What to expect at the ChargeTec Conference 2026

The ChargeTec Conference 2026 will take place on 28–29 April 2026 at the SZ-Tower in Munich. As the sixth edition of the conference series, the event brings together experts from OEMs, utilities, grid operators, charging technology providers, logistics companies, policymakers and consultants to address one of the central challenges of electrification: how charging systems can scale reliably, economically and across vehicle segments.

Rather than focusing on individual products, the conference frames charging as a system-level challenge. Truck and fleet charging, passenger car charging, grid integration, bidirectional charging, stationary storage, interoperability and pricing models are discussed as interdependent elements of a rapidly evolving charging ecosystem. The programme reflects the growing pressure on infrastructure as power demand increases, use cases diversify and regulatory requirements tighten across Europe.

From passenger cars to heavy-duty fleets

A strong focus of ChargeTec Conference 2026 lies on charging for trucks and commercial fleets, where electrification is moving from pilot projects to large-scale deployment. National and regional perspectives set the stage, with Gunnar Ohlin, Programme Director at Lindholmen, outlining progress in Swedish projects on truck electrification and public charging for heavy-duty vehicles. His contribution highlights how coordinated national frameworks can accelerate infrastructure roll-out for long-haul transport.

From an OEM perspective, Sven Steckhan, Senior Manager and Program Lead Charging at MAN Truck & Bus, discusses how charging solutions must be integrated into commercial vehicle ecosystems – from grid connection to vehicle operation. The logistics dimension is further addressed by Fabio Sacchi, Head of Business Development EV Logistics at DHL Customer Solutions and Innovation, who frames charging network expansion as a logistical challenge closely tied to fleet operations and route planning.

Fleet charging in practice: data, operations and performance

Operational realities of fleet charging are examined in depth. Cagla Langkamp, Management Mobility at Hamburger Energienetze, together with Georg Ostermann, Project Engineering at the same organisation, present insights into charging patterns across public transport, airport fleets, ride-pooling and electric trucks. Their analysis connects operational data with practical solutions such as reservation systems, asset sharing and direct supply models.

Infrastructure performance is another recurring theme. Oliver Adrian, COO & CRO at Chargecloud, addresses what it takes to make charging infrastructure “eTruck ready”, focusing on system reliability, scalability and performance monitoring. Complementing this view, Maximillian Zähringer, CEO of FRYTE Mobility, discusses how tailored charging networks based on route data and fleet characteristics can transform fragmented assets into collaborative charging ecosystems.

Alpitronic’s HYC400 gains UL certification

Alpitronic has secured UL certification for its 400 kW HYC400 fast charger. The approval confirms compliance with stringent safety standards and clears the way for deployment in North America and other important markets.

Sabine Synkule

Networks, grids and the economics of charging

As charging power increases, the interaction with the electricity grid becomes critical. Alexander Funke, Expert Energy Markets at BMW Group, opens the discussion with a keynote on smart charging frameworks, highlighting how charging behaviour, grid constraints and market mechanisms must be aligned.

Grid resilience and digitalisation are explored by Dr Roman Höller, Domain Lead Resilience at Westnetz, who examines how smart and digital electricity grids are essential for a reliable and affordable energy transition. From a market-design perspective, Dr Johanna Bronisch, Senior Consultant at Neon Neue Energieökonomik, analyses grid fees and tariff structures, discussing how they can become a decisive factor for smart and bidirectional charging adoption.

Pricing transparency and market models are also debated in a dedicated panel chaired by Johannes Pallasch, Head and Spokesman of the National Centre for Charging Infrastructure, together with representatives from E.ON Drive Germany, BDEW and Evolve Energy.

From adapters to wireless and battery-backed charging

ChargeTec Conference 2026 also places strong emphasis on charging technologies themselves. Matthias Kübel, independent consultant and formerly with Volkswagen, addresses DC charging adapters, focusing on technical and safety challenges as well as standardisation efforts in Europe and beyond.

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EV charging points could evolve from simple energy suppliers into active security nodes. Integrated into vehicle security architectures, they may help detect and stop cyberattacks long before threats reach the car or backend systems.

Chris Löwer

Future-oriented approaches are explored by Erik Herkenrath, R&D Engineer Wireless Charging at Porsche AG, who discusses wireless charging as a potential enabler for next-generation mobility by reducing barriers in everyday use. High-power charging concepts are further developed by Sascha Koenig, Director Product Marketing Charging at ADS-TEC Energy, who presents battery-backed charging infrastructure as a way to transform grid stress into scalable assets without extensive grid expansion.

Battery technology itself comes into focus with Joachim Damasky, CEO and Managing Director of LionSmart, who introduces immersion-cooled battery systems designed to improve charging dynamics and efficiency for high-power applications and heavy-duty vehicles.

Interoperability, regulation and bidirectional charging

Standardisation and regulatory alignment are addressed by Andreas Lauringer, CEO of Kontrol, who examines ISO 15118-20, AFIR requirements and the automation of regulatory intelligence. His contribution highlights how interoperability and compliance are becoming prerequisites for future-proof charging infrastructure.

Bidirectional charging forms another key pillar of the programme. Leonhard Bartsch, Manager Energy System and Services at Ford Werke GmbH, presents Ford’s approach to rolling out bidirectional charging solutions, while Marcel Brödel, Research Associate at the Technical University of Munich, shares real-world insights from the SPIRIT-E project, focusing on V2G applications in heavy-duty logistics depots.

Dialogue, panels and cross-domain exchange

Beyond individual presentations, ChargeTec Conference 2026 is designed as a platform for exchange across disciplines. Panels, Q&A sessions, extended networking breaks and an evening reception encourage dialogue between technology providers, grid operators, OEMs, logistics companies and policymakers.

The conference opens with Peter Gresch, Managing Director of PGUB Management Consultants, setting the strategic frame as Chairman. Throughout both days, the programme consistently connects technical depth with economic and regulatory perspectives, reflecting the complexity of charging infrastructure in a maturing electric mobility market.

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Porsche is developing a wireless charging system for electric cars: From 2026, the new Cayenne Electric will be able to charge inductively via a base plate with up to eleven kW, making the charging process more convenient in everyday life.

Götz Fuchslocher