Daily EV news · Global · 7 October 2026
EV Charging
Beckhoff adds OCPP support to TwinCAT IoT portfolio for charging station integration
Beckhoff has expanded its TwinCAT IoT product portfolio to include Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) support, enabling standardised communication between EV charging stations and central management systems. The TwinCAT 3 IoT OCPP (TF6771) driver supports OCPP versions 1.6 and 2.0.1, and works alongside the new EL6761 EtherCAT Terminal, which provides communication interfaces compliant with IEC 61851 and ISO 15118. The solution supports both pulse width modulation communication under IEC 61851 and power line communication under ISO 15118.
Why it matters
The addition of OCPP compatibility to Beckhoff's industrial automation platform gives CPOs and charging infrastructure developers a standardised tool for integrating charging hardware with backend management systems. Support for both OCPP 1.6 and 2.0.1, plus IEC 61851 and ISO 15118 standards, addresses interoperability requirements across charging networks and vehicle communication protocols.
Calisen fits solar battery tech to 350 van fleet to halve electric vehicle downtime
Calisen, the UK's largest smart meter provider serving around 40% of British homes, has installed Genie Insights' solar battery maintenance technology across its approximately 350 van fleet, one third of which now runs fully on electric power. The company expects the technology to cut avoidable vehicle downtime by up to 50% by addressing 12V battery failures that can immobilise electric vans even when their high voltage propulsion batteries remain charged. The move tackles a reliability challenge where auxiliary systems such as telematics units draw continuous power from 12V batteries that manufacturers are simultaneously reducing in size.
Why it matters
Fleet operators running electric commercial vehicles face a growing maintenance risk as smaller 12V batteries struggle to support always on telematics and auxiliary loads, potentially leaving charged vans stranded. Solar battery maintenance technology offers a scalable solution to reduce downtime and improve fleet availability without infrastructure changes, a key consideration for procurement teams evaluating total cost of ownership for electric van deployments.
Electric Vehicles
Hyundai Crater electric SUV concept debuts in racing game, real production uncertain
Hyundai's Crater Concept, an off-road electric SUV first shown at the LA Auto Show, has launched virtually in Ubisoft's The Crew Motorfest racing game, marking the first appearance of a Korean auto brand in the title. The concept, developed at Hyundai America Technical Center in Irvine, California, features 33 inch off-road tyres and high ground clearance, previewing the next generation of Hyundai's XRT models. The virtual debut allows players to customise and test the vehicle, though no production timeline has been confirmed.
Why it matters
If Hyundai proceeds with production, the Crater would expand the off-road EV segment and require charging infrastructure capable of serving adventure and remote locations. The concept signals potential demand for ruggedised electric vehicles, which may influence site planning for CPOs targeting outdoor recreation markets.
Porsche confirms all-electric Boxster and Cayman for 2028 launch
Porsche CEO Dr Michael Leiters announced at the company's Capital Markets Day that the next generation Boxster and Cayman will be fully electric and arrive in 2028, ending speculation that the project had been cancelled in favour of petrol models. The electric sports cars will use 800V architecture with batteries positioned low behind the seats to replicate the mid-engined layout of current models, which offer between 296bhp and 394bhp. Leiters outlined Porsche's Sportwagenschmiede '35 strategy, focusing on value over volume and the sportiest offerings in every Porsche-relevant segment.
Why it matters
The commitment to electric sports cars signals continued OEM investment in high-performance EV platforms requiring fast-charging infrastructure capable of supporting 800V systems. Porsche's 2028 timeline provides a clear planning horizon for charging network operators targeting premium and performance vehicle segments.
Grid & Energy
Portsmouth launches UK's first multi-berth shore power system but grid tariffs make it costlier than diesel generators
Portsmouth International Port has opened the UK's first high voltage, multi berth shore power installation, enabling docked ships to plug into grid electricity and switch off onboard generators. While shore power typically cuts emissions and fuel costs at ports including Long Beach and New York and New Jersey, the UK system is more expensive to use than running diesel generators due to policy driven tariff structures. Electric port equipment such as cranes and terminal trucks has demonstrated lower total cost of ownership than diesel equivalents, yet the shore power economics remain challenging.
Why it matters
Procurement teams planning port electrification or shore power tenders must account for tariff design alongside capital costs, as unfavourable electricity pricing can undermine operational savings and adoption rates. The Portsmouth case highlights that infrastructure alone does not guarantee uptake without supportive policy frameworks.