Standardization as the backbone of scalable charging infrastructure
Global policy and financing signals in Q1 2026 reinforce one reality: interoperability and harmonised standards are essential to scale charging infrastructure and unlock investment. Regulators and industry are focusing on common technical frameworks that reduce fragmentation, improve user experience, and provide clarity to investors. A strong standardisation foundation accelerates deployment, lowers lifecycle costs, and supports cross-border EV travel and trade, all critical to financing success and consumer confidence.
Europe: regulation acclimating to market reality
The European Parliament and Council approved amendments introducing a dedicated annex for EV supply equipment (EVSE) under EU metrology law. This move brings greater legal clarity to EVSE billing and measurement compliance, while ensuring continuity during the transition period for manufacturers and operators. CharIN has contributed technical input during consultations to support harmonised measurement standards
Measuring instruments directive (MID): dedicated EVSE annex
The European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have approved amendments to the Measuring Instruments Directive (MID), introducing a new annex dedicated exclusively to EV supply equipment (EVSE).
Key implications:
- EVSE is now explicitly covered under EU metrology law, including applications beyond road transport.
- Charger cables may be replaced without compromising metrological compliance.
- A long transition period ensures continuity while manufacturers adapt.
CharIN actively contributed technical input during consultations and working groups, reinforcing the role of clear, harmonised technical requirements in enabling fair billing and consumer trust. Read more
EU automotive package: infrastructure meets industrial policy
In December 2025, the European Commission presented its Automotive Package, structured around:
- Greater flexibility in CO₂ standards while maintaining a strong electrification signal
- A €1.8 billion “Battery Booster” to strengthen the EU battery value chain
- Reduced administrative burden for industry
- New measures targeting corporate fleet decarbonisation
For charging infrastructure, the package strengthens the investment case for interoperable, high-power charging, particularly along TEN-T corridors and for commercial fleets.
AFIR implementation phase
Member States continue implementing the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), translating EU-level targets into national deployment plans. AFIR reinforces:
- Minimum power levels
- Coverage requirements
- Transparent pricing and payment methodsRead more
Asia: scaling fast, aligning gradually
Asia continues to lead in e-mobility growth with governments and private players scaling up infrastructure and implementing supportive policies. Countries like India and the Philippines are expanding public charging networks and integrating energy storage to strengthen grid reliability.
India: PM E-DRIVE scheme
India continues rolling out co-funded EVSE schemes at the federal and state levels, prioritising: highway corridors, urban depots, and interoperable public charging standardisation is increasingly recognised as essential to reduce fragmentation and unlock private capital.
The Government of India announced the PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme with specifically earmarked for public EV charging infrastructure, including public charging stations, battery swapping, and battery charging facilities. This aims to accelerate nationwide EV charging deployment in urban areas and along key transport corridors. Read more
Philippines: DOE mandates energy storage Integration for large renewable projects
In February 2026, the Philippines’ DOE issued Department Circular No. DC2026‑02‑0008, strengthening the national ESS policy by mandating that all large renewable energy projects (≥10 MW) incorporate energy storage systems representing at least 20 % of installed capacity into both project development and grid connection plans. This requirement, designed to enhance grid stability, improve frequency and voltage control, and enable deeper renewable integration, is expected to influence how renewable generation is planned and deployed across the country’s power system, laying groundwork that could improve the reliability of future grid‑connected EV charging infrastructure and support more resilient electrification pathways. Read more
Latin America: policy signals and early infrastructure scaling
While Latin America is at an earlier stage of large-scale EV deployment compared to Europe or North America, Q1 developments show growing policy alignment and increased public–private financing for charging infrastructure. Standardisation is increasingly recognised as critical to avoid market fragmentation as deployment accelerates.
Brazil: Brazilian light EVs reach 15% market share in January 2026
The strong growth in Brazil’s electrified vehicle market highlights an accelerating shift toward plug-in and hybrid technologies, with BEVs and PHEVs leading adoption. Sales of fully electric vehicles surged 123% year-over-year, while hybrid and HEV Flex models also recorded substantial gains. According to ABVE, this growth reflects not only consumer adoption but also advances in charging infrastructure, broader availability of models, and greater familiarity with e-mobility technologies, signaling an ecosystem ready to support further expansion of public and private EVSE networks across Brazil. Read more
Brazil: partnership to build 10,000 EV charging stations in Brazil by 2030
Brazil plans to deploy around 10,000 public charging points by 2030, with an initial phase targeting 2,000 stations by 2027 in high-traffic commercial locations such as shopping centres. Despite rapid growth in electrified vehicle sales, charging infrastructure remains uneven, with fewer than 1,400 municipalities currently served. This investment aims to expand coverage and support the increasing demand for EVs. Read more
Chile: Retrofit regulation
Chile began regulating the conversion of internal combustion vehicles to electric ones with a new retrofit law that modifies the country’s traffic legislation. The regulation authorizes certified workshops to carry out conversions in accordance with technical and safety standards defined by the Ministry of Transport and Telecommunications, which will also supervise and register these facilities. The new framework formalizes a practice that previously operated in a legal gray area and aims to promote more affordable electrification of the vehicle fleet while ensuring safety and compliance. Read more
Latin America
Latin America has one of the most dynamic renewable energy markets globally: more than half of its power sector (56% of the total) is based on renewables – with some countries having 100% renewable electricity systems.
Oceania: strategic role of V2G
Oceania is focusing on smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technologies to integrate EVs into the energy system. Australia and New Zealand are testing innovative solutions that support both renewable energy and large-scale EV adoption.
Australia: expanded V2G testing infrastructure
Australia’s national science agency CSIRO has expanded its Renewable Energy Integration Facility with a AU$3 million upgrade in early 2026 to support advanced testing and commercialisation of V2G and related technologies. The facility now simulates microgrids, grid faults, and large‑scale experiments combining renewables, storage, and EVs, helping accelerate grid‑integration testing and real‑world validation of bidirectional charging systems. Read more
New Zealand: EECA launches new call for V2X trials to support EV integration
In the first quarter of 2026, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) announced a request for information from organizations interested in participating in future vehicle-to-everything (V2X) trials across New Zealand. The initiative aims to expand research into technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home, which allow electric vehicles to both charge from and send electricity back to homes or the grid. Building on an existing V2G pilot in Queenstown, the program will help EECA design broader trials and evaluate how EV batteries can support the electricity system as EV adoption continues to grow. Read more
North America: U.S. rolls back EV regulations as federal incentives expire
In early 2026, the United States adjusted its federal framework for electric vehicles following policy changes that removed the regulatory basis for greenhouse-gas limits on vehicle emissions and rescinded previous tailpipe standards introduced during the previous administration. At the same time, the federal $7,500 EV consumer tax credit expired at the end of 2025, contributing to slower EV sales growth and prompting some automakers to revise production plans. While the administration argues the changes support affordability and consumer choice, analysts warn the shift could increase policy uncertainty and widen the gap between the U.S. and other major markets where emissions regulations continue to tighten. Potential legal challenges and state-level actions, particularly in California, may further influence the country’s EV regulatory landscape. Read more
MENA: Saudi Arabia accelerates EV infrastructure rollout under Vision 2030
In the first quarter of 2026, Saudi Arabia continued expanding its electric mobility ecosystem as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, with new investments in charging infrastructure and incentives to encourage EV adoption. The government and state-backed companies are deploying networks of fast chargers across major cities and highways, while new policies and incentives aim to make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers. The country also plans to scale charging infrastructure to thousands of stations by 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as one of the fastest-growing EV markets in the Middle East. Read more
Driving global EV adoption
Q1 2026 highlights a pivotal moment in global e‑mobility: markets are moving from pilots to large-scale deployment, but success depends on harmonised standards, clear regulations, and strategic financing. CharIN continues to play a key role worldwide, supporting standardisation, enabling interoperability, and advising governments and industry to accelerate EV infrastructure. Through these activities, CharIN ensures that charging networks are scalable, reliable, and globally connected, helping markets globally move faster toward electrification.
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Published on: 03/10/2026
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