A significant new concern is emerging in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, as data from ChargePoint reveals a troubling trend of growing demand outpacing the installation of charging infrastructure. Over the last year, ChargePoint has facilitated over 100 million EV charging sessions, indicating that interest in electric vehicles is climbing rapidly. However, the company points out that the rate at which new chargers are being set up is lagging behind the increasing number of EVs already on the roads.
ChargePoint’s analysis highlights that nearly 60% of the total 19.3 billion electric miles it has enabled over its nearly 18 years of operation occurred just within the last two years. This represents a remarkable surge in usage that signals a change in the EV adoption phase. According to CEO Rick Wilmer, "ChargePoint believes we have entered the next phase of EV adoption. New EV sales are no longer the primary benchmark for charger demand; it’s the total number of EVs on the road. Those installing chargers in 2026 should see accelerated ROI because of this utilization pressure."
In 2025, global EV sales experienced a notable upswing, increasing by 20%, with European markets soaring by 33%. The United States also had a strong showing, marking its second-best year for EV sales. Yet, the pace of growth in charging sessions on ChargePoint's network outstripped even these robust sales figures. Charging sessions surged by 34% in 2025, even as the overall growth in the number of vehicles remained comparatively smaller.
ChargePoint reported the addition of 190,000 new charging ports in 2025, yet the demand for charging stations grew at an alarming rate that exceeded this expansion by nearly 20%. This means that more drivers are vying for each available charger, leading to potential bottlenecks in charging access. The company cautions that if the rate of new installations does not accelerate, this situation could worsen significantly in 2026.
Currently, ChargePoint serves over 1 million drivers monthly, with plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) making up 16% of all commercial AC charging sessions tracked through their platform. Users now have access to more than 900,000 roaming charging ports worldwide, in addition to around 375,000 public and private ports managed directly by ChargePoint.
Since its inception in 2007, ChargePoint estimates that its network has helped avoid the consumption of 714 million gallons of gasoline. This achievement translates into over $2 billion in fuel costs saved for drivers, alongside a reduction of more than 4.5 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, ChargePoint’s findings reflect a broader trend in the industry: while the sale of electric vehicles continues to rise, the more pressing issue is the sheer number of EVs already in use and the corresponding need for adequate charging infrastructure.
However, we must approach these numbers with caution. ChargePoint’s data originates from its own network, which may not fully represent regional variances in charger utilization. Different locations and types of chargers—be they workplace Level 2 chargers, fleet depots, or public DC fast chargers—can yield varying levels of driver experience. A 34% increase in charging sessions doesn’t necessarily mean that every driver is encountering long wait times; it could also be a result of improved charger reliability or increased user turnover.
Moreover, simply counting the number of charging ports does not capture the full picture. For instance, a location equipped with 12 well-maintained, high-capacity DC fast chargers offers a vastly different experience compared to a facility filled with Level 2 chargers that may sit unused overnight. Factors such as charging speed, reliability, and power output are critical, in addition to the sheer number of stalls available.
Nonetheless, the pressure on charger utilization is undeniable. If the growth in charging sessions continues to outstrip the expansion of charging infrastructure, the performance of charging stations—not just their availability—could become the central competitive factor in the EV market. How do you feel about the current state of EV infrastructure? Do you believe we can keep up with this rapid growth, or are we setting ourselves up for a bottleneck? Share your thoughts!
