In 2026, China's new-energy vehicle fleet has passed 80 million vehicles, and the charging-station sector — the "energy backbone" of NEVs — is going through its most profound transformation yet. Driven by a series of national policies, the industry is leaving behind an era of rapid, unregulated growth and entering a new phase defined by standardization, efficiency and intelligence.

Stronger regulation: five changes redrawing the map

  • Mandatory 3C certification (from 1 Aug 2026). Charging equipment without 3C certification can no longer be manufactured, sold, imported or operated. Analysts expect the number of active brands to fall from over 1,500 toward ~300 — an ~80% shake-out that locks in a firm floor for quality and safety.
  • Higher minimum power. Outdated sub-60 kW units are being phased out. New public DC stations must deliver at least 180 kW, with mainstream deployments at 250–480 kW and 600 kW liquid-cooled ultra-fast sites in highways and prime commercial districts.
  • Transparent pricing. Electricity and service fees must be listed separately, with time-of-use pricing and a service-fee cap. Hidden charges and non-refundable balances are prohibited.
  • Upgraded fire safety. New technical standards make fire alarms, monitoring and electrical-safety interlocks a requirement rather than an option.
  • Easier installation. New residential developments must provide or pre-wire charging for every designated space, with streamlined approvals for existing buildings and expanded rural coverage.

Where the technology is heading

  • Ultra-fast charging at 480–600 kW is rolling out, making a 10-minute top-up realistic.
  • Liquid cooling is replacing air cooling for high-power sites — longer life, lower noise, smaller footprint.
  • Silicon-carbide power modules are cutting costs and boosting efficiency.
  • Solar-storage-charging integration is being encouraged to improve site economics through self-consumption and peak-valley arbitrage.

What it means for buyers and operators

Consolidation rewards manufacturers that invest in R&D, certification and real product performance — and operators that compete on service and reliability rather than land-grabbing. Notably, from September 2026 the Gulf Cooperation Council will mandate China's GB/T 2023 charging standard, opening major export opportunities for compliant Chinese manufacturers.

As a professional EV-charger manufacturer with 10+ years of experience, Liaoning Dahua Energy (DHES) offers a full range of compliant AC and DC products — from home wallboxes to 480 kW high-power stations — engineered for the standardized, high-quality era the industry is now entering.

Looking to source compliant, high-power charging equipment? Request a quote and our team will help you specify the right solution.