Daily EV news · US · 7 April 2026
EV Charging
ChargePoint shares rise 1.5 percent on Plano infrastructure expansion talks
ChargePoint Holdings stock climbed to $4.88, up 1.5 percent, following news that an EV charging equipment manufacturer held discussions with officials in Plano, Texas, about expanding charging infrastructure in North America and boosting local production capacity. The gain came amid improved investor sentiment in the EV charging sector, though the stock has declined significantly since the start of the year. Six days earlier, the stock had also risen on broader market rebounds linked to potential de-escalation of US military hostilities involving Iran.
Why it matters
Talks on infrastructure expansion and local production in Plano signal potential new procurement opportunities in Texas and wider North America, relevant for CPOs tracking regional buildout plans. The stock movement reflects market confidence in near term project pipelines despite longer term volatility in the charging sector.
Non-Tesla networks installed 2,300 DC fast-charging stalls in Q1 2026, 32 per cent using NACS
The US public DC fast-charging network added nearly 3,500 ports in the first quarter of 2026, according to the Alternative Fuels Data Center. Tesla installed almost 1,200 new Supercharger stalls, whilst other networks deployed nearly 2,300 stalls, of which 723, or 32 per cent, used the NACS connector. The data suggests non-Tesla NACS deployment is approaching parity with Tesla's Supercharger rollout.
Why it matters
The 32 per cent NACS share among non-Tesla installations signals rapid standardisation around the connector, which will influence procurement specifications and interoperability planning for charge-point operators expanding DC fast-charging portfolios. Networks deploying at nearly twice Tesla's pace may reshape competitive dynamics in the US fast-charging market.
XCharge and JOJO Superfast deploy nine 800kW charging sites across Illinois with state and utility backing
XCharge North America and JOJO Superfast are rolling out nine ultra-fast charging locations in Illinois, each equipped with four C6 Smart DC Fast Chargers (800kW units) providing eight ports per site. Most sites will be at Menards stores, with two already live in Crestwood and Bridgeview, two more due in May, and the remainder in Q3 2026. The project is funded through ComEd's Make-Ready Rebate and the Illinois EPA's Driving a Cleaner Illinois programme.
Why it matters
The deployment shows how state utility rebates and environmental grants can accelerate high-capacity charging rollouts, offering a replicable funding model for CPOs targeting underserved regions. For procurement teams, the partnership highlights the value of aligning with retail anchor tenants and leveraging public incentives to de-risk capital expenditure.
Electric Vehicles
Two electric buses enter service on Coastal Express route linking Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
Two zero emission buses have begun operating on the Coastal Express service (routes 80 to 89) between Camarillo and Santa Barbara in California. The vehicles were acquired through a partnership between Ventura County and the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments, funded by a California Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund grant. Fares remain unchanged despite the fleet upgrade.
Why it matters
The deployment demonstrates how state grant programmes are enabling transit agencies to electrify inter county commuter routes, with officials expecting the buses to displace thousands of annual car trips. Procurement teams working on similar corridor projects can reference the SBCAG partnership model and California GHG fund as a replicable financing pathway.
Phoenix sells $1.5 million hydrogen bus after two years
The city of Phoenix is selling a hydrogen-powered bus purchased just two years ago for $1.5 million, according to Phoenix New Times. The disposal comes amid broader questions about hydrogen fuel-cell technology adoption in municipal fleets. No details on the sale price or replacement plans were disclosed in the report.
Why it matters
The rapid disposal signals potential operational or cost challenges with hydrogen infrastructure that procurement teams evaluating fuel-cell buses should weigh. It also highlights the risk of stranded assets when early-stage alternative fuel investments fail to meet service expectations.
Policy & Market
New York senator introduces bill to address zero emission bus mandate concerns
Senator Ryan has introduced legislation in response to concerns about New York's zero emission bus mandate. The bill aims to address implementation challenges faced by transit agencies as they transition away from diesel fleets. Details of the proposed changes or timeline adjustments were not specified in the announcement.
Why it matters
Policy shifts on ZEB mandates can alter procurement timelines and infrastructure investment plans for transit operators and charging suppliers. Any legislative changes may affect the pace and scale of depot charging buildouts across New York State.