Global public electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is projected to reach 9.01 million stations worldwide by 2026, according to DIGITIMES Research. The market is expected to show increasing regional divergence as China and Europe maintain steady expansion, while momentum in the US softens.
Policy support continues to underpin growth in China and Europe, while the US faces a slowdown following the phase-out of key EV tax incentives. The market is therefore expected to show a pattern in which China remains the primary engine of expansion, Europe maintains steady growth, and the US sees slower momentum.
Global infrastructure maintains rapid expansion
In 2025, the number of public EV charging stations worldwide surpassed 7.11 million across more than 30 countries, representing an annual growth rate of 33.2%, according to DIGITIMES Research. The market remains highly concentrated, with the top eight markets accounting for 88% of total global installations.
These leading markets include China, South Korea, the US, the Netherlands, and Germany. Germany and the Netherlands were separated by only about 2,000 stations in 2025.
DIGITIMES Research estimates that if Germany maintains its current pace of adding approximately 40,000 stations annually, it could surpass the Netherlands in 2026 to become the world's fourth-largest market by total installations.
China sustains global dominance
China continues to lead the global sector by a significant margin, hosting 4.759 million public charging stations, accounting for roughly 67% of the global total. In comparison, the share held by other countries declined slightly from 2024 levels, reflecting a market where China remains the clear leader while growth elsewhere moderates.
Looking toward 2026, the global network is expected to add approximately 1.906 million new stations. China is expected to remain the main driver of expansion.
DIGITIMES Research projects China will add more than 1.346 million public charging stations in 2026, bringing its total to 6.105 million.
Although China plans to restore a 5% purchase tax on new energy vehicles (NEVs) in 2026, the country's large EV sales volume and continued central government support are expected to sustain the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure.
Europe gains ground as US faces headwinds
In Europe, stricter carbon emission limits for new vehicles introduced in 2025, combined with national purchase subsidy programs, are expected to indirectly stimulate demand for charging infrastructure. Europe is projected to add more than 219,000 public charging stations in 2026, bringing the regional total to 1.47 million.
In contrast, the US market is expected to face pressure as EV tax credit policies gradually expire. The policy shift could slow automakers' electrification strategies while also dampening investment in charging infrastructure.
DIGITIMES Research estimates the US will add only about 37,000 public charging stations in 2026, bringing the total to around 275,000.
Overall, DIGITIMES Research said the global public EV charging station market will show increasing regional divergence in 2026, with China and Europe continuing to expand their charging networks while growth in the US slows amid policy changes.
Article translated by Sherri Wang and edited by Jack Wu
