China Tops, US Falls Behind in Public Charging Stations: Notable Findings from Roland Berger's Electric Vehicle Charging Index
In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), the global EV charging infrastructure has witnessed significant developments in 2023.
Across Europe, while new entrants continue to join the market, competition remains relatively concentrated among established players. Meanwhile, in the United States, key companies like Tesla, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Electrify America have been investing in public EV charging infrastructure. Tesla's proprietary Supercharger network has seen success, while companies such as Electrify America have faced challenges in network rollout speed, interoperability, and grid integration costs during their expansion efforts.
In Southeast Asia, countries like Malaysia and Thailand are among the most active in expanding EV infrastructure. The United States, on the other hand, has seen EV sales penetration reach 10%, with nearly 1.5 million EVs sold in 2023. However, the ratio of vehicles to public chargers in the U.S. has increased from 17.1 to 24.5, indicating that public charging development is lagging behind EV adoption.
In contrast, China's EV charging infrastructure network expanded by 65% in 2023, now totaling 8.6 million charge points. The Chinese government has shifted its EV strategy towards prioritizing robust charging infrastructure over subsidizing EV purchases. As a result, Chinese EV drivers are generally satisfied with the accessibility and quality of charging options available.
Demand for fast DC chargers is increasing globally, with China leading the way (44% of its public chargers now support DC charging) and Western Europe close behind. In Western Europe, public charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly, with an 80% increase in direct current (DC) charging points in 2023.
In emerging markets like the Middle East and Southeast Asia, the growth in EV adoption and infrastructure development has been significant. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have made substantial investments to enhance their EV networks in the Middle East.
Market consolidation is a growing trend, particularly in the United States where a few major players (Tesla and ChargePoint) dominate public charging. In China, much of the growth in EV charging infrastructure came from private charge points in residential areas.
Innovation in the EV charging sector is not limited to infrastructure expansion. In the U.S., companies are testing niche approaches like fleet charging solutions and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The EV Charging Index 2024 by Roland Berger indicates that while global EV sales have decelerated, charging infrastructure continues to evolve to meet consumer demand.
However, challenges remain. Tesla's Supercharger network has been opened to other EV brands, but recent layoffs within Tesla's Supercharger team have raised questions about future expansion. Investment in publicly traded charging companies in the U.S. is experiencing a decline, while China's investment remains strong.
As we move forward, it is clear that the global EV charging landscape is a dynamic and evolving space, with each region presenting its unique challenges and opportunities. The focus remains on cost-effective options like AC chargers in urban areas and high-speed DC chargers in commercial hubs and along highways to meet the growing demand for EV charging infrastructure.
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