Daily EV news · US · 27 October 2026
EV Charging
California homeowner explores off-grid solar shed to charge EV without utility connection
A Southern California resident has asked online whether a 120 square foot backyard solar installation on a shed or pergola could provide off-grid charging for an electric vehicle, targeting 60 kilowatt hours over five days. The homeowner, who drives less than 5,000 miles annually, cited a desire for independence from both petrol stations and the power company, but raised questions about panel requirements, conversion losses and the safety of running charging cables from battery storage to a front garage.
Why it matters
The query highlights emerging interest in fully decentralised EV charging among low mileage drivers, a niche that could influence residential solar and battery storage product development. It also underscores practical barriers, including permitting limits and cable routing, that may shape future home charging solutions for off-grid or grid independent setups.
Puget Sound Energy installs pole-mounted charger and fleet unit in Redmond partnership
Puget Sound Energy has installed a dual pole-mounted public charging station at 17725 NE 65th Street near Marymoor Park in Redmond, allowing two vehicles to charge simultaneously at no cost to the city. PSE also deployed a fleet charger for Redmond Fire Department's new electric fire engine and future electric vehicles. The utility is working with the city to identify the next charging location as part of its broader push to expand transportation electrification access with municipal partners.
Why it matters
The dual charger pole-mounted model and free installation demonstrate a utility-led approach to lowering municipal barriers for public charging rollout. PSE's combined public and fleet deployment strategy with Redmond signals a replicable partnership framework for cities seeking to electrify both community access and municipal fleets.
Electric truck charging requires purpose built infrastructure beyond megawatt power, says former Daimler executive
Rustam Kocher, former Charging Infrastructure Lead at Daimler Trucks North America and Chair of CharIN's Megawatt Charging System task force, continues advocating for purpose built heavy duty EV charging stations. Kocher, who led Daimler's collaboration with Portland General Electric to build the prototype Electric Island truck charging station in 2021, notes that public charging for heavy duty EVs has evolved from a new concept in 2023 to a hot market with around two dozen companies now active in the segment. The interview was published in October 2026 by Charged, a publication covering electric vehicle infrastructure.
Why it matters
The insights from a former OEM charging lead and standards body chair signal that heavy duty charging infrastructure requires specialised design and deployment approaches, informing procurement strategies for fleet operators and charging point operators entering the truck charging segment. The rapid market growth from nascent in 2023 to dozens of active providers by 2026 indicates accelerating commercial opportunities but also potential market fragmentation for infrastructure developers.
Mercedes EQS owner reports charging cable welded to vehicle at Electrify America station in California
A Mercedes EQS 450 driver in Murrieta, California reported a DC fast charging cable became fused to the vehicle's charge port during a session at an Electrify America station, requiring a field technician to physically cut the cable to free the car. The incident occurred while using the factory included charging plan, with the technician reporting burned connector pins and disabling the station's other two chargers. Neither Electrify America nor Mercedes accepted responsibility for the port damage, according to the owner's account on Reddit.
Why it matters
The incident highlights potential liability and equipment reliability concerns for charge point operators and vehicle manufacturers when hardware failures strand customers. It also underscores operational challenges around fault response protocols and the need for clear responsibility frameworks between CPOs and automakers when charging infrastructure malfunctions cause vehicle damage.
Electric Vehicles
Rivian electric van spotted in Walmart+ livery, hinting at a fleet deal
A Rivian electric delivery van wrapped in Walmart+ branding was photographed on a car hauler in northwest Indiana, marking the first public sign that Walmart could become Rivian's next major van customer after Amazon. Neither company has announced a deal. A second photo showed a similarly liveried van parked at a Walmart Supercenter in Hammond, Indiana, about 30 miles away. Rivian stock rose more than 3% following the sighting, two days before the company reports Q3 2026 results on 29 October.
Why it matters
Walmart has been seeking to electrify last mile delivery for years, and its previous electric van suppliers are no longer in business, creating a potential procurement opportunity. Rivian is one of the few companies still building a purpose built electric delivery van in the US, positioning it as a likely supplier if Walmart moves forward with a fleet order.
Kia raises 2027 EV9 price by $90 to $54,990 with minor trim upgrades
Kia has announced the 2027 EV9 three row electric SUV will start at $54,990, up $90 from the 2026 model, with the base Light trim offering 230 miles of range from a 76.1 kWh battery. Higher trims use a 99.8 kWh battery delivering up to 305 miles in rear wheel drive variants, while all wheel drive models offer 280 to 283 miles. The Wind trim now includes black 19 inch wheels and Glossy Black paint as standard, and the Land trim now bundles the previously optional Nightfall Edition Package at $69,990, $500 less than the 2026 Land Nightfall Edition.
Why it matters
The minimal price increase and standardisation of features on mid tier trims signal Kia's effort to maintain competitive positioning in the three row electric SUV segment, relevant for fleet buyers and charging infrastructure planners targeting family oriented EV adoption. The range figures of 230 to 305 miles inform site planning for destination and corridor charging networks serving this vehicle class.
Ford Fathom pickup to start at $28,350 with 10 kW home backup and $650 bidirectional charger
Ford announced the Fathom electric pickup truck, starting at $28,350, will deliver over 10 kW to homes via two new bidirectional chargers. The Home Power Station charger will cost around $650, roughly 50% less than Ford's first generation bidirectional unit, and can charge the vehicle during low price periods and discharge to the home when electricity prices are high. The 10 kW output can power a refrigerator and air conditioner for about half a day, positioning the Fathom as the cheapest American EV with vehicle to home capability.
Why it matters
The $650 bidirectional charger price point could accelerate residential vehicle to home installations by halving the cost barrier for Ford's V2X technology. For CPOs and installers, the Fathom's affordability and backup power proposition may drive demand for home charging infrastructure that supports bidirectional energy flows and time of use tariff optimisation.
Waymo plans to scale fleet from 4,000 to 20,000 robotaxis by end of 2027
Alphabet's Waymo aims to expand its autonomous vehicle fleet from approximately 4,000 vehicles today to 20,000 by the end of 2027, according to Semafor citing sources close to the matter. An intermediate target of 8,000 vehicles is planned before the end of 2026. Waymo currently operates more than 500,000 paid rides per week, equating to roughly 125 weekly trips per vehicle.
Why it matters
A fivefold fleet expansion over 14 months signals major manufacturing and deployment commitments that will drive demand for charging infrastructure capable of supporting high utilisation autonomous fleets. The scaling trajectory, requiring around 1,500 new vehicles monthly through 2026, presents immediate procurement opportunities for depot charging systems and grid connection capacity.
Kia holds 2027 EV6 pricing at $38,000 as new EV3 undercuts by $8,000
Kia has announced that the 2027 EV6 will start at $37,900 (excluding a $1,545 destination fee), unchanged from the 2026 model year, which saw a $5,000 price cut months earlier. The base EV6 Light standard range RWD offers 237 miles from a 63 kWh battery, while long range variants with an 84 kWh pack deliver up to 319 miles. The newly launched EV3 starts at $29,890, positioning it roughly $8,000 below the EV6, with the entry Light FWD trim offering 221 miles from a 58.3 kWh battery across five available trims.
Why it matters
The pricing gap creates a clear tiering in Kia's EV lineup, potentially broadening the customer base for charging infrastructure as the lower cost EV3 targets volume adoption. Fleet and workplace charging planners may see increased demand from EV3 buyers seeking accessible public and destination charging to complement shorter range models.
Grid & Energy
Renewables to hit 40% of US generating capacity and overtake gas within a year, says EIA
Renewables will grow from 37.7% to 40.4% of total US generating capacity over the coming year, surpassing natural gas and outstripping nuclear capacity fivefold, according to the US Energy Information Administration's Electric Power Monthly report with data through 31 August 2026. From January to August 2026, renewably generated electricity rose 10.2% year on year, led by utility scale solar (up 20.0%), small scale solar (up 12.0%) and wind (up 7.8%), while wind and solar combined accounted for 21.1% of domestic electricity production and produced 44.4% more electricity than coal.
Why it matters
A grid increasingly powered by renewables strengthens the business case for EV charging infrastructure, as cleaner electricity improves the carbon credentials that fleet operators and site hosts demand. Faster renewable growth also signals more predictable, lower cost power for CPOs planning long term charging deployments.
Tesla remotely disabled recalled Powerwall units without notice, leaving owners without backup power until February
A Tesla Powerwall owner reported that the company remotely deactivated their recalled home battery without warning, only discovering the shutdown during a blackout. After contacting customer support, they were told service would not be available until February, a four to five month wait that raised concerns about lacking backup power during the upcoming El Niño winter. Other owners shared similar experiences on Reddit, with one stating their units have been non operational since April and another in Texas reporting three of four Powerwalls disabled until December.
Why it matters
The incident highlights operational and customer service risks for energy storage deployments, particularly where backup power is critical infrastructure. Procurement teams evaluating battery systems should consider vendor responsiveness to recalls and the availability of local service networks to avoid extended outages.
Fire code requirements complicate garage installations for Tesla Powerwall home battery systems
A homeowner planning to install two Tesla Powerwall 3 units with 18 kilowatt hour capacity faced uncertainty over whether to place the batteries in a garage or outdoors, prompting discussion of varying local fire safety rules. While the Powerwall 3 operates in temperatures from minus 20 to plus 50 degrees Celsius (minus 4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), one commenter reported their local fire department required both a heat detector and sprinkler system for garage battery installations, plus bollards and distance from entry points. The discussion, posted on Reddit's r/TeslaSolar forum, highlighted how fire code differences across US jurisdictions can determine placement options for residential energy storage.
Why it matters
Inconsistent fire safety regulations for home battery installations create planning uncertainty for residential storage projects and may influence product placement strategies for installers and equipment suppliers. Understanding local code requirements is becoming essential for homeowners and contractors as residential battery adoption grows.
Other
North Carolina police stop two riders using Lime scooters to carry couch through Charlotte
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officers stopped two men riding Lime shared electric scooters while carrying a full size couch across both vehicles on South Tryon Street in Charlotte, North Carolina. The department described the incident as a first and shared a photo of the improvised setup, though it remains unclear how the couch was attached or how the riders steered the scooters.
Why it matters
The incident highlights operational and safety challenges for shared micromobility operators like Lime, whose vehicles may be misused in ways that create liability risks and require closer monitoring or enforcement partnerships with local authorities.