Daily EV news · US · 14 July 2026
EV Charging
Bellingham raises fast-charging station fee rates
The city of Bellingham in the United States has increased fee rates for fast-charging EV stations, according to My Bellingham Now. The policy change affects operators of rapid charging infrastructure within the municipality. No specific rate figures or implementation timeline were disclosed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Higher municipal fees can squeeze margins for charge point operators and may influence site selection or pricing strategies for future deployments in Bellingham. Procurement teams and site hosts should monitor whether similar rate adjustments spread to other US jurisdictions.
Bojangles orders 85 EV chargers for US restaurant sites to boost customer dwell time
Fast food chain Bojangles has procured 85 EV charging units for deployment across its restaurant locations in the United States. The move aims to attract EV drivers and increase customer visits while vehicles charge, linking charging infrastructure to retail footfall strategy.
Why it matters
The order signals growing interest from quick service restaurant operators in using charging as a customer acquisition tool, opening a new vertical for charge point suppliers targeting hospitality and retail real estate.
EV charger firm abandons 300 job pledge in Durham, North Carolina
An electric vehicle charging company has confirmed it will not meet its commitment to create 300 jobs in Durham, North Carolina. The announcement marks a setback for the local economic development plans tied to the EV infrastructure sector. Details of the company's identity and reasons for the shortfall were reported by the Raleigh News & Observer.
Why it matters
The failure to deliver promised jobs raises questions about the viability of EV charging manufacturing or operations expansions in the region, potentially affecting future public incentives and procurement confidence in similar projects.
Thompson's Station in Tennessee secures grant for EV chargers
Thompson's Station, Tennessee, has received a grant to install electric vehicle chargers, according to the Tennessee Municipal League. The funding will support the deployment of charging infrastructure in the municipality, though specific award amounts and the number of planned chargers were not disclosed in the available report.
Why it matters
Municipal grant awards like this create procurement opportunities for charging hardware suppliers and installation contractors serving Tennessee communities. The project adds to the growing pipeline of publicly funded EV infrastructure work across smaller US cities.
U.S. Energy adds battery-integrated charger to Volt Vault line with ElectricFish technology
U.S. Energy, a U.S. Venture company, has launched a new Volt Vault configuration that integrates ElectricFish Energy's 400squared storage and charging technology into its redeployable infrastructure platform. The unit delivers dual-port charging at up to 400 kW and uses an integrated battery to store energy during off-peak periods, enabling DC fast charging in locations with limited grid capacity. The system targets commercial fueling sites, municipal installations, fleet depots and logistics hubs, and supports peak shaving, demand charge management and grid-responsive operations, according to a 14 July 2026 announcement.
Why it matters
The battery-integrated design addresses a common procurement barrier by allowing fast charging deployment where grid upgrades would otherwise delay or block projects. Fleet operators and site hosts gain a turnkey option that combines energy storage with high-power charging in a single, relocatable package.
Walmart deployed 368 fast chargers in Q2, second only to Tesla's 1,185 in US market
Walmart installed 368 new fast-charging ports in Q2 2025, ranking second behind Tesla's 1,185 and ahead of ChargePoint (333), Red E (315) and Electrify America (202), according to EV charging data platform Paren. The retailer accounted for 8.4% of new public fast-charging stations in the US during the quarter, despite holding below 1% all-time market share. Walmart jumped from ninth place in Q1 deployments, leveraging its 3,500-plus Supercenters footprint to avoid lease negotiations.
Why it matters
Walmart's rapid scaling demonstrates how retail site control can accelerate deployment timelines, offering a model for CPOs seeking anchor tenants with existing real estate. The retailer's Q2 velocity signals a major new competitor in the US charging infrastructure market, potentially reshaping procurement dynamics for equipment suppliers and installation contractors.
US DC fast charging additions recover to 4,382 ports in Q2 2026 but remain below year-ago levels
Operators added 4,382 DC fast charging ports across 806 stations in Q2 2026, up from 3,521 ports in Q1 but down 10% year on year and below the Q4 2025 peak of 5,966 ports, according to Paren's quarterly report. First half 2026 deployment totalled 7,903 ports, 7.4% lower than the 8,532 installed in H1 2025. Paren noted the Q2 rebound followed the same seasonal pattern as 2025, though consecutive year on year declines and recent CPO layoffs point to an industry shift towards operational efficiency and profitability over expansion.
Why it matters
The sequential recovery masks a year on year slowdown in new port additions, signalling tighter capital discipline among charge point operators and a pivot from rapid rollout to improving utilisation and customer experience. Procurement teams should expect fewer large scale RFPs and more emphasis on site performance metrics and service level agreements.
Louisiana First News argues home charging is critical to EV adoption in the United States
Louisiana First News has published an article asserting that home charging infrastructure is the real key to electric vehicle adoption in the United States. The piece, distributed via Google News, focuses on the importance of residential charging access for widespread EV uptake. No specific deployment figures or policy measures were cited in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
For CPOs and procurement teams, the emphasis on home charging may signal shifts in public funding priorities or reduced demand for workplace and destination charging projects. Understanding residential charging trends helps contractors position services and anticipate where public infrastructure investment will concentrate.
Connecticut to install EV chargers on dozens of street light poles across multiple municipalities
Connecticut is moving forward with a programme to convert dozens of street light poles into EV charging points across various towns and cities in the state. The initiative, reported by CT Insider, aims to expand charging infrastructure by leveraging existing street furniture. Specific municipalities and deployment numbers were not detailed in the available excerpt.
Why it matters
Lamppost charging offers a lower cost, faster deployment model for urban and suburban areas where dedicated charge point installations face space or grid constraints. For CPOs and local authorities, repurposing street lighting infrastructure can accelerate rollout timelines and reduce civil works budgets.
Retail giant to debut electric vehicle charging at Bay Area stores
A major retailer plans to introduce EV charging infrastructure at its stores in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to KRON4. The report does not specify the number of sites, charger types, or timeline for the rollout. The move reflects growing retail sector interest in adding charging amenities to attract customers and support electric mobility.
Why it matters
Retail locations offer high dwell time and visibility, making them attractive sites for charge point operators seeking partnerships. The Bay Area deployment signals potential for broader rollout across the retailer's footprint, creating procurement opportunities for hardware suppliers and installation contractors.
Electric Vehicles
Lucid engages AlixPartners for turnaround as stock falls 50 per cent amid bankruptcy speculation
Electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid has hired restructuring consultancy AlixPartners to lead a turnaround effort, coinciding with 2,400 job cuts and a leadership restructure under new CEO Silvio Napoli. The company's stock price has dropped 50 per cent following market rumours of potential bankruptcy proceedings.
Why it matters
A Lucid collapse or major restructuring could disrupt charging infrastructure partnerships and fleet electrification programmes that depend on the manufacturer's vehicles, while creating uncertainty for CPOs serving Lucid owners or planning network expansions around the brand.
US EV transaction prices fell 4.5% year on year to $56,238 in June, sixth consecutive monthly decline
The average transaction price for a new electric vehicle in the United States reached $56,238 in June 2026, down 4.5% from June 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book data. This marks the sixth straight month of year on year price declines, with manufacturer incentives averaging 13% of the transaction price compared to the industry average of 7%. Tesla's average transaction price stood at $53,107 in June, down 2.1% year on year, the smallest decline the automaker has recorded so far in 2026.
Why it matters
Sustained EV price reductions and high manufacturer incentives may accelerate fleet adoption and workplace charging demand as total cost of ownership narrows against petrol vehicles. The pricing trend follows the end of federal tax credits in Q3 2025, suggesting automakers are absorbing costs to maintain market momentum.
Nissan recalls 3,788 new 2026 Leaf EVs over rear seat belt defect found in Consumer Reports test
Nissan is recalling 3,788 new 2026 Leaf EVs in the United States after Consumer Reports testing on 22 April 2026 revealed that rear outboard seat belt automatic locking retractors may loosen or deactivate early, failing to secure child seats properly and breaching federal Occupant Crash Protection standards. The defect, traced to a supplier and affecting only the 2026 Leaf, does not impact adult passenger use or LATCH child seat systems, and Nissan reports no accidents or injuries. Dealers will replace the faulty assemblies free of charge, with a fix expected this winter and owner notification letters mailing on 17 July 2026.
Why it matters
Fleet operators and workplace charging hosts deploying 2026 Leaf models must coordinate recall compliance to avoid liability and downtime, particularly if vehicles serve staff or visitors transporting children. The supplier specific defect and swift regulatory response underscore due diligence requirements for procurement teams evaluating new EV models for corporate or public fleets.
Aptera announces nationwide repair network for upcoming solar electric car in United States
Aptera has revealed plans for a nationwide repair network to support its forthcoming solar electric vehicle in the United States. The announcement addresses service infrastructure ahead of the vehicle's market entry, though specific details on network size, partner locations or rollout timeline were not disclosed in the available information. The move signals the company's preparation for commercial operations beyond vehicle production.
Why it matters
A dedicated repair network is essential for fleet operators and charging site hosts evaluating new EV platforms, as service availability directly affects total cost of ownership and operational uptime. The infrastructure announcement may influence procurement decisions for organisations considering solar assisted electric vehicles in their charging ecosystems.
Lucid stock crashes 40 per cent on bankruptcy report the company denies
Lucid Group shares fell more than 40 per cent intraday on Tuesday after a report claimed the electric vehicle maker was considering Chapter 11 bankruptcy or going private, triggering multiple volatility halts. The company quickly denied the speculation, with head of communications Nick Twork calling the rumours "completely false" and stating that restructuring adviser AlixPartners has not recommended bankruptcy and is only helping improve operational efficiency. Lucid said it has sufficient liquidity to operate well into next year, according to its most recent quarterly filing.
Why it matters
The sharp stock decline and subsequent denial highlight ongoing investor concerns about the financial viability of EV startups, which could affect their ability to secure funding for charging infrastructure partnerships or expansion plans. The episode also underscores how quickly market sentiment can shift in the EV sector, potentially impacting procurement decisions and supplier confidence across the charging ecosystem.
EV manufacturer misses North Carolina job creation target
An electric vehicle company has failed to deliver on employment commitments made to North Carolina, according to The Business Journals. The report highlights a shortfall in promised jobs, though specific figures and the company name were not disclosed in the available excerpt. The development adds to concerns about EV sector investment pledges in the state.
Why it matters
Unmet job promises can affect local support for future EV infrastructure projects and may influence how states structure incentives for charging network operators. Procurement teams should monitor whether similar commitments tied to charging station deployments face scrutiny or revised terms.
Tennessee EV sales fall to 3.86% of new vehicles as charging network reaches 3,013 outlets
Electric vehicle sales in Tennessee dropped to 3.86% of new light-duty vehicle sales in Q1 2026, down from 4.81% a year earlier, with 2,548 EVs sold, according to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. The state now has 3,013 publicly available charging outlets serving approximately 76,100 EVs on the road, a ratio of 25 vehicles per charger that ranks Tennessee 22nd nationally. Nearly one third of charging stations are DC fast chargers, with 12 new fast chargers added in Q1 to bring the total to 976.
Why it matters
The widening gap between falling EV adoption and expanding charging infrastructure in Tennessee signals potential overcapacity risks for charge point operators and may influence future site selection and investment decisions. With the state's vehicle to charger ratio at 25 to 1, procurement teams must weigh utilisation forecasts carefully as national EV sales also declined from 9.6% to 6.3% year on year.
Austin students' artwork displayed on CapMetro zero emission buses for Earth Day
Capital Metro in Austin, Texas featured artwork by local students on its zero emission buses as part of an Earth Day celebration. The initiative highlights the transit agency's ongoing deployment of battery electric buses in its fleet.
Why it matters
CapMetro's public engagement around its zero emission bus fleet signals continued commitment to electrification, relevant for suppliers and infrastructure providers targeting US transit agency procurements.
Toyota climbs to fourth in US EV sales with 225% Q2 surge, but market remains 36% below year-ago levels
Toyota secured a 4.7% share of the US electric vehicle market in the first half of 2026, ranking fourth among EV sellers after a 225% quarter on quarter sales increase in Q2, according to Cox Automotive's latest report. The US sold 247,226 EVs in Q2 2026, down 36% year on year but up 14.7% from Q1, with Tesla maintaining over 50% market share despite an 11% decline to 242,100 units through June. Chevrolet held second place with 6.1% share, while Hyundai's IONIQ 5 led non-Tesla models with 20,730 sales, up 8.6%.
Why it matters
The data reveals a shifting competitive landscape for charge point operators planning network expansion, with Toyota's rapid growth and Hyundai's resilience suggesting new demand patterns beyond Tesla-focused infrastructure. The 36% year on year market contraction following the end of federal tax credits signals continued uncertainty for procurement teams sizing long-term charging investments.
SwRI and SMU collaborate on nanoscale film architecture for solid-state battery anodes
Southwest Research Institute and Southern Methodist University are developing a design architecture for solid-state batteries, focusing on the interface between lithium metal anodes and solid electrolytes. The work addresses manufacturing and materials challenges that have prevented wide commercialisation, particularly the unstable interface and dendrite formation that compromise battery performance and stability. Solid-state batteries promise faster charging, higher energy density and improved safety for electric vehicles by replacing liquid electrolytes with solid materials.
Why it matters
Advances in solid-state battery technology could reshape procurement specifications for next generation EV charging infrastructure, as faster charging capabilities and higher energy densities may require upgraded power delivery systems. Resolving manufacturing challenges brings commercial deployment closer, potentially influencing long term capital planning for charge point operators.
Bosch secures up to 225 million dollars for SiC chip factory in California
Bosch has signed a binding funding agreement with the US Department of Commerce for up to 225 million dollars under the CHIPS and Science Act to expand semiconductor manufacturing in Roseville, California. The funds support Bosch's total investment of up to two billion dollars at the site, acquired from TSI Semiconductors in 2023, where pilot production of silicon carbide chips on 200 millimetre wafers has begun and commercial manufacturing is set to start later this year. The SiC chips, which operate more efficiently at high voltages and temperatures than conventional silicon, are primarily intended for electric vehicle power electronics to improve range, charging performance and energy efficiency.
Why it matters
Silicon carbide semiconductors are critical components in EV charging infrastructure and vehicle power systems, directly affecting charger efficiency and vehicle charging speeds. Expanded US based SiC production may improve supply chain resilience and component availability for CPOs and OEMs deploying high power charging networks.
Rivian electric van outsold all rivals combined by 70 per cent in US market
Rivian's electric delivery van achieved sales volumes 70 per cent higher than all competing electric van models combined in the United States. The performance establishes Rivian as the dominant player in the electric commercial van segment, driven largely by its partnership with Amazon for last mile delivery vehicles.
Why it matters
The sales data signals strong commercial appetite for purpose built electric vans and validates the business case for fleet electrification at scale. Procurement teams evaluating charging infrastructure for commercial fleets can use Rivian's market dominance as a benchmark for capacity planning and depot charging requirements.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe positions company as Apple equivalent rather than Tesla competitor
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has stated he wants his EV company to be compared to Apple rather than Tesla, emphasising a focus on vertical integration, design and user experience. The comments, reported by MSN, signal Rivian's strategic intent to differentiate on brand and product ecosystem rather than volume manufacturing alone.
Why it matters
For charging infrastructure stakeholders, Rivian's Apple inspired approach suggests the company may prioritise proprietary or tightly controlled charging experiences, which could influence partnership and interoperability decisions for CPOs seeking to serve Rivian drivers.
US EV sales stabilise while global markets accelerate
Electric vehicle sales in the United States are entering a normalisation phase after earlier rapid growth, while markets outside the US continue to experience strong acceleration. The divergence highlights differing adoption curves across regions, with global EV uptake maintaining momentum even as the American market matures.
Why it matters
Charge-point operators must adjust deployment strategies to match regional demand patterns, prioritising infrastructure expansion in high-growth international markets while optimising utilisation in maturing US networks. Procurement teams should factor these geographic trends into long-term capacity planning and equipment sourcing decisions.
Grid & Energy
WeaveGrid and GM Energy partner to open utility programmes for 250,000 bidirectional EVs across US
Grid software firm WeaveGrid has partnered with GM Energy to enrol eligible General Motors electric vehicle drivers in managed charging and vehicle-to-grid programmes across the United States. More than 250,000 bidirectional-capable GM EVs are currently on US roads, and owners with GM Energy's vehicle-to-home systems and proper grid interconnection can participate in distribution-level orchestration, bidirectional charging and residential energy storage programmes through WeaveGrid's DISCO platform. The collaboration supports Chevrolet, GMC and Cadillac EV owners and builds on GM's vehicle-to-grid push launched in June 2026.
Why it matters
The partnership creates a large addressable market for utilities procuring managed charging and V2G services, with a quarter of a million eligible vehicles already deployed. For charge point operators and energy service providers, the DISCO platform integration signals growing competition in grid-services aggregation and the need to align with OEM ecosystems.
Policy & Market
Plug In America survey shows rising EV driver loyalty despite end of federal support
A new survey by Plug In America reveals that loyalty among electric vehicle drivers continues to increase, even as federal incentives are withdrawn. The findings suggest that EV adoption momentum may be sustained by user satisfaction rather than subsidy programmes alone. The survey was published in the United States and reported via Lelezard.
Why it matters
Strong driver loyalty signals stable long term demand for charging infrastructure, helping CPOs and procurement teams justify investment even without federal grants. The trend may also encourage private sector funding for network expansion as the market matures beyond subsidy dependence.
Oregon selects CALSTART to run climate fund that may finance EV chargers for low income households
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has chosen California nonprofit CALSTART to administer a community climate investment fund that could generate $50 million to $150 million per year. The programme allows major polluters, including natural gas utilities and fuel suppliers, to pay into the fund rather than cut emissions directly, with proceeds earmarked for heat pumps, insulation, solar panels and electric vehicle chargers in low income communities. DEQ aims to sign a written agreement with CALSTART by the end of this year, though the scheme faces a legal challenge from polluting companies.
Why it matters
A fund of this scale could unlock significant EV charging infrastructure deployment in underserved Oregon communities, creating procurement opportunities for installers and equipment suppliers. The programme's survival depends on the outcome of industry litigation, making it a high stakes but potentially lucrative pipeline for CPOs targeting equity focused projects.
Arizona AG Kris Mayes joins lawsuit over $15M in EV charging funds
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has joined a lawsuit concerning $15 million in EV charging funds. The story was reported by Mshale and discovered via Google News, though full details of the legal action were not available in the excerpt provided.
Why it matters
Legal challenges to federal or state EV charging funding allocations could delay infrastructure rollouts and create uncertainty for charge point operators and contractors pursuing publicly funded projects in the United States.