Daily EV news · US · 3 April 2026
EV Charging
XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast deploy nine fast-charging sites across Illinois with ComEd and state backing
XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast are rolling out nine EV fast-charging locations in Illinois, primarily at Menards home improvement stores, with two sites already operational. Each location will host four 200kW C6 Smart DC fast chargers with dual ports. The project is supported by ComEd's Make-Ready rebate for electrical upgrades and funding from the Illinois EPA's Driving a Cleaner Illinois program under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates how stacked state and utility incentives can accelerate commercial charging rollouts, with hardware supplier XCharge handling end to end delivery from planning through construction. The retail anchor model and clear project timeline offer a replicable template for CPOs seeking to de-risk fast-charging investments in incentive-rich markets.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner reports melted 15A outlet after 12A home charging
A Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner in the United States reported that charging at 12 amps melted a 15 amp household outlet and smart plug, according to Torque News. The incident highlights risks when EV owners use standard domestic circuits for prolonged charging without dedicated infrastructure. No official recall or manufacturer response was detailed in the report.
Why it matters
The case underscores the importance of proper electrical assessments and dedicated circuits for home EV charging, a consideration for installers advising residential customers and for policymakers setting safety standards.
Policy & Market
US House Republicans propose $250 annual federal registration fee for electric vehicles
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee chair Sam Graves has introduced a bill that would impose a $250 annual federal registration fee on EV owners and $100 on hybrid owners, ahead of the September 2026 expiry of the current surface transportation law. The proposal aims to offset lost federal fuel tax revenue that traditionally funds the Highway Trust Fund, which finances America's highway network. Pro-EV advocates have criticised the measure as punitive and ineffective.
Why it matters
Higher ownership costs from federal fees could slow EV adoption rates, potentially dampening demand for public charging infrastructure and affecting CPO business cases. The proposal signals growing political pressure to recoup lost fuel tax revenue, which may influence state level policy and long term infrastructure funding models.
New Hampshire EV charging rates reach 48 cents per kWh, fourth highest in US as national average climbs to 42 cents
Public EV charging rates in New Hampshire have reached just under 48 cents per kilowatt hour, making it the fourth most expensive state in the US for EV charging, according to AAA data. The national average for public charging rose to 42 cents per kWh, a two cent increase from the previous week. The rate increases coincide with rising petrol prices, which hit $4.06 nationally and $3.85 in New Hampshire, driven by the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz and seasonal refinery transitions.
Why it matters
Rising charging costs at 48 cents per kWh in New Hampshire may affect EV adoption rates and utilisation patterns at public charging infrastructure, potentially impacting revenue models for charge point operators. The state's position as fourth most expensive nationally could influence site selection and pricing strategies for operators planning network expansion in the region.