Daily EV news · US · 11 October 2026
EV Charging
Oregon to California EV trip highlights fast charging price rises despite improved network coverage
Transport Evolved documented a Ford F-150 Lightning journey down Interstate 5 showing that while routing has become easier, Electrify America pricing in Oregon has risen from 43 cents per kilowatt hour in 2022 to 61 cents, with some California sites charging 69 cents plus demand charges. A nearly 100 kilowatt hour session at Seven Feathers in southern Oregon cost two and a half to three times the equivalent home charging rate.
Why it matters
Rising public charging costs relative to home rates may affect EV adoption and highlight pricing transparency issues, with users calling for roadside price displays similar to petrol stations. The gap between network availability and cost competitiveness presents a challenge for CPOs balancing infrastructure expansion with user affordability.
EV Realty acquires Inland Empire site for electric semi truck charging hub
EV Realty has announced a new electric semi truck charging hub at 2151 E. Philadelphia Street in California's Inland Empire, described as the West Coast's largest warehousing submarket. The site will feature broad turning areas, highway access and trailer friendly pull through designs as demand for commercial truck charging grows alongside rising diesel prices and fleet electrification.
Why it matters
The hub targets a concentrated logistics corridor where fleets are adopting electric trucks from BYD, Volvo and Tesla, creating procurement opportunities for charging infrastructure tailored to heavy duty vehicle requirements.
Electric Vehicles
F-150 Lightning owner reports 9,000 miles of home charging cost same as previous monthly petrol bill
A Ford F-150 Lightning driver posted on the r/F150Lightning subreddit that roughly 9,000 miles of home charging over one year cost approximately $450, matching what they previously spent monthly on petrol for a Raptor. The owner installed a home charger nearly one year ago and fast charged only once during that period. Multiple commenters confirmed similar savings, though outcomes vary by local electricity rates.
Why it matters
The case illustrates total cost of ownership advantages that can drive fleet electrification decisions and underscores the importance of home charging infrastructure in achieving operational savings. Wide variation in utility pricing means CPOs and site hosts must tailor business models to local tariff structures to replicate these economics at scale.
Kia EV3 arrives at US dealerships after Mexico production announcement
The Kia EV3, which won World Car of the Year in 2025 and the Golden Steering Wheel award in 2024, is now available at US dealerships. The model will be built in Mexico for the North American market, as announced two months prior. The EV3 was initially launched three years ago with no indication it would reach the US market.
Why it matters
A World Car of the Year winner entering US showrooms signals fresh competition in the compact EV segment, potentially driving demand for charging infrastructure scaled to smaller, more efficient vehicles. CPOs and site hosts may see new traffic patterns if the model gains traction despite traditional US preference for larger vehicles.
Tesla enables bidirectional charging for new Model 3 and Model Y orders in US with Powerwall 3
Tesla has extended its PowerShare home backup feature to new Model 3 and Model Y vehicles ordered from 1 October 2026 onwards in the US and Puerto Rico, previously available only on the Cybertruck. The capability requires a Powerwall 3 home battery and compatible charger, with Tesla stating the setup can extend home backup by over two days using the vehicle's battery.
Why it matters
This marks a significant expansion of vehicle to home charging infrastructure in the residential market, potentially driving demand for integrated Tesla energy systems. For charging point operators and installers, it signals growing competition from OEM controlled bidirectional solutions that bypass third party hardware.
Grid & Energy
Tesla Powerwall autonomously grid-charged before peak rates to offset low solar yield in Arizona
A Tesla Powerwall owner in Tucson, Arizona, reported that the battery began charging from the grid at around 2:30 p.m. on a rainy day, ahead of a 3 to 7 p.m. peak rate window, after solar generation fell short. The homeowner had set the system to Saving mode and disabled Stormwatch, allowing the Powerwall to draw enough grid power to cover the high cost period. The case, shared on Reddit's r/Powerwall forum, illustrates how residential storage can automatically balance low renewable output with time of use tariffs.
Why it matters
The example shows demand side flexibility in action, with home batteries responding to tariff signals and weather conditions without manual intervention. For CPOs and utilities, it underscores the growing role of behind the meter storage in load shifting and the need for rate structures that reward or integrate such behaviour at scale.