Daily EV news · US · 11 May 2026
EV Charging
Duracell selects Driivz software to run new UK ultra-fast charging network
Duracell has partnered with Vontier-owned Driivz to provide the charging management platform for its Duracell E-Charge ultra-fast network across the UK, operated by The EV Network. The Driivz platform will handle billing, roaming connectivity via OCPI, real-time monitoring, remote troubleshooting and analytics, plus a branded driver app and web portal. Mark Bloxham, managing director of Duracell E-Charge, said the software will enable the network to scale quickly while maintaining control and commercial efficiency.
Why it matters
The deal signals a major consumer brand entering UK fast charging and shows how established CPO software platforms are winning contracts to support rapid network rollouts. Driivz's roaming and analytics tools will be critical for Duracell to compete on uptime and driver experience in a crowded UK market.
Electric Vehicles
Loudoun County Public Schools in Virginia pivots from electric to propane buses
Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) in Virginia is reversing its electric school bus strategy in favour of propane vehicles, according to the Loudoun Times-Mirror. The district has not disclosed the number of electric buses affected or the timeline for the switch. The move reflects ongoing debates in US school districts over total cost of ownership and charging infrastructure for electric fleets.
Why it matters
The decision signals potential headwinds for school bus electrification programmes and depot charging projects, particularly where upfront costs or grid capacity remain unresolved. Procurement teams and charge point operators targeting education fleets may face renewed scrutiny over business cases and operational reliability.
MBTA electric buses use diesel heaters below 40 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve battery range
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's new battery electric buses rely on diesel burning auxiliary heating units when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, consuming 0.8 gallons per hour to maintain passenger warmth while preserving battery power. The MBTA reports the buses averaged over 160 miles per charge during winter testing with diesel heat, compared to an estimated range under 100 miles if relying solely on electric heating. Officials told StreetsblogMASS that keeping batteries from getting too cold has the biggest impact on range improvement.
Why it matters
Transit operators procuring electric bus fleets in cold climates must account for auxiliary heating systems and their fuel costs in total cost of ownership calculations. The disclosure highlights a technical compromise between zero emission goals and operational range requirements that may influence specification decisions for northern latitude deployments.