Daily EV news · US · 14 October 2026
EV Charging
Arizona opens first three federally funded EV charging stations, plans 49 more sites with $49 million
Arizona has opened its first three electric vehicle charging stations built with federal funding, including locations in Wellton, Tucson and Green Valley. The Arizona Department of Transportation is administering $76.5 million in federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program to build up to 79 publicly accessible charging stations statewide. ADOT has opened bidding for 49 additional charging stations backed by an estimated $49 million in federal funding, with bids due 15 January 2027 and construction expected to begin in 2028.
Why it matters
The procurement represents a major opportunity for charging infrastructure providers, with 49 sites requiring at least four 150 kilowatt DC fast chargers each and positioned no more than 90 miles apart along major highways. The extended timeline to 2028 construction gives bidders over two years to prepare proposals for this substantial NEVI funded deployment.
Tesla Supercharger prices rise 15% year on year, pushing US fast charging average up 2%
Tesla's average non-member Supercharging price increased 15% year on year to $0.569 per kilowatt hour, according to Paren's Q3 US EV Fast Charging report. Member pricing rose 9% to $0.396 per kilowatt hour. The increase added roughly $66 annually for the average non-Tesla EV driver charging exclusively at Superchargers and lifted the overall US fast charging industry average by around 2%.
Why it matters
Tesla's pricing shift narrows the cost gap with rival CPOs, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics as more non-Tesla EVs gain access to the Supercharger network. The data signals broader industry pricing trends that procurement teams must factor into total cost of ownership models for fleet charging.
Pilot and Tesla open first Megacharger site for heavy-duty electric trucks
Pilot Flying J has opened its first Tesla Megacharger site at a travel centre in Ellabell, Georgia, featuring six heavy-duty charging stalls with up to 1.2 megawatts of power per charger using Tesla's V4 cabinet technology. Twelve more heavy-duty charging locations are under construction, with three sites in Tulare, California, Fort Stockton, Texas and North Las Vegas, Nevada expected online soon, each offering four to eight charging stalls. The partners plan to develop a network of Tesla Megachargers at select Pilot locations along I-5, I-10 and other major freight corridors in California, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada and Texas.
Why it matters
This marks the first deployment of dedicated heavy-duty truck charging infrastructure by a major North American travel centre chain, addressing the distinct power and location needs of electric freight vehicles. The rollout signals growing commercial viability for electric truck charging networks along key freight corridors, creating procurement opportunities for high-power charging equipment and installation services.
Electric Vehicles
Rivian R2 Performance wins Wards 10 Best Engines award for propulsion system
The Rivian R2, a midsize EV crossover launched after the September 2021 R1 series, has won a Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems award for its dual motor all wheel drive system. The R2 uses a completely different platform, propulsion system and battery from the full size R1S SUV, despite visual similarities. Rivian is building out its DC fast charging network under the Rivian Adventure Network brand to support its vehicles, which are positioned for outdoor adventure use.
Why it matters
The award recognition for a new midsize EV platform signals strong technical execution that could drive charging infrastructure demand as Rivian scales production. The company's parallel buildout of its own DC fast charging network creates both competitive pressure and potential partnership opportunities for CPOs in the US market.
Ford opens preorder invites for $30,000 Fathom EV pickup ahead of 2027 launch
Ford has begun inviting buyers to sign up for preorder access to its Fathom electric pickup, priced from $28,350 before a $1,595 destination fee, with official preorders opening in early 2027. The Fathom, built on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle platform, will cost roughly half the price of the F-150 Lightning and is positioned to undercut used Tesla Model Y ownership costs over five years. Ford has not yet disclosed range, towing capacity or other key specifications for the vehicle.
Why it matters
A sub $30,000 electric pickup entering the US market in 2027 could accelerate fleet electrification for utilities, municipalities and contractors, driving demand for workplace and depot charging infrastructure. The vehicle's lower price point compared to existing electric trucks may expand the addressable market for commercial EV charging projects.
Used EV sales rise as 600,000 off-lease vehicles from 2023 to 2025 enter US market
More than 600,000 EVs leased between 2023 and 2025 under the US Inflation Reduction Act's commercial purchase provision are now completing three year terms and entering the used market. Used EV sales have grown for four consecutive quarters as a share of all US EV sales, while new EV sales have levelled off following the end of incentives a year ago. The shift comes as 39 million used cars are sold annually in the US compared to 15 to 17 million new vehicles, with the average vehicle age now 12.8 years according to S&P Global Mobility.
Why it matters
A surge of affordable used EVs could accelerate fleet electrification for businesses seeking lower capital costs, while increased EV adoption across price points may drive demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure. The trend also signals potential growth in charging network utilisation as the total EV parc expands beyond new vehicle sales alone.
NOVONIX secures ISO 9001 certification for US synthetic graphite production facility
Battery materials company NOVONIX has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which produces synthetic graphite active anode material. The quality management standard is used across global manufacturing supply chains as a benchmark, and the certification demonstrates NOVONIX has implemented systems to support commercial scale manufacturing. CEO Mike O'Kronley said the certification provides independent verification of quality infrastructure and reinforces the company's ability to serve customers as a reliable domestic supplier.
Why it matters
ISO 9001 certification is often a prerequisite or strong preference in procurement processes for battery supply chain contracts, potentially opening doors to OEM and tier one supplier agreements. The certification positions NOVONIX as a quality assured domestic US supplier at a time when battery manufacturers are seeking to localise supply chains and meet domestic content requirements.
Tesla sets 15 October livestream for next generation Roadster unveil after weather delay
Tesla will stream its next generation Roadster event on 15 October at 7:55 pm Central time, two weeks after cancelling the original 1 October outdoor event in Texas due to weather concerns. The vehicle was first shown in November 2017 with production promised for 2020, but nearly nine years later no units have been delivered. The event format and teasers suggest a demonstration involving SpaceX cold gas thruster technology rather than a conventional showroom launch.
Why it matters
For charging infrastructure planners, the Roadster's extended delays and focus on performance stunts rather than production readiness signal continued uncertainty around Tesla's premium vehicle pipeline and associated charging demand forecasting. The outdoor event format suggests a technology demonstration that may not translate to near term procurement or site planning requirements.
Grid & Energy
US Interior Department seeks to reconsider approval for 704 megawatt Revolution Wind farm despite full turbine installation
The US Interior Department asked a federal court on 9 October to send Revolution Wind's construction and operations plan approval back for reconsideration, marking the third Trump administration attempt to challenge the 704 megawatt offshore wind farm. All 65 turbines are installed and sending electricity to New England, with full commercial operation expected later this year. The request, part of a 2024 lawsuit by anti wind group Green Oceans, argues the original approval did not adequately explain how the project's impacts fit with protections for fishing and recreation under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.
Why it matters
The challenge creates regulatory uncertainty for offshore wind developers and their supply chains, even after construction completion and grid connection. The shift from national security arguments to ocean use compliance signals evolving legal strategies that could affect permitting timelines and risk assessments for future US offshore wind projects.
Sunrun enrolls 120,000 residential batteries for California grid dispatch
Sunrun has enrolled more than 120,000 residential batteries to support California's electricity grid, delivering enough energy in a record dispatch event to power every home in San Francisco and San Jose. The announcement highlights the scale of residential battery participation in grid services across the state.
Why it matters
Large scale residential battery aggregation demonstrates viable demand response capacity for utilities and grid operators, potentially informing procurement strategies for virtual power plant programmes that complement fixed EV charging infrastructure investments.