Daily EV news · US · 3 February 2026
EV Charging
Boston Public Schools awards $4 million contract for 105 DC fast chargers at single depot
Orion Energy Systems, through its Voltrek division, is installing 105 DC fast chargers at Boston Public Schools' Freeport Bus Yard under a $4 million contract. The project supports the district's plan to electrify all 750 school buses, described as the largest school bus electrification programme in the Northeast. The installation uses above ground mounting with Jersey barriers rather than trenching, a design chosen to speed deployment and reduce site disruption.
Why it matters
The contract demonstrates how depot scale charging projects for captive fleets can rival or exceed typical highway corridor builds in size and complexity. The above ground barrier mounted approach offers a repeatable model for large fleet operators prioritising speed and cost control over traditional civil works.
Ionna marks second anniversary with State of Charge event in Pennsylvania
Ionna, the charging joint venture backed by major automakers, is celebrating its second anniversary with an event hosted by State of Charge in Pennsylvania. The celebration marks two years since the consortium was formed to build a North American fast-charging network. No specific deployment figures or site counts were disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The anniversary event signals Ionna's continued commitment to its network rollout, offering procurement teams and site hosts a chance to gauge the consortium's progress and future pipeline as it competes with established CPO networks across the United States.
Electric Vehicles
Gates-Chili school district operates 15 electric buses with 90 per cent pre-warming charge strategy
Gates-Chili Central School District in New York runs 15 electric buses, representing 20 per cent of its fleet, funded by state grants. The district charges vehicles to 90 per cent overnight, then completes the final 10 per cent from 3am to warm batteries before morning routes of around 30 miles. Diesel buses remain in use for longer out-of-district trips and events.
Why it matters
The pre-warming charge protocol offers a replicable cold-weather operating model for districts procuring electric school buses under state mandates. The 30-mile route threshold and grant reliance highlight infrastructure planning and funding dependencies for CPOs eyeing education-sector charging contracts.
New York school districts lag electric bus adoption despite 500 million dollars state funding and 2035 mandate
Gates-Chili is the only local district in New York making significant progress toward the state's 2035 electric school bus mandate, having deployed 15 electric buses funded by state grants. NYSERDA offers 500 million dollars to cover 75% to 100% of fleet electrification costs, including buses, chargers and electricity, yet most districts remain hesitant due to concerns about range, cost and grid capacity. The Gates-Chili fleet operates 30 mile average routes and batteries have performed adequately in cold weather, according to the district's transportation director.
Why it matters
The slow uptake reveals infrastructure and grid capacity barriers that charging point operators and electrical contractors must address to meet the 2035 deadline, despite substantial state funding covering most capital costs. Districts' hesitation signals a need for grid upgrade projects and turnkey electrification solutions that bundle charging infrastructure with power supply guarantees.
Spencerport school district voters reject electric bus purchase despite New York State zero emission mandate
Voters in the Spencerport Central School District in New York rejected a proposal to purchase two electric school buses, with 743 out of 1,032 votes (72%) cast against the measure. The district had planned to use reserve funds to cover $382,000 in costs after applying $600,000 in state and Environmental Protection Agency grants, bringing the total pre-grant cost to $982,680. The referendum follows a New York State mandate requiring school districts to transition to zero emission buses.
Why it matters
The vote highlights local resistance to electric vehicle adoption even when state mandates and substantial grant funding are in place, with voters citing infrastructure concerns and high costs. The outcome signals potential challenges for fleet electrification programmes that depend on public approval, particularly in school transport where procurement decisions may face direct voter scrutiny.
Policy & Market
US electricity costs 14 dollars per 275 miles versus 33 dollars for petrol, analysis shows
A cost comparison published in an EV education series finds that driving 275 miles (the average weekly US distance) costs 14.14 dollars in electricity at 18 cents per kWh, compared with 33 dollars for petrol at 3 dollars per gallon in a 25 mpg vehicle. Monthly costs for 1,100 miles stand at 57 dollars for electric versus 132 dollars for petrol. The analysis assumes an EV efficiency of 3.5 miles per kWh and introduces the eGallon metric to help consumers compare energy costs directly.
Why it matters
The 57 per cent cost saving on fuel strengthens the business case for fleet electrification and workplace charging programmes, while the eGallon framing may help CPOs communicate value to commercial and retail customers evaluating charging infrastructure investments.