Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and transitioning away from internal combustion engines (ICEs) is crucial for global decarbonization. Deploying efficient EV charging stations is a key driver for accelerating this adoption. This deployment depends on collaboration between governments, private companies, and end consumers.

EV infrastructure rollout in the EU has been uneven, concentrated in a few member states. To address this, the EU passed a law in July to expand charging infrastructure across the bloc. Additionally, the German chancellor implemented a state-specific law to accelerate charger deployment, particularly along highways. In Japan, the government encourages operators to increase charger output to at least 90 kW—more than double the current average—by 2030, using subsidies. Private companies are also active: Volkswagen has almost half of its planned 40,000 fast chargers ready by 2025, and General Motors recently surpassed 1,000 fast-charging stalls, aiming for 3,000 in major metro areas.

However, while EV manufacturers release new models, public charging infrastructure requires equal attention. In the US, satisfaction with DC fast charging dropped by 3%, and Level 2 stations saw a 2.5% decline. In Canada, fewer than 1 in 5 federally funded EV stations are operational, with only 17% of 43,000 chargers currently working.