Daily EV news · Global · 12 March 2026
EV Charging
Green NCAP and CharIN sign MoU to integrate charging interoperability testing into EV assessments
Green NCAP and the Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to incorporate CharIN's conformance testing programmes into Green NCAP's electric vehicle assessment framework. Under the agreement, Green NCAP will reference the CharIN Label in its Driving Experience assessments for electric vehicles, where relevant. The conformance testing verifies that EVs and charging equipment comply with technical standards, ensuring vehicles and chargers perform consistently across different brands, networks and countries.
Why it matters
The partnership aims to provide consumers, fleet operators and policymakers with clearer, independent information on charging performance and compatibility. As public charging infrastructure expands, standardised interoperability testing could reduce procurement risk and inform network planning decisions for charge point operators.
Valeo and ZEborne launch Autocharge plug-and-go system for workplace and residential EV charging
Automotive supplier Valeo has partnered with charging infrastructure specialist ZEborne to introduce an Autocharge feature integrated into Valeo's Ineez Pro Smart charging stations, announced 12th March 2026. The system enables automatic vehicle identification and charging initiation without requiring mobile apps, RFID badges or manual authentication, targeting corporate fleets and shared parking facilities in apartment buildings. The technology automatically links energy usage to the correct billing contract and aims to reduce administrative workload for fleet managers and building operators.
Why it matters
The plug-and-go authentication removes a common friction point in workplace and multi-tenant charging deployments, potentially lowering operational costs and simplifying procurement specifications for CPOs and property developers managing shared infrastructure. Automatic billing integration addresses a key pain point in fleet and residential charging management.
Electric Vehicles
US startup Harbinger Motors begins volume production of configurable electric medium-duty trucks
Harbinger Motors, a US electric vehicle manufacturer, started volume production in April 2025 of its HC Series Cab electric truck built on a purpose-designed chassis. The company designs and manufactures all major vehicle systems in-house, including powertrain, battery, steering and brakes, and positions the truck as a mobile power station for jobsite equipment. Harbinger targets short-haul and medium-duty fleets with a platform that uses shared components to streamline maintenance and improve uptime.
Why it matters
A new OEM entering volume production expands the competitive landscape for fleet operators procuring medium-duty electric trucks, while the in-house manufacturing and mobile power capability may influence tender specifications and total cost of ownership calculations for depot and jobsite charging infrastructure.
Porsche profits fall 92% as automaker plans further job cuts
Porsche has reported a 92% collapse in profits and announced plans for additional job reductions. The German luxury carmaker is facing significant financial pressure amid broader industry challenges. The news was reported by Autoblog via Google News.
Why it matters
Major automakers under financial strain may delay or scale back EV infrastructure investments, potentially affecting charging network expansion plans and procurement timelines for CPOs working with OEM partners.
Solid state batteries unlikely to affect EV charging rollout before 2030, says Benchmark analyst
Xin Chen, new technology analyst at Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, told EV Infrastructure News that all solid state battery EVs may see limited pilot deployments around 2027 but mass market availability remains distant. BYD has invested approximately 4 billion yuan in solid state battery R&D since 2024 and submitted samples for government verification, with initial vehicle integration targeted for 2027 and large scale commercial production potentially around 2030. Production scaling inefficiencies remain a barrier to mass deployment.
Why it matters
CPOs and infrastructure planners can continue designing networks around current lithium ion charging requirements, as solid state battery vehicles will not materially affect charging demand or deployment strategies within the typical 5 to 7 year infrastructure planning horizon.
Grid & Energy
Hyperscale Power raises EUR 5 million to advance solid-state transformers
Hyperscale Power has secured EUR 5 million in funding to develop solid-state transformer technology. The announcement was reported by Startupticker.ch. No further details on investors or deployment timelines were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Solid-state transformers can improve grid efficiency and enable faster, more compact EV charging infrastructure, making this funding relevant to CPOs planning next-generation sites. The capital injection signals growing investor interest in power electronics that underpin high-capacity charging.