LONDON, UK — CTEK forecasts 2026 as a breakthrough year for electric vehicles, driven by widespread 22kW AC charging adoption, smarter Plug & Charge protocols, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) maturity. With over 50% of new UK cars already electrified by late 2025—including more than a quarter pure electric—the focus shifts to infrastructure serving everyday drivers without home charging or off-street parking.
“2026 is a year of great opportunities for Electric Vehicles, with a wide range of exciting new cars arriving and a new era of smarter charging possible,” says Stefan Gabrielsson, CTEK Business Owner. “Drivers are looking for the right signals – from the auto industry, from governments, from charging operators, from energy providers – to turn to electric mobility and make the most of its potential.“
22kW AC Charging: The 2026 Infrastructure Shift
Nine major automakers will deploy 22kW AC-capable EVs in 2026, fundamentally changing public and workplace charging economics as demand grows from households without driveways and larger-battery Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs).
Confirmed 22kW AC models:
- Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar
- Kia, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault
- Volkswagen
Key advantages over 7kW/11kW chargers:
- Up to 3x faster charging speeds for compatible EVs
- Lower hardware/installation costs vs. DC fast chargers
- Higher daily utilization for operators (faster vehicle turnover)
- Ideal for apartments, workplaces, supermarkets serving drivers without off-street parking
“22kW AC enables quicker charging, enabling faster turnaround and increased utilisation for charging providers but with the much cheaper installation and hardware costs of AC compared to DC,” notes Gabrielsson.
Smarter Charging Protocols Take Center Stage
2026 marks the mainstream rollout of Autocharge and Plug & Charge at public and workplace sites as EVs, chargers, and software interoperate seamlessly.
How it works:
- Driver plugs in cable
- Vehicle and charger communicate automatically via latest standards
- Session starts without apps, RFID cards, or registration
- Billing handled seamlessly in background
“This will include more Autocharge, and then Plug & Charge, at public and workplace charging as more EVs and charging hardware and software work together to simplify the driver experience and streamline operator administration,” says Gabrielsson.
Public charging providers must also prioritize network maintenance using latest communication protocols to ensure reliability as utilization grows.
V2G and Dynamic Tariffs: Grid-Smart Charging Arrives
Energy providers will expand smart tariffs while Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) enable V2G platforms to manage rising demand.
2026 grid benefits:
- EVs charge during renewable energy peaks (lower cost to drivers)
- Vehicle batteries feed power back during grid stress periods
- Emergency backup power capability for homes/businesses
- Stabilized local distribution networks through demand smoothing
“Together with the Distribution Network Operators, energy suppliers should overcome barriers to smarter charging and develop Vehicle to Grid (V2G) platforms that enable EV batteries to feed energy back to the grid to smooth away peaks of demand, offer back up power for emergency situations and assist with stabilising the distribution network,” Gabrielsson explains.
Who Must Act for 2026 Success
“Amid mixed messages from governments and the industry over the pace of transition, drivers will need clear signals that 2026 is a good year to switch to electric,” warns Gabrielsson.
Key stakeholders and actions:
- Governments: Continue chargepoint grants for employers, fleets, landlords using available funding
- Charging operators: Prioritize network maintenance, upgrade to 22kW AC capability
- Energy providers: Roll out dynamic tariffs, pioneer V2G platforms
- Automakers: Deliver affordable 22kW-capable mainstream models
“If charging becomes smarter, EVs become cheaper and encouragement becomes greater, then the EV revolution can continue at full speed this year,” concludes the CTEK executive.
Frequently Asked Questions: CTEK 2026 EV Charging Predictions
Which car brands support 22kW AC charging in 2026?
“Models from Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault and VW will all be on UK roads in 2026 with 22kW AC charging capability,” confirms Gabrielsson.
What makes 22kW AC better than 7kW chargers?
22kW delivers up to 3x faster charging speeds at lower installation costs than DC, ideal for high-turnover public/workplace sites serving apartment dwellers and shoppers.
When will Plug & Charge become mainstream?
CTEK predicts widespread Autocharge and Plug & Charge rollout across public and workplace chargers throughout 2026 as vehicle-charger interoperability matures.
How does V2G benefit EV drivers?
Vehicle-to-Grid enables selling stored energy back to the grid during peak pricing, lowering bills while providing home backup power and grid stabilization
