Daily EV news · US · 11 July 2026
Electric Vehicles
Drive Electric Birmingham hosts free EV test drive event in Hoover on Saturday
Drive Electric Birmingham is holding its first EV Ride & Drive Experience on Saturday at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex, offering free test drives from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a vehicle showcase from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event, organised in partnership with Cadillac of Birmingham, Porsche of Birmingham, Tameron Hyundai and Hendrick Chevrolet, allows attendees to test drive various electric vehicle models and speak with EV owners about range, charging, performance and ownership costs.
Why it matters
Public test drive events help accelerate EV adoption by giving potential buyers hands on experience with multiple models, which in turn drives demand for charging infrastructure. The involvement of four local dealerships signals growing retail commitment to electric vehicles in the Alabama market.
BMW Group Reports Strong EV Sales Growth in Europe and US During H1 2026
BMW Group achieved strong electric vehicle sales growth in Europe and the United States in the first half of 2026, despite experiencing lower overall global sales. The company attributed the regional EV demand increase to the introduction of new models in these markets.
Why it matters
Growing EV adoption in key markets signals increased charging infrastructure demand for CPOs and procurement teams, particularly in Europe and the US where BMW's new model rollout is driving uptake. This regional growth trend may inform site selection and capacity planning for charging networks.
Polestar faces US sales ban from 2027 over Chinese connected systems, pivots to Europe
The Trump administration will bar Polestar from selling vehicles in the United States beyond model year 2027, citing legislation that targets Chinese connected systems and personal data management. The Swedish brand, owned by Geely, now finds itself shut out of the two largest global markets and is concentrating its commercial strategy on Europe. The US measure relies on rules initiated under the Biden administration rather than tariffs.
Why it matters
A major OEM retreating to a single continent will reshape charging infrastructure demand and partnership priorities in Europe, while US site developers lose a premium EV marque from their forecasts. Procurement teams should watch whether Polestar's European focus accelerates depot and destination charger tenders.