Technologies Changing the EV Charging Infrastructure Landscape

Widely available and efficient charging infrastructure is critical for bolstering consumer confidence in EVs and accelerating mass adoption. There are now more than 5 million public charge points globally, two-thirds of which are concentrated in China, which has the most sophisticated EV market. Perhaps due to its flexibility, accessibility and lower energy costs, home charging remains the most popular way for EV owners to charge their vehicles.

As demand for EVs grows and governments seek to boost greater adoption, manufacturers of EVs and charging infrastructure are developing transformative technologies designed to make EVs even more accessible, convenient and cost-effective. Along with smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technology (which we’ve covered in further detail here), innovative technological solutions are offering greater choice and increased efficiency.

Wireless charging: a cordless future

Wireless (or inductive) charging technology is emerging as a game-changer in the EV industry, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional plug-in chargers. Utilising electromagnetic induction, wireless charging pads transfer energy seamlessly to EV batteries, eliminating the need for cables and manual connections. While wireless charging is not yet commonplace, successful trials in the UK, US and beyond and investment by major companies including BMW, Hyundai and Tesla signal a promises future for the technology.

There are two main types of wireless EV charging: static and dynamic. Static functions similarly to wireless charging of smartphones, allowing vehicles to recharge by parking over a charging pad, either built into the road or placed on top. Static charging can be integrated into public parking areas, avoiding the need to park near charge points and use cumbersome cables and connection points which require regular maintenance. Dynamic charging enables EVs to recharge as they drive over specially equipped road surfaces, potentially extending EV range without the need to stop. While parking spaces can be retrofitted with static wireless technology, integrating dynamic wireless charging into motorways could prove more of a challenge.

Currently, the cost of wireless charging makes it a premium product – vehicles without the technology would require serious retrofitting. In the long-term, the reduced wear-and-tear associated with cables and charge ports, removal of cable clutter on streets and greater convenience of wireless charging may help to outweigh the cost concerns.

Fast charging

The expansion of fast-charging networks is crucial to meeting the growing expectations of EV consumers for quicker and more efficient charging options. In 2024, the number of fast chargers (with a power output ranging from 22 kW to 150 kW) reached 2 million globally, and ultra-fast chargers (capable of delivering 150 kW or above) now account for nearly 10% of all fast chargers. 

EVs store energy as direct current (DC) but electricity supplied by the grid is typically alternating current (AC). EVs use AC-to-DC converters to deliver DC electricity to the battery. Fast (or DC) charging works by bypassing the converter to deliver high-voltage DC power directly to the battery through a specialised connector. Removing a step in the process allows for much faster charging times and increases charging efficiency. Depending on model, ultra-fast charging to 80% capacity can take as little as 15 minutes, following which charging speed tails off to maximise charging efficiency and protect the battery. Fast chargers may take around an hour, while home chargers with low voltages could take several hours.

The Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) adopted in 2024 by the EU mandates the installation of fast-charging stations for cars and vans of at least 150 kW every 60 km along the trans-European Transport network (TEN-T) by 2025. Ultra-fast charging has already more than doubled in Europe since 2022. The US has much lower fast charging capabilities, but nonetheless increased numbers from 40,000 in 2023 to 50,000 in 2024. With 1.6 million in 2o24, China undoubtedly leads the way and is responsible for 80% of the global growth in fast charging deployment.

Mobile charging

Most people turn to traditional static charge points when charging their EVs, but they often lack flexibility and are scarcer in rural areas. Mobile EV charging offers a convenient and flexible alternative and can reassure drivers who worry about availability of charge points.

Mobile or roving charging can take many forms, but usually consist of a portable power source, such as a generator or battery pack. For example, a mobile charging trailer equipped with multiple charge points or a portable charging stations can be set up temporarily in remote areas lacking permanent infrastructure or to cater for events or periods of high demand. Mobile charging can help to mitigate “range anxiety” which deters potential EV owners from investing in a vehicle and can reduce pressure on public charge points while countries expand charging infrastructure.

Mobile charging can provide support in specific situations. Many roadside assistance companies now offer lightweight portable charging units capable of providing stranded vehicles with enough charge to reach the nearest public charge point. Recently, a trial in the UK deployed mobile charging to reduce traffic of heavy-duty vehicles – rather than having to take an electric construction vehicle to a charge point, the charging equipment was brought to the construction site. 

Solid-state batteries

Solid-state batteries (SSBs) represent a cutting-edge innovation in energy storage, offering higher energy density by utilising solid electrolytes instead of traditional liquid or gel ones. 

Solid electrolytes have a wider temperature tolerance, whereas liquid electrolytes overheat when the battery is charged or discharged too quickly – most EVs use a cooling system to keep operating temperatures below 60C. Overheating gradually damages the battery and causes it to degrade, which is why they lose capacity over time. Using solid electrolytes also removes the safety issues of their liquid counterparts, which are highly flammable. These reduced risks allow battery manufacturers to use different materials inside the battery, thus reducing costs and potentially the amount of precious metals required.

Solid-state batteries are more energy dense (i.e. they can hold more power in smaller spaces) and do not require cooling systems or armoured casing, meaning that EVs can be made lighter and more spacious for passengers. With longer lifespans and faster charging, SSBs are poised to revolutionise the EV battery market. 

Battery swapping solutions

An alternative solution to lengthy charge times is battery swapping, i.e. changing depleted EV batteries for freshly recharged units within minutes. Battery swapping lowers the upfront cost of EVs for customers, as drivers do not own their own batteries. Swapping technology can also boost the recycling of batteries, as they can be collected in bulk from swapping stations instead of needing to be extracted from individual vehicles.

China has the world’s most developed model – nearly half of the heavy-duty EVs sold in the country in 2023 were equipped with battery-swap technology. Drivers taking their vehicles into one of EV company Nio’s 3,300 battery swap stations in China can expect to wait all of 5 minutes for a replacement battery. Investment in the technology is increasing in India and Africa while the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL plans to bring its battery-swapping and recycling technology to Europe.

Summary

It is an exciting time for the EV charging sector, as technological innovation offers a wide range of solutions to issues of long charge times, range anxiety and safety concerns. Adoption of each type of technology will depend on the appetite of consumers and the available infrastructure in different countries. As the regulatory landscape adapts to keep apace, we will be there to support our clients every step of the way.

Bird & Bird has significant experience advising clients in the EV charging infrastructure sector.  As a full service international law firm, this includes advising on issues ranging from corporate finance, compliance with EV charging regulatory regimes, commercial contracting, public procurement and much more. For further information, please visit our EV charging page and our EV charging infrastructure regulations comparative guide.