Daily EV news · US · 19 May 2026
EV Charging
ChargePoint and OBE Power to deploy 2,500 charging ports at US multifamily residences from 2026
ChargePoint has partnered with OBE Power to install approximately 2,500 charging ports at apartment buildings and condominiums across the United States, starting in 2026. OBE Power will own and operate the chargers, covering energy cost reimbursement, carbon credit revenue, maintenance, insurance and repairs at no cost to landlords, while ChargePoint supplies the hardware. The initiative addresses the challenge that 80% of US EV charging happens at home, a model unavailable to many apartment dwellers who currently rely on public infrastructure.
Why it matters
The turnkey model removes capital and operational barriers for property owners, potentially unlocking a large multifamily segment that has been underserved in the residential charging market. For CPOs and installers, the partnership signals a scalable procurement pipeline in the multifamily sector, with OBE Power handling ownership and complaints while ChargePoint provides equipment.
US states diverge on home electrical work as 2026 code bans DIY EV charger installs while 34 states permit plug in solar
The 2026 National Electrical Code, published 20 August 2025 by the National Fire Protection Association, introduces Section 625.4 requiring permanently installed EV chargers to be fitted by qualified persons, effectively banning homeowner installation in most US states as they adopt the update through 2026 and 2027. Meanwhile, 34 states are moving to allow homeowners to install two to four panel plug in solar kits costing around 2,000 US dollars without permits or utility agreements, with Utah, Virginia and Maine already enacting such laws between March 2025 and April 2026.
Why it matters
The code change will push more residential EV charger work to licensed contractors and may slow home charging adoption if installation costs rise, while the solar exemptions signal a policy split that could complicate bundled home energy and charging propositions for charge point operators and installers.
BMW and MINI offer 20% charging discount at Ionna network through September 2026
BMW has launched a preferred pricing programme giving BMW and MINI EV drivers 20% off charging sessions at Ionna stations across the United States, running from now until 30 September 2026. The discount applies automatically when drivers use Plug and Charge or the My BMW App, with no subscription required. Ionna, backed by eight automakers including BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Stellantis and Toyota, currently operates more than 1,000 charging bays in the US with 4,700 bays contracted nationwide.
Why it matters
The deal highlights how automaker-backed charging networks are using brand-specific discounts to drive utilisation and loyalty, a competitive tactic that independent CPOs may need to counter. Ionna's rapid expansion to over 1,000 live bays and 4,700 contracted sites signals significant near-term procurement activity across the US fast-charging market.
US Congress draft bill drops $5 billion NEVI charger programme after five year run
A bipartisan draft surface transportation funding bill under consideration by the US Congress omits the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program, which provided $5 billion for EV chargers under the 2021 Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act. The programme, which has supported deployment of thousands of chargers nationwide, would end after five years if the bill becomes law in October. The Biden era funding has been subject to legal challenges since January 2025, with a court ordering the Department of Transportation to proceed with previously appropriated funds after the Trump administration attempted to eliminate it unilaterally.
Why it matters
The potential end of NEVI removes a major federal funding stream that has underpinned thousands of public charging projects, creating uncertainty for charge point operators and local authorities planning network expansions. Procurement teams will need to identify alternative funding sources or adjust deployment timelines if the programme is not renewed.
Electric Vehicles
Tesla electric truck launch could reshape US commercial vehicle market
The New York Times reports that Tesla is preparing to introduce a new electric vehicle aimed at the trucking sector in the United States. The article suggests the launch may significantly affect the commercial transport industry, though specific technical details, pricing or deployment timelines are not disclosed in the excerpt provided.
Why it matters
A Tesla entry into electric trucking could accelerate depot charging infrastructure tenders and fleet electrification programmes, prompting charge point operators to prepare for higher power requirements and longer dwell times at logistics hubs.
Ford rotor built with 100% recycled rare earth magnets passes durability test
A UK consortium has completed an end to end circular rare earth supply chain for EV motor magnets, with Ford validating the results at its Dunton R&D facility in May 2026. Ionic Technologies recycled scrap NdFeB magnets into rare earth oxides at purities of 99.87% for neodymium, 99.56% for dysprosium and 99.75% for terbium, producing 120 kg, 10 kg and 8 kg respectively. Less Common Metals converted the oxides to alloy, GKN manufactured finished magnets in Germany, and Ford built two test rotors at its Halewood plant, with one passing dynamometer durability testing comparable to production grade mined material magnets.
Why it matters
The validated closed loop supply chain offers Western automotive manufacturers a potential route around China's rare earth export controls announced earlier in 2026, particularly for critical materials like dysprosium and terbium. GKN's confirmation that recycled alloy behaves identically to virgin material during manufacturing removes a key technical barrier to scaling circular magnet production for EV motors.