Daily EV news · US · 9 October 2026
EV Charging
Walmart DC fast-charging network surpasses 1,000 stalls across 120 US locations
Walmart has reached 1,010 DC fast-charging stalls deployed across 120 sites in the United States, with an average of 8.4 stalls per location. The milestone was crossed this week following new station openings in West Virginia, Illinois and Utah, according to The Arkansas eTraveler.
Why it matters
The 1,000 stall milestone underscores Walmart's position as a major retail host for public fast charging infrastructure, offering procurement teams insight into average site density and the retailer's continued network expansion velocity.
New York City trials lamppost EV chargers as Level 2 solution for street parkers
New York City has launched its first lamppost EV charger, targeting the 81,000 plus electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles registered as of September. The Level 2 chargers can top up an EV in roughly 6 to 8 hours and offer a cheaper alternative to fast chargers for city dwellers who park on the street and lack home charging access. The initiative addresses the challenge of deploying fast chargers in dense urban areas where high real estate costs and lengthy permitting processes slow rollout.
Why it matters
Lamppost charging offers a lower cost, lower complexity route to expand urban charging infrastructure where space and permitting are major barriers. For CPOs and councils, embedding Level 2 chargers in existing street furniture could accelerate deployment timelines and reduce capital expenditure compared to standalone fast charging hubs.
California opens 28 million dollar fund paying up to 100,000 dollars per DC fast charging port
California has launched a 28 million dollar funding round that covers up to 100 percent of eligible costs for public DC fast charging infrastructure, with grants reaching 100,000 dollars per port. The highest payment tier applies only to ports rated above 275kW, despite charger manufacturers' data indicating that the number of plugs at a site drives utilisation more effectively than individual port power ratings.
Why it matters
The programme represents significant public capital available to charge point operators and contractors, though the emphasis on high power ratings over plug density may shape project economics and site design decisions for applicants seeking maximum grant support.
Fire breaks out during dismantling of EV charging station with lithium-ion battery storage in Massachusetts
Greenfield Fire Department responded to a fire on 1 October at an electric vehicle charging station being removed as part of a larger replacement project. The unit contained a large internal lithium-ion battery storage system that entered thermal runaway during dismantling, complicating extinguishment efforts. Crews coordinated with the power company to confirm disconnection, requested Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection assistance for environmental assessment, and maintained a fire watch until a cleanup contractor arrived to remove and dispose of the damaged station.
Why it matters
The incident highlights safety risks during decommissioning and replacement of older charging infrastructure with integrated battery storage, a consideration for CPOs planning site upgrades. It underscores the need for specialised protocols when removing equipment with lithium-ion systems, particularly as Massachusetts reported a record 22 lithium-ion battery fires in September.
Tesla and Pilot deploy over a dozen Megacharger stations for Semi trucks across US freight corridors
Pilot Travel Centers and Tesla are building more than a dozen megawatt charging stations for Tesla Semi trucks along major US freight routes, with the first site already operational in Ellabell, Georgia. Each station will feature four to eight Megachargers capable of delivering up to 1.2 megawatts per stall, located at Pilot sites along I-5, I-10 and other corridors in California, Indiana, Nevada and Texas. The Ellabell station has six stalls, while a separate Tesla Semi station in Conley, Georgia, has also been energised this week.
Why it matters
This rollout demonstrates how CPOs can secure anchor tenancy by co-locating high power charging infrastructure at established commercial vehicle rest stops, reducing range anxiety for fleet operators. The partnership between North America's largest travel centre network and Tesla establishes a template for scaling heavy duty charging along predictable freight routes.
Electric Vehicles
US lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to extend Clean School Bus Program to 2031
Representatives Jahana Hayes, Buddy Carter and Greg Landsman have introduced legislation to reauthorize the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for five more years through fiscal year 2031. The programme, established under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with $5 billion allocated through 2026, has awarded $2.6 billion to over 1,100 school districts across 49 states to replace existing buses with more than 8,000 low or zero emission vehicles. The Alliance for Electric School Buses, comprising environmental and advocacy groups, has endorsed the extension.
Why it matters
The reauthorization would sustain federal funding for electric school bus procurement beyond 2026, maintaining a major demand driver for zero emission vehicle manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers. Continued programme funding offers long term revenue visibility for suppliers serving the education sector's fleet electrification needs.
Coalition orders 2,500 Tesla Semis in largest US electric truck deal to date
The Zero-Emission Truck Shipper-Carrier Alliance Leading Electrification (ZET SCALE), operated by Catalyst Mobility and Smart Freight Centre, has ordered 2,500 Tesla Semi trucks, nearly doubling the number of electric Class 8 trucks on US roads. Founding shippers include Microsoft, PepsiCo, IKEA, Brambles and Red Bull, with at least 15 companies in the coalition. ZET SCALE aims to order 10,000 trucks or more by aggregating freight demand to build market scale for electric truck pricing.
Why it matters
The order demonstrates how procurement coalitions can unlock volume pricing and de-risk manufacturer investment in zero-emission commercial vehicles. For charging infrastructure providers, a fleet of 2,500 heavy-duty electric trucks will require significant depot and corridor charging buildout to support operations.
Mitsubishi launches 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV in US at $37,745 with NACS charging port
Mitsubishi announced the market launch of its 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV in the United States in October 2026, priced at $37,745 MSRP. The vehicle, described as a Nissan Leaf clone, features specifications similar to the 2026 Nissan Leaf and includes a NACS charging port for DC fast charging. The model is available in a single, well equipped trim.
Why it matters
The adoption of NACS charging ports by Mitsubishi signals continued industry standardisation around Tesla's connector, which will influence charging infrastructure planning and procurement decisions. The sub $40,000 price point may drive demand for accessible public charging networks in the US market.
Grid & Energy
Wholesale electricity prices in PJM forecast to rise 41 percent in 2026 as Quanta Services reports matching revenue growth
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts wholesale electricity prices in PJM, America's largest power market, will increase 41 percent in 2026 compared to 2025, according to its October Short-Term Energy Outlook. Infrastructure contractor Quanta Services reported second quarter 2026 revenue growth of 41.1 percent year over year to $9.56 billion in its filing dated 30 July 2026. The EIA attributes much of the increase to weather events including hot summer temperatures and winter storms, with data centres explaining only part of the rise, while commercial electricity demand is projected to grow a further 2.8 percent in 2027.
Why it matters
The parallel between wholesale price increases and infrastructure contractor revenue signals sustained grid investment opportunities, particularly as commercial and industrial demand growth of 2.8 percent and 2.7 percent respectively in 2027 will require expanded transmission and distribution capacity. For charging point operators, rising wholesale costs may feed through to higher electricity procurement expenses, though retail rates depend on additional transmission, distribution and regulatory factors.
California grid operator issues maintenance restrictions as heat wave drives demand toward supply limits
The California Independent System Operator issued a Restricted Maintenance Operations notice for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on 5 and 6 October, asking suppliers not to take actions affecting generator or transmission availability as a heat wave pushed demand in Los Angeles and surrounding areas closer to grid capacity. Cal-ISO said it was not forecasting supply shortfalls but wanted to prepare consumers for a possible Flex Alert, a voluntary conservation request issued when electricity demand could exceed available supply. Southern California Edison said it is monitoring the system and preparing for potential impacts of increased electrical demand, noting very high temperatures can increase strain and raise the odds of temporary outages.
Why it matters
Grid strain events highlight the need for distributed energy resources and managed charging strategies that can shift EV load away from peak hours, reducing pressure on transmission infrastructure. Utilities and charge point operators in high demand regions may face stronger incentives to deploy smart charging and vehicle to grid capabilities that support grid stability during heat driven peaks.