Second-Generation Nissan Leaf Tested in Malta: Fast Charging with a CC

As public EV charging networks continue to expand across Europe, more new DC fast chargers are now equipped with CCS2 connectors.

For EV owners who still drive CHAdeMO vehicles, a practical question is becoming increasingly important:

As charging infrastructure changes, can CHAdeMO vehicles continue to access the growing number of CCS2 fast-charging stations?

To explore this question, an EV content creator conducted a real-world charging test on a second-generation Nissan Leaf in Malta.

This test was not performed in a laboratory environment, but under conditions closer to everyday EV use. On the test day, the ambient temperature in Malta was around 40°C, and the vehicle was connected to a 50kW DC fast charger using a CCS2 to CHAdeMO adapter.

Test Information

Vehicle: Second-generation Nissan Leaf

Test location: Malta

Charging equipment: Efacec (EFAPOWER) 50kW DC fast charger

Testing tool: Leaf Spy Pro

Ambient temperature: Approximately 40°C

During the charging session, the creator used Leaf Spy Pro to communicate with the vehicle in real time and record charging power, battery temperature, and SOC (State of Charge) changes.

The entire test demonstrated how an EV dynamically adjusts charging power based on battery condition, temperature, and charging environment during a real DC fast-charging session. It also provides a clearer understanding of how a CHAdeMO vehicle performs when connected to a CCS2 fast-charging station through an adapter.

How Does the Leaf Manage Battery Temperature in Hot Conditions?

The second-generation Nissan Leaf uses a passive battery thermal management system and does not have an active liquid cooling system.

This means that when battery temperature increases, the vehicle cannot quickly reduce heat through liquid cooling. Instead, it manages battery temperature by adjusting charging power to protect the battery.

During this test, the ambient temperature in Malta was close to 40°C.

According to Leaf Spy Pro data:

The battery temperature was approximately 41°C.

The vehicle adjusted charging power according to temperature changes during the charging process.

Under high-temperature conditions, a reduction in charging power is not an abnormal situation. It is a normal response from the battery management system to maintain safe operating conditions.

For EVs, the fastest possible charging speed is not always the most important factor. Maintaining the battery within a safe temperature range is equally important.

Leaf Spy Pro Records the Real Charging Curve

To observe the vehicle’s internal charging behavior, the creator used Leaf Spy Pro to communicate directly with the vehicle.

Compared with the basic charging information displayed by the vehicle interface, Leaf Spy Pro provides more detailed data, including:

Real-time charging power

Battery State of Charge (SOC)

Battery temperature changes

In the recorded charging graph:

The green curve represents charging power.

The red curve represents battery SOC.

The black curve represents battery temperature.

These data clearly show the complete charging process, from the initial connection with the charger, to power ramp-up, and finally to stable charging.

From 7kW to 37kW: The Vehicle Gradually Increases Charging Power

Many users may assume that connecting to a 50kW fast charger means the vehicle will immediately reach the maximum charging speed.

However, real-world charging does not work this way.

At the beginning of a charging session, the vehicle needs to communicate with the charger and evaluate the current battery condition.

During this test, the charging power started at approximately:

7kW

After communication was completed and charging conditions were confirmed, the power gradually increased:

Initial stage: around 7kW

Startup phase: around 18kW

Stable charging stage: around 37kW

After approximately 2 minutes of charging, the vehicle had already reached around 34kW.

Eventually, the charging power stabilized at approximately 37kW.

This shows that EV fast charging is a dynamic process. The vehicle continuously adjusts the power level based on battery conditions and determines how much power it can safely accept.

Why Didn’t the 50kW Charger Reach 50kW?

This is one of the most common questions viewers may have after watching the test.

A charger’s rated power does not mean that every vehicle will always achieve that exact charging speed.

For example, a 50kW DC charger means the charger is capable of providing up to 50kW output. However, the actual charging power received by the vehicle depends on multiple factors.

The main factors affecting charging power in this test included:

Battery Temperature

Because the test was performed in a hot environment, the battery temperature reached approximately 41°C. The vehicle reduced charging power to help protect the battery.

Vehicle Charging Curve

The second-generation Nissan Leaf has a theoretical maximum DC fast-charging capability of around 50kW, but the vehicle does not maintain maximum power throughout the entire charging session.

As the battery SOC increases, charging speed typically decreases, especially when approaching a higher state of charge.

Actual Charger Usage Conditions

During this test, another vehicle was also using the second charging connector on the same charging station.

Some public charging stations distribute available power between multiple connected vehicles. Therefore, the actual power available to one vehicle may be lower than the charger’s maximum rated output.

Around 30 Minutes to Reach 80%: Consistent with Real-World Leaf Charging Performance

Based on the test data, with a stable charging power of approximately 37kW, the second-generation Nissan Leaf can be expected to reach around 80% SOC in approximately 30 minutes.

For this vehicle, the result matches its battery capacity, charging strategy, and temperature management behavior under high-temperature conditions.

More importantly, this test demonstrates that:

With a CCS2 to CHAdeMO adapter, CHAdeMO vehicles can successfully connect to CCS2 fast chargers and complete normal DC fast charging.

Key Takeaways from This Real-World Test

This Malta charging test highlights an important fact:

EV charging speed is not determined by the charger’s power rating alone.

The final charging performance depends on multiple factors, including:

Vehicle limitations

Battery condition

Ambient temperature

Charging station conditions

For CHAdeMO vehicle owners, a CCS2 to CHAdeMO adapter provides a practical connection solution, allowing these vehicles to access more modern CCS2 fast-charging infrastructure.

Charging standards are evolving, but with the right solutions, CHAdeMO vehicles can continue adapting to the expanding EV charging network.

Watch the Full Charging Test Video

To see the complete testing process, including the charging connection, Leaf Spy Pro data changes, and real charging performance, watch the creator’s full video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXAxfU8mpjU