Daily EV news · Global · 18 March 2026
EV Charging
Indian CPOs urged to lock in power purchase agreements and charger supply deals to survive margin pressure
EV sales reached almost 8% of total vehicle sales in India in FY 2024, well below the government's 30% penetration target by 2030. An industry analysis warns that charge point operators face a looming margin war and argues that only those with structurally lower costs, locked in demand and technology advantages will survive. The piece recommends CPOs secure long term power purchase agreements to undercut rising DISCOM tariffs and negotiate multi year charger supply contracts with OEMs to reduce capital costs.
Why it matters
As India's charging market matures, procurement strategy around energy and hardware supply will separate profitable operators from those squeezed out by price competition. Locking in favourable PPA and equipment terms now can create a cost advantage that competitors cannot easily replicate.
TE Connectivity acquires Phoenix Contact EV charging inlet business as supplier exits automotive sector
TE Connectivity has acquired the EV charging inlet manufacturing business from Phoenix Contact, which produces vehicle side charging components for electric vehicles. Phoenix Contact, a supplier active since the early days of CCS1 and CCS2 standards, is exiting the automotive sector but retains its charging connector and cables business. The transaction transfers production of DC fast charging inlet components across all major standards to TE Connectivity.
Why it matters
The consolidation signals shifting supplier dynamics in EV charging hardware, with Phoenix Contact focusing on infrastructure side components while TE Connectivity expands its automotive charging portfolio. Procurement teams specifying vehicle charging systems should note the ownership change for inlet components, though connector and cable supply chains remain unchanged.
TE Connectivity (global) · Phoenix Contact (global) · Source
Electric Vehicles
Chinese automakers push solid-state batteries toward production with ranges exceeding 800 miles
Major Chinese manufacturers including BYD, CATL, Dongfeng, Changan and Chery are advancing solid-state battery technology, with BYD and CATL planning small-scale production in 2027 after capturing over 55% of global EV battery sales last year. Dongfeng has tested a 350 Wh/kg prototype delivering over 620 miles CLTC range, while Changan's 400 Wh/kg battery claims 932 miles and Chery's 600 Wh/kg unit also targets 932 miles, with trial installations beginning in 2026 to 2027. The technology represents a shift from laboratory development to real-world vehicle testing across multiple manufacturers.
Why it matters
Higher energy density batteries will enable longer range EVs that require less frequent charging, potentially reducing the density of charging infrastructure needed per vehicle and reshaping demand forecasts for public charging networks. Procurement teams should monitor how solid-state adoption timelines affect fleet electrification plans and charging site utilisation assumptions from 2027 onward.
BYD unveils Blade Battery 2.0 claiming over 1,000 km real-world range
BYD has announced its Blade Battery 2.0 technology, which the manufacturer states delivers more than 1,000 kilometres of real-world driving range. The updated battery platform represents an evolution of BYD's lithium iron phosphate cell-to-pack architecture. The development signals continued competition in long-range EV battery technology among global manufacturers.
Why it matters
Extended range capabilities reduce charging frequency requirements and may influence infrastructure planning as vehicles spend less time at chargers. Battery technology advances from major manufacturers like BYD shape the performance benchmarks that charging networks must accommodate.
KKR to invest $310 million in PMI Electro for Allfleet electric bus expansion in India
Global private equity firm KKR will invest $310 million in PMI Electro to expand its Allfleet electric bus platform and manufacturing capabilities, marking KKR's first climate transition investment in India. KKR will acquire a majority stake in Allfleet and a minority stake in PMI Electro, which has deployed more than 3,000 electric buses across over 30 Indian cities since its 2017 founding. Allfleet plans to deploy more than 5,000 electric buses under long term concession and service agreements with state transport authorities.
Why it matters
The deal signals major institutional capital flowing into Indian electric bus infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities as Allfleet scales its fleet operations with state transport authorities. For charging point operators, the planned deployment of over 5,000 buses will require substantial depot charging infrastructure across multiple cities.
KKR (global) · PMI Electro (global) · Allfleet (global) · Source