General Motors and ChargePoint will collaborate to add 500 new fast-charging stations like this one across the United States next year.

Charging an electric vehicle is about to get much quicker, thanks to ChargePoint's next generation Direct Current (DC) fast-charging architecture.

ChargePoint is one of America's largest electric vehicle charging networks. The company has powered over nine billion electric miles to date and has plans for expansion. The EV charging network isn't just expanding, it's also getting faster, according to the CEO.

ChargePoint to make EV charging shockingly fast in 2026

ChargePoint CEO and President Rick Wilmer calls the upcoming DC fast charging architecture "a major innovation." Wilmer explained that new 600 kW (kilowatt) charging stations will be more efficient and more cost-effective converting energy to recharge EVs in an exclusive interview. ChargePoint is partnering with global power management company Eaton to connect chargers with DC grids.

Wilmer said this will "dramatically reduce the size of chargers for the amount of power they deliver" saving drivers and charging station hosts money in electrical costs thanks to increased efficiency. ChargePoint Express Grid locations will host these 600 kW charging stations, capable of recharging passenger EVs in as little as 10 minutes.

ChargePoint expects to begin deliveries of charging station components in the second half of 2026. Faster EV charging is around the corner as the company expands its network and develops stations capable of more powerful electric vehicle charging sessions.

How fast are EV chargers in 2025?

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are still the most common types of electric vehicle chargers in America. DC fast chargers are less common, but they can recharge an EV from 10% to 80% in under an hour depending on the wattage of the charger.

Level 1 Chargers Level 2 Chargers Level 3 DC Fast Chargers ChargePoint Express Grid Chargers
Average Charging Time Capabilities With High Wattage Charger Over 24 hours (partial recharge) 2-3 hours (partial recharge) 30 minutes or less (partial recharge) 10 minutes or less (partial recharge)

ChargePoint's Express Grid chargers drastically reduce DC charging time due to their high wattage (600 kwh) and efficiency. High wattage chargers aren't recommended for regular use due to battery concerns, but having access to quick charging once in a while is a gamechanger for EV owners.

What ChargePoint's Express Grid means for EVs in America

ChargePoint's Express Grid is a sign that EV charging infrastructure is improving despite the current administration's lack of support for clean energy. EV chargers are getting faster and more efficient thanks to technological advancements from companies like ChargePoint.

The EV charging experience may not be simplistic for the general public yet, but companies are paving the way for cheaper, easier and more convenient electric vehicle charging sessions.

In China, drivers have access to BYD Auto's Megawatt charging. These charging systems deliver 1,000 kilowatts of power at 1,000 volts. Megawatt charging can replenish around 250 miles of driving range in five minutes.

Soon, the United States may even catch up to China's record EV charging time of five minutes for a partial recharge. As EV nameplates in the U.S. flourish, charging may not need much more improvement for mass adoption to skyrocket.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: ChargePoint to debut 10-minute EV charging in 2026, says CEO

Reporting by Charles Singh , Nashville Tennessean / Nashville Tennessean

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect