Daily EV news · US · 27 January 2026
EV Charging
North Carolina cuts NEVI station count from 41 to 18, redirects $109 million to rural and community sites
The North Carolina Department of Transportation has scaled back its National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme from a planned 41 charging stations to 18, citing new federal guidance that permits flexible use of its $109 million NEVI allocation. Secretary Daniel Johnson said the revised approach will prioritise communities, rural areas and highways where charging is most needed, rather than the original interstate and highway focus. The state confirmed its efforts will not compete with private infrastructure.
Why it matters
A sharp reduction in planned NEVI sites signals tighter geographic targeting and may open more rural corridors to tender, while the $109 million envelope remains intact for fewer, potentially larger installations. CPOs and contractors should watch for revised solicitation scopes that emphasise underserved areas over high traffic routes.
Pilot Company and Tesla to build Semi charging network across US travel centres
Pilot Company has announced a partnership with Tesla to install Semi charging infrastructure at select Pilot and Flying J travel centres across the United States. The collaboration aims to support fleet operators transitioning to electric heavy-duty vehicles by providing dedicated charging facilities at strategic highway locations. No specific number of sites or timeline was disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The deal signals growing infrastructure investment for heavy-duty EV charging and creates procurement opportunities for equipment suppliers and installers serving the commercial fleet segment. Pilot's nationwide footprint could establish a blueprint for scaling Semi charging beyond captive depot networks.
California secures $379 million in federal EV charging funds after court blocks Trump withholding
A U.S. District Court ruling has cleared California to access $379 million from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program after the Trump Administration attempted to withhold funding allocated under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The NEVI programme, which received $5 billion in total federal appropriations, was frozen by executive order earlier this year, prompting multistate litigation led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The Federal Highway Administration has now approved nearly all funding allocated to California, enabling the state's Department of Transportation and Energy Commission to proceed with charging network deployment.
Why it matters
The ruling unlocks substantial capital for California's charging infrastructure pipeline, providing certainty for CPOs and contractors bidding on state funded projects. It also signals potential release of NEVI funds in other states that joined the litigation, expanding the national procurement opportunity beyond the $379 million now available in California.
Electric Vehicles
Commentary calls for US policy support to accelerate electric school bus adoption
A Times Union commentary piece argues that lawmakers should introduce measures to ease the transition to electric school buses across the United States. The article discusses policy and regulatory frameworks needed to support fleet electrification in the education sector. No specific funding figures or timelines are provided in the excerpt.
Why it matters
School districts represent a significant procurement opportunity for charging infrastructure providers, and clearer policy guidance could unlock capital for depot charging projects. Regulatory certainty helps CPOs and contractors plan long term investments in education fleet electrification.