Europe Speeds Toward High Power CCS Charging Expansion

Ionity, Alpitronic and TSG advance 600 kW CCS charging across Europe as operators prepare for higher power EV demand

3 Dec 2025

Europe’s public charging network is entering a new phase as Ionity begins installing a fresh wave of high-power stations using Alpitronic hardware and built by TSG. Each unit is designed to deliver up to 600 kilowatts through CCS plugs, one of the largest power increases yet deployed on Europe’s roads.

The new hubs exclude the heavy-duty Megawatt Charging System connector and are not intended to serve trucks or other vehicles that need megawatt-level supply. The early focus remains on passenger cars, which are arriving with faster charging profiles and larger batteries. One Ionity engineer described the upgrade as “a vital step” toward a period when vehicles will ask for far more power than today.

Alpitronic views the deployment as part of a longer transition in transport, while TSG says operators are already seeking higher-capacity sites to safeguard investments as standards evolve. Only a small share of Europe’s public chargers can currently supply ultra-high rates, leaving considerable space for expansion.

Analysts say the shift could prompt new partnerships among charge-point operators looking to manage costs and strengthen their position in a crowded market. Manufacturers may also see value in co-developing high-power hubs to ensure peak charging performance for upcoming models, echoing earlier collaboration in Europe’s clean-energy buildout.

Progress, however, continues to meet familiar constraints. Securing grid connections remains slow and expensive, especially for locations equipped with back-end systems designed to support megawatt-ready capacity. Policy support differs sharply across borders, creating uneven conditions that can stall projects and complicate planning.

Installations are expected to begin later this year. The pace of driver uptake will determine how quickly higher-power plugs become part of routine travel. If usage rises as forecast, Europe could establish some of the fastest CCS routes globally, intensifying competition to shape the next stage of electric mobility.