Daily EV news · US · 13 July 2026
EV Charging
Medford, Oregon to install public EV charging station by late summer
A new electric vehicle charging station is planned for Medford, Oregon, with completion expected by late summer, according to Your Oregon News. The project adds to the city's public charging infrastructure, though specific site details and charger specifications were not disclosed in the announcement.
Why it matters
The installation expands charging access in southern Oregon and signals continued municipal investment in EV infrastructure, relevant for CPOs and contractors tracking procurement opportunities in smaller US cities.
Ionna seeks approval for eight EV charging stalls at Princeton Shopping Center in New Jersey
Ionna, LLC has applied to install eight EV charging stalls served by four dual-port chargers at Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street, Princeton, New Jersey. The proposal would remove 10 existing parking stalls, reducing the total from 960 to 958 spaces, still above the 912 required under zoning. The Princeton Planning Board is scheduled to hear the application at a virtual meeting, with variances required for branded signage that would cover roughly 523.95 square inches, exceeding the permitted 255 square inches.
Why it matters
The application offers insight into site development requirements and variance processes for charge point operators expanding into retail locations. The dual-port charger configuration and parking credit system demonstrate how municipalities are balancing EV infrastructure deployment with existing parking requirements.
Fast food chains in the United States add EV charging to drive through sites
The New York Times reports that quick service restaurant operators in the United States are installing electric vehicle chargers at their locations, pairing charging infrastructure with fried chicken and other fast food offerings. The move reflects growing efforts by retail and hospitality businesses to attract EV drivers during meal stops, though specific deployment figures and participating chains are not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Fast food sites offer high dwell times that align with DC fast charging sessions, creating a new venue category for charge point operators and equipment suppliers targeting the retail forecourt market.
US EV charger installations booming even as electric vehicle sales decline
The New York Times reports that while US electric vehicle sales have slowed, the rollout of EV charging infrastructure continues to accelerate. The divergence highlights ongoing investment in charging networks despite softer consumer demand for battery electric vehicles.
Why it matters
For CPOs and contractors, sustained charger deployment amid a sales dip signals that funders and policymakers remain committed to infrastructure buildout, preserving the pipeline of procurement and installation opportunities even in a softer demand environment.
ChargePoint and Optimus Energy Solutions partner to build fast charging network in eastern United States
ChargePoint has announced a partnership with Optimus Energy Solutions to develop a new fast charging network across the eastern United States. The collaboration will see the two companies working together to deploy charging infrastructure in the region. The announcement was reported by MarketScreener via Google News.
Why it matters
This partnership signals new procurement opportunities for EV charging hardware and installation services across multiple eastern states. CPOs and contractors should monitor for site development tenders as the network buildout progresses.
Princeton considers EV charging installation at local shopping centre
The Princeton municipal agenda includes a proposal for EV charging infrastructure at a shopping centre, alongside other local matters such as an outdoor dining deal for Hinds Plaza and a watershed management plan. The item was reported by TAPinto as part of upcoming council business.
Why it matters
Municipal agenda items signal early stage procurement opportunities for charging providers and installers looking to secure contracts with local authorities or retail property owners in New Jersey.
Ultra-fast EV chargers arriving in America ahead of vehicle capability
InsideEVs reports that extremely high-power EV charging infrastructure is being deployed across the United States, but current electric vehicles are not yet equipped to take advantage of the maximum charging speeds these stations offer. The rollout highlights a mismatch between network capability and vehicle technology readiness in the American market.
Why it matters
Charge point operators investing in ultra-fast hardware may face underutilisation until automakers release compatible models, affecting return on investment timelines. Procurement teams should assess vehicle adoption curves when specifying charger power ratings for new installations.
Electric Vehicles
Hyundai recalls 14 EVs in US over battery short circuit risk, advises outdoor parking
Hyundai has recalled six IONIQ 5 (model years 2023 and 2024), one 2024 Kia EV9, and seven Kia EV6 (model years 2022 to 2024) vehicles in the United States due to misaligned electrodes in battery cells supplied by SK On that could cause an internal short circuit and fire. The company told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on 9 July that no incidents have been reported to date. Owners are advised to keep battery charge under 80%, park outdoors away from buildings, and can receive free battery system assembly replacement at Hyundai dealers.
Why it matters
Though affecting only 14 vehicles, the recall highlights supply chain quality control challenges for CPOs and fleet operators relying on Hyundai and Kia EVs, particularly regarding SK On battery modules from specific production periods. The precautionary outdoor parking requirement may complicate depot charging operations until replacements are completed.
Hybrids outselling battery electric vehicles by 3 to 1 in 2026 in the United States with gap widening
Torque News reports that hybrid vehicle sales are outpacing fully electric vehicle sales by a ratio of 3 to 1 in 2026, with the margin continuing to grow. The trend highlights ongoing consumer preference for hybrid powertrains over pure battery electric options in the US market.
Why it matters
A sustained shift toward hybrids over BEVs could slow the growth in public charging demand, affecting utilisation forecasts and the business case for new chargepoint deployments, particularly in regions where hybrid adoption reduces the urgency for rapid charging infrastructure.
Paper Transport begins Tesla Semi trial in Chicago dedicated lanes
Wisconsin carrier Paper Transport has started evaluating the Tesla Semi Long Range on dedicated routes in the Chicago market, adding battery electric to a fleet that has logged more than 87 million miles on compressed and renewable natural gas. The trial uses predictable, fixed mileage routes to assess battery electric performance in real world freight operations. PTI positions the Semi alongside renewable natural gas and intermodal as part of its customer Scope 3 emissions reduction offer.
Why it matters
The trial adds another commercial operator to the Tesla Semi's live deployment base and underscores the role of dedicated, repeatable duty cycles in early battery electric truck adoption. For charge point operators and infrastructure planners, it signals continued demand for depot charging solutions tailored to predictable Class 8 route profiles.
Graphite One signs engineering contract for 25,000 tonne per year Ohio graphite plant targeting 2028 start
Graphite One has executed an engineering contract with a battery anode production facility engineering firm to advance its manufacturing site in Conneaut, Ohio, targeting 25,000 tonnes per year of domestic synthetic graphite capacity by the fourth quarter of 2028. The global engineering and production line integration provider will support design and integration of manufacturing equipment, including equipment interface design, process integration, production flow optimization and operational readiness planning. The Ohio facility is intended to produce active anode materials from materials mined at the company's Graphite Creek deposit in Alaska for EVs, energy storage systems and defense applications.
Why it matters
The contract de-risks a domestic US graphite supply chain critical for battery production, with the 25,000 tonne per year Ohio facility representing significant upstream capacity for EV and energy storage procurement pipelines. Integrated North American anode material production reduces supply chain risk for CPOs and fleet operators dependent on battery availability.
Hyundai IONIQ 3 electric hatch draws record interest with sub-$30,000 pricing
Hyundai's IONIQ 3 compact electric hatchback has generated the highest ever customer interest for any Hyundai model, gas or electric, ahead of its launch later this year. The vehicle debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, with pricing starting under £25,000 (approximately $33,500), and one retailer listing the base Standard Range model at £22,245 ($29,800). The IONIQ 3 will be available in Standard or Extended Range versions across four trim levels, plus a performance N variant, positioning it as a smaller, more affordable alternative to the IONIQ 5.
Why it matters
Sub-$30,000 pricing for a mainstream OEM electric hatchback signals intensifying competition in the affordable EV segment, potentially accelerating fleet adoption and expanding the addressable market for workplace and destination charging infrastructure. Record pre-launch interest suggests strong near term demand that could drive CPO site selection and capacity planning in urban and suburban locations where compact EVs typically operate.
Bengaluru startup Vimag Labs patents rare earth free electric motor technology
Vimag Labs, a $5 million Bengaluru startup founded in September 2025, has secured its fifth Indian patent for a Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) that eliminates rare earth magnets by using power electronics and proprietary control algorithms to generate rotor magnetic fields in real time. The company claims performance matching or exceeding permanent magnet motors, though this has not been independently verified at production scale. Vimag reports ten additional patents and fifteen trademarks in the pipeline, with pilots underway involving two wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers.
Why it matters
For EV charging infrastructure stakeholders, a viable rare earth free motor could reshape supply chain dependencies on China and potentially alter vehicle cost structures, influencing fleet procurement decisions and the pace of EV adoption that underpins chargepoint demand forecasts.
Subaru's EV sales rise in US market amid broader electrification push
Autoguide.com reports that Subaru's electric vehicle strategy is showing early positive results in the United States, though questions remain about long term sustainability. The article examines the automaker's EV performance as it expands its electrified lineup in the American market. No specific sales figures or model details are provided in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Subaru's EV trajectory signals potential shifts in charging infrastructure demand across its dealer network and customer base. Tracking which legacy automakers gain EV traction helps CPOs and site hosts anticipate where charging capacity will be needed.
Grid & Energy
Oregon approves 29.7% rate rise for data centres and crypto miners over 20 megawatts, cutting household bills by 1.3%
The Oregon Public Utility Commission voted unanimously on 7 July to impose a 29.7% electricity rate increase on customers using more than 20 megawatts, including data centres, cryptocurrency operations and large industrial sites served by Portland General Electric. The hike, effective 8 July under Oregon's 2025 POWER Act, shifts grid costs away from PGE's 963,000 residential customers, whose typical monthly bills are expected to fall by 1.3% or around $1.91.
Why it matters
The ruling sets a US precedent for separating high demand users into distinct tariff classes, a model that could influence how utilities price power for EV charging hubs and depot operators if load thresholds expand. Procurement teams watching grid cost allocation may see similar rate structures emerge in other states, affecting long term charging infrastructure business cases.
Policy & Market
California launches 3,500 dollar EV rebate programme later this summer
California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 168 into law, establishing a 3,500 dollar point-of-sale rebate for new EVs priced up to 50,000 dollars and used EVs up to 25,000 dollars. The California Air Resources Board will administer the programme, which is expected to begin later this summer, with participating automakers to be announced next month. The incentive aims to offset the end of the federal 7,500 dollar EV tax credit.
Why it matters
State level incentives can sustain EV adoption momentum and charging infrastructure demand even as federal support wanes. Procurement teams and CPOs should monitor which manufacturers participate, as this may influence fleet purchasing decisions and site planning in California's large market.
Washington Post analysis shows EV driver fuel savings vary by US state
The Washington Post has published a state by state breakdown of how much money electric vehicle drivers are saving compared to petrol vehicle owners. The analysis highlights the variation in savings across the United States, driven by differences in electricity rates and petrol prices.
Why it matters
State level savings data can inform CPOs on where EV adoption incentives are strongest and where charging demand growth is most likely, helping to prioritise site investment and tariff strategies.
California launches instant ZEV rebates for first time buyers as federal clean car policy shifts
Governor Newsom has announced instant rebates for first time zero emission vehicle buyers in California, positioning the state in opposition to the Trump administration's rollback of clean car policies. The move is framed as a response to the US ceding ground to China in the global electric vehicle race. The announcement was published via the California State Portal.
Why it matters
California remains the largest US EV market and its incentive programmes directly influence charging demand forecasts, network planning and procurement timelines for CPOs operating across the state.