Daily EV news · US · 17 October 2026
EV Charging
Ionna reaches 200 DC fast charging stations, 80 more under construction
Ionna has deployed its 200th DC fast charging station, doubling its network in seven months, according to CEO Seth Cutler speaking to State Of Charge. The network now comprises over 200 locations with more than 1,600 individual stalls. Ionna currently has 80 new sites under construction, with many more planned.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion from 100 to 200 sites in seven months signals aggressive rollout momentum for the automaker backed charging joint venture, creating procurement opportunities for construction and equipment suppliers. With 80 sites already under construction, Ionna's pipeline suggests sustained demand for charging infrastructure contractors through 2025.
Arizona opens Wellton EV charging station under federal NEVI programme
The Arizona Department of Transportation has installed a new fast charging station in Wellton, off Interstate 8, as one of three recent sites across the state. The deployment is part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, which aims to build a nationwide network of fast chargers spaced generally within 90 miles or less. ADOT selected locations based on network gaps and feasibility for private operators to own and run the stations.
Why it matters
The rollout demonstrates how US states are using NEVI funding to fill charging gaps on interstate corridors, with site selection driven by spacing requirements and private operator viability. Procurement teams and charge point operators can track which highway segments are being prioritised and how public agencies are structuring ownership models.
Grid & Energy
Illinois incentives stack with federal credits to nearly cover $3 million commercial battery cost
Richardson Electronics announced on 14 October that it is scaling up commercial battery production at its La Fox plant and plans to build a 5 megawatt storage battery by summer 2027, which the Chicago Tribune reported would be the largest connected to the Illinois grid. Scott DuBois, who directs the company's storage operations, said stacking state incentives on top of federal tax credits leaves little of a battery's roughly $3 million cost left to pay, making Illinois one of the firm's biggest potential markets due to aggressive state subsidies for storage.
Why it matters
The near total offset of capital costs through combined state and federal incentives could accelerate commercial battery deployment in Illinois, lowering financial barriers for energy storage projects that support grid reliability and renewable integration. Procurement teams and CPOs evaluating storage tied to EV charging infrastructure should assess whether similar incentive stacking applies to their projects.
California pilot tests vehicle to home charging to cut peak bills and provide backup power
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine's Advanced Power and Energy Program are running a demonstration project in Menifee, California, pairing EVs with bidirectional chargers to send power back into homes. The setup allows drivers to discharge vehicles during peak hours (4pm to 9pm), when electricity costs roughly double off peak rates, potentially eliminating grid draw during expensive periods while also providing backup power during outages.
Why it matters
The pilot demonstrates a commercial use case for bidirectional charging infrastructure that could drive demand for compatible hardware and installation services. For CPOs and installers, vehicle to home capability adds a value proposition beyond transport that may accelerate residential charger deployments in time of use pricing markets.
National Grid upstate New York customers face up to $39 electric bill rise over heating season as gas bills dip $9
National Grid has announced that residential electric bills in upstate New York will rise 3% to 5% during the five month heating season, adding $22 to $39 in total costs depending on region, according to NNY360. Meanwhile, residential natural gas bills are forecast to decrease by approximately $9 for a typical customer using 713 therms over the same period. The net effect leaves many households paying more overall despite the small gas bill reduction.
Why it matters
Higher electricity costs may influence the operating economics of public EV charging sites in upstate New York, potentially affecting CPO margins and site selection decisions. The divergence between electric and gas pricing could also shape fleet electrification business cases for operators weighing fuel cost projections in the region.
California solar owner considers battery storage after peak hour rates eliminate annual bill credits
A Southern California homeowner with solar panels reports that San Diego Gas and Electric's peak rate period from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. has eliminated bill credits they previously received, prompting consideration of battery storage. The system generates 10 to 25 kWh of excess power between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which the owner believes could recharge a battery daily for use during expensive evening hours. The homeowner is comparing a single Tesla Powerwall with a SolArk 15/18 system and 16 kWh of batteries, with plans to potentially add a pool and accessory dwelling unit later.
Why it matters
Time of use tariffs that penalise evening consumption are driving residential battery storage demand in California, creating procurement opportunities for installers and equipment suppliers. The case illustrates how utility rate structures can shift solar economics from net metering credits to behind the meter storage, expanding the addressable market for battery systems beyond backup power alone.
Pennsylvania homeowner banks 3,054 kWh solar credit, covers EV charging with no electric bill
A Pennsylvania resident reported ending their first full year with rooftop solar panels holding 3,054 kilowatt hours of net metering credit, sufficient to eliminate their electric bill heading into winter. The homeowner, who paid for the system outright, also charges an electric vehicle at home and described the arrangement as a cheat code. The account was shared on Reddit's r/Solar community and reported by The Cool Down.
Why it matters
The case illustrates how residential solar paired with net metering can offset EV charging costs entirely, reducing the economic case for public charging infrastructure in single family home markets. It also highlights the appeal of home energy systems to EV drivers, a demographic that charge point operators and grid planners must account for when forecasting demand.
Home battery owner tests 11 kilowatt solar and three IQ 10C battery backup system with planned outage drill
A homeowner with an Enphase system comprising 11 kilowatts of solar, a 6C combiner and three IQ 10C batteries staged a simulated blackout to verify backup operation, according to a post on the r/enphase subreddit. The owner also maintains a secondary backup line with two Pecron E3600 units offering roughly 14 kilowatt hours of capacity connected to a critical loads subpanel. The first year after installation included 23 outages, prompting the test to identify wiring or configuration issues before a real event.
Why it matters
The case illustrates growing homeowner demand for resilient multi tier battery systems and highlights the operational complexity that installers and equipment suppliers must address through commissioning and customer training. Testing protocols during installation could become a differentiator for contractors bidding on residential storage work.
Policy & Market
California's MyFirstEV rebate finds just 32 qualifying used EVs under $25,000, nearly all Ford Mustang Mach-Es
California launched the MyFirstEV programme offering $1,750 off used EVs and $3,500 off new ones after federal incentives ended, but a statewide search by Bestest found only 32 used models under $25,000 meet the scheme's criteria. Of those 32 vehicles, 31 were Ford Mustang Mach-Es and one was a Volvo XC40 Recharge, according to reporting by Jalopnik.
Why it matters
The narrow pool of qualifying used stock may limit uptake and signal to fleet operators and charge point operators that California's second-hand EV market remains constrained, potentially affecting demand forecasts for public charging infrastructure serving budget-conscious drivers.