If you drive a Nissan Leaf or another CHAdeMO-equipped EV, you’ve probably typed “find CHAdeMO chargers” or “CHAdeMO chargers near me” into your phone more than once. The good news: even as the industry moves toward CCS and NACS, there are still thousands of CHAdeMO fast chargers across the U.S. and Canada, you just need the right tools and a slightly more strategic approach to find and use them reliably.
Key takeaway for CHAdeMO drivers
CHAdeMO isn’t the future of fast charging, but in 2025 it’s still very usable, especially if you learn which apps to trust, how to verify stations before you drive, and how to plan trips around the remaining high‑quality locations.
Why CHAdeMO chargers still matter in 2025
CHAdeMO was one of the first DC fast‑charging standards to roll out at scale. It powered the early wave of cars like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi i‑MiEV. Although most new EVs in North America now use CCS1 or Tesla’s NACS connector, CHAdeMO infrastructure hasn’t vanished overnight. As of late 2023, there were more than 6,500 stations in the U.S. and Canada that included a CHAdeMO connector, and new or updated CHAdeMO sites are still being added every month, even in 2025.
CHAdeMO fast charging snapshot in 2025
For current owners, that means two things. First, your car is still quite usable for local driving and even well‑planned regional trips. Second, you can’t be casual about fast charging the way a Tesla or CCS driver might be. You need to know exactly where CHAdeMO plugs are, whether they’re working, and what your backup plan is if they’re not.
Quick steps to find CHAdeMO chargers near me
5 quick steps to find CHAdeMO chargers near you
1. Start with PlugShare
Open the PlugShare app or website, allow location access, and zoom to your area. It’s the most complete public map of CHAdeMO chargers worldwide, with filters for plug type and speed.
2. Filter specifically for CHAdeMO
Within PlugShare’s filters, select your connector type as <strong>CHAdeMO</strong> and choose DC fast charging speed. This clears out Level 2 stations that won’t help on a road trip.
3. Check recent check‑ins and photos
Open promising stations and read the last few user check‑ins. If multiple recent users report faults or blocked access, look for a different station.
4. Confirm access hours and parking rules
Many CHAdeMO units are in dealer lots or parking garages with restricted hours. Verify when the site is open and whether you’ll need to pay for parking in addition to charging.
5. Save backups before you drive
Bookmark your top choice plus at least one backup within range. That way, if a station is down, you’re not scrambling at 10% state of charge.
Pro tip: Save locations to your phone
Whatever app you use, add your favorite CHAdeMO sites to bookmarks or favorites. Over time you’ll build a personal network of “trusted” stations you know are reliable and convenient.
Best apps and maps to find CHAdeMO chargers
Multiple tools can help you find CHAdeMO chargers near you, but a handful stand out for U.S. and Canadian drivers. The trick is to use them together, one for discovery, others for real‑time status and payment.
Core tools to find CHAdeMO chargers near you
Use at least two of these so you’re never relying on a single source.
PlugShare
Best for: Discovery & community feedback
- Largest global EV charging map with user reviews.
- Excellent filters: connector type, speed, access, network.
- Shows CHAdeMO locations even in smaller towns.
ChargePoint app
Best for: Network‑specific CHAdeMO sites
- Filters by DC fast chargers and CHAdeMO where available.
- Shows live status on many stations.
- Lets you start and pay for sessions in‑app.
Electrify America & EVgo
Best for: Highway fast charging
- Both historically offered CHAdeMO at many highway sites.
- Apps show real‑time status, prices, and available power.
- Great for planning intercity trips with a CHAdeMO car.
US Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) map
The AFDC station locator is the federal government’s public database of charging stations. It’s not as easy to use as PlugShare day to day, but it’s authoritative. You can filter by connector type = CHAdeMO and fuel type = electricity to see everything officially recorded in your area.
Automaker & dealer tools
Nissan’s older apps and some dealer sites still highlight nearby fast chargers, including CHAdeMO. For local driving, some Leaf owners also keep a mental map of friendly dealers that allow after‑hours charging in their lots. These aren’t always listed in network apps, so it’s worth asking your local dealer what’s available.
Don’t rely on navigation alone
Built‑in navigation in older EVs will often show fast chargers but may not accurately distinguish between CHAdeMO, CCS, and Tesla connectors. Always cross‑check fast‑charging locations in a dedicated app before you head out.
Using major charging-network apps for CHAdeMO
Once you’ve used PlugShare or another map to spot CHAdeMO chargers near you, you’ll still want the network’s own app for the best experience. Here’s how to approach the big players if you’re driving a CHAdeMO car.
How big charging networks treat CHAdeMO in 2025
Availability varies by location, but this table gives you a realistic, high‑level view.
| Network | CHAdeMO presence | Typical use case for CHAdeMO drivers | What to check in the app |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrify America | Declining, but still present at many legacy sites | Highway stops on major interstates | Connector type list, max kW, recent session success |
| EVgo | Historically strong CHAdeMO support, now mixed by region | Urban & highway fast charging | Real‑time status, pricing, time‑based idle fees |
| ChargePoint DC fast | Some sites include CHAdeMO; new builds often CCS/NACS only | Gaps between major corridors | Filter by connector, check photos for plug types |
| Dealerships & local utilities | Scattered single‑port CHAdeMO units | Emergency top‑ups near home | Access hours, parking rules, whether station is public or customer‑only |
Always confirm individual sites in an app before planning a trip around them.
Set connector filters once, keep them on
In network apps, set your preferred connector as CHAdeMO in your profile if the app allows it. That way every search defaults to stations you can actually use, instead of cluttering the map with CCS and NACS locations.
Planning road trips in a CHAdeMO EV
Daily driving on CHAdeMO is straightforward if you have a few reliable stations nearby. Long‑distance travel is where planning becomes critical. Compared with CCS and Tesla drivers, you have fewer options and less redundancy, so you need to think like a pilot, always knowing your alternates.
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CHAdeMO road‑trip planning checklist
Map your whole route in PlugShare first
Enter your start and end points and let PlugShare propose a route. Then manually adjust it to favor stations with multiple fast chargers and recent positive reviews.
Target higher‑power sites with redundancy
A 50 kW CHAdeMO on a lonely city block is fine around town but stressful on the highway. Prefer locations with at least two DC fast chargers on site, even if only one is CHAdeMO.
Stay within a conservative range buffer
On a Leaf or similar EV, plan legs that use no more than 60–70% of your usable battery. Weather, wind, and speed can all cut into range, and you’ll want margin if your first choice is down.
Book hotels with Level 2 charging
Even where CHAdeMO coverage is thin, Level 2 overnight charging can reset your range. Look for hotels on PlugShare or other apps that show guest‑accessible Level 2 stations.
Avoid arriving nearly empty
Try to reach DC fast chargers with at least 15–20% state of charge. That gives you the option to continue to a backup without anxiety if you discover a problem on arrival.
Have a plan for bad weather
Cold temperatures and headwinds hit smaller‑battery CHAdeMO cars hard. Shorten legs in winter, and use forecast tools to understand wind and temperature on travel days.
Critical warning for remote travel
If your route includes long stretches with only a single CHAdeMO location in range, carefully consider whether the trip is worth the risk. One inoperative station in a remote area can turn a minor inconvenience into a stranded‑vehicle situation.
Reading and checking station details like a pro
Finding a dot on the map is only half the battle. What separates confident CHAdeMO drivers from anxious ones is how they evaluate stations before committing to them. Here’s what to look for in the app details.
- Connector list: Confirm that CHAdeMO is explicitly listed, not just CCS or “DCFC.”
- Power rating: 50 kW is common; some stations throttle lower when shared or in hot weather.
- Number of chargers: One lonely CHAdeMO unit is riskier than a site with multiple DC fast chargers.
- Access rules: Dealer‑only, customer‑only, gated after hours, or public 24/7.
- Pricing: Per‑kWh vs per‑minute, plus session fees and idle charges.
- Recent check‑ins: Multiple “station offline” reports in the last week are a red flag.
- Photos: Helpful to verify connector styles, parking layout, and whether the cord comfortably reaches a front‑mounted port like the Leaf’s.
Build a personal short‑list
Over time, you’ll discover that a handful of CHAdeMO locations near you are consistently reliable. Make a personal short‑list of these and favor them for both daily use and trip planning. Familiarity is a big stress‑reducer for CHAdeMO drivers.
Is CHAdeMO going away? What the future looks like
The hard truth is that, in North America, CHAdeMO is in a long, slow sunset. New EVs are launching with CCS1 or NACS ports; even Nissan’s Ariya uses CCS for DC fast charging, and future Nissan EVs in the U.S. are expected to adopt NACS. Major networks have stopped adding CHAdeMO to most new sites, focusing instead on CCS and NACS. That said, existing CHAdeMO hardware doesn’t disappear overnight, and in 2025 we’re still seeing dozens of new or updated CHAdeMO‑equipped sites each month as older units get replaced or relocated.
Short term (1–3 years)
- Most CHAdeMO stations remain in service, especially at large travel plazas and older highway sites.
- Leaf and other CHAdeMO owners can still find usable fast charging, but might need detours.
- Some single‑port units at low‑traffic locations may quietly go offline without quick replacement.
Longer term (3–7 years)
- Public investment and private build‑outs focus on CCS and NACS.
- CHAdeMO ports gradually disappear when stations are renovated or hardware is replaced.
- Older CHAdeMO EVs become increasingly dependent on Level 2 charging and a shrinking set of fast‑charge locations.
Plan ownership length carefully
If you’re considering a CHAdeMO‑equipped EV today, think honestly about how many years you expect to keep it and how much you rely on DC fast charging. For a short‑term commuter, CHAdeMO can still make sense. For frequent road‑trippers, you may want to look at a CCS or NACS‑equipped EV instead.
Should I buy a used CHAdeMO EV today?
Used CHAdeMO EVs, especially the Nissan Leaf, can be phenomenal values. You’re often trading away long‑range highway convenience in exchange for very low upfront cost. For many buyers, that’s a smart trade. The key is to be realistic about your charging needs and to understand battery health, which matters just as much as plug type.
Who a CHAdeMO EV is (and isn’t) right for
Use this as a quick gut‑check before you buy.
Great fit: Local & regional drivers
- Mostly drive in town with occasional 100–150 mile trips.
- Have reliable home Level 2 charging or easy access at work.
- View DC fast charging as an occasional convenience, not a necessity.
Poor fit: Frequent road‑trippers
- Regularly drive 200+ miles in a day.
- Depend on public DC fast charging for family visits or work.
- Need maximum flexibility if a charger is down or busy.
How Recharged can help
Every used EV listed on Recharged comes with a Recharged Score Report that includes verified battery health and fair‑market pricing. If you’re evaluating a Leaf or another CHAdeMO car, that battery insight is critical, losing 15–25% of capacity matters much more when your fast‑charging network is limited. Our EV specialists can also talk you through how CHAdeMO coverage looks in your region and whether a CCS or NACS‑equipped alternative might better fit your plans.
FAQ: Finding CHAdeMO chargers near me
Common questions about CHAdeMO chargers
Bottom line: Getting the most from a CHAdeMO EV
If you’re driving, or thinking about buying, a CHAdeMO EV in 2025, the key is realism. The connector standard is past its peak, but with the right apps and a little strategy, you can still confidently find CHAdeMO chargers near you and even plan enjoyable road trips. Invest time in learning PlugShare and the major network apps, build a personal list of trusted stations, and treat fast charging as a tool to be used thoughtfully rather than casually.
If you’re shopping, a used CHAdeMO car can be a budget‑friendly way into EV ownership, especially as a second car or city commuter. Just be honest about how often you’ll need fast charging and how long you plan to keep the vehicle. And if you’d like help weighing a Leaf against newer CCS or NACS‑equipped options, Recharged offers expert guidance, battery‑health transparency through the Recharged Score Report, financing, trade‑ins, and nationwide delivery to make your decision, and your next EV, feel a lot less complicated.
