CHARGING DEVICE AND CHARGING/DISCHARGING DEVICE

A charging device for charging a storage battery mounted on an electric vehicle includes: a first relay to generate a communication start signal for causing communication between the charging device and the electric vehicle to be started; a cable including a connector for connection to a plug of the electric vehicle at one end to electrically connect the charging device and the electric vehicle; a signal line included in the cable and connected to the first relay; a power supply circuit to pass a current to the signal line when the connector is connected to the plug; a current detection circuit to detect a current flowing in the signal line; and a controller to control the first relay and start the communication when the current detection circuit detects the current.