ABI Research released a competitive ranking of nine commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging vendors, evaluating them based on innovation and implementation criteria. The ranking addresses the evolving commercial EV charging market, driven by global electrification trends and constrained grid capacity, requiring scalable, energy-efficient solutions with reliable maintenance for high uptime.
The market faces challenges from a shifting technology landscape, including Megawatt Charging System (MCS) adoption, changing regulatory electrification targets, and geopolitical uncertainties impacting costs and supply chains. Siemens topped the ranking with a comprehensive portfolio covering Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) segments, leveraging its own technologies and those from its acquisition, Heliox, to serve eTruck and eBus markets. Siemens has deployed over 100,000 chargers across 60 countries, including Europe, North America, India, Australia, and parts of South America. i-charging secured second place with its high-power DC charging solutions, including an MCS solution rated up to 1.5 Megawatts (MW), supported by robust services for high uptime and maintenance.
ABB E-mobility offers a broad portfolio, recently adding the MCS1200 solution for truck charging, delivering 1.2 MW at 1,500 Amps. Kempower rounds out the market leaders with its dynamic load management system and high-power DC chargers, including MCS solutions. In the mainstream category, Alpitronic excels in scalability with its Power-Stack technology, enabling increased charging power without new installations. Power Electronics provides a strong AC and DC offering, including an MCS solution rated at 1.44 MW.
Schneider Electric, newer to high-power DC charging, benefits from its software capabilities, enhanced by its 2022 acquisition of EV Connect and a partnership with Mobility House Solutions for energy management. Eaton and BorgWarner, categorized as followers, show potential. Eaton focuses on minimizing charger footprints, particularly at the 150 Kilowatt (kW) level, suitable for space-constrained sites. BorgWarner has notable partnerships, including supporting Windrose Technology’s MCS trials in China with a 960 kW liquid-cooled charger for Goodman Group properties.
The ranking evaluated vendors on charger size, power, efficiency, scalability, software offerings, market commitment, support services, commercial success, and solution breadth, highlighting their roles in addressing grid capacity, space constraints, and other electrification barriers.
