Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? ChargePoint & Eaton Unveil Ultrafast DC V2X Chargers
Welcome, Net Zero News readers,
In an exciting development for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, ChargePoint has announced a strategic partnership with Eaton, an intelligent power management company, to introduce a groundbreaking ultrafast charging architecture. This innovative solution, known as ChargePoint Express Grid, promises to redefine public charging infrastructure for both individual consumers and fleet operations.
The ChargePoint Express Grid, powered by Eaton, is a vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capable system that can deliver a staggering 600kW of power. Imagine this: an electric passenger vehicle equipped with an 80kWh battery can achieve an impressive 20-80% charge in just 10 minutes. This level of performance not only surpasses existing passenger EV charging technologies but also ensures that the system is future-proofed, ready to meet the demands of the evolving automotive landscape. Furthermore, the architecture is designed to facilitate megawatt charging for heavy-duty commercial applications, marking a significant leap forward in charging capabilities.
The collaboration between ChargePoint and Eaton addresses a critical challenge faced by the EV industry—overcoming grid constraints. As the number of electric vehicles on the roads continues to grow, so too does the need for robust, scalable charging solutions. By integrating ChargePoint’s Express chargers with Eaton’s comprehensive electrical solutions, the partnership aims to deliver an economically viable approach to charging that can keep pace with the expanding EV market.
This groundbreaking architecture represents ChargePoint’s inaugural DC fast-charge solution that is fully compatible with European markets, including the UK. It unlocks advanced technologies such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and V2X capabilities, alongside a turn-key microgrid solution that can optimise energy use and distribution.
At the heart of this system lies Eaton’s Everything as a Grid philosophy, which seamlessly synchronises onsite renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and vehicle batteries with local energy markets. This integration empowers fleet operators to significantly reduce their fuelling costs while contributing to the overall stability of the electric grid when deployed at scale in collaboration with participating utilities.
Looking ahead, the ChargePoint Express Grid will serve as the foundation for a suite of products set to launch in the second half of 2026. These offerings are designed with a focus on low-cost, high-power output, and feature-rich, flexible modularity that allows for efficient scalability—a crucial factor as the market for electric vehicles continues to expand.
Rick Wilmer, the CEO of ChargePoint, expressed his enthusiasm for this technological advancement, stating, “The new ChargePoint Express architecture, and particularly the Express Grid variant, will take DC fast charging to levels of performance and cost not previously imagined. This latest technological breakthrough further demonstrates our commitment to deliver innovation.”
Wilmer further emphasised that the collaboration with Eaton is pivotal in creating solutions that enable EV adoption based on economic viability rather than merely relying on tax incentives or government support.
Paul Ryan, Vice President and General Manager of Energy Transition at Eaton, echoed this sentiment, asserting, “Accelerating electrification at scale hinges on industry-changing technology from trusted manufacturers that can be deployed faster while achieving new levels of reliability and efficiency at a significantly lower cost.” He highlighted that the partnership with ChargePoint acts as a catalyst for innovation in electrification, paving the way for smart choices in the transition to electric mobility.
To facilitate the deployment of this cutting-edge technology, Eaton will custom-engineer each Express configuration. This comprehensive power infrastructure will be delivered site-ready, with the option of a skid-mounted solution to expedite installation, streamline equipment requirements, and simplify connections to the grid and distributed energy resources (DERs). Additionally, Eaton is set to commercialise solid-state transformer technology within the next year, following its recent acquisition of Resilient Power Systems Inc., further supporting DC applications in the EV market and beyond.
For those keen to embrace this innovative charging solution, the ChargePoint Express Grid is currently available for order for select customers in North America and Europe, with deliveries anticipated to commence in the latter half of 2026. This marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of EV infrastructure, promising not only to enhance the charging experience for users but also to support the broader goals of sustainability and grid reliability.
As we continue to push towards net-zero emissions and a more sustainable future, initiatives like the ChargePoint Express Grid represent significant steps forward. With the combined expertise of ChargePoint and Eaton, the future of electric vehicle charging looks brighter than ever.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest advancements in the world of electric mobility and sustainable energy solutions. Together, we can drive the change towards a greener, more sustainable future.
