Japan's EV charging standard emerges as topic in US trade talks

CHAdeMO under fire as a nontariff barrier for Tesla and other American carmakers

20250423N Tesla Supercharger Japan

Tesla Superchargers make up a relatively small portion of Japan's EV charging infrastructure. (Photo by Kosei Fukao)

TASUKU IKEDA

TOKYO -- A Japanese quick-charging standard for electric vehicles has surfaced as a potential flash point in tariff negotiations with the U.S. as Washington flags what it sees as an undue obstacle for American players like Tesla.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry generally requires EV charging stations to comply with the CHAdeMO standard in order to qualify for subsidies. This "disincentivizes foreign automakers and charging suppliers from operating in Japan by requiring outdated technology in order to receive the subsidy," the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a March report.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.