Are they suggesting that the CHAdeMO stations will have random voltage spikes or something?

 

[jkirkebo]

I'd expect something formal by the time P#'s and 40/60's start shipping as we'll have a need for these more than Sig's

The 40's wont be able to use a hypothetical CHAdeMO-adapter anyway, as they lack the SuperCharger hardware.

 

[ahimberg]

So sounds like CHAdeMO is too big for a small can adapter, plus isn't electrically identical to j1772

Is the bulkiness of SAE J1772-DC also a concern, or a similar sized can adapter will be ok with the weight of a very heavy DC cable?


Personally I just want the SAE adapter and hope the CHAdeMO locations become dual standard supporting chargers -- just need all those claiming to support SAE to get some cars out

 

[KenEE]

Which said that quote above?



Without any more info, this bit sounds like nonsense. The lower charge rate of CHAdeMO is likely to be more gentle on the battery and anyhow the car's control software determines the voltage and current supplied. Are they suggesting that the CHAdeMO stations will have random voltage spikes or something?

The quote I posted was from the HQ Product Specialist. There was no other explanation or info other than what I posted above. I did send him the posted email from the OE guy/gal stating there would be an adapter and if he could get with them to work it out. I'll post the results if he gets back with me.

 

[stopcrazypp]

So sounds like CHAdeMO is too big for a small can adapter, plus isn't electrically identical to j1772

Is the bulkiness of SAE J1772-DC also a concern, or a similar sized can adapter will be ok with the weight of a very heavy DC cable?

Personally I just want the SAE adapter and hope the CHAdeMO locations become dual standard supporting chargers -- just need all those claiming to support SAE to get some cars out

The J1772 DC is electrically compatible with Tesla's plug (like J1772). Tesla just needs to route the two power pins to the two extra DC pins on the bottom. I think a can sized adapter should be possible (DC cable weight issue aside).

A CHAdeMO adapter will necessarily need to be larger because of the extra electronics necessary to handle the CAN-bus based hand shaking. Most likely it'll be a box of some sort.

Basically all American based CHAdeMO charger manufacturers (like Akerwade, Eaton) say their existing CHAdeMO chargers will be updated to support SAE protocol, which likely means those chargers can be retrofitted with a SAE connector in the future. Aerovironment didn't say their CHAdeMO charger can be updated, but they are one of the leaders of the J1772-DC committee anyways, so I figure they will have a solution when the time comes. Don't bet on the Japanese chargers (like the 400 free ones Nissan donated) supporting it though.

 

[widodh]

Basically all American based CHAdeMO charger manufacturers (like Akerwade, Eaton) say their existing CHAdeMO chargers will be updated to support SAE protocol, which likely means those chargers can be retrofitted with a SAE connector in the future. Aerovironment didn't say their CHAdeMO charger can be updated, but they are one of the leaders of the J1772-DC committee anyways, so I figure they will have a solution when the time comes. Don't bet on the Japanese chargers (like the 400 free ones Nissan donated) supporting it though.

I heard they are doing the same in Europe.

Quick chargers will either support CHAdeMO with the new SAE DC and have a 3-phase 63A connector. All results in something between 44kW and 50kW.

 

[sublimaze1]

So who do we trust? "Ownership Experience Team" or "HQ Product Specialist"?

Most certainly not OET. Not to be offensive to them (as mine has been helpful), but they do not have the information to give.

 

[Larry Chanin]

Tesla confirmed to me yesterday via email:

---

Model S will have adaptors for other fast-charging stations, including CHAdeMO. We don't have further details at this time.

Best regards,

Ownership Experience Team
[email protected]
1-877-77-TESLA (877-778-3752)

I just heard back from Tesla NOT to expect an adapter anytime soon.

"When it comes to DC fast charging using the CHAdeMO system Tesla Motors has not announced any plans to use the fast charge DC CHAdeMO. I agree the more charging the better, but I am not sure if the technologies really match up at this point. Tesla Superchargers have no impact on the degradation of the battery. Tesla Motors is very proud of this and we must be certain that other technology can do the same. The more charging solutions you have the better, but I would not expect an adapter for the CHAdeMO charger any time soon. "

So who do we trust? "Ownership Experience Team" or "HQ Product Specialist"?

Of course these two statements are not mutually exclusive. The Ownership Experience Team didn't specify a timeframe, and the Product Specialist didn't definitively state that there wouldn't be an adapter.

Larry

 

[sublimaze1]

My OET rep had a similar response: "it is in the works"