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The 2027 Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback, launching across North America in autumn 2026, will include both J1772 and NACS charging ports as standard equipment on all models, according to an August 2026 report in Charged. The dual port configuration allows Level 1 and 2 charging via J1772 for existing home chargers, while the NACS port enables DC fast charging at up to 150 kW and access to Tesla Superchargers without adapters.

Why it matters: The dual port approach removes a barrier to EV adoption by eliminating the need for home charger replacement when switching to NACS equipped vehicles, potentially influencing procurement specifications for fleet operators managing mixed charging infrastructure. CPOs may see extended relevance for existing J1772 equipment alongside NACS rollouts.

Vertical Aerospace will lead the ECLiPSE programme, a UK Government backed initiative announced on 24 July 2026 to develop high power charging and thermal management technology for electric aircraft. The programme represents approximately £3.4 million in total investment, of which up to £1.75 million comes from government, and forms part of a £43 million UK Government package for aviation technology. Led by Vertical Aerospace with the University of Bath and InnCat Ltd., ECLiPSE will develop charging and liquid cooling technologies to cut infrastructure costs and enable faster aircraft turnaround.

Why it matters: The project signals emerging demand for high power charging infrastructure beyond ground transport, with potential technology transfer to heavy duty EV applications. Vertical is also in advanced discussions on a further UK Government grant of up to £10 million to anchor its first full production site in the UK, indicating a pipeline of future charging infrastructure requirements.

Autonomous truck startup Humble has emerged from stealth with a $24 million seed round led by Eclipse, unveiling a prototype cabless electric hauler designed for freight transportation. The Humble Hauler is built on a universal platform supporting multiple configurations, with the first vehicle designed to move shipping containers and featuring 360 degree sensor coverage using camera, LiDAR and radar for dock to dock operation. The company claims removing the cab makes the hauler significantly lighter than traditional Class 8 tractors, and it uses vision language action models to navigate unfamiliar scenarios.

Why it matters: The development signals a new category of heavy duty electric vehicle that could reshape depot and port charging infrastructure requirements, as cabless autonomous haulers will need different charging protocols and depot layouts than conventional Class 8 trucks. Charging providers and site planners will need to prepare for vehicles operating continuously without driver rest periods, potentially requiring higher power throughput and different queuing systems at freight facilities.

Ever, a startup positioning itself as the first AI native, full stack auto retail platform dedicated to electric vehicles, has closed a $31 million Series A funding round led by Eclipse, with participation from Ibex Investors, Lifeline Ventures, and JIMCO, the investment arm of the Saudi Arabian Jameel family. The company already serves thousands of customers buying and selling used EVs and plans to use the capital to scale operations. Eclipse partner Jiten Behl argues that bolt on AI tools in automotive retail are insufficient, comparing them to legacy automakers retrofitting combustion platforms for electric drivetrains rather than designing purpose built EV architectures.

Why it matters: A liquid, trusted secondary market for used EVs can lower total cost of ownership barriers and accelerate fleet turnover, both critical for charge point operators planning utilisation and site economics. Purpose built digital infrastructure may also streamline data flows between resale platforms, fleet operators, and charging networks as the EV parc matures.