Japan Weighs Subsidies for Tesla EV Chargers in US Trade Talks
| 2025-05-18
Japan may expand its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure subsidy programme to include Tesla's Supercharger network.
Japan is considering subsidies for Tesla charging stations amid trade negotiations with the United States, seeking progress on EV and tariff issues.
Japan is exploring the possibility of subsidising Tesla electric vehicle charging stations as part of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, according to domestic media reports. The discussions come amid U.S. concerns over limited support for non-Japanese charging standards.
Japan may expand its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure subsidy programme to include Tesla's Supercharger network, as trade negotiations with the United States intensify, local broadcaster TBS reported on Saturday.
At present, Japan’s government offers subsidies only for charging stations using the CHAdeMO standard—a technology developed in Japan and widely adopted by domestic automakers. Tesla’s proprietary Supercharger system is not currently eligible for this support.
According to the report, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of Tesla’s charging network from Japan’s EV infrastructure policy. The USTR has reportedly urged Tokyo to adopt a more inclusive approach to subsidies that supports diverse charging technologies, including those used by U.S.-based manufacturers.
Trade Talks to Resume
A third round of trade talks between Japan and the United States is expected to take place in Washington next week. Ryosei Akazawa, Japan’s chief trade negotiator, is likely to lead the delegation.
While EV infrastructure is among the focal points, broader tariff concerns remain high on the agenda. According to a separate report by business daily Nikkei, Japan is also prepared to negotiate a reduction in U.S. tariffs on Japanese exports. These currently include a 25% levy on automobiles and auto parts, and a 24% tariff on various other goods.
Akazawa has consistently maintained that Japan’s objective is the full elimination of these tariffs. However, recent indications suggest a more flexible stance, with Tokyo showing openness to incremental reductions rather than demanding immediate removal.
EV Standards at the Heart of the Issue
The CHAdeMO charging standard has been widely used in Japan and some parts of Asia, but it is gradually losing prominence in global markets. Tesla vehicles, while capable of using CHAdeMO chargers with an adapter, cannot support the same level of integration and charging efficiency as they achieve on the Supercharger network.
Conversely, CHAdeMO-compatible vehicles are not able to connect to Tesla Superchargers, which operate on a different protocol. This technical divide has led to criticism that Japan’s subsidy scheme unfairly favours domestic technology, potentially disadvantaging foreign automakers.
The move to potentially include Tesla’s infrastructure could be viewed as a strategic response to U.S. concerns and a gesture towards balancing trade relations.
Quote and Attribution
"Japan is currently considering ways to support broader EV infrastructure as part of its trade dialogue with the United States," TBS reported, citing unnamed government sources familiar with the talks.
Electric vehicles form a critical component of both nations’ economic and environmental strategies. The United States has invested heavily in EV adoption through federal incentives and infrastructure funding, while Japan is working to bolster its competitiveness in global EV markets.
The outcome of the upcoming trade discussions could influence international cooperation on EV standards and investment flows in the automotive sector. For Japan, access to the U.S. market remains essential, particularly for its carmakers, who are facing increasing competition from American and Chinese EV manufacturers.
The issue of charging standards and infrastructure has emerged as a key barrier in harmonising global EV adoption. As the two nations prepare for further discussions, a compromise on EV support could help ease trade tensions and accelerate the transition to cleaner transport.
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