Smart, Fast, Everywhere: Why Megawatt Charging is the Next Gold Rush

Research indicates that by 2050, internal combustion vehicles (ICVs) will be a thing of the past, opening up a new market for electric infrastructure, including DC charging, fast charging, and battery swapping systems.

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales are projected to increase dramatically by the end of this decade, potentially surpassing those of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles altogether. Morgan Stanley predicts that by 2050, ICE vehicles will be obsolete, making way for a global electric transformation. This shift signals a golden opportunity for the development of electric infrastructure, particularly in areas such as direct current (DC) fast charging, battery swapping, and sensor-based smart technologies. As the EV market evolves, so must the technology supporting it. Companies like TE Connectivity are at the forefront, offering robust and scalable solutions to ensure the efficient flow of power in a fast-moving and highly regulated space.

The backbone of EV charging infra

Two main types of charging infrastructure define the EV ecosystem: AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current). While AC chargers are simpler and used for home or low-speed charging, DC chargers are more complex and crucial for high-speed public charging stations.

TE Connectivity plays a vital role in developing connection technology that manages high-power DC charging systems. For instance, specialised splitters are used between the battery and inverter to distribute high-voltage power across components. One-to-one RYB (Red, Yellow, Blue) connectors ensure stable connections between transformers, filters, and the power grid. These elements must comply with strict standards and conductor compatibility to maintain efficiency and safety.

Charging capacity

Today, basic AC chargers (1.4–2 kW) can take up to 20 hours to charge fully. Upgrading to Level 2 chargers (7.2–10 kW) can reduce this time to around six hours. In contrast, DC fast chargers (capable of up to 200 kW) can charge a vehicle in just 30 minutes. As technologies evolve toward 1 megawatt capacity, charging times will continue to drop, supporting wider EV adoption and minimising downtime for users. To support this rapid shift, connection systems must be reengineered to handle higher currents, ensure robust safety and offer easy installation and maintenance.

Charging standards

The EV charging ecosystem is not uniform across the world. Europe uses the International Charging (IC) standard, dividing AC charging into three modes:

Mode 1 (11 kW) for domestic and two-wheeler use.

Mode 2 (22 kW) for residential/light commercial applications.

Mode 3 (up to 43 kW) for public charging.

China and Japan rely on the JARI standard, while the U.S. uses different benchmarks for AC (Level 2 at 19 kW) and DC fast charging. On the DC side, around 70 per cent of systems use 120 kW chargers, although the infrastructure already supports 300–400 kW.

Emerging standards, such as CHAdeMO 3.0, aim to increase capacities to 900 kW, nearly reaching the 1 MW mark. Countries like China are also evaluating new standards, such as the George interface, to match domestic and international demand.

Battery swapping and wireless charging

As grid capacity challenges persist, battery swapping has emerged as a practical solution. Instead of charging vehicles at stations, pre-charged batteries can be exchanged in minutes, reducing stress on the grid while offering faster service.

Simultaneously, wireless charging is gaining momentum, especially for urban fleets and public transport. These systems will require a new class of high-efficiency, low-loss connection technologies that integrate seamlessly with smart grids and energy storage solutions.

Reshaping future

Three major trends are reshaping the future of EV infrastructure: the leap from 200 kW to 900 kW (and beyond), the scaling of smart AC/DC converters from 20 kW to 100 kW, and the rise of grid integration and real-time monitoring technologies.

At last, we can say that the EV boom is not just about batteries or vehicles but about building a smarter, faster, and more resilient power ecosystem. With innovators like TE Connectivity leading the charge, the path to a cleaner and more electrified future is being laid.

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