As the number and range of electric vehicles in use increases, and the size of batteries in those vehicles increases, the demand for fast and ultra-fast charging infrastructure is also expected to increase. The growth in the fast charging infrastructure raises a number of challenges to be addressed; primarily, high peak loads and their impacts on the electricity network. This paper reviews fast and ultra-fast charging technology and systems from a number of perspectives, including the following: current and expected trends in fast charging demand; the particular temporal and spatial characteristics of electricity demand associated with fast charging; the devices and circuit technologies commonly used in fast chargers; the potential system impacts of fast charging on the electricity distribution network and methods for managing those impacts; methods for long-term planning of fast charging facilities; finally, expected future developments in fast charging technology and systems.