Daily EV news · US · 18 October 2026
EV Charging
Tesla owner completes Alaska camping loop for $190 despite limited charging past Anchorage
A Tesla Model Y Long Range owner completed a late August camping trip from Anchorage to Denali to Seward and back for approximately $190 in charging costs, averaging 3.5 miles per kilowatt hour. The journey relied on new Superchargers on the Anchorage to Denali route and four 50 kilowatt Recharge Alaska dispensers between Anchorage and Seward after a ChargePoint fast charger in Seward became inoperative. Anchorage has only one Supercharger location, where vandals had cut cables on half the dispensers.
Why it matters
The account highlights both infrastructure gaps and resilience in remote US charging networks, showing that strategic placement of mid power chargers can enable long distance EV travel even where coverage is sparse. Cable vandalism at the sole Anchorage Supercharger underscores security and redundancy challenges for charge point operators expanding into lower density markets.
Florida considers redirecting EV charger funds to flying car research
Florida's state government is exploring a shift of funding originally allocated for electric vehicle chargers towards research into flying cars, according to a report by Craig Pittman in the Florida Phoenix. The proposal has drawn criticism for prioritising speculative technology over established charging infrastructure. The article also discusses Tesla's unveiling of a second iteration Roadster, though specific technical details were not provided in the excerpt.
Why it matters
Any reallocation of state EV charging funds could delay network buildout in Florida, affecting procurement timelines and CPO expansion plans. The move signals potential policy uncertainty for operators planning infrastructure investments in the state.
Duke Energy Florida EV off-peak charging scheme pays out $1.5 million in credits since 2022 launch
Duke Energy Florida's Off-Peak Charging Credit program, launched in 2022, has distributed $1.5 million to residential EV drivers who charge during lower demand hours. Participants using Level 2 chargers receive $7.50 monthly credits, totalling $90 per year for one vehicle or up to $180 annually for households enrolling two EVs. Weekday off-peak windows run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., with all weekend and holiday hours qualifying, according to a PRNewswire release.
Why it matters
The scheme demonstrates how utilities in high EV adoption states (Florida ranks second nationally for registrations) use financial incentives to shift residential charging load away from peak periods. For charge point operators and grid planners, the $1.5 million payout signals material customer engagement with time of use tariffs that reduce infrastructure strain.
Electric Vehicles
American Battery Solutions launches 800 V Aventor platform for heavy-duty vehicles with US-sourced cells
Komatsu-owned American Battery Solutions has introduced Aventor, an 800 V battery platform for commercial and industrial OEMs, assembled in the US with domestically sourced cells to meet Build America, Buy America requirements. The system stores 113 kWh and delivers 358 kW peak discharge power, with energy density of 300 Wh/L and specific energy up to 200 Wh/kg. Two form factors are available: a Chassis-Integrated Pack measuring 2,090 x 634 x 285 mm for frame rail or roof mounting, and a Hyper-Rugged Cube Pack for high-vibration environments.
Why it matters
The BABA-compliant platform addresses procurement requirements for federally funded heavy-duty electrification projects in the US. The wire-free battery management system and dual form factors offer OEMs flexibility for diverse commercial vehicle applications, potentially expanding the supplier base for charging infrastructure operators serving heavy-duty fleets.
Grid & Energy
Tesla secures 90% of output from 450 MW Arizona solar plant before construction starts
ContourGlobal launched construction of Project Sterling, a 450 MW solar facility with battery storage in Mohave County, Arizona, on 6 October. Tesla has already committed to purchasing approximately 90% of the plant's future output. The site will cover more than 800 hectares and feature over 760,000 solar panels, with commissioning expected in 2028.
Why it matters
The deal shows a major EV maker locking in clean generation capacity years ahead of delivery, a model that could inform how charge point operators secure renewable power for large scale networks in Europe and beyond.