The DC EV charging station market will increase the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) to over 29% by 2034. This will be achieved by the expansion of ultra-fast charging networks with a charging capacity of at least 150 kW to 350 kW, as well as by integrating renewable energies into the charging infrastructure. Large investments in high performance charging corridors along major European highways are currently being made, which will, in turn, boost the growth of EV charging stations with a DC power supply.
The EU recently announced investments of over 6 billion euros for high-speed charging corridors in various countries such as Germany, Spain and France to help improve long-distance EV travel.
This momentum was also reflected at Power2Drive Europe, where megawatt charging systems were one of the hot topics. Development in this area is moving at a rapid pace. The latest systems are now capable of charging powers of up to 1,200 kW. This technology is essential for heavy commercial vehicles (or heavy duty vehicles, HDVs) that rely on fast charging to achieve a high daily range and meet tight schedules. Distances of 500 to 600 kilometers per battery charge are already possible.
In conjunction with lower maintenance costs, this means that these vehicles are being taken seriously and even seen as a cheaper alternative to diesel in the medium term. Intelligent charging strategies such as peak shaving or time shifting help to avoid peak loads and reduce costs. Vehicle-to-grid solutions that are already technically compatible with eHDV fleet batteries could also contribute to grid support.
Despite the potential, the electrification of HDVs is facing numerous hurdles. These include high up-front costs for vehicles and charging infrastructure, limited grid capacity and the enormous energy demand associated with simultaneous depot charging. At EU level, measures such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility Fund provide incentives for expansion along trans-European transport links. Legal security and an accelerated authorization process are key to mobilizing investment.
The stakeholders of these megawatt charging systems see this as lucrative long-term business, which will ensure fast deployment. It is no coincidence that several companies presented these types of solutions at Power2Drive Europe 2025, for example:
Existing systems such as ABB’s Terra HP (350 kW), Alpitronic’s Hypercharger HYC150 and Siemens’ SICHARGE D also already offer scalable charging options.
Overall, megawatt charging systems represent a vital component of the mobility transition – not just from a technical perspective, but also from a systemic point of view. However, the success of this sector in promoting a low-emission, efficient and resilient transportation ecosystem will depend on the coordinated implementation of this technology on a European and national level.