The EV revolution lives or dies at the charging station.What started as an eye-opening discovery for me last year has become an essential annual checkpoint. That’s why I am returning to the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas this March (17-19). The “easy” chargers have been installed; now, we are tackling the heavy lifting of grid integration, 99% uptime, and true scalability.
This conference brings together all the key players, both private and public sectors. Think of it as a lollapalooza of EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). So, as I prepare for the floor, here are the 10 themes I am tracking:
1. The Retail Conversion:
We are seeing the slow evolution of the corner gas station. Many sites already have the physical footprint and the electrical potential. The question for 2026: Is the EVSE hardware ready to turn the old gas stations and the new convenience stop into a viable solar/ battery assisted charging hub?
2. The Multifamily “Rubik’s Cube”:
This remains the industry’s greatest hurdle. About one-third of the U.S. population lives in multifamily housing, and most of the sites lack reliable home charging. A paid vendor survey from Swtch finds that renters are 2.5x more likely to purchase an EV if they have onsite charging. Solving the puzzle of deeded spots and multi-level garage retrofits is no longer optional—it’s the key to mass adoption.
3. The NACS Standard Maturity:
The “Connector Wars” are effectively over now that NACS is the factory standard for 2026 models. The focus has shifted to legacy support: How are manufacturers ensuring that the existing fleet—including older CHAdeMO and CCS vehicles—are brought along without being “orphaned” by the new standard? With NACS, does a better integration of the credit card and vehicle “handshake” produce fewer charging errors?
4. The NEVI Funding Rollercoaster:
With NEVI awards becoming a political football and local incentives facing cutbacks, the business model for suppliers is shifting. We need to see how the industry is pivoting from “subsidy-dependent” to “revenue-sustainable” growth, particularly as the highway network enters the next phase.
5. The “Data Enrichment” Era:
After the massive installation spike in 2025, we finally have some data. I’m looking for measurable proof of the “retail lift”—is there a consistent spike in retail sales at malls and restaurants once chargers are live?
6. Fleet Scaling and ROI:
From school buses to delivery vans, fleets are the hidden engine of the EVSE market. I want to hear from the managers who have moved past the pilot phase: What does a positive ROI look like when you’re managing 500+ light-duty trucks?
7. Utilities and the Transformer Bottleneck:
The grid remains a sticking point. With utilities citing ongoing national shortages of electric transformers, lead times for Level 3 installations can stretch into years. Is the timetable finally improving, or is the grid the ultimate ceiling?
8. Onsite Storage and Microgrids:
Just as gas stations have underground tanks, the next generation of EVSE must have “tanks” of electricity. I’m looking for deeper integration between charging hardware and battery storage to manage off-peak loads and solar collection.
9. Beyond the Plug:
The “gas pump” form factor isn’t the only way. I’m keeping an eye on robotic valet charging and wireless pads—technologies that move us away from traditional cable-and-pedestal constraints.
10. Sentiment Analysis- The Global vs. Domestic Split:
It’s been a volatile year for domestic sentiment, but the global momentum, especially in Europe and Asia, is undeniable. I’m interested in whether this year’s Summit feels like “cautious investment” or a “full-throttle” adaptation to a changing world.
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