Charging network updates, home charging, NACS rollout, and infrastructure news.
We publish charging stories when there is a verified update worth a reader's time — then add context about cost, eligibility, charging access, ownership impact, or what to watch next.
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Pilot Flying J has expanded its EV charging network to include 300 locations across the United States, offering 350 kW chargers at various travel centers. This expansion aims to enhance charging access for EV drivers, making long-distance travel more feasible. However, specific details about pricing and charger availability at each location are still unclear.
Ford's upcoming midsize electric pickup will be priced starting at approximately $30,000 and will include a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port for charging at Tesla Superchargers. This development indicates a significant shift in charging accessibility for Ford EV owners, although further details about the pickup's features and availability are still pending.
Pilot travel centers have reached a significant milestone by opening their 300th DC fast charging location. This expansion aims to support EV drivers during summer road trips with convenient, 24/7 charging access and healthier food options at their convenience stores. The new locations are part of a coast-to-coast network designed to enhance the charging experience for electric vehicle owners.
General Motors Energy has teamed up with WeaveGrid to provide EV owners access to managed charging programs and utility programs aimed at reducing energy costs. This initiative is designed to help EV owners optimize their home charging schedules based on energy prices and grid demand. Details on eligibility and specific program offerings are still forthcoming.
CATL has entered a memorandum of understanding with Dutch energy company Alfen to deploy 5 GWh of its Tener Sodium energy storage systems across Europe. These sodium-ion batteries are designed to last for 15,000 cycles and have a service life of 25 to 30 years, focusing on longevity rather than energy density for grid storage applications.
In June 2026, solar power generated a record 52 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity, making it the largest source of electricity in the European Union, according to energy think tank Ember. This milestone signifies that solar energy now accounts for 25% of all electricity consumed in the EU. This shift may impact energy prices and availability for electric vehicle (EV) owners and buyers.
The United States has reportedly faced at least one major power outage every month in 2026, driven by extreme weather conditions. This trend raises concerns for consumers, particularly electric vehicle (EV) owners who rely on consistent power for charging. While the exact causes and long-term implications are still being evaluated, the frequency of these outages could affect the reliability of EV charging infrastructure.
ChargePoint, in partnership with Onvo, is set to install ultra-fast EV chargers at 12 travel plazas located along highways in Pennsylvania and New York. This initiative aims to enhance the convenience of electric vehicle road trips in these regions. Specific details regarding the charging speeds and installation timelines are yet to be confirmed.
In the second quarter of 2023, Walmart significantly increased its deployment of DC fast chargers, surpassing competitors like Electrify America and EVGo. This expansion positions Walmart as a major player in the EV charging landscape, second only to Tesla in terms of charger installations. However, details on the exact number of chargers installed and their locations remain limited.
In the second quarter of 2023, the United States added fewer public fast-charging stations compared to previous quarters. Despite this slowdown, the overall growth of charging infrastructure remains strong, which is a positive sign for electric vehicle (EV) owners and prospective buyers. This development highlights the evolving landscape of EV charging access in the country.
The US public fast-charging network is evolving from a focus on quantity to an emphasis on reliability and customer experience, according to a recent report. This shift, termed 'Charging 2.0', aims to enhance the profitability of charging networks while ensuring better service for EV users. However, details on how these changes will be implemented and their impact on existing infrastructure remain uncertain.
The Trump administration's rollback of clean energy policies has led to a loss of nearly 470,000 jobs and $68 billion in private investment in the United States. This significant reduction in investment affects the clean energy sector, which includes electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and technology. The report highlights the long-term implications of these policy changes on the growth of clean energy jobs and investments.
China Three Gorges Corporation has launched the world's largest solar PV and concentrated solar hybrid project in the Gobi Desert, enabling power generation after sunset without lithium batteries. The 1-gigawatt Hami project utilizes molten salt to store solar energy as heat, allowing it to produce electricity for up to eight hours after dark. This innovation may influence future energy solutions for electric vehicle (EV) charging.
CATL has introduced a new battery designed specifically for delivery vans that can recharge in just seven minutes. This innovation is particularly beneficial for commercial fleets that require quick turnaround times for their vehicles. Additionally, the battery includes a low-temperature sodium-ion version that maintains its range even in extreme cold conditions, down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lectron has launched its second-generation Level 2 home EV charger, the NEXUS, following a recent factory tour in China. The company is recognized for its EV charging adapters, which are widely used by drivers and automakers. This new charger aims to enhance the charging experience for EV owners, although specific pricing and availability details have yet to be confirmed.
Voltpost is set to enhance the availability of curbside Level 2 EV chargers by partnering with InCharge Energy. This initiative aims to make charging more accessible for electric vehicle owners, particularly in urban areas. Specific details about the rollout timeline and locations have not yet been disclosed.
ChargePoint is partnering with Optimus Energy Solutions to install over 200 new public EV charging ports across the southeastern United States. This expansion aims to enhance charging accessibility for EV owners in the region. Specific locations and timelines for the new installations have not yet been disclosed.
Lectron has launched its second-generation Level 2 home EV charger, named NEXUS, as it continues to be a key supplier for EV drivers and major automakers. The company is well-known for its J1772/CCS-to-NACS and NACS-to-J1772/CCS adapters, which are widely used by EV owners. The factory tour in China highlighted Lectron's manufacturing capabilities and its partnerships with brands like Ford, GM, and Mercedes-Benz.
Voltpost is collaborating with InCharge Energy to expand the installation of lamppost and utility pole EV chargers in several US cities, beginning with New York, Connecticut, and California. This initiative aims to increase charging accessibility for electric vehicle owners in urban areas. Further details on the specific locations and timelines for these installations have not yet been disclosed.
Recent independent tests reveal that the Rivian R2 can charge from 10% to 80% faster than the manufacturer’s claims, provided users employ a specific technique. This finding is significant for potential buyers and current owners looking for efficient charging solutions during road trips. However, the exact conditions and settings for achieving these results are not fully detailed.
Walmart's fast charging network has rapidly expanded to more than 600 charging stalls in 17 U.S. states, just over a year after its launch. This growth indicates Walmart's commitment to supporting electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, benefiting EV owners and potential buyers. However, specific details about pricing and charging speeds are not yet available.
CATL's Choco-SEB battery swap network has reached a significant milestone by deploying its 2,000th battery swapping station as of June 30, 2026. The company has been averaging over 200 new stations each month this year, indicating rapid growth in the battery swap infrastructure. This expansion primarily affects electric vehicle (EV) users who rely on battery swapping for convenience and efficiency.
The Washington, DC metro area is set to implement its first en-route overhead pantograph electric bus chargers. This development will primarily affect public transportation in the region, enhancing the efficiency of electric bus operations. However, details on the specific locations and operational timelines for these chargers are still forthcoming.
Iberdrola, the Spanish renewable energy company, has initiated its first large-scale battery energy storage project in the United States. This development comes as utilities are increasingly focused on enhancing grid stability through energy storage solutions. While this project marks a significant step for Iberdrola, details regarding its capacity and specific impact on local energy markets remain unclear.
Italy has officially launched its largest solar farm in Sicily, contributing significantly to the country's renewable energy goals. This development enhances Italy's clean power capacity, which is crucial as the nation seeks to transition to more sustainable energy sources. The impact on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and energy pricing remains to be fully assessed.
Kempower and PowerUp America have initiated a rollout of 12 public DC fast charging stations, starting with a new location in Manchester, Kentucky. This initiative aims to enhance EV charging infrastructure in the Southeast region. The full details of the rollout, including specific locations and timelines for the remaining sites, have yet to be disclosed.
Electrify America is expanding its pilot program for North American Charging Standard (NACS) chargers at several of its busiest charging stations, particularly in California and along the East Coast. This change aims to enhance charging options for EV owners but is currently limited to select locations. Further details on the full rollout and additional stations are yet to be confirmed.
Hitachi Energy has commenced the expansion of its South Boston, Virginia campus, which will house the largest power transformer factory in the United States. This facility aims to address the increasing demand for transformers essential for modernizing the aging electric grid. The expansion is particularly relevant for the growing electric vehicle (EV) market, as it may help improve charging infrastructure and grid reliability.
Earthrise Energy has developed a method to expedite the connection of solar projects to the grid, successfully fast-tracking 270 MW of new solar capacity. This change primarily affects solar energy developers and utility companies, potentially leading to increased solar energy availability. However, the long-term implications for consumers and the overall energy market remain uncertain.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), renewable energy sources accounted for 30.0% of total electricity generation in the United States during the first third of 2026. This marks a 2.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The growth in renewable energy generation is significant for the overall energy landscape but may not immediately impact all aspects of electric vehicle (EV) ownership.
Italy and Tunisia are advancing plans to establish the first direct current (DC) power link between Europe and North Africa. This development aims to enhance energy cooperation and facilitate renewable energy exchange between the two regions. The project marks a significant milestone in international energy infrastructure but details on implementation timelines and capacity remain unclear.
Utah's largest solar and battery storage project has officially begun generating electricity. This development marks a significant step in the state's renewable energy efforts, impacting local energy consumers and potentially enhancing the grid's reliability. However, specific details about the project's capacity and its direct effects on electricity prices remain unclear.
Dr. Noel Hacegaba, CEO of the Port of Long Beach, highlighted ongoing initiatives to improve sustainability and efficiency at North America's busiest port. These efforts include enhancing the port's infrastructure to support electric vehicle (EV) charging, which could significantly impact logistics and transportation in the region. However, specific timelines and funding sources for these projects remain uncertain.
Octopus Energy and CATL have announced the introduction of a battery-swapping network for electric trucks in Europe, similar to a model already in use in China. This initiative aims to support the growing electric truck market by providing a more efficient alternative to traditional charging methods. Details on the specific locations and operational timeline of the network are still pending.
Volvo has introduced a new fast-charging feature for its EX60 and EX90 electric vehicles, enhancing the charging experience for owners. This upgrade aims to streamline the charging process, making it more user-friendly. However, specific details regarding the implementation and availability of this feature are still pending.
The SunZia project, a significant $11 billion investment in wind energy and power transmission, has officially launched. This initiative aims to supply enough clean energy to power approximately 1 million homes, marking a major advancement in the U.S. renewable energy landscape. While this development promises to enhance energy availability, specific impacts on electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and pricing remain to be fully assessed.
Colombia has announced the establishment of a 750-mile electric truck corridor, known as Ruta-E, connecting Bogotá and Cartagena. This initiative aims to support over 1,000 commercial electric vehicles (EVs) expected on Colombian roads by 2032, enhancing air quality in the region. The corridor will include charging infrastructure, although specific details about the locations and types of chargers are not yet available.
Telo has announced that its Mini-sized MT1 electric truck will support a sustained charging rate of 400 kW. This charging capability aligns the MT1 with luxury electric vehicles that typically cost significantly more. The truck will utilize a dual 800V/400V split-pack battery architecture to enhance performance across various fast charging stations.
In 2026, California's utility-scale solar plants are generating more electricity than natural gas for the majority of the year, as reported by the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This shift in energy production could significantly impact energy costs and availability for electric vehicle (EV) owners and buyers in the state. However, the long-term implications of this change are still unfolding.
Volvo has introduced a new feature for EX90 drivers in the US, allowing them to charge at public networks like Superchargers and IONNA DC fast chargers without needing to use an app or credit card. This change aims to streamline the charging process but currently applies only to the EX90 model. Details about the rollout for other models or regions remain unclear.
