Daily EV news · US · 7 July 2026
EV Charging
Massachusetts budget allocates $25,000 for Swampscott EV charging expansion
The Massachusetts Legislature has passed a $63.4 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 that includes $25,000 earmarked for expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Swampscott, alongside $35,000 for cemetery maintenance. The budget, enacted on 1 July and awaiting approval by Governor Maura Healey, also commits $2.7 billion in Fair Share funds to public education and transport and adds $51 million to the state's Stabilization Fund.
Why it matters
The Swampscott allocation signals continued state support for local EV infrastructure buildout, offering procurement opportunities for charging equipment suppliers and installers. Though modest in scale, such line items reflect the embedding of charging expansion in municipal capital planning across Massachusetts.
ChargePoint adds 200 plus new EV charging ports in the Southeast
ChargePoint is expanding its partnership with charge point operator Optimus Energy Solutions to install more than 200 new public EV charging ports across the southeastern United States. ChargePoint will provide the charging hardware, software and related services, while Optimus Energy Solutions will own and operate the sites at high demand locations including quick service restaurants and retail centres. In February, ChargePoint reported that 190,000 additional charging ports became available on its network in 2025, but utilisation growth outpaced new port growth by nearly 20 per cent.
Why it matters
The deployment addresses a recognised infrastructure gap in the Southeast and signals continued CPO appetite for turnkey hardware and software partnerships with ChargePoint. The utilisation data underscores the urgency for faster rollout to avoid driver bottlenecks and maintain service levels.
Tennessee awards 2.7 million dollars for 22 fast chargers across eight highway corridors
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has awarded approximately 2.7 million dollars in grants to install 22 direct current fast charging units at eight sites statewide, targeting highway segments identified as infrastructure gaps. Four grantees, PowerUp America, Shorepower Technologies, the Town of Thompson's Station and Universal EV, will deploy the chargers along corridors including the Fayetteville and Tullahoma areas. The funding comes from Tennessee's allocation of the Volkswagen Diesel Settlement Environmental Mitigation Trust, marking the state's sixth competitive solicitation under the programme.
Why it matters
The awards fill identified gaps in Tennessee's fast charging network not covered by federal NEVI Formula Program buildout plans, creating procurement opportunities for four operators across previously underserved highway corridors. The Volkswagen settlement continues to fund state level charging infrastructure beyond federal programmes, offering an additional revenue stream for CPOs targeting rural and secondary routes.
Porterville USD deploys 763 kW solar microgrid with 35 DC fast chargers using EPA Clean School Bus grant
Porterville Unified School District in California is building a microgrid combining a 763 kilowatt solar array, a 408 kilowatt, 1,632 kilowatt hour battery storage system, and 35 DC fast charger ports, with ForeFront Power and The Mobility House. The project is partly funded by a U.S. EPA Clean School Bus Program grant secured with CALSTART's support, as reported on 7 July 2026. The microgrid can disconnect from Southern California Edison's grid to draw on site solar and battery power.
Why it matters
The project demonstrates how federal Clean School Bus grants can underwrite integrated solar, storage and DC fast charging infrastructure at scale, creating a procurement model for school districts seeking resilience and lower energy costs. It also highlights the role of charge management providers and nonprofit facilitators in securing public funding for EV infrastructure.
Illinois awards $30 million to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure
Illinois has allocated $30 million in funding to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure across the state. The funding round aims to increase the availability of EV charging stations throughout Illinois. The announcement was reported via AOL.com through Google News.
Why it matters
This $30 million state investment creates immediate procurement opportunities for charging hardware suppliers, installers and site hosts across Illinois. CPOs and contractors should monitor award details to identify potential partnerships or subcontracting roles in the deployment.
Illinois announces new round of EV charging funding
Illinois has announced a new round of funding for EV charging infrastructure, as reported by The Center Square. Specific details of the funding amount and programme structure were referenced in the publication's quick hits coverage.
Why it matters
New state level funding rounds in Illinois signal continued public investment in charging infrastructure, creating opportunities for CPOs and contractors to secure deployment contracts in the state.
Electric Vehicles
Fiat launches Topolino micro EV in US at $13,995 for low-speed urban routes
Fiat has begun selling the 2026 Topolino, an 8 foot 3 inch low-speed electric vehicle, through select US dealers at $13,995 plus a $990 destination fee. The micro EV carries a 5.4 kWh battery delivering up to 46 miles of range and can be charged in four hours via a 240V outlet; it is street legal on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less after an LSV conversion kit raises top speed from 19 mph to 25 mph. Two body styles are available in limited quantities: the standard Topolino and the Dolcevita variant with a soft-top roof.
Why it matters
The sub-$15,000 price and minimal 5.4 kWh battery open a niche for neighbourhood and resort charging infrastructure that requires lower power and simpler installations than full-size EVs. Procurement teams may see demand for dedicated LSV charging points in mixed-use developments and coastal communities where the Topolino targets short-distance trips.