The Future of Charging Networks: Huawei's Insights for 2025
On January 10, 2025, Huawei unveiled ten pivotal trends that will define the charging network industry under the theme "Sharing the Road Towards Future Charging." The presentation was spearheaded by Wang Zhiwu, president of Huawei's Smart Charging Network Domain, who detailed the expected advancements in an industry experiencing significant technological shifts.
Trend 1: High-Quality Development
The demand for high-quality charging networks is rapidly growing. The industry is expected to undergo substantial changes focusing on quality-driven development, allowing for faster technology iterations while phasing out central charger companies that fail to innovate.
Trend 2: Comprehensive Ultra-Fast Charging
By 2024, ultra-fast charging has become a buzzword within the industry. Numerous cities across China are already rolling out ultra-fast charging stations, which is anticipated to lead to a significant rise in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) designed for high-speed charging. By 2028, nearly all standard EV models are expected to support this kind of charging in various scenarios.
Trend 3: Optimized Experience
With advancements in intelligent head units, smart driving, and smart chargers, the industry is set to enhance the charging experience by introducing digital, smart, and automated charging solutions. This shift marks the beginning of the digitized charging experience era.
Trend 4: Electrified Logistics
To facilitate the goal of replacing diesel with electricity in heavy-duty vehicles, overcoming charging obstacles is critical. Ultra-fast charging technologies are expected to significantly lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) and improve compatibility, thereby streamlining the electrification of logistics.
Trend 5: Grid User-Friendliness
Future interactions within the power grid are expected to shift from passive responses to active, multi-directional engagements that enhance grid security.
Trend 6: Multi-Level Power Pooling
As more EV models emerge and their power ranges expand, commercial EVs will potentially support megawatt-level loads. This evolution in energy pooling technology will transition from a dual-layer charger application to a multi-level energy pool, optimizing reliance on power grids according to the varied needs of EVs.
Trend 7: Fully Liquid-Cooled Charging
Charging scenarios are diversifying, leading to the rapid deployment of high-power liquid-cooled charging equipment capable of operating in extreme conditions. The combination of liquid-cooled generators and chargers is expected to become the industry standard.
Trend 8: Integrated PV, ESS, and Charger Solutions
Traditional approaches to integrating photovoltaic systems and emergency power supplies with charging stations will progress towards smart integration solutions that optimize their lifecycle benefits, contributing to a more reliable power network and enhanced station safety.
Trend 9: Low-Power DC Charging
The future of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology situates campus environments as foundational scenarios. The prevalence of low-power DC charging will increase, incorporating more digital functionalities that enhance management and control capabilities.
Trend 10: Enhanced Electrical Safety
As charging scenarios extend into densely populated areas, the safety requirements are set to evolve—from singular point controls to unified safety measures for individuals, vehicles, chargers, and emergency power systems.
In conclusion, Huawei's forward-looking insights reveal that the landscape of charging networks will not only evolve technologically but also adapt to accommodate growing expectations for quality, speed, user experience, and safety in the electrification of transport. Huawei is committed to collaborating with stakeholders to realize this vision, leading to a robust infrastructure for future EV users.