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.
Versinetic, a company that provides hardware and software for EV charging firms, has released a new tool designed to help manufacturers determine the optimal time to upgrade their Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) support from version 1.6 to 2.1. This 'Migration Decision Matrix' offers a structured approach to evaluating the technical, commercial, and operational considerations involved in this crucial transition. By simplifying the upgrade path, Versinetic aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced charging infrastructure.
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.
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.
Autel, a prominent EV charger manufacturer, is rolling out a new program aimed at improving the reliability and uptime of public charging stations. This initiative directly addresses a major pain point: damaged charging cables and connectors, which are a leading cause of charger downtime. The program seeks to mitigate issues arising from vandalism, accidental damage, and general wear and tear.
WeEn Semiconductors has unveiled its WMSC family of silicon carbide (SiC) power modules, designed for electric vehicle chargers, smart grid systems, and renewable energy applications. These new modules offer a wide range of voltage ratings and low on-resistance, providing enhanced efficiency for critical power conversion needs. The launch includes over 20 distinct modules tailored for various AC-DC and DC-DC power management tasks.
California-based HyWatts is developing a "Power Plant In A Box" solution that integrates an electrolyzer and fuel cell, powered by solar, to provide sustainable energy. This modular system aims to deliver off-grid reliability, including for EV charging stations in remote or underserved areas. The innovation could expand charging infrastructure beyond traditional grid limitations.
As part of Prime Day promotions, the Autel MaxiCharger Home Level 2 50A Smart EV Charger is now available for a significantly reduced price of $424. This discount offers a timely opportunity for EV owners to upgrade their home charging setup with a capable and connected unit. The Autel MaxiCharger provides efficient Level 2 charging, making it a strong contender for those looking to improve their daily charging experience at home.
Startup Rangeway plans to elevate the EV charging experience by designing dedicated, attractive facilities that draw inspiration from the hospitality industry. This approach seeks to address current reliability concerns and make public charging more appealing to electric vehicle owners. Their goal is to offer a premium, EV-only charging environment that stands apart from typical gas stations.
The United States has surpassed a quarter-million electric vehicle charging ports, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development. While this number reflects rapid growth, concerns persist regarding the equitable distribution and reliable functionality of these chargers to meet burgeoning EV demand nationwide.
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.
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.
The U.S. public fast-charging network is evolving beyond pure expansion. A new report indicates a shift towards improving charger reliability, enhancing the customer experience, and establishing sustainable business models for charging providers. This transformation is being dubbed the 'Charging 2.0' era for electric vehicle infrastructure.
Canadian electric vehicle owners are now earning cash back for charging their cars at home through ChargeLab's expanded rewards program. The Toronto-based company is offering 10 cents per kilowatt-hour to all enrolled single-family homeowners across Canada, effectively lowering the cost of EV ownership. This initiative incentivizes off-peak charging and supports grid stability while directly benefiting consumers.
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.
While the pace of overall electric vehicle sales has leveled off, the deployment of charging infrastructure is surging nationwide. Businesses, particularly in Southern states, are actively installing EV chargers to attract and serve a growing customer base, indicating robust sustained investment in the charging ecosystem.
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.
Charging provider Xeal Energy has introduced an innovative protocol designed to tackle the pervasive reliability issues plaguing public EV charging. By establishing a direct, encrypted communication channel between a driver's smartphone and the charger, Xeal aims to eliminate dependence on often-unstable cellular or WiFi networks. This new approach seeks to reduce common points of failure, promising a more dependable charging experience for EV owners.
The Schumacher NACS to J1772 EV charging adapter is now available at a new discounted price, making it more affordable for EV owners to utilize NACS charging infrastructure. This adapter allows vehicles equipped with the J1772 standard to connect to North American Charging Standard (NACS) ports, broadening charging options for many electric vehicle drivers.
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.
ChargePoint is expanding its collaboration with Optimus Energy Solutions, a U.S.-based charge point operator, to deploy over 200 new public EV charging ports across the Southeastern United States. Optimus will own and operate these locations, exclusively utilizing ChargePoint's hardware, software, and support services.
Lectron, a prominent supplier of EV charging adapters and home chargers, recently opened its factory doors in China to Electrek. The company manufactures various adapters, including J1772/CCS-to-NACS and NACS-to-J1772/CCS, along with its new NEXUS Level 2 home charger. This exclusive tour provides insight into Lectron's production processes and its role as a key supplier for major automakers like Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz.
Heliox, a Siemens company, has launched its new H60D dual DC fast charger, offering 60 kW of output power in a compact design. This new hardware aims to provide greater flexibility for various EV charging applications, allowing for more cost-effective and tailored installations.
Copper theft from EV charging infrastructure is a growing problem, costing charger operators significant money in repairs and lost revenue. A new security system from Farmblox aims to protect charging stations from vandalism and the costly replacement of stolen cables.
Today's green deals include a significant discount on the Autel MaxiCharger AC Pro, a popular Level 2 EV charger. This model, known for its robust features and compatibility, is now available for $909. For EV owners eyeing a home charging solution, this represents a notable opportunity to upgrade their setup.
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 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.
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.
Pionix, the company behind the open-source EVerest charging stack, has introduced Pionix Cloud, a new white-label device backend designed specifically for EV charger manufacturers. This platform aims to simplify the ongoing management and support of EV charging hardware after it's deployed in the field. By providing a comprehensive support solution, Pionix Cloud enables engineering teams to effectively address issues that arise post-production.
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.
