Daily EV news · US · 13 October 2026
EV Charging
Seattle City Light to install up to 200 curbside EV chargers by 2030 after pilot success
Seattle City Light and Seattle Department of Transportation will deploy up to 200 new curbside charging stations by 2030, funded by the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Levy. The expansion follows a 2023 to 2024 pilot programme that installed 31 curbside chargers across Seattle, which drew high usage and positive community feedback. Around 1 in 4 newly registered vehicles in the Seattle area are now EVs, but many residents in apartments or relying on street parking lack home charging access.
Why it matters
The rollout addresses a critical infrastructure gap for apartment dwellers and street parkers, a growing segment as EV adoption reaches 25% of new registrations. The pilot's proven demand and levy funding provide a replicable model for municipal curbside charging procurement at scale.
Tesla leads US fast charger growth with 1,287 Q3 ports as national total passes 80,000
The US reached 80,964 public fast charging ports across 14,614 locations by end September 2026, adding 4,106 ports at 664 stations in Q3, according to Paren's quarterly report. Tesla installed 1,287 ports plus 124 via Supercharger for Business, ahead of IONNA with 378 ports and Walmart with 344. New non-Tesla sites averaged five ports, up from 4.1 a year earlier, though Q3 rollout slowed with about 9% fewer ports and 20% fewer stations than the same period in 2025.
Why it matters
Larger average site sizes reduce the risk of occupied stalls for fleet operators and public users, improving utilisation planning. The slowdown in station openings against rising port counts per site signals a shift toward fewer but higher capacity installations, relevant for CPOs evaluating deployment strategies and procurement teams assessing network coverage.
Tesla opens first Megacharger at Pilot travel centre in Georgia with 12 more sites under construction
Tesla has launched its first Megacharger site at Pilot travel centre number 1390 in Ellabell, Georgia, featuring six heavy duty charging stalls. The site is the first under a partnership announced by Tesla and Pilot in January 2026, with 12 additional locations now under construction including three nearing completion in California, Texas and Nevada. Each location will feature four to eight high power charging stalls using Tesla's V4 cabinet technology, delivering up to 1.2MW per stall to enable a Tesla Semi to recover 60% battery charge in 30 minutes.
Why it matters
The rollout marks a significant infrastructure milestone for heavy duty electric truck charging along major US freight corridors, making fleet electrification more viable for long haul operators. For CPOs and infrastructure developers, the deployment demonstrates the commercial viability of megawatt scale charging at existing travel centre locations with established driver amenities.
Tesla opens first Megacharger site with Pilot in Georgia, 12 more under construction
Tesla has launched its first Megacharger site at Pilot travel centre #1390 in Ellabell, Georgia, featuring six heavy-duty charging stalls under a partnership announced in January 2026. Twelve additional locations are under construction across major US freight corridors, with three sites in California, Texas and Nevada nearing completion. Each location will feature four to eight high-power stalls using Tesla's V4 cabinet technology, delivering up to 1.2MW per stall to recover 60% charge in 30 minutes for a Tesla Semi.
Why it matters
The rollout marks the first commercial deployment of Tesla's Megacharger network for heavy-duty electric trucks, targeting long-haul freight operators along Interstate 5, Interstate 10 and other key routes. For CPOs and fleet operators, the 1.2MW charging capacity and strategic Pilot travel centre locations signal a new infrastructure model for electrifying commercial trucking at scale.
Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles displaced 200 million barrels of oil worth $20 billion in six months, Ember analysis finds
EVs in oil importing countries displaced an estimated 200 million barrels of crude oil worth $20 billion between March and August during the Hormuz energy crisis, according to energy think tank Ember. China accounted for $14 billion of the avoided oil consumption, while EU countries saved $3.1 billion, with Germany and France representing the largest shares. Fifteen countries, including India and Brazil, have overtaken the US this year in the share of new vehicles sold that are fully electric.
Why it matters
The analysis demonstrates quantifiable energy security benefits from EV adoption during supply disruptions, potentially strengthening the business case for fleet electrification and charging infrastructure investment. Countries with established EV fleets and charging networks gained measurable economic protection, which may influence procurement priorities and policy support for charging infrastructure development.
VinFast to bring electric buses to US through NexMove service deal
VinFast has partnered with NexMove to deliver electric buses in the US as a full service package covering vehicles, charging, maintenance and operations, with certified deliveries expected from the first quarter of 2028. The agreement was announced at the American Public Transportation Association's TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago. NexMove, a joint venture of Transportation Management Services and Zeem Solutions, will offer a service level agreement guaranteeing 97% uptime, with demonstration units to be placed at Zeem's charging depots before certified buses arrive.
Why it matters
The deal creates a new procurement route for US transit agencies seeking electric buses with bundled charging infrastructure, while the 97% uptime guarantee addresses a key operational concern for fleet operators. NexMove's model of combining vehicles with Zeem's depot charging services could influence how future electric bus contracts are structured in the US market.
Audi US EV sales collapse 94% in Q3 2026 to 1,103 units after tax credit removal
Audi sold just 1,103 all electric vehicles in the United States during Q3 2026, a 94% decline from 18,071 units in Q3 2025, according to EVChargingStations.com. The collapse follows the removal of the $7,500 federal tax credit after Q3 2025. Audi's performance trails even Volkswagen, which reported a 90% EV sales drop in the same quarter.
Why it matters
A near total withdrawal of a premium OEM from the US EV market signals weaker demand for charging infrastructure tied to that brand's network or dealer partnerships. CPOs and site hosts may need to reassess utilisation forecasts if Audi and VW Group vehicles formed part of their demand modelling.
Chevy raises 2027 Blazer EV prices to over $45,000 with native Tesla Supercharger access
General Motors has increased prices for the 2027 Chevrolet Blazer EV by $300 across most trims, with the base LT model now starting at $45,000 ($46,795 including $1,795 destination fee) and the RS at $52,595, while the SS remains at $62,495. The LT and RS use an 85 kWh battery offering up to 312 miles EPA range in front wheel drive configuration (283 miles with all wheel drive), whilst the SS features a 102 kWh battery delivering 302 miles. All 2027 GM electric vehicles now include a native NACS port for direct Tesla Supercharger access without an adapter.
Why it matters
The native NACS integration signals broader interoperability between GM vehicles and Tesla's extensive charging network, potentially reducing demand for third party charging infrastructure at sites targeting GM drivers. The modest price increase and range specifications position the Blazer EV in direct competition for fleet and retail customers evaluating mid market electric SUVs against charging infrastructure requirements.
Einride deploys two cabless autonomous electric trucks on scheduled routes in Ohio
Swedish transport firm Einride has put two driverless, cabless electric trucks into scheduled freight operations with EASE Logistics in Marysville, Ohio, as part of the Truck Automation Corridor Project led by Ohio and Indiana transport departments. The SAE Level 4 autonomous vehicles run on public roads between EASE facilities, monitored remotely by off-site operators. Einride, which operates a heavy-duty EV charging site in California and ordered 500 Tesla Semis in August, is now moving from pilot projects to live autonomous freight deployment.
Why it matters
The shift from pilot to scheduled autonomous electric freight operations signals growing demand for charging infrastructure capable of supporting driverless heavy-duty fleets, particularly along designated automation corridors. Einride's dual focus on autonomous trucks and charging sites, including its California heavy-duty facility, points to integrated infrastructure requirements as cabless EVs scale commercially.
WardsAuto 2026 awards go entirely to electrified powertrains for first time in 32 years
WardsAuto announced its 2026 Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems awards on 13 October in Detroit, with all ten winners using electrified powertrains for the first time since the programme began in 1995. The winners comprise four battery electric vehicles, four hybrid electric vehicles and two plug in hybrid electric vehicles, selected from 26 nominees. Even the most powerful winner, the 1,250 horsepower Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X, pairs a twin turbocharged 5.5 litre V8 with a 186 horsepower electric motor.
Why it matters
The complete absence of pure combustion engines in a major industry award signals accelerating OEM commitment to electrification across all segments, which will drive demand for charging infrastructure as hybrid and plug in hybrid adoption grows alongside battery electric vehicles. Procurement teams should note that even performance and sports car segments now rely on electric propulsion, broadening the addressable market for charging solutions beyond traditional EV use cases.
Washington nonprofit ZEV launches new electric car sharing app across four service areas
ZEV, a nonprofit all electric carshare cooperative serving Puget Sound, Seattle, Spokane and Port Townsend in Washington State, has launched a new mobile app to simplify member onboarding, booking and vehicle access. The cooperative operates a fleet of Chevy Bolt sedans, Rivian R1T pickup trucks and Ford e-Transit passenger vans, with a mission to make EV ownership and access available to underserved communities. ZEV is offering a promotional rate for a limited time to mark the app launch, announced on 13 October 2026.
Why it matters
The app upgrade signals growing operational maturity in community focused EV carshare models, potentially lowering barriers to fleet electrification for municipalities and housing cooperatives exploring shared mobility procurement. Improved digital infrastructure may also attract grant funding or partnership interest from charging providers seeking to serve multi user EV fleets in underserved areas.
Used EV sales surge in US as depreciation makes models affordable
Sales of used electric vehicles are rising sharply in the United States after steep depreciation brought prices down to roughly half their original cost. Models such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, which sold new for $70,000 or more, are now in strong demand on the used market. The shift follows the removal of federal EV incentives and comes as buyers seek relief from high fuel costs.
Why it matters
A growing used EV market could accelerate charging infrastructure demand in areas previously underserved, as lower vehicle costs bring electric driving to a wider customer base. Charge point operators may need to plan for increased utilisation at public sites as more cost conscious drivers enter the market without home charging access.
Volkswagen's US EV sales drop 90% in Q3 as ID.4 production ends and lineup shrinks
Volkswagen sold just 1,421 electric vehicles in the United States during the third quarter, a 90% decline compared to the same period last year, according to the automaker's quarterly report. The ID.4 crossover saw sales fall 92.1% to 989 units from 12,470 in Q3 2024, while the ID. Buzz minivan recorded 432 sales, down 82.5% from 2,469 the previous year. The sharp decline follows the end of American spec ID.4 production in April, leaving Volkswagen with only inventory units and 2025 model ID. Buzz imports to sell.
Why it matters
The collapse in Volkswagen's US EV sales signals reduced competition for charging infrastructure demand in markets where the brand previously had presence, potentially affecting site utilisation forecasts and network planning. With only two models available and production constraints limiting supply, charge point operators may need to reassess projections tied to Volkswagen's fleet growth until the ID. Tiguan crossover arrives.
Ford F-150 Lightning recall repair delayed 11 months due to parts supply, Colorado owner reports
A Colorado owner of a 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Lariat said a rear light bar safety recall announced by Ford in October 2025 was not completed on his vehicle until September 2026, an 11 month delay attributed to waiting for replacement parts. The actual repair took about one hour once the component arrived. The recall, designated 25SB6/25V731, affects 2022 and 2023 F-150 Lightning Lariat and Platinum trims and left the owner without reverse light function during the delay.
Why it matters
Extended recall timelines driven by parts availability can affect fleet uptime and total cost of ownership for operators procuring electric trucks. The case highlights supply chain risks for early model year EVs that procurement teams must factor into fleet planning and vendor negotiations.