Daily EV news · US · 20 May 2026
EV Charging
Bojangles opens first EV charging hub in Savannah with XLR8 America
US fast-food chain Bojangles has launched its first EV charging station at 4401 Ogeechee Road in Savannah, Georgia, in partnership with XLR8 America and Energy and Environmental Design Services. The Savannah site is the first step in a wider rollout of charging infrastructure across Bojangles restaurants nationwide, positioning the brand to offer a charge and dine service model as EV adoption grows.
Why it matters
The move signals growing interest from quick-service restaurant chains in bundling EV charging with hospitality, creating new site opportunities for charge-point operators and equipment suppliers. Bojangles' national expansion plans could open procurement pathways for charging hardware and installation contractors across multiple US states.
Grid & Energy
Vehicle to home capability remains limited to handful of EV models despite growing interest
While modern EVs carry batteries large enough to power a home for days, only select models include the hardware and software for safe bidirectional charging. Ford's F-150 Lightning leads adoption in the United States, offering up to 9.6 kW of vehicle to home power output for backup during outages or peak shaving. An update from 20 May 2026 notes new V2H capable models from Volvo and the return of the ID.BUZZ.
Why it matters
Procurement teams evaluating fleet electrification or workplace charging must verify V2H compatibility if they plan to use EVs for grid services or resilience, as the feature is not standard across models. CPOs exploring vehicle to grid or vehicle to building revenue streams face a limited pool of compatible vehicles, constraining business case development.
Policy & Market
California announces $540 million infrastructure investment for statewide transport improvements
Governor Newsom has announced a $540 million investment to improve infrastructure across California, focusing on connecting residents to reliable and safe transportation. The announcement was made during Infrastructure Week. The funding is part of a statewide initiative to enhance transport connectivity.
Why it matters
Large state infrastructure allocations often include EV charging provisions, and California's transport investments typically drive procurement opportunities for charging network operators and equipment suppliers seeking public sector contracts.
Ohio House passes bill barring utilities from owning EV charging stations
The Ohio House voted 96 to 1 on Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 106, which prohibits electric distribution utilities from operating EV charging stations. Sponsored by State Senator Bill Reineke, the bill argues that utility ownership creates unfair competition because utilities have guaranteed rates approved by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, giving them an advantage over private charging operators. The bill now returns to the state Senate for concurrence on House amendments related to water service lines.
Why it matters
The legislation removes utilities as potential charging infrastructure developers in Ohio, concentrating future procurement opportunities with private operators, fuel retailers and truck stops. CPOs and site hosts will face a narrower field of competitors but also lose a potential funding partner with regulated capital access.