Daily EV news · US · 31 January 2026
Electric Vehicles
Maine school districts to receive relief from faulty electric buses
School districts in Maine are set to receive relief related to faulty electric buses, according to Centralmaine.com. The report indicates issues with electric school buses deployed in the state, though specific details on the number of affected vehicles, the nature of the faults, or the form of relief were not provided in the available excerpt. The development affects multiple school districts that have adopted electric buses as part of fleet electrification efforts.
Why it matters
The reliability of electric school buses remains a critical concern for public sector fleet operators, as technical failures can undermine confidence in EV procurement programmes and delay broader adoption. This case highlights the importance of robust warranty and support arrangements when districts commit to electric vehicle contracts.
Policy & Market
IRS rules REIT markup on EV charging electricity counts as property rent in first such decision
The US Internal Revenue Service issued Letter Ruling 202530005, determining for the first time that payments a real estate investment trust receives from marking up electricity supplied through EV charging stations at outdoor industrial storage facilities qualify as rents from real property under Section 856(d). The ruling addresses whether such income meets REIT gross income tests under Sections 856(c)(2) and (c)(3), with the taxpayer operating paved, fenced and lit storage sites where tenants park equipment and access charging infrastructure.
Why it matters
The decision clarifies tax treatment for REITs deploying charging infrastructure on commercial property, potentially encouraging more landlords and site owners to add EV amenities without jeopardising their tax status. It signals regulatory acceptance that electricity resale through on site chargers can be structured as a property service rather than a separate utility business.