EV Charging’s Big Bet: Automakers, Policy Uncertainty, and the Push for Profitability with Ryan Fisher from BloombergNEF (he’s back!)
In this episode of In-Between Charges, we welcome back Ryan Fisher, Head of Charging Infrastructure at BloombergNEF, for an insightful discussion on the evolving EV charging landscape. With automakers increasingly stepping into the charging business, we explore how their strategies are shifting—balancing investment in infrastructure with the need for profitability. Ryan shares his take on why major players like IONNA and Ionity are forming joint ventures, how automakers are leveraging charging networks to enhance brand loyalty, and whether the business model can ever be as lucrative as selling vehicles.Beyond industry strategies, we also dive into the growing impact of policy changes on the EV ecosystem. From shifting fuel economy standards in the U.S. to evolving CO₂ regulations in Europe, Ryan explains how government intervention is shaping investment decisions. He also unpacks the recent volatility in EV adoption forecasts, the implications of paused NEVI funding, and why some markets are seeing surging charging costs while others remain competitive. With policy uncertainty looming, is the industry at an inflection point?Finally, we tackle the economic realities of charging infrastructure—where margins remain tight despite growing demand. Ryan sheds light on the challenges facing hardware manufacturers, the potential role of carbon credits in sustaining networks, and whether automakers will remain invested in charging long-term or eventually offload their networks. With insights from BloombergNEF’s latest research and real-world case studies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone following the future of EV charging, policy, and electrification.Happy charging!
France