- The US fast charging sector is transitioning to “Charging 2.0,” emphasising reliability, customer experience, and larger stations.
- Non-Tesla networks show improved reliability, the number of ports per station is increasing, and Tesla’s NACS grows.
- State initiatives like Illinois’ promote growth, while federal uncertainties, such as the NEVI program halt, create disparities.
Paren reports on the key US fast charging trends as the nation catapults towards ‘Charging 2.0’
The US DC fast charging (DCFC) landscape is undergoing a major transformation, marked by setbacks, resilience, and a shift toward what experts are calling “Charging 2.0.” According to a new Q1 2025 report by EV analytics firm Paren, the industry is evolving rapidly, with a greater focus on reliability, customer experience, and strategic growth.
While 2024 saw notable turbulence, significant progress was also made. Firms like GM, Pilot, and EVgo launched exciting initiatives, and NEVI-funded stations began opening at an accelerated pace. Paren’s report paints a nuanced picture: a market maturing through growing pains.
In Q1 2025, seasonal slowdowns and Tesla’s retrenchment contributed to a dip in port utilisation, falling to 16.2% from 16.6% in Q4 2024. However, reliability improved for non-Tesla networks, with Paren’s US Reliability Index rising to 82.6 points. Utah, Alaska, and Tennessee emerged as the most reliable states for DCFC.
Charging stations are not just more reliable—they’re also getting larger
The average number of ports per non-Tesla station grew to 3.9, up from 2.7 a year prior. Tesla continues to lead in scale, averaging 13 ports per site.
The charging standard landscape remains in flux. CCS ports still dominate at 59%, while just 10% were CHAdeMO (one of the early fast charging standards in the US). Although Tesla’s NACS is slowly making inroads, only 120 new NACS ports came from non-Tesla networks. Find out more about the importance of NACS here.
Charging costs remain highest in California, with top metros averaging $0.60–$0.61 per kWh. Fixed pricing continues to dominate nationally, though Time of Use pricing is gaining ground—especially in California.
This evolution unfolds against a backdrop of contrasting state and federal policies shaping the transition
Illinois, for example, has emerged as a national leader in EV growth, driven by robust incentives and strategic investments aimed at building a comprehensive charging network. The state’s proactive stance highlights the critical role of policy in accelerating adoption.
In contrast, recent federal actions—most notably the Trump administration’s executive order halting the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program—have introduced uncertainty, particularly for rural and underserved communities. This divergence underscores a growing geographic and political divide in the pace and equity of EV infrastructure development across the US
Despite challenges, Paren’s report signals optimism. 2024 will be remembered as the year the industry turned a corner—leaving behind its trial-and-error past and stepping into a smarter, more strategic future.
