Daily EV news · US · 21 August 2026

Octopus Energy US has launched Octopus Charge, a map-based app providing information on 211,221 EV chargers across the United States, including charging speed, connection type and station operator details. The platform builds on Octopus' Electroverse charging map in Europe, which launched in 2020 and now covers more than one million EV chargers across the continent through collaborations with multiple chargepoint operators.

Why it matters: The database aggregates public charging infrastructure data into a single platform, potentially influencing how drivers discover and access CPO networks. For operators, inclusion in such aggregation platforms is becoming a competitive necessity to maintain visibility in an increasingly fragmented US charging market.

The City of Edmond in Oklahoma has installed three new dual-port EV charging stations in its City Hall Parking Garage, capable of charging six vehicles simultaneously, as part of a grant-funded partnership with the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments. The stations charge at $0.25 per kilowatt-hour, meaning a 54 kWh battery refill costs approximately $14. The garage offers 216 free parking spaces, including seven accessible spots.

Why it matters: The grant-funded rollout demonstrates how US municipalities are leveraging regional government partnerships to expand public charging infrastructure at civic sites. The pricing model and dual-port configuration offer a reference point for CPOs evaluating similar municipal garage deployments.

Walmart has reached 100 company-owned EV fast-charging sites spanning 20 states, with the milestone location in Monument, Colorado featuring eight plugs (four CCS1, four NACS) capable of up to 400 kW. Most Walmart sites deploy eight to 16 plugs using ABB A400 All-in-One and Alpitronic HYC400 Hypercharger units, which can deliver 200 kW to two vehicles simultaneously or 400 kW to one. A GMC Hummer EV test at a McKinney, Texas site demonstrated over 300 kW charging, reaching 1% to 53% in 27 minutes.

Why it matters: The 100-site milestone signals Walmart's rapid scaling of owned charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for ABB and Alpitronic hardware across a growing multi-state network. The retailer's dual-standard (CCS1 and NACS) rollout and high-power hardware choices set a benchmark for site design and supplier selection in the retail charging segment.

India's Ministry of Heavy Industries approved projects covering 4,874 EV chargers with a financial outlay of INR 503.86 crore as of May 2026, spanning eight states and three public sector oil marketing companies including HPCL, IOCL and BPCL. By June 2026, total approvals reached 6,562 chargers with INR 689 crore allocated, supported by a broader INR 2,000 crore fund under PM E-DRIVE for public fast charging infrastructure. Karnataka received the largest allocation with 1,243 chargers approved, while global projects in the UK, US and Australia are also advancing with charging capacities extending to 120 kW, 240 kW and 400 kW.

Why it matters: The scale of Indian government funding and the shift toward higher power outputs signal growing procurement opportunities for CPOs and suppliers across multiple vehicle categories, from two wheelers to trucks. State level approvals and oil company involvement indicate structured, large scale tender pipelines for fast charging deployment.