Electric vehicle adoption continues to grow steadily even amid cooling optimism, but the charging infrastructure needed to support it is failing to keep pace, according to a new report from charging network operator ChargePoint. The gap matters because slower rollout of chargers risks frustrating drivers and could dampen the momentum behind the switch to EVs, even as rising fuel prices and strong demand for used electric cars push more consumers towards making the change.

More than 1.8 million EVs were sold in the US between January and the end of August this year, and ChargePoint says used EV retention rates have reached 96%, suggesting owners are staying loyal to electric vehicles rather than returning to petrol. However, the firm's data shows charging sessions rose by 34% in 2025 while new charger installations grew by only 16%. ChargePoint chief executive Rick Wilmer said workplace charging becomes problematic once utilisation exceeds around 30% over an eight-hour day, as drivers then struggle to find a free charger. The company has responded by launching cheaper, more powerful Level 2 chargers and partnering with Eaton on bidirectional charging technology, aiming to make affordable vehicle-to-home power backup possible, though Wilmer noted that wider vehicle-to-grid adoption will require greater standardisation across carmakers and utilities.