Exploring the Future: Huawei Unveils Ten Key Trends in Charging Networks for 2026
Exploring the Future: Huawei Unveils Ten Key Trends in Charging Networks for 2026
On January 16, 2026, Huawei announced ten pivotal trends in the charging network industry, as interpreted by Wang Zhiwu, the director of their Intelligent Charging Network division. This report sheds light on the anticipated developments that will shape the infrastructure for electric vehicles in the coming years.
Trend 1: High-Quality Development
The concept of 'high quality' is becoming essential for ultra-fast charging infrastructure, spanning from personal vehicles to commercial trucks. The modernization of older charging equipment will be crucial to meet diverse vehicle energy needs. This shift aims to evolve from 'ultra-fast charging cities' to 'megawatt charging cities' through unified planning and operations. Achieving high-quality standards will ensure that stakeholders benefit from significant returns.
Trend 2: Comprehensive Ultra-Fast Charging
Once exclusive to luxury models, ultra-fast charging vehicles are set to become commonplace. The adoption of third-generation semiconductor materials and high-capacity traction batteries will increase the market share of these vehicles, particularly in the commercial vehicle sector.
Trend 3: Megawatt-scale Logistics Electrification
The shift from fossil fuels to electricity will drive the adoption of heavy-duty trucks across various applications. As the cost of traction batteries decreases and innovations in megawatt charging technology progress, the electrification of logistics will not only become unstoppable but also yield substantial economic and social benefits.
Trend 4: Charging Stations with Hundreds of Megawatts
In line with the logistics electrification trend, charging stations capable of 100 MW will emerge as essential infrastructure for high-throughput operations. Technical advantages, competitive energy pricing, and scalable deployments will generate strong cluster effects, ensuring long-term profitability for investment in charging stations.
Trend 5: Safety and Reliability
Commercial vehicles, requiring higher charging power and energy storage capacity within charging stations, will elevate safety and reliability as fundamental requirements for charging networks. A robust electrical safety framework will seamlessly protect users, vehicles, and chargers, bolstered by a strong cybersecurity foundation.
Trend 6: Liquid-Cooled Ultra-Fast Charging
Liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging offers superior heat dissipation and protection, ensuring reliable performance under increasingly distributed charging conditions. Traditional air-cooled systems face challenges in harsh environments, while liquid cooling technology will enhance the efficiency of both vehicles and chargers, reducing overall costs.
Trend 7: ESS+DC Charger System
The ESS (Energy Storage System) paired with a DC charger effectively boosts performance capacity, enabling quick and economical deployment of ultra-fast charging stations even at sites with limited network power. This approach is ideal for modernizing older, low-capacity stations, maximizing their potential for meeting vehicle charging demands.
Trend 8: Modular Station Construction
Modular solutions at the station level are tailored for engineering projects and can adapt to a wide range of charging scenarios. With low costs and quick deployment, these flexible options ensure enduring value for investors.
Trend 9: Campus Microgrid
Integrating PV (photovoltaic) systems with ESS creates a microgrid that combines ultra-fast charging with liquid cooling technology, functioning in grid-connected or off-grid modes. This comprehensive solution enhances energy capacity and optimizes green energy usage while increasing financial returns through arbitrage opportunities.
Trend 10: Enhanced Artificial Intelligence
The intelligent evolution of charging networks promises seamless interaction among networks, stations, chargers, and vehicles. By addressing digital silos, it will significantly improve the charging experience for vehicle owners and boost overall logistics efficiency.
Through these ten trends, Huawei is committed to accelerating the introduction of efficient, high-quality ultra-fast charging networks, seizing the opportunities presented by the electrification of mobility.