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.
Illinois has officially launched its first EV charging station funded by the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This marks a significant step in expanding the state's charging infrastructure, with high-speed chargers now operational at a Phillips 66 Mach 1 station in Casey, IL. This debut facility will help pave the way for more reliable public charging options across the state.
Pilot Company, in partnership with EVgo and GM's Ultium Charge 360, has significantly expanded its high-power EV charging network, reaching 300 operational locations. This rollout provides travelers with access to 350 kW DC fast chargers at major travel centers nationwide, addressing range anxiety for long-haul electric vehicle journeys.
ChargePoint and Onvo have partnered to install high-speed electric vehicle chargers at a dozen highway travel plazas across Pennsylvania and New York. This initiative aims to bolster EV charging infrastructure, making long-distance electric travel more convenient for drivers in the region.
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.
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.
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.
PowerUp America has activated a new public EV charging site in Manchester, Kentucky, designed to enhance the charging experience in rural areas. This hub offers four Kempower Flex Satellite chargers, providing up to 800 kW of power with both NACS and CCS1 connectors. The facility emphasizes user comfort and convenience with pull-through access.
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.
Walmart is quickly becoming a major player in the electric vehicle charging space, having deployed over 600 DC fast charging stalls across 17 U.S. states in just over a year. This aggressive expansion positions the retail giant as a key contributor to accessible EV infrastructure, primarily located at its store parking lots.
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.
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.
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.
Electrify America has unveiled its largest public charging station to date in downtown Santa Barbara, California. The new facility boasts an impressive 20 chargers, each capable of delivering up to 350 kW, alongside a substantial 1.9 MW battery energy storage system designed to optimize grid interaction and power delivery.