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Shaping the Future Together: Huawei's Top 10 Trends for 2026 in Charging Infrastructure

On January 16, Huawei disclosed the leading ten trends anticipated in the charging network industry by 2026. Wang Zhiwu, President of Huawei’s Smart Charging Network division, presented an insightful overview of industry and technological advancements poised to reshape the sector.

Trend 1: Development with High-Quality Standards

As electric vehicles (EVs) evolve, high quality has become essential for high-speed charging infrastructures. The focus has led to significant upgrades in older charging stations to meet the energy demands of various vehicle models. This move towards quality will extend to uniform planning, standards, monitoring, and operational maintenance, transforming cities equipped with ultra-fast charging into hubs capable of megawatt charging, progressively converting high quality into high returns for industry partners.

Trend 2: Comprehensive Ultra-Fast Charging

Once considered a luxury, ultra-fast charging vehicles are projected to become accessible to a broader audience. The widespread adoption of third-generation semiconductor materials, alongside high C-rate traction batteries, will continue to increase the market share of ultra-fast vehicles, with megawatt charging trucks leading the industry.

Trend 3: Electrification of Logistics in the Megawatt Range

Transitioning from fuel to electricity will drive profits in the logistics sector. Heavy-duty vehicles will shift from restricted, localized applications to widespread, holistic usage. As costs for traction batteries decrease and megawatt charging technologies advance, the electrification of logistics becomes an unstoppable trend, promising significant economic and social benefits.

Trend 4: Hundred-Megawatt Stations

Within the trend of electrified logistics, charging stations capable of 100 MW will form indispensable infrastructure for high-throughput operations. Key factors such as technical capabilities, competitive electricity prices, and scalable deployment will unleash strong clustering effects, ensuring sustainable profitability for investments made in charging stations.

Trend 5: Safety and Reliability

Compared to passenger vehicles, commercial trucks require greater charging power and a larger share of energy storage system (ESS) capacity at charging stations. Consequently, safety and reliability are emerging as fundamental requirements for charging networks. A comprehensive electrical safety architecture will protect individuals, vehicles, and charging devices seamlessly, supported by robust cybersecurity foundations.

Trend 6: Liquid-Cooled Ultra-Fast Charging

Liquid cooling for ultra-fast charging offers superior heat dissipation and protection, ensuring reliable performance in increasingly distributed charging scenarios. In contrast, conventional air-cooled systems struggle in challenging environments characterized by high temperatures, moisture, salt mist, and dust. Future implementations will see liquid cooling technology applied to both vehicles and charging devices, enabling efficient megawatt charging while reducing total vehicle costs.

Trend 7: DC-Based ESS + Charger

The implementation of a DC-based ESS + charger system will effectively enhance power capacity and enable rapid, cost-effective deployment of ultra-fast charging stations, even in areas with limited grid power. This system is ideal for upgrading older lower-capacity stations, as it allows for quick refurbishment or installation of ultra-fast charging stations, maximizing the capability to meet vehicle charging demand.

Trend 8: Modular Station Construction

Modular solutions at the station level are designed for the technical setup and commissioning of equipment, accommodating diverse charging scenarios. Their low costs, quick deployment, and adaptability make them a flexible option. Additionally, their durable design ensures long-term value and protection for investors.

Trend 9: Campus Microgrids

Integration of photovoltaic (PV)+ESS systems with liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging technology can operate in grid-connected or off-grid modes. This forms a complete solution comprising "PV + ESS + charger + vehicle + network," thereby enhancing power capacity, maximizing green energy usage, and increasing revenue through time arbitrage.

Trend 10: AI Assistance

The intelligent evolution of charging networks will facilitate seamless interoperability among networks, stations, chargers, and vehicles. By breaking down digital silos, the charging experience for vehicle owners will be significantly improved, while overall logistics and transport efficiency will rise.

Huawei is committed to continuing collaborations with partners to expedite the introduction of seamless, high-quality ultra-fast charging networks and fully capitalize on the opportunities presented by mobility electrification.