Daily EV news · US · 11 March 2026
EV Charging
WattUp USA secures $130 million to deploy ultra-fast EV charging network at retail sites
WattUp USA has raised $130 million in funding to build an ultra-fast EV charging network focused on retail locations across the United States. The capital will support the deployment of high-power charging infrastructure targeting retail environments. The funding round was reported by Pulse 2.0.
Why it matters
The $130 million investment signals growing confidence in retail-anchored charging strategies, creating procurement opportunities for ultra-fast hardware and site development services. CPOs and contractors should monitor WattUp USA's rollout plans as the company scales its retail-focused network.
PennDOT awards one of 12 new EV charging stations to Route 222 site in Richmond Township, Berks County
Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation has announced 12 new electric vehicle charging stations across the state, with one location confirmed for a convenience store on Route 222 in Richmond Township, northern Berks County. The rollout forms part of PennDOT's broader infrastructure programme, though no timeline or technical specifications were disclosed in the Reading Eagle report.
Why it matters
The award signals continued state level procurement activity in Pennsylvania and offers a potential supply or installation contract for firms working on highway corridor charging. Convenience store partnerships remain a common model for accessible, high traffic EV infrastructure.
US firms commit US$500 million to EV charging and electric bus rollout in central Mexico
Invisible Urban Charging Inc. and ATX Smart Mobility have announced a US$500 million investment to deploy EV charging infrastructure and 140 electric buses across central Mexico, starting with 38 charging stations in the Bajío region and expanding to Mexico City. The project, with Querétaro as its operational hub, targets commercial fleet electrification to address Mexico's limited charging infrastructure and accelerate public transport and industrial corridor adoption. The initiative joins infrastructure expansion by companies such as VEMO and charging software providers like Enerlink.
Why it matters
The half billion dollar commitment signals major private capital flowing into Mexico's underdeveloped charging network, creating procurement opportunities for station hardware, fleet charging systems and software integration across commercial and transit operators. Fleet focused deployment offers CPOs a proven revenue model in a market where private EV adoption remains nascent, de risking early infrastructure investment.
Electric Vehicles
New York State Education Department sets three point threshold for school districts to defer 2027 electric bus mandate
Documents dated 18 December 2025 show that New York school districts can apply for waivers to delay the state's 1 July 2027 deadline requiring all new bus purchases to be zero emission. Districts need only three points on a simple rubric asking what steps they have taken toward fleet electrification to qualify for up to two years of extension. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 1 March each year, with decisions issued by 1 April.
Why it matters
The low bar for waivers may slow procurement of electric school buses in New York, potentially reducing near term charging infrastructure demand and delaying capital investment decisions by districts and their contractors ahead of the state's 2035 full fleet electrification deadline.
Porsche considers US factory as tariffs threaten European EV imports
Porsche is exploring the possibility of building a manufacturing facility in the United States as new tariffs on imported vehicles make European production less economically viable. The German automaker, which currently imports all its vehicles to the US market, faces mounting cost pressures that could affect its electric vehicle lineup including the Taycan. The consideration marks a significant strategic shift for the premium brand as trade policy reshapes automotive supply chains.
Why it matters
A Porsche US factory would likely include EV charging infrastructure in its site planning and could influence regional grid upgrades and charging network deployments. The move signals how tariff policy is driving automakers to localise not just production but the entire EV ecosystem, potentially creating new procurement opportunities for charging hardware and installation contractors in whichever US region Porsche selects.
Rivian discontinues R1S Dual Standard SUV ahead of R2 launch
Rivian has notified subscribers that it is phasing out the R1S Dual Standard, its most affordable SUV variant, to make way for a refined lineup and the upcoming R2 model. The second generation R1S Dual Standard featured Enduro motors and LFP battery chemistry that allowed daily charging to 100 per cent. The discontinuation comes roughly two years after the variant's introduction as part of Rivian's second generation vehicle rollout.
Why it matters
The move signals Rivian's strategic shift towards its mass market R2 platform and streamlined product offerings, which may influence fleet procurement decisions and charging infrastructure planning as operators assess which Rivian models will dominate future deployments. The phase out of LFP equipped variants also affects charging strategy considerations for sites serving Rivian fleets.
Oshkosh shares retreat as USPS electric van contract hits margin pressure despite 5,000 units produced
Oshkosh Corporation shares fell from an all time high of $180 in late February 2026 to around $155 after posting full year 2025 revenue of $10.42 billion (down from $10.73 billion in 2024) and adjusted earnings per share of $10.79 (down from $11.74). The company has now produced more than 5,000 Next Generation Delivery Vehicles for the US Postal Service but issued 2026 guidance of approximately $11.0 billion revenue and $11.50 adjusted EPS, missing Wall Street consensus of $12.33 per share. Management cited manufacturing overhead, tariff headwinds including a fivefold jump in tariff costs, and margin compression on the USPS programme.
Why it matters
The USPS NGDV contract is one of North America's largest electric fleet procurements, and Oshkosh's margin struggles signal that even established OEMs face profitability challenges scaling EV production under tariff and cost pressure. CPOs and fleet operators watching this programme for validation of electric commercial vehicle economics now have a cautionary data point on manufacturing execution risk.