50 stories tagged charging on EV Digest.
Southern fast-food chain Bojangles has opened its first DC fast-charging station in Savannah, Georgia, marking its entry into the EV charging market. This pilot location is the first of many planned installations, with the company aiming to roll out dozens more across its Southeastern U.S. footprint. The initiative allows EV drivers to conveniently charge their vehicles while dining.
A new report from Cenex highlights the benefits of DC-coupled smart energy hubs for electric vehicle fleets. These integrated systems, combining battery storage, on-site generation, and V2X technology, can significantly reduce operational costs and alleviate strain on the electrical grid. By leveraging these hubs, organizations can accelerate their fleet electrification efforts while optimizing energy usage and lowering peak demand charges.
The upcoming Rivian R2 SUV, despite utilizing a 400-volt battery system for cost efficiency, is engineered for impressive charging speeds. This design choice aims to balance affordability with the rapid charging performance essential for long-distance travel. Owners can expect efficient charging sessions, making the R2 a viable option for road trips.
The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has chosen AmpUp to implement a statewide managed EV charging program. This initiative, part of the state’s Innovative Energy Solutions Program, aims to integrate electric vehicle charging with the existing grid infrastructure, optimizing energy use and supporting broader EV adoption. The program will collaborate with local electric utilities to scale up AmpUp's Adapt & Earn project.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for approximately 6,000 Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 electric vehicles. The recall addresses an issue with the charging port that could prevent the battery from charging correctly, potentially leaving drivers with an unexpected loss of power.
A new pilot program in Massachusetts will allow electric vehicle owners to participate in vehicle-to-grid (V2G) energy sales. This initiative empowers EV drivers to contribute to grid stability and earn revenue by discharging their vehicle's battery during peak demand, specifically addressing the strain caused by growing energy consumption from sources like AI data centers.
GM EV owners can now seamlessly locate and pay for charging at ChargePoint's extensive network of over 100,000 public ports across North America through the Energy Pass feature in their myChevrolet, myGMC, or myCadillac mobile apps. This integration simplifies the charging experience by centralizing access to one of the largest charging providers under a single platform.
Enthusiasts looking for personal electric transportation can find significant savings this week on a range of e-bikes, including models from Heybike and Segway. Additionally, a new adapter from Schumacher is on offer, allowing non-Tesla EVs to access the growing North American Charging Standard (NACS) network.
Schneider Electric has rolled out significant upgrades to its Charge Pro Level 2 EV charger, targeting commercial applications such as multi-unit dwellings, workplaces, and fleet operations. These enhancements aim to provide greater flexibility and improved functionality for property owners and site hosts looking to expand their EV charging infrastructure.
A prototype of Ford's new mid-size electric pickup was recently seen utilizing a Tesla Supercharger station. This sighting confirms the integration of NACS ports into future Ford EV models, facilitating direct access to Tesla's extensive charging network. The new truck is anticipated to have a starting price of around $30,000.
Rivian is cautioning future R2 owners against using older charging adapters due to potential overheating and melting. The R2's 400-volt architecture, while cost-effective, demands high amperage during charging that some legacy adapters may not be able to handle safely, posing a risk to equipment.
Hitachi Energy has partnered with Eve Air Mobility to create the electrical infrastructure necessary for Eve's electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This collaboration aims to support the future urban air mobility market by providing critical charging solutions for these innovative 'flying cars.' The deal focuses on developing the energy systems that will enable the seamless operation of eVTOLs.
Tesla has officially opened its inaugural public Megacharger station, located in California, marking a significant step for electric heavy-duty trucking. This new infrastructure will allow Tesla Semi operators to access high-speed charging outside of private depots, addressing a key challenge for long-haul EV logistics.
Hyundai is making its high-performance Ioniq 5 N more accessible for the 2026 model year, announcing a significant price reduction. This update also brings the adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, streamlining charging for future owners.
Telecom giant Nokia has become a licensor in the Avanci EV Charger program, which aims to simplify the process for EV charger manufacturers to license essential cellular technology. This initiative provides a single, streamlined license covering 4G, 3G, and 2G patents from over 50 companies, paid once for the lifetime of each charger.
Huawei's digital power unit, a significant player in renewable energy solutions, is aggressively expanding its global footprint. While primarily focused on utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company is also looking to leverage its expertise in power electronics for electric vehicle charging infrastructure and other EV-related advancements, potentially opening new markets.
Retail giant Walmart surged ahead in electric vehicle fast charger installations during the second quarter, deploying more DC fast charging plugs than industry mainstays like Electrify America, EVgo, and the newly formed Ionna. This aggressive expansion positions Walmart as a top contender in the public charging landscape, with only Tesla installing more connectors during the same period.
The United States saw a decrease in the number of new public fast-charging stations added during the second quarter. However, this dip does not signal a slowdown in the overall buildout of the nation's EV charging infrastructure. Industry analysts suggest that despite the quarter-over-quarter change, the pace of fast charger deployment is still robust and expected to accelerate.
U.S. Energy has expanded its Volt Vault product line with a new battery-integrated electric vehicle charging solution. This innovative system combines 400squared energy storage technology from ElectricFish Energy with U.S. Energy's flexible and redeployable infrastructure, aiming to enhance charging accessibility and reliability.
Charging infrastructure companies in Canada are launching innovative rebate programs aimed at encouraging businesses and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) to install EV chargers. These initiatives leverage carbon credits generated under Canada's Clean Fuel Regulations, providing financial incentives for deployment and usage. United Chargers' new Grizzl-E Connect Commercial Club exemplifies this trend, joining other programs that help offset installation costs for commercial fleets and MURBs.
Chroma Systems Solutions has launched a new automated test system designed for electric vehicles and their charging equipment. This system is capable of simultaneously testing multiple DC fast chargers and validating EV charging compatibility, including support for high-current liquid-cooled charging. It also meets the ISO 15118-20 standard for advanced communication between EVs and charging infrastructure.
General Motors electric vehicle owners can now utilize more than 120 Ionna fast-charging locations throughout the United States, significantly expanding their public charging options. This collaboration between GM, Honda, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, and Stellantis aims to bolster EV charging infrastructure nationwide. The stations feature multiple CCS and NACS connectors, ensuring broad compatibility for current and future EV models.
A new experiment explores whether readily available portable battery banks can genuinely augment an electric vehicle's driving range. While the concept of a DIY range extender for EVs is intriguing, practical challenges like charging speed and efficiency losses come into play. This deep dive examines the feasibility and limitations of using portable solutions to boost an EV's onboard battery capacity.
The Port of Long Beach, a long-time proponent of electrification, is investing $58.2 million to acquire new electric cargo-handling equipment. This initiative aims to reduce emissions and modernize port operations by transitioning from fossil-fuel-powered machinery to electric alternatives.
Ford is continuing its "Power Promise" program, providing a complimentary Level 2 charging station to customers who purchase a new all-electric vehicle. This initiative, which began in 2022, aims to simplify the transition to EV ownership by ensuring convenient home charging access for new Ford EV drivers.
Medium-duty electric trucks (Classes 4-6) are rapidly gaining traction in the U.S. commercial sector, driven by advancements in battery technology and a growing charging ecosystem. Fleets are increasingly adopting these vehicles for urban and regional deliveries, realizing significant operational savings and environmental benefits. However, widespread adoption still hinges on expanding public charging infrastructure and addressing range anxiety concerns for longer routes.
The rapid growth of the commercial electric vehicle (CEV) market is highlighting an often-overlooked bottleneck: the high-voltage cable assemblies that connect batteries, inverters, e-axles, and charging ports. HUBER+SUHNER offers pre-validated solutions to simplify installation and reduce production complexities for electric trucks and buses, addressing a critical constraint beyond just battery supply or software.
InCharge Energy has joined forces with startup Voltpost to significantly increase the deployment of Level 2 EV chargers integrated into urban lampposts. This collaboration aims to make curbside charging more accessible and convenient for electric vehicle owners in numerous U.S. cities, tapping into existing infrastructure to streamline installation. The initiative addresses a critical need for ubiquitous charging solutions, especially in dense urban environments where private charging is often unavailable.
WattEV has launched its latest heavy-duty electric truck charging depot in Fresno, California, marking their seventh facility in the state. This new depot strengthens the electrification corridor for freight transport, connecting major ports with inland logistics hubs in the San Joaquin Valley. It features both MCS and CCS charging options to support a variety of electric semi-trucks.
Independent testing suggests the Rivian R2 might charge from 10% to 80% even faster than the automaker's official claims, provided drivers know a specific method. This potential for quicker charging could significantly enhance the R2's appeal for road trips.
Nissan and Austrian charging tech firm Easelink are partnering on a new research project in the United Kingdom to develop and test an automated conductive EV charging system. This innovative system aims to enhance the usability and efficiency of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology by integrating bidirectional AC charging with hands-free pad-based charging.
Electrify America is significantly expanding its support for the North American Charging Standard (NACS) by adding native NACS connectors to its charging stations. This move, driven by the broader industry shift towards NACS, will improve convenience for a growing number of EV drivers and standardize the charging experience across various vehicle brands. The phased rollout will begin later this year.
A large multifamily development in Boston's Hyde Park neighborhood now offers residents 64 Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports. This significant installation addresses a key challenge for EV adoption in urban environments by providing convenient at-home charging options for apartment dwellers. The project highlights a growing trend in equipping residential properties with the necessary infrastructure to support EV ownership.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is set to introduce its inaugural overhead pantograph charging stations, designed to power electric buses while on their routes. This innovative en-route charging infrastructure aims to boost the efficiency and range of the region's expanding zero-emission public transit fleet.
The City of Alexandria's public transit agency, DASH, has commenced construction on what will be the Washington D.C. metropolitan region's inaugural en-route electric bus charging stations. These chargers are designed to provide partial charges to electric buses at stops along their routes, complementing overnight charging at depots. This initiative aims to extend the range and operational efficiency of electric buses in the region.
EVSE manufacturer Tellus Power has teamed up with payment processing specialist Nayax to streamline commercial electric vehicle charging. This partnership aims to simplify operations for charge point operators by integrating charging hardware, payment processing, and network management onto a single platform. The collaboration seeks to eliminate the complexity of managing multiple vendors, offering a more efficient and user-friendly system for businesses deploying EV charging stations.
Germany's advanced charging infrastructure, particularly high-power destination hubs, demonstrates how seamless EV charging can become. This model offers valuable lessons for Canada, suggesting a path to alleviate range anxiety and simplify the daily experience for electric vehicle drivers across the country.
Wallbox has introduced its new Pulsar Pro Level 2 EV charger, specifically engineered to streamline the reimbursement process for EV charging. This innovation addresses the increasing demand for precise charging expense tracking, especially as electric vehicles become more common in corporate fleets and workplace settings. The system aims to ease administrative burdens by accurately logging charging data for employers and employees.
A growing number of Tesla Cybertruck owners are reporting complete failures of their vehicle's home charging capability due to issues with the Power Conversion System (PCS). Despite Tesla acknowledging the problem and offering case-by-case repairs, owners face significant delays for replacement parts, leading to frustration and calls for a more proactive solution from the automaker.
Rivian has announced its participation in ChargeScape, a leading platform dedicated to vehicle-grid integration. This collaboration will allow Rivian EV owners to seamlessly connect with utility demand response programs, optimizing charging schedules and potentially earning incentives.
BMW is making waves with its upcoming iX5, built on the Neue Klasse platform, which boasts impressive charging capabilities and extended range. This new electric SUV aims to set a high bar for performance, featuring the largest battery pack ever integrated into a BMW EV. With its 460-kW charging rate, the iX5 promises significantly reduced downtime, enhancing its appeal for long-distance travel.
The industry's focus on replicating gasoline refueling speeds for EVs, often highlighted by ultra-fast charging and megawatt targets, overlooks the fundamental differences in EV usage. This push risks misallocating resources and setting unrealistic consumer expectations for an 'EV gas station' paradigm that ultimately doesn't align with how most EV owners charge their vehicles.
Powered trailers aim to extend EV towing range by using their own electric motors and batteries to assist the tow vehicle. However, these innovations introduce new complexities that manufacturers and consumers must consider beyond just the range benefits. Challenges like increased weight, cost, and charging infrastructure for these trailers need careful evaluation for their widespread adoption.
Target is significantly boosting its EV charging infrastructure, planning to install dozens of new public charging facilities across its retail locations. This initiative aims to provide convenient charging options for customers, enhancing the appeal of electric vehicles as Target locations are often strategically placed for accessibility.
While system-level factors like charger output and software often dominate discussions around EV charging reliability, the foundational connection point also plays a crucial role. This piece highlights how purpose-built NEMA 14-50 receptacles with EV marking are engineered to provide long-term durability and safety for residential and light commercial EV charging, ensuring a dependable power transfer.
BYD is collaborating with Parkopedia to integrate ParkPay directly into its vehicles, simplifying the parking experience for drivers. Soon, this service will expand to include convenient in-car payments for public EV charging, aiming to reduce friction for electric vehicle owners.
Shell has unveiled its innovative Triple10 concept, a design study for small electric vehicles focused on dramatically improved efficiency and charging speeds. This concept showcases a groundbreaking fluid-immersed battery technology developed with RML, which could enable a 10-minute rapid charge time in future EVs.
As the electric vehicle market expands, robust and efficient charging infrastructure is paramount. Panduit has released a guide detailing its electrical infrastructure solutions designed to support the development and maintenance of scalable EV charging networks. This resource covers everything from critical power connections to cable management and safety systems, ensuring reliable and future-proof installations.
The future of EV charging could see artificial intelligence play a pivotal role, with new technology designed to dynamically adjust charging speeds. This innovation aims to balance infrastructure load, reduce costs for operators, and enhance efficiency for users by optimizing energy flow in real-time.
Amid rising energy costs, a hidden gem on tribal land in Valley Center, California, is drawing attention for its remarkably affordable EV charging rates. This station offers some of the lowest prices in the state, providing significant savings for electric vehicle owners willing to make the trip.
