CHAdeMO adapter connected to Model 3
The Model 3 has just gained the ability to use a Tesla to CHAdeMO adapter through a recent firmware update. I have yet to receive firmware version 2019.24.4 that enables the adapter, however a work colleague got the update on his Performance Model 3 and we drove over the Nissan HQ in Franklin TN to test it out.
107A @ 354V
The adapter is rated for a 50 kW charge rate. At Nissan HQ the charge rate was limited to 31 kW due to the 107 amp limit on the CHAdeMO station. The CHAdeMO station reported 107 amps at 354 Volts, which equates to almost 38 kW. Either the car is under reporting the charge rate or there is a 7 kW loss. A 20% loss sounds high, maybe the car under reports the charge rate. 10% SOC was added in 15 minutes of charging, which is about the 30 kW charge rate the car reported.
It will be interesting to see if the full 50 kW charge rate can be achieved at Electrify America charging locations which have modern charging equipment capable of much higher charge rates. Some Model 3 owners have reported that Electrify America stations do not work with the Model 3, whereas EVgo stations do.
The good news is that the CHAdeMO adapter is identical to those used on Model S and X vehicles, the interchangeability is very welcome.
What everyone is really waiting for is the CCS adapter for North America, which should be capable of speeds up to 120 kW and be priced more affordably than the huge CHAdeMO adapter.
Tesla Model 3 
Hi, thanks for your posts about CHAdeMO charging with your Model 3. I would like to charge my Model 3 at my office, but I currently have a communication error that keeps posting on the Nissan Charger. I have purchased a CHAdeMO adaptor from TESLA and have the latest V10 software updated.
I would like to ask, what is your sequence to install the CHAdeMO adaptor and start a charging session? I have a Nissan LEAF and have used the same charger successfully. I also see Model S and Model 3 charging on the same units, so I would like to root cause my issue.
Thank you
The first step is to plug the adapter into the charging cable. I find you have to be quite firm with it and be sure it is all the way home and won’t separate if you tug on it. Be sure you are not pushing the disconnect button with your thumb as you push it into place. Next plug into the Tesla charge port, then finally initiate the charging session.
Hi JP, thank you for follow up and reply, I appreciate your help.
I just followed the same procedure as you described, unfortunately there was the same error message ‘Charger error occurred’ as soon as I pressed the Start button. This occurred with both Nissan Fast Chargers.
Is there anything else I should be aware of with car settings? This week I had a Model S service loaner this week, that I also could not charge with my CHAdeMO adaptor, but could charge with the Level2 adaptor, same as my Model 3.
Please note, there are other Model 3 and Model S which use the Nissan Fast Charger and I charged my LEAF successfully this week, so the issue is not with the Charger I believe. My Software version is V10 2019.32.12.2 58f3b76
Any other suggestions would be welcome, thanks again
If another vehicle cannot use the adapter, I’d start to suspect a faulty adapter.