A robust Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is crucial for accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. A well-developed network of charging stations reduces range anxiety, provides convenience, and encourages wider EV use, paving the way for a sustainable transportation future.
A lack of convenient charging options can deter potential EV buyers due to concerns about running out of power, especially on long journeys or in areas with limited charging infrastructure. There lies the importance of EV charging infrastructure.
The EV charger, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), is the core component of any EV charging network. It’s the device that delivers electricity from the power grid to the EV’s battery.
The EV charging infrastructure landscape is rapidly evolving, with governments and businesses investing heavily in public and private charging networks to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Fast and ultra-fast chargers are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in areas with high EV traffic. Furthermore, advancements in wireless charging technology and seamless payment systems are enhancing the overall charging experience.
Thus, considering the growing demand of the EV Chargers, this time let us see how the industry is evolving across the world. I will first touch upon the emerging challenges in the field then present a few recent developments in this segment.
Growing demand of the EV chargers
According to a recent survey report published by Future Market Insights, the EV charger market is on track for substantial expansion, projected to grow from USD 6.5 billion in 2023 to USD 10.2 billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 26.6%, ultimately reaching USD 72.5 billion by 2035. This impressive growth is fueled by the rising adoption of battery-powered vehicles and the continuous advancement of charging infrastructure.
With a growing number of consumers shifting toward electric mobility, the demand for fast, efficient, and widely accessible charging solutions is surging. The market encompasses a range of technologies, from residential charging units to public high-speed DC fast chargers, helping alleviate concerns related to range limitations and charging accessibility. Additionally, government incentives and significant investments in both public and private charging networks are accelerating market expansion.
However, the same report highlights the flip side too. It communicates, “Challenges remain, including uneven distribution of charging infrastructure, particularly in rural and developing regions, where securing the necessary funding and resources for large-scale deployment is difficult.
Another major hurdle is the lack of standardization across charging technologies and EV models, potentially leading to compatibility issues. While ultra-fast charging solutions are in high demand, the industry must focus on establishing universal charging protocols to ensure seamless and user-friendly experiences for EV owners.”
A few recent global developments in the industry
ABB wins design awards
On April 28, in Berlin, ABB was honoured with two prestigious iF Design Awards for the A400 All-in-One charger – the iF Design Award in Gold for User Interface Design and the iF Design Award for User Experience Design.
ABB E-mobility’s A400 charger convinced the jury with its seamless user experience and user-centric design. The distinctive UX/UI framework of the A400 interface, showcased on a 32” front-facing screen, was awarded Gold, with the jury noting: “As technologies grow in complexity, user experience and interface accessibility are becoming ever more essential. This EV charging station balances a concise and unobtrusive physical form with a highly accessible UX. The deft interplay of static and dynamic graphics and the coherent colour scheme allow information and processes to be presented in a clear and appealing way. This design impressively streamlines the EV charging experience.”
ABB is targeting to make EV charging as easy as using a smartphone
According to the available information, at ABB E-mobility, design is not just an aesthetic concern but a core enabler of operational excellence. Well-designed charging systems reduce user errors, cut service costs, and enhance uptime. The company’s design philosophy is clear: An EV charger should be as intuitive as a smartphone and blend seamlessly into its environment. Design is not a surface detail, it’s a system-level decision.
This is why ABB E-mobility continuously evolves its solutions, with user experience and design as key development pillars. The latest design refinements, revealed alongside their recent product launch, reflect direct input from customers and end-users – proving how real-world feedback can make EV charging more inclusive, accessible, and efficient for new and existing EV drivers.
Highlighting their focus on design, Rhys Newman, Head of Design and User Experience at ABB E-mobility, said, “Charging should feel natural, not technical. Winning key design awards such as the iF and Red Dot award confirms our belief that smart, thoughtful design does not only shape the acceptance of e-mobility but is also a driver of EV adoption. Whether you’re a fleet operator, commuter, or retail customer, experience shapes trust. And trust drives transformation.”
Hyundai simplifies and improves EV charging
Hyundai Motor America has recently made available a pair of new charging features that greatly simplify and improve the public charging experience for a wide range of newer Hyundai electric vehicles. Along with the Hyundai Home marketplace, these intuitive public charging features give owners increased flexibility and new options to control their charging experience with ease.
Commenting on their advancement, Manish Mehrotra, Vice President, Digital Business Planning and Connected Operations, Hyundai Motor North America, said, “Our award-winning MyHyundai with Bluelink app has already set a high standard for convenience and innovation in the automotive industry. With the introduction of plug and charge and in-app-charging features, we are taking another significant leap forward enabling our drivers to use the MyHyundai with Bluelink app or plug and charge to recharge customers’ EVs. These new features not only simplify the charging process but also enhance the overall ownership experience, reinforcing our commitment to making electric vehicle charging more accessible and user-friendly. We continue leading the way in delivering cutting-edge solutions that improve our customers’ lives.”
Hyundai improves remote command execution
The MyHyundai with Bluelink app has already been recognized for its charge management tools, as well as its improved remote command execution timing. The app also has a robust set of available remote-control capabilities, including surround-view camera access, detailed vehicle status, and phone-as-key technology.
Hyundai’s In-App-Charging feature
Users can now find and pay for charging within the MyHyundai with Bluelink app. Customers of eligible vehicles no longer need to juggle third-party charging network apps or use a physical credit card with most charging networks across the United States. Within the app, users can efficiently locate, navigate to, select, and activate charging stations, as well as monitor their charging sessions. They also have the capability to conveniently add a credit card via Hyundai Pay allowing them to complete payments seamlessly. This new feature set will also provide dynamic EV trip planning with charger routing, available within both the MyHyundai with Bluelink app and the vehicle’s infotainment screen. In addition, drivers can find a charger in the app and send it directly to their Hyundai’s infotainment screen.
With plug and charge technology, owners of select Hyundai EVs can automatically pay for charging just by plugging in at participating public charging network stations, eliminating the need to use smartphones or physical credit cards. Initially, this new plug and charge feature is available at IONNA, Tesla Supercharger, and select ChargePoint stations.
Accelerating India’s EV journey
Recently, TATA.ev, India’s largest 4-wheeler EV manufacturer, has inaugurated its first 10 TATA.ev MegaChargers. In association with ChargeZone and Statiq, the launch of these high-speed chargers shortly follows the commitment made by TATA.ev to boost e-mobility in India by more than doubling the number of available charge points to 400,000 by 2027.
According to the available information, driving the next phase of electrification in India, TATA.ev through its ‘Open Collaboration’ framework has not only successfully forged partnerships with various Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) but has also greatly expanded charging infrastructure across key hotspots, particularly along highways, to ensure seamless long-distance mobility. A flagship initiative under this framework was to create a TATA.ev MegaCharger network, which will offer high-speed charging and unparalleled reliability.
Commenting on the launch, Balaje Rajan, Chief Strategy Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd., and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd., said, “At a time when EV adoption is on its growth path, ubiquitous and dependable charging infrastructure is the need of the hour. These first 10 TATA.ev MegaCharger sites in key EV corridors of the country are the first tranche of a superfast charging network that we will have across major highways. The TATA.ev MegaCharger network will increasingly connect all major cities across India to remove charging anxiety. We are on a mission to provide fast, reliable, and effortless charging that enables seamless mobility across the country – and we are just getting started.”
By P. K. Chatterjee (PK)
