Daily EV news · US · 22 October 2026
EV Charging
Seattle opens applications for 200 curbside Level 2 chargers targeting apartment areas by 2030
Seattle City Light is accepting resident applications for up to 200 new curbside Level 2 EV chargers to be installed from fall 2027 through 2030, prioritising multifamily housing areas with limited existing charging. The city will review applications and select locations in batches of 40 to 50 sites, with design and permitting starting spring 2027 and each site requiring approximately two weeks of construction. Seattle already operates 58 chargers from an earlier pilot programme.
Why it matters
The resident led application process and phased procurement model offers a replicable framework for cities targeting underserved multifamily housing, with clear timelines for design, permitting and installation that CPOs and contractors can plan around. The batch selection approach creates predictable tender windows for equipment suppliers and installation firms through to 2030.
Sierra Club urges Congress to reauthorise NEVI as states commit hundreds of millions to charging rollout
Texas has awarded $226 million for 321 new charging stations under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme, while Colorado granted over $23 million for 270 fast chargers and Arizona opened its first three federally funded fast charging stations. The developments follow the lifting of a Trump administration freeze on NEVI funding after litigation by Sierra Club, states and partners, with hundreds of millions of dollars now committed to charging projects nationwide. Sierra Club is calling on Congress to reauthorise the NEVI programme in upcoming transportation funding negotiations.
Why it matters
The multi state awards demonstrate accelerating procurement activity under NEVI, creating immediate opportunities for charging infrastructure suppliers and contractors. Congressional reauthorisation of the programme would secure the pipeline of federally backed projects that have driven recent contract volumes across state markets.
Electric Vehicles
GM unveils fourth generation EV platform with 15% weight reduction and 20% efficiency gain
General Motors announced its fourth generation electric vehicle architecture at the GM Forward event in New York, targeting 15% weight reduction, 20% improvement in energy efficiency, 20% reduction in total battery capacity, and 25% better aerodynamic performance compared to current technology. GM President Mark Reuss stated the platform will underpin a significant number of vehicles across different segments, with first models expected very soon, though specific model applications and launch dates were not disclosed. The architecture is expected to be used primarily in crossover SUV models, aiming to reduce costs by achieving sufficient range with smaller batteries.
Why it matters
The platform's ability to deliver range with 20% less battery capacity could significantly reduce EV production costs and charging infrastructure requirements per vehicle, potentially affecting demand patterns for public charging networks. GM's focus on high volume crossover SUV segments suggests substantial future charging infrastructure needs in markets where these vehicles are deployed.
Grid & Energy
WeaveGrid launches managed EV charging programme with North Carolina electric cooperatives
Grid-edge orchestration software provider WeaveGrid has launched EVConnectNC, a managed EV charging programme for electric cooperatives in North Carolina, developed in partnership with North Carolina Electric Cooperatives. The programme uses connected vehicle and charger data to analyse EV charging patterns and encourage members to shift charging to lower cost, off-peak times. Two cooperatives, South River EMC and Roanoke Electric Cooperative, are already enrolled and paying out incentives.
Why it matters
The programme demonstrates how software platforms can enable smaller, member-owned utilities to deploy demand management incentives without building in-house capabilities. For charge point operators and grid service providers, it shows a scalable model for partnering with cooperatives to manage load and reduce infrastructure costs.
WeaveGrid · North Carolina electricity cooperatives · Source
Used EV batteries find second life in solar storage across US, Canada and Australia, though new cells pose competition
A video analysis by Just Have a Think, citing International Energy Agency data showing over 90 countries recorded year on year EV sales growth in the first half of 2026, examines how retired EV batteries are being repurposed for renewable energy storage and grid support rather than immediate recycling. Companies are retrofitting used batteries for stationary storage applications, with some units achieving three lifecycles before final recycling, though demand faces competition from new battery technology driven by energy storage requirements.
Why it matters
The emerging second use market for EV batteries creates procurement opportunities for grid scale and commercial storage projects in North America and Australia, potentially offering lower cost alternatives to new cells. CPOs and energy storage developers must weigh the economics of refurbished battery systems against falling prices for new technology when planning stationary storage deployments.