Daily EV news · Global · 9 July 2026
EV Charging
IONITY launches kWh credit scheme to reward off-peak and 80% charging across Europe
European high-power charging network IONITY has introduced customer incentives that award kWh credits for ending sessions at 80% state of charge or charging during off-peak hours. The Fast Lane Reward offers a five kWh credit to drivers who disconnect before reaching 85% at IONITY stations across Europe between 9:00am and 5:00pm, with an 80% notification available via the IONITY app. The operator says the scheme aims to reduce wait times at busy hubs by encouraging more efficient turnover of chargers.
Why it matters
The credit model offers CPOs a demand-management tool that can improve asset utilisation without hardware investment, particularly relevant as queuing becomes a customer experience issue at popular corridor sites. For procurement teams, IONITY's approach demonstrates how software-led incentives can shape driver behaviour and potentially inform contract KPIs around charger availability during peak periods.
Global EV charging station market forecast to reach USD 143 billion by 2035
The global electric vehicle charging station market is projected to grow from USD 26.87 billion in 2025 to USD 143 billion by 2035, representing an 18.2% compound annual growth rate, according to a report from Future Market Insights. The expansion is driven by rapid EV adoption, government infrastructure investments, and the deployment of faster, smarter charging technologies including real time monitoring, intelligent charge management, renewable energy integration, and vehicle to grid capabilities. Governments worldwide are increasing funding to improve charger accessibility across highways, urban corridors, and rural transport networks.
Why it matters
The forecast signals sustained procurement opportunities across residential, commercial, fleet, and public transit sectors over the next decade. CPOs and infrastructure developers can expect continued government funding support and growing demand for advanced charging solutions that integrate smart mobility features.
Global EV charger market forecast to reach USD 212.18 billion by 2035
The global electric vehicle charger market is valued at USD 18.87 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 212.18 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 27.38 per cent from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by rising EV adoption, government incentives, stricter emission regulations, and investments in fast charging technologies and infrastructure expansion across highways, urban centres, workplaces and residential areas.
Why it matters
The forecast signals sustained demand for charging infrastructure procurement over the next decade, with opportunities spanning residential, commercial and public networks. CPOs and contractors can expect continued government support and private investment to underpin project pipelines globally.
Electric Vehicles
Global EV sales reach 2 million in June as Europe surges and US loses ground
Global EV sales hit 2 million units in June 2026, bringing year to date volumes to 9.6 million, up 7% year over year, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Europe recorded its strongest month on record with sales up 31% year over year, driven by government incentives, high fuel prices and a new wave of affordable small EVs, while North America continued to decline following the end of the US federal EV tax credit in September 2025. France, Denmark, Spain and Portugal all set monthly sales records in June.
Why it matters
The divergence between European growth and US decline signals shifting regional opportunities for charging infrastructure investment and deployment. Europe's surge in affordable EV models suggests accelerating demand for public charging networks, particularly in markets setting new sales records.
Toyota announces 2026 electrified vehicle line-up including electric cars and plug-in hybrids
Toyota has outlined its 2026 electrified vehicle range, which will include battery electric cars and plug-in hybrid models, according to EVChargingStations.com. The announcement provides a roadmap for the manufacturer's electrification strategy over the next two years. No specific model counts or market deployment details were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
A major OEM's electrification timeline signals future charging infrastructure demand, helping CPOs and site hosts plan capacity and network expansion to meet anticipated plug-in vehicle volumes from 2026 onward.
Mercedes-AMG unveils 671bhp electric CLA with synthetic sound effects
Mercedes-AMG has revealed its new electric CLA model producing 671bhp, featuring engineered pops and bangs to mimic combustion engine sounds. The performance EV represents the brand's push into high-performance electric vehicles with acoustic enhancements designed to retain driver engagement. No pricing or availability details were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
High-performance EVs from premium manufacturers drive demand for faster, higher-capacity charging infrastructure at dealerships and destination sites. The model signals continued electrification of performance segments, requiring CPOs to plan for vehicles with larger batteries and higher power draw.
MG to deploy semi-solid-state batteries in plug-in hybrids from 2027
MG will fit its next-generation plug-in hybrids with SolidCore semi-solid-state battery technology starting in 2027, beginning with the MG ZS and followed by the HS and S9 models. The technology, which debuts first in the MG 4 EV Urban hatchback, promises improved range, faster charging and better cold-weather performance, while enabling PHEVs to use smaller combustion engines (1.1-litre with 98bhp or 1.5-litre with 161bhp). MG plans to make SolidCore its predominant battery technology as it develops full solid-state batteries for the future.
Why it matters
The shift to semi-solid-state batteries in mass-market PHEVs signals a potential step change in charging infrastructure requirements, as faster charging and improved cold-weather performance may alter demand patterns at public charge points. Fleet operators and CPOs serving mixed EV and PHEV fleets should monitor how the technology affects utilisation rates and power delivery needs from 2027 onwards.
AESC begins mass production of 46120 cylindrical cells for BMW iX5 launch in late 2026
AESC has started series production of its 46120 cylindrical battery cells, which will supply multiple BMW Group electric vehicles including the BMW iX5 due for market launch in late 2026 or early 2027. The 46mm by 120mm cells deliver nearly 30 per cent more usable energy per cell than previous formats and achieve up to 310Wh/kg energy density using nickel-rich cathode and silicon-doped anode chemistry. AESC's production line features over 1,000 camera-based inspection stations, full X-ray inspection of every cell, and magnetic levitation transport systems enabling manufacturing precision of up to 0.01 millimetres.
Why it matters
The move signals AESC's entry into large-format cylindrical cell supply for a major European OEM, potentially reshaping procurement strategies for battery integrators targeting premium EV platforms. Higher energy density and simplified pack integration may reduce system costs and open design flexibility for charging infrastructure planners working with next-generation BMW electric fleets.
EV makers secure two thirds of private equity deals in automotive sector
Electric vehicle manufacturers captured two out of every three private equity transactions in the automotive industry, according to Autocar Professional. The publication reports this trend without specifying a time period or total deal count, but highlights the dominant share of investment flowing to EV companies compared to traditional automotive businesses.
Why it matters
The concentration of private equity capital in EV makers signals sustained investor confidence in electrification, which typically translates into expanded production capacity and, in turn, greater demand for charging infrastructure from CPOs and site hosts.
Market Data Forecast publishes global automotive electric bus market outlook to 2034
Market Data Forecast has released a report covering the size, share and growth trajectory of the global automotive electric bus market through to 2034. The report was discovered via Google News, though specific market valuations or growth rates were not disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
For CPOs and charging infrastructure developers, electric bus fleet expansion signals growing demand for depot charging and high power en route charging solutions, making fleet electrification forecasts a key input for network planning and procurement pipelines.
Milo Drive raises $2.4 million seed round to scale EV fleet platform in India
Electric mobility startup Milo Drive has secured $2.4 million in seed funding co-led by Caret Capital and Antler, with participation from Alteria Capital, India Angel Network Capital, Climate Angels, Aureolis Capital, and others. Founded in 2024 by Monil Jayeshkumar Khatri and Vishal Jewrajka, the company operates a digital platform connecting electric cab drivers and small fleet operators with ride demand, charging infrastructure, and fleet management tools. The capital will be used to strengthen its multi-channel demand network, onboard more fleet operators, and enhance its charging intelligence platform.
Why it matters
The investment highlights growing investor confidence in software platforms that optimise EV fleet operations and charging utilisation in emerging markets. For charging point operators, Milo Drive's expansion could drive increased demand for commercial charging infrastructure as it scales its network of electric cab and fleet partners across India.
Xiaomi launches Sky Nomad as second automotive brand targeting extended-range EVs
Chinese technology firm Xiaomi has unveiled Sky Nomad as its second automotive brand, focusing on electric vehicles equipped with range extenders. The move expands Xiaomi's automotive portfolio beyond its existing EV brand, targeting the growing market segment for extended-range electric vehicles in China and potentially global markets.
Why it matters
A major consumer electronics manufacturer diversifying into range-extended EVs signals increased competition in the charging infrastructure space, as these vehicles require less frequent public charging than pure battery EVs, potentially affecting CPO utilisation rates and network planning strategies.
Policy & Market
Otovo closes $7.25 million financing round to accelerate global growth
Otovo, the European solar and energy services marketplace, has closed a $7.25 million financing round aimed at accelerating its global expansion. The funding was reported by Business Wire.
Why it matters
While Otovo primarily operates in residential solar, its growth into broader energy services could expand its relevance to EV charging infrastructure, particularly in home charging and vehicle to grid integration markets.
Fleet operators say plans unchanged even if ZEV Mandate weakened, Forum finds
At the Fleet Electrification Forum held at Warwick Conferences, 58% of attendees stated they would not alter their electrification plans if the ZEV Mandate were weakened further, with only 5% planning to reduce investment and 16% to slow it slightly. Grid capacity and connections emerged as the largest barrier to fleet electrification, cited by 47% of respondents, followed by operational constraints at 27% and internal business buy in at 15%. Infrastructure funding ranked lowest as a challenge, suggesting existing UK Government mechanisms like the Depot Charging Scheme are not seen as mission critical.
Why it matters
The findings indicate strong commercial momentum behind fleet electrification independent of regulatory pressure, pointing to sustained demand for depot charging infrastructure and grid connection services. However, the dominance of grid capacity concerns at 47% underscores the urgent need for DNOs and charge point operators to address connection bottlenecks that could constrain project pipelines.