eMobility is shifting gears. What began as a race to deploy chargers is now about maximising utilisation, unlocking value, and integrating with the broader energy system. To stay ahead, networks must be built not just for today but to meet the demands of the third wave of EV charging. 

 By Torben Fog, CIO and co-founder of Spirii 

EV charging is progressing rapidly, fuelled by growing demand and supportive policy. Initiatives like the EU Commission’s Action Plan for the European automotive sector provide clear strategic direction for accelerating the rollout of charging infrastructure while ensuring grid stability. 

With this momentum, the focus is shifting beyond simply installing more chargers. The infrastructure being deployed today must be future-proof, ready to evolve alongside advances in technology, regulatory changes and shifts in the energy landscape.  

Increasingly, the real value in EV charging lies not in the hardware itself, but in the software that drives it.  

This kind of shift is not unique to EV charging. Many technology sectors have followed similar patterns, moving through three waves of innovation. 

The first wave is hardware-led. Early pioneers roll out the technology, supported by basic software designed simply to make it work. 

Next comes the software wave, where intelligence and interactivity are layered onto the hardware - making it more powerful and user-friendly. 

From there, the third wave emerges: software leaders evolve into platform providers, building ecosystems where hardware fades into the background and features expand continuously. The mobile industry is a prime example. Hardware was only the beginning. It was the iOS and the App Store that truly transformed the market. 

The charging industry is now at the brink of the third, platform-based wave, poised to witness significant innovations and possibilities. 

Unlocking the true potential of EV charging 

In this fast-approaching platform era, the charging solutions emerging right now will soon become standard, and much easier to scale across networks. 

Much of the foundation is already in place. 

Cloud-based platforms now enable charging point operators (CPOs) to deliver advanced grid services such as frequency regulation, enabling them to earn revenue by using chargers or stationary batteries to absorb or release energy in response to grid needs. 

Energy management tools like load balancing add further efficiency. By distributing power intelligently across multiple charge points based on demand and capacity, operators can lower energy costs, avoid infrastructure upgrades and maximise site performance. 

CPOs can also boost returns by opening private infrastructure to the public, turning underused chargers into shared assets without the need for additional hardware. 

Looking ahead, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is on the horizon, enabling EVs to act as mobile energy storage units, feeding power back into the grid when needed.  

All this is transforming charging networks from passive energy users into active players in the energy system, shifting the industry from a mere cost centre to a valuable source of revenue. 

The future of EV charging is connected, intelligent and profitable - and those who learn to navigate and lead early will shape the direction of the entire industry.