Key Takeaways
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The year has started off with a vast array of new technology launches within the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This was certainly true at the recent Consumer Electronic Show (CES 2026), one of the largest and most influential technology conferences, where new EV technology made headlines. Leading auto manufacturers and technology companies unveiled advancements that included vehicles with faster charging capabilities, artificial intelligence embedded into vehicle software, and grid-aware charging hardware for fleets and charging stations. Following the buzz around these new technologies, Charge Point Operators (CPOs) should take note. Consumer excitement following such innovation bring three key takeaways for CPOs:
- EVs are getting smarter with the integration of AI, and thus EV drivers will expect a smarter charging experience to match.
- New grid-aware and easy-to-deploy charging hardware are becoming more widely available; CPOs will require smart charging and energy management software solutions that provide the interoperability, reliability, and security to keep these chargers online.
- New high‑voltage electrical architecture will require faster charging options and charging networks that can meet DC fast charging needs.
Software-Defined Vehicles will Expect Smarter Charging
Electric vehicles are becoming personal devices, as more auto manufacturers equip their electric vehicles with new artificial intelligence (AI) upgrades. At CES, BMW unveiled a new AI software upgrade, incorporating Amazon’s Alexa Plus into its all electric iX3 Neue Klasse. Sony-Honda Mobility showcased new conversational AI software to provide drivers of the upcoming Afeela 1 EV with in-car entertainment and driver-assistance features. These launches show that electric vehicles are getting smarter, and as a result, CPOs can anticipate drivers looking for a smart charging experience.
In order for the charging experience to match the expectations of drivers of AI-enabled EVs, there are EV charging management capabilities CPOs can’t afford to overlook. Innovative features that provide operational excellence are priority. This includes remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, and advanced charging session management. In the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience (EVX) Public Charging Study, stats on “non-charging visits” at public EV charging stations – when an EV owner visited a charger but was unable to charge the vehicle – show the most common reason for non-charge visits is the charger being out of service or not working properly, which affects 60% of failed charging visits. This is where predictive maintenance and advanced charging session management technology can help CPOs overcome operational challenges to meet the demands of EV drivers.
Remote Monitoring & Predictive Maintenance of Chargers
Active, round-the-clock monitoring of network health for an EV charging station allows CPOs to identify issues before they become problems for EV drivers. Auto-detection and self-healing algorithms can significantly reduce the amount of time chargers are offline and reduce the need to utilize field technicians to diagnose and correct charger issues.
Advanced Energy Management to Maximize Site Capacity
Real-time dynamic load balancing allows CPOs to deliver more reliable charging to more drivers, without overloading the grid. With additional power assistance tools, CPOs can supplement grid power with battery energy storage systems (BESS) and on-site renewables. With these capabilities, EV charging stations can charge up to 6x more vehicles without spending on upgraded electrical infrastructure or equipment.
Interoperable Software Optimizes New Emerging Hardware
Various new charging hardware was unveiled at CES 2026, from AI-powered robot chargers for fleets to battery-integrated chargers featuring battery energy storage systems attached. Such advancements in charging hardware are important as EV growth continues, and all of it needs to be supported with OCCP-compliant software.
The Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) is an open-source communication standard that offers a uniform solution for the method of communication between the Charging Station for EVs and the Charging Point Management System (CPMS). OCPP brings interoperability to promote flexibility, reduce vendor lock-in and foster innovation in the EV charging industry. OCPP compliance ensures that EV charging networks can remain reliable and adaptable to the emerging needs of the EV market. As new hardware continues to emerge, having both OCPP – compliant chargers and software will ensure the needs of drivers and operators are supported.
Prepare Sites for Faster Charging Capabilities
The upcoming 2026-2027 Mercedes-Benz 800‑volt GLC received industry-wide attention at CES. The 800-volt charging system allows for rapid charging and a longer range of 713 km, according to Mercedes. As more 800-v EVs become available, charging networks with faster charging options will be sought after by EV drivers. CPOs may look to integrate more 350 kW DC fast chargers (DCFC), which deliver a higher voltage.
Where do DC fast chargers fall on the level of charging options? There are four charging port options available to CPOs currently, with DCFC known as Level 3:
| Charging Port Type | Description |
| Level 1 | Charging plugs directly into a standard 110-volt outlet and delivers the slowest charge at approximately five miles of range per hour of charging |
| Level 2 | Delivers significantly improved charging times of approximately 25 miles of range per hour of charge. |
| Level 3 | Direct-current fast charging (DCFC) delivers 100 to 200+ miles of range in half an hour of charging
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| Level 4 | Delivers direct current (DC) at power levels of 350kW 600kW or higher, allowing compatible electric vehicles to reach an 80% charge in approximately 10–20 minutes. Designed for long-distance travel and rapid, heavy-duty charging. |
How can CPOs manage energy from the grid to provide faster charging?
Having the right tools in place will give CPOs the controls they need to adjust the power allocated to EV charging in real time, while enabling faster charging within demand charge limits. Energy management solutions give CPOs the ability to maximize utilization when grid capacity allows, and reduce power as the demand charge threshold approaches. It’s with this level of control that allows the largest charging operators the ability to successfully manage a DCFC network across multiple locations and save costs.
Conclusion
New technologies are emerging fast within the electric vehicle industry. CPOs can stay ahead of the curve with charging stations that are ready to accommodate drivers with reliable and seamless charging experience.
