Daily EV news · US · 5 October 2026
EV Charging
Walmart adds eight DC fast charging stations in September with sites ranging from six to 16 stalls
Walmart deployed eight new DC fast charging stations in September 2026, marking a steady expansion pace for the retailer's network. The installations varied significantly in scale, with the largest new site featuring 16 stalls and the smallest comprising six stalls. The update was published in the State of Walmart EV Charging series on State Of Charge, produced with Landon West of The Arkansas eTraveler.
Why it matters
The range of site sizes, from six to 16 stalls, signals Walmart is tailoring charging infrastructure to local demand rather than deploying a uniform template, a procurement approach that may influence how CPOs bid for retail anchor tenant contracts. The consistent monthly rollout rate also provides visibility for supply chain partners and installers planning capacity.
EVgo opens 18-stall fast-charging station in Los Angeles, largest non-Tesla site in city
EVgo has commissioned an 18-stall electric vehicle charging station in Los Angeles' Mid-City neighbourhood, with chargers rated at up to 350 kilowatts. CEO Badar Khan confirmed it is the city's largest non-Tesla fast-charging station, located near Interstate 10. The installation forms part of EVgo's strategy to deploy larger stations in high-demand markets including Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, with high-power chargers now standard at every new site.
Why it matters
The 18-stall configuration and 350-kilowatt capability signal a shift towards higher-capacity urban charging hubs, relevant for CPOs planning site density and power requirements. EVgo's focus on flagship locations with General Motors and standardised high-power equipment may influence procurement specifications and partnership models in competitive metro markets.
Electric Vehicles
VinFast to enter US electric bus market via NexMove partnership, deliveries from Q1 2028
Vietnamese manufacturer VinFast announced at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago that it will supply electric buses to the United States through a partnership with NexMove, a joint venture between Transportation Management Services and Zeem Solutions. NexMove will offer VinFast electric buses via an as-a-service model covering vehicles, charging, maintenance and operations, with certified deliveries planned from the first quarter of 2028. Demonstration buses will be deployed at Zeem EV charging depots for evaluation by fleet operators and transit agencies ahead of commercial availability.
Why it matters
The partnership introduces a new electric bus supplier to the US market with an integrated charging and operations model, potentially expanding procurement options for transit agencies. The as-a-service approach may lower upfront capital barriers and create depot charging infrastructure opportunities for CPOs working with fleet operators.
Toyota opens 30,000 square foot battery development centre in Michigan
Toyota has opened the Toyota Battery Center of North America in Saline, Michigan, a 30,000 square foot facility focused on battery development and evaluation across the full lifecycle, from raw material sourcing to recycling. The centre will coordinate with Toyota's North American manufacturing network, including Toyota Battery Manufacturing in North Carolina, to support battery testing and technology development for the automaker's electrified vehicle lineup. The facility is part of Toyota's broader electrification strategy in North America.
Why it matters
The new development centre signals Toyota's commitment to localising battery technology development in North America, which may influence future procurement decisions for battery materials, testing equipment and recycling infrastructure. Closer integration between R&D and regional manufacturing could accelerate battery performance improvements relevant to EV charging requirements and vehicle specifications.
Lucid Cosmos prototype spotted testing in California after launch pushed to second half of 2027
A camouflaged prototype of Lucid's midsize Cosmos SUV was photographed on Highway 101 in Morgan Hill, California, about 40 miles south of Lucid's Newark headquarters. The sub $50,000 SUV, announced in March with a 69 kWh battery pack and 300 miles of range, had its launch delayed to the second half of 2027 in a decision made two months before these sightings. The prototype shows design elements matching Lucid's June European registration, including a sharply dropping roofline, rear spoiler, and thin red light strips.
Why it matters
The Cosmos represents Lucid's entry into the mass market EV segment at under $50,000, a price point that could drive broader charging infrastructure demand as the manufacturer scales production. The 2027 timeline gives charging network operators and site hosts additional lead time to prepare for a new fleet of vehicles claiming 4.5 miles per kWh efficiency.
Grid & Energy
Home battery market expands beyond Tesla Powerwall with modular alternatives
A review of residential energy storage systems highlights growing competition in the home battery sector, with alternatives to the Tesla Powerwall gaining traction. The Anker SOLIX X1 offers modular storage starting at 5 kWh and scaling to 180 kWh using LiFePO4 batteries, whilst the article also covers the EcoFlow DELTA Pro. The piece notes that extreme weather, rising electricity demand and data centre expansion are driving homeowner interest in solar plus battery solutions.
Why it matters
As residential energy storage procurement diversifies, CPOs and installers can offer clients a wider range of battery systems with different capacity profiles and price points. The shift towards modular, scalable home storage may influence future grid services and demand side response opportunities in the residential sector.
Policy & Market
Massachusetts bill would allow utilities to end gas service after most customers switch to electric
A provision in Massachusetts' 170-page Senate energy bill would permit utilities to cut off gas service in neighbourhoods where most customers have switched to electric heating, relaxing the state's longstanding obligation to serve rule. The language, now a key point in House and Senate negotiations, has drawn opposition from business groups who warn remaining customers could face expensive forced equipment conversions without guaranteed savings on monthly energy bills. The Senate version, led by Sen. Mike Barrett, would also wind down the GSEP gas pipe replacement programme.
Why it matters
The policy could accelerate neighbourhood electrification and reduce utility spending on ageing gas infrastructure, but may create new procurement demand for electric heating systems and grid upgrades in areas where gas service ends. For CPOs and installers, forced conversions could open retrofit markets while raising questions about cost recovery and customer readiness for electric alternatives.
Washington ratepayers challenge PSE proposal for 29.3% electricity and 19.8% gas rate rises
Puget Sound Energy has filed for three year rate increases of 29.3% for electricity and 19.8% for gas service, alongside a request to raise shareholder returns from 9.9% to 10.8%. Around 100 customers attended a public hearing in Lacey, Washington, with one resident reporting winter energy bills now reaching $600 per month and annual electricity costs rising more than 50% since 2022. The proposal has drawn criticism over continued fossil fuel infrastructure investment while household energy costs climb.
Why it matters
Higher electricity tariffs directly affect the operating economics of public and workplace EV charging, potentially slowing site deployment or forcing CPOs to raise session prices. Ratepayer opposition and regulatory scrutiny of utility spending priorities may influence future grid investment decisions that underpin charging infrastructure expansion.