Search: Ember

Walnut Creek City Council has backed a draft Electric Vehicle Strategic Plan that will electrify at least 66 of the city's 175 assessed fleet vehicles to comply with California's Advanced Clean Fleets policy, alongside investment in public charging infrastructure. The plan supports the city's 2023 Sustainability Action Plan goal of net zero emissions by 2045, addressing the fact that 60% of local greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. Councilmember Craig DeVinney endorsed the vision at a recent council meeting.

Why it matters: The plan signals upcoming fleet procurement opportunities in a California municipality under state electrification mandates, while expanded public charging infrastructure may open tenders for charge point operators. Walnut Creek's suburban layout and high transport emissions make it a test case for cities needing both fleet and public network buildout.

Connected Kerb has notified Shropshire Council that it will review charging tariffs across its network in response to significant increases in national electricity transmission and distribution charges taking effect from April 2026. The charge point operator expects to confirm any tariff changes by 10 September 2026, with revised rates taking effect no earlier than 14 September 2026. Connected Kerb is exploring options to minimise customer impact, including new energy supply arrangements and lower cost smart charging services.

Why it matters: The announcement signals how rising network costs from April 2026 may force CPOs to adjust pricing models, with implications for contract terms and revenue forecasts across local authority partnerships. Operators and councils will need to monitor whether similar tariff reviews emerge industry wide as transmission and distribution charges increase.

A free webinar on cable in conduit systems for EV charging projects will take place on 27 August 2026 at 12pm EDT, covering installation best practices, reliability considerations, and project efficiency. The session will draw on lessons from utility, industrial, and EV infrastructure deployments, aiming to help attendees reduce field issues and improve execution. A separate virtual conference is scheduled for 14 to 17 September 2026.

Why it matters: Cable in conduit design affects both upfront installation costs and long term maintenance for charge point operators, making practical guidance on specification and deployment directly relevant to procurement teams planning multi site rollouts.

Australia's Productivity Commission has published its final report on heavy vehicle reform, identifying regulatory and planning barriers to electric truck charging infrastructure as one of five priority areas to restart stalled road freight productivity. The report, commissioned by Treasurer Jim Chalmers in September 2025 and delivered 30 June 2026, follows a AU$400 million reform package and notes that road freight physical productivity has stalled for over a decade. The Commission found that advances in heavy zero emission vehicle technology offer an opportunity to restart growth while improving emissions outcomes.

Why it matters: The report signals that Australia's federal government recognises charging infrastructure barriers as a national productivity issue, potentially unlocking policy and planning reforms that could accelerate heavy duty charging procurement. For CPOs and infrastructure developers, the findings may translate into clearer access pathways and reduced regulatory friction for depot and corridor charging projects.

Municipalities and electricity utilities in South Africa are investing in EV charging infrastructure, with at least 145 public charging stations now verified nationwide, according to the International Council on Clean Transportation. City Power has opened a 10 station, 20 connector solar hub in Johannesburg, while state utility Eskom installed 10 chargers across five sites in August 2024 and announced plans in September 2025 to roll out 55 public stations over two years. Off-grid solar charging is also emerging along routes with limited grid capacity, with Zero Carbon Charge deploying renewable-powered stations in constrained corridors.

Why it matters: The entry of municipal and utility players signals a shift from purely private rollout to public sector infrastructure investment in South Africa, potentially opening procurement opportunities for CPOs and equipment suppliers. Off-grid solar deployments address grid constraints and offer a model for charging expansion in capacity-limited regions.

Walmart and Ionna are rapidly expanding their EV charging networks in the United States with pricing below market averages, according to Chargenomics data. Walmart is deploying 400 kW Alpitronic chargers with both NACS and CCS plugs, offering a 10% discount to Walmart+ members, and has installed hundreds of chargers in recent months. Ionna, backed by eight automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, has committed to building 30,000 fast chargers across the United States and Canada by 2030.

Why it matters: The combination of aggressive network expansion and competitive pricing from two major players signals a potential shift in the EV charging market towards price competition, which could influence procurement strategies and site selection for charge point operators. Walmart's rapid rollout demonstrates the viability of retail-anchored charging sites, while Ionna's automaker backing and 30,000-charger target represents significant new supply entering the market.

Bihar has begun a site survey for 129 EV charging stations across 23 districts, with a BHEL team assessing 72 locations in Patna, Gaya, Vaishali, Purnia, Nalanda and Chhapra from 17 to 20 August. The project is part of the PM E-DRIVE scheme, launched in September 2024 with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore, of which Rs 2,000 crore is allocated for public EV charging infrastructure. Bihar currently has more than 5.1 lakh electric vehicles on its roads.

Why it matters: The survey marks the start of a major procurement opportunity in Bihar, with 129 stations planned in the first phase and a Rs 2,000 crore national fund backing public charging rollout. CPOs and contractors should track the site assessment outcomes, as the state intends to prioritise highways and urban areas in a phased deployment.

Peterborough City Council has granted final planning permission for a 10-bay EV charging hub at Parkway Sports and Social Club, following a revised application by Moreco Investments Ltd in June. The scheme features five charging units serving 10 bays, including two PAS-compliant accessible bays, with officers approving the updated design in August after initial approval in November last year. The 24/7 facility will connect to Boulevard Retail Park and supports the council's Net Zero commitments and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's regional charging strategy.

Why it matters: The approval clears the way for construction of a mid-sized hub in a retail catchment area, offering accessible charging infrastructure that aligns with local and regional decarbonisation targets. For CPOs and installers, the project demonstrates how design refinements such as removing canopies and landscaping can streamline planning approvals while maintaining accessibility standards.

Woolworths New Zealand has launched a commercial EV charging facility to support its expanding electric delivery fleet, which has grown from three trucks in November to 27 by the end of this month. The fleet is projected to reach 800,000 kilometres by the end of August and one million kilometres by December 2026. Managing Director Sally Copland said the retailer is leading last mile home delivery decarbonisation, building on seven years of testing that began with a pioneering fleet in 2019.

Why it matters: The charging hub and rapid fleet expansion demonstrate how major retailers are investing in dedicated depot infrastructure to support commercial EV operations at scale. The project offers procurement teams a case study in phased fleet electrification, with real world mileage data informing infrastructure sizing and rollout timelines.

The Union Government told the Rajya Sabha on 7 August that Jammu and Kashmir has 295 electric vehicle charging stations, part of a national total of 52,718 installations as of 29 July 2026. Neighbouring Ladakh has 25 charging points. The Centre does not maintain a centralised record distinguishing fast charging from slow charging facilities, and the establishment of EV charging stations has been de licensed under Ministry of Power guidelines issued on 17 September 2024, allowing private entities to install infrastructure.

Why it matters: The de licensing policy and absence of a central fast versus slow charging register signal an open but data light procurement environment for CPOs expanding in Indian Union Territories. Jammu and Kashmir's 295 points offer a baseline for operators assessing regional rollout pace and site density in emerging markets.

Hertsmere Borough Council is funding upgrades to Newberries Car Park that include new electric vehicle charging bays, full resurfacing, and improved CCTV and signage. Installation of the EV charging bays is scheduled to begin in the week starting 3 August 2026, with resurfacing work planned for early September 2026. The construction period will reduce available parking spaces, though the council has committed to minimising disruption through traffic management measures and advance notices.

Why it matters: The project signals continued local authority investment in public charging infrastructure, with a clear timeline for procurement and installation teams working on council funded schemes. The phased delivery schedule and planned traffic management offer a template for minimising operational disruption during car park charging rollouts.

Investment, trade and industry minister Johari Ghani told the Dewan Negara that Malaysia may impose a levy on every electric vehicle sold to create a dedicated fund for building public charging stations. The government granted four years of tax exemptions on completely built up EVs, resulting in RM3.3 billion in lost revenue, but charging infrastructure investment from industry players fell short of expectations. Tax exemptions for imported EVs will not be extended, though incentives for locally assembled completely knocked down EVs remain until December.

Why it matters: The proposed levy signals a shift from manufacturer-led to government-funded charging rollout in Malaysia, potentially creating a stable procurement pipeline for CPOs and contractors. The policy change follows disappointment with private sector infrastructure investment despite years of vehicle tax breaks.

India's production linked incentive scheme for automobiles and components has attracted Rs 443,260 mn in investments by 31 March 2026, exceeding the Rs 425,000 mn target set for March 2027, the Ministry of Heavy Industries reported. The scheme, approved in September 2021 with a Rs 259,380 mn outlay, aims to boost domestic manufacturing of advanced automotive technology products. Separately, under FAME-II, oil marketing companies have made 463 of 482 sanctioned public EV charging stations operational in West Bengal as of 1 July 2026, though no adequacy assessment has been conducted.

Why it matters: The investment overshoot signals strong manufacturer commitment to India's automotive supply chain, potentially expanding the domestic EV component base. The 463 operational stations in West Bengal and the absence of an adequacy review highlight both rollout progress and gaps in strategic infrastructure planning for CPOs and public sector bidders.

Baden Württemberg has launched a truck charging network comprising 66 charging points installed at 14 locations, supported by €4.6 million in investment. The 2024 rollout is designed to accelerate the electrification of freight transport across the German state.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates regional government commitment to heavy duty charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities for depot and corridor charging specialists. The scale and funding model may inform similar freight electrification programmes across European regions.

Transport & Environment research shows the European Union reached approximately 1.1 million public charging points by end 2025, five times the 2020 figure, with available capacity 180 per cent above the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation minimum of 1.3kW per battery electric vehicle. Every EU member state except Malta now exceeds AFIR charging capacity targets. By June 2026, 79 per cent of the core Trans European Transport Network met the EU's 2025 ultra rapid charging target, with Western European coverage above 99 per cent, while 20 of 27 member states had already reached their 2027 targets for the broader TEN-T Comprehensive Network.

Why it matters: The data suggests procurement pipelines for public charging infrastructure remain robust and that AFIR compliance is driving deployment faster than EV adoption, potentially easing pressure on charge point operators to meet near term coverage mandates. Western Europe's near complete TEN-T coverage may shift competitive focus to secondary networks and reliability upgrades rather than greenfield corridor builds.

The Cebu Provincial Board is considering an ordinance sponsored by Board Member Stanley Caminero to mandate EV charging stations at strategic provincial government facilities, including a centralized Green Mobility Charging Station with socialized fees based on financial capacity. The board separately approved a resolution on 6 July to install four charging stations at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Compound, with two at the Legislative Building and two at the Executive Building. The ordinance, presented at a committee meeting on 16 July 2026, is now scheduled for second reading and aims to leverage public private partnerships and a Cebu Green Mobility Trust Fund to expand the network across component cities and municipalities.

Why it matters: The socialized pricing model and formal PPP framework signal a replicable procurement approach for public sector charging rollouts in emerging markets. The phased municipal adoption plan creates a pipeline of potential tenders across Cebu province for CPOs and infrastructure suppliers.

Catholic Charities is deploying four public EV charging locations in Central Washington, funded by a Washington State Climate Commitment Act grant exceeding $3,000,000. One site at 5301 West Tieton Drive in Yakima is already operational, while three more will open in September 2026 at 303 East D Street in Yakima, 2629 Main Street in Union Gap, and 135 S. Worthen in Wenatchee. The nonprofit aims to reduce carbon emissions and expand sustainable transit options while lowering operating costs to reinvest in community programmes.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates how state climate funding is enabling non-profit organisations to enter the public charging market, adding four sites to underserved Central Washington communities. For CPOs and installers, it signals procurement opportunities tied to Washington's Climate Commitment Act grants, with a clear timeline for autumn 2026 commissioning.

City of York Council members are debating whether to help terraced street residents install home EV chargers, as those households currently rely on more expensive public charging points. Liberal Democrat councillor Christian Vassie is calling for support to boost home charging access, while Labour transport spokesperson Cllr Kate Ravilious argues the solution should combine private and public charging options rather than being restrictive. Green activist Denise Craghill backed the push, citing climate change as a reason to accelerate EV adoption.

Why it matters: The debate highlights a common procurement dilemma for local authorities: whether to prioritise public charging infrastructure or subsidise private installations in areas where home charging is difficult. How York resolves this could influence policy and funding models in other UK councils facing similar terraced housing challenges.

Pilot Flying J has expanded its DC fast-charging network to 309 locations with 1,323 stalls across the United States, adding 50 new sites in 25 states during the first half of 2026. The network now covers a third of the company's 900-plus travel centre footprint in 43 states and five Canadian provinces, up from just over 200 sites and roughly 850 stalls in September 2025. The expansion was confirmed by EV charging data platform Paren and reported by InsideEVs and Electrive.

Why it matters: The 50-site addition in six months demonstrates deployment velocity that matches what many CPOs achieve over several years, setting a benchmark for highway corridor electrification. For procurement teams and site developers, Pilot's pace shows how existing fuel retail infrastructure can accelerate national charging coverage when capital and site access align.

Between 2024 and 2025, several charging network operators withdrew from or scaled back US operations, including Engie and Enel X (both exiting in 2024), Shell (halting its 2,000 charger Volta network in August 2025 and selling portions to JOLT in November), while EVgo secured major funding. The article forms part three of a series examining the evolution of America's charging infrastructure market.

Why it matters: The exits and asset sales signal that charging economics remain challenging even for established energy majors, reshaping the competitive landscape for procurement teams evaluating long term network partners. The consolidation creates openings for new entrants and may affect site availability or contract stability for fleet and property operators.

Vietnamese EV charging platform EBOOST has received direct investment from Grab, announced on 10 July, building on a memorandum of understanding signed in November. EBOOST operates more than 2,500 charging points serving over 10,000 EV users nationwide, with its network integrated into the Grab Driver app since April to help driver partners locate stations and reduce operating costs. The investment will strengthen EBOOST's financial capacity to accelerate network expansion across Vietnam.

Why it matters: The deal signals growing corporate backing for Vietnam's public charging infrastructure and demonstrates how ride hailing fleets can anchor demand for CPO expansion. Integration with Grab's driver app offers a model for fleet focused charging partnerships in emerging EV markets.

Public charging infrastructure across the EU has grown faster than the battery-electric vehicle fleet, with all member states except Malta meeting the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) requirement of 1.3 kW of publicly accessible charging capacity per battery-electric vehicle by the end of March 2026, according to Transport & Environment (T&E). Total public charging capacity across the EU exceeds the minimum target by 180%. On geographical deployment, 79% of the TEN-T Core road network met the 2025 requirement for ultra-fast charging stations (minimum 150 kW output) every 60 kilometres as of June 2026, with Western Europe achieving over 99% compliance while gaps remain mainly in Spain and Central and Eastern European countries.

Why it matters: The analysis confirms that AFIR's fleet-based and geographical targets are driving infrastructure rollout ahead of EV adoption, validating the regulatory framework for CPOs planning network expansion. The concentration of remaining gaps in Spain and Central and Eastern Europe signals where procurement opportunities and public funding are likely to focus in the near term.

Driventic, a Voith spin-off active since November 2025, has started production of the VEDS 1.5 electric drive system for commercial vehicles. The update features a 22 kg drive inverter with integrated management unit, automotive-compliant connectors for quicker fitting and maintenance, and motors rated at 240 kW or 320 kW continuous power with peak output to 390 kW. The company reports it has supplied more than 4,000 VEDS units to bus and truck makers since the platform debuted in 2019.

Why it matters: Lighter, faster to install drivetrains can lower assembly costs and downtime for fleet operators, while the automotive cybersecurity certification may ease procurement approvals. The 4,000-unit install base signals proven supply for OEMs tendering medium and heavy-duty electric platforms.

Polestar will unveil a more upright SUV version of its 4 crossover on 2 September, targeting rivals including the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Electric. The model will offer rear and four wheel drive powertrains with up to 536 bhp, a maximum official range of 391 miles, and 400V architecture supporting charging at up to 200 kW. Built in Busan, South Korea, the vehicle emphasises flexibility and practicality with versatile storage capabilities, and orders open in September.

Why it matters: Fleet operators and charge point operators gain clarity on charging infrastructure requirements for a new mid market electric SUV entering a competitive segment. The 200 kW charging capability and 391 mile range will inform site planning and power delivery specifications for networks targeting Polestar customers.

McGill's Buses, owned by Sandy and James Easdale, has filed a legal challenge with the Competition Appeal Tribunal after the Scottish Government rejected its £4.3 million funding application for 33 zero-emission electric buses from Alexander Dennis. In March 2026, Transport Scotland awarded £45 million from the Scottish Zero Emission Bus Challenge Fund Phase 3 to Ember, Stagecoach, Rock Road, Lothian and First Bus, with Ember receiving the largest share of £13 million for 100 Chinese electric coaches. McGill's alleges the government breached the UK Subsidy Control Act 2022 by failing to conduct a separate subsidy control assessment and by funding new competing routes rather than fleet upgrades.

Why it matters: The tribunal case could reshape how Scottish zero-emission bus subsidies are allocated and scored, potentially affecting future procurement rounds and the balance between incumbent operators upgrading fleets and new entrants launching services. The challenge also highlights tensions over domestic manufacturing support, with McGill's proposing Alexander Dennis vehicles while the largest award went to Chinese coaches.

Vimag Labs, a $5 million Bengaluru startup founded in September 2025, has secured its fifth Indian patent for a Virtual Magnet Synchronous Motor (VMSM) that eliminates rare earth magnets by using power electronics and proprietary control algorithms to generate rotor magnetic fields in real time. The company claims performance matching or exceeding permanent magnet motors, though this has not been independently verified at production scale. Vimag reports ten additional patents and fifteen trademarks in the pipeline, with pilots underway involving two wheeler and passenger vehicle manufacturers.

Why it matters: For EV charging infrastructure stakeholders, a viable rare earth free motor could reshape supply chain dependencies on China and potentially alter vehicle cost structures, influencing fleet procurement decisions and the pace of EV adoption that underpins chargepoint demand forecasts.

The UK energy regulator Ofgem raised its price cap on 1 July, lifting the maximum electricity rate from 24.67p per kWh to 26.11p per kWh through 30 September. WhatCar? estimates the increase will add £22.06 per year for smaller EVs such as the Renault 5 and up to £52.12 for larger SUVs, based on 33.3 home charges annually for Britain's two million EV drivers. The publication advises motorists to compare dedicated EV home tariffs, use workplace charging and seek off peak public network deals to offset the higher costs.

Why it matters: Higher domestic electricity costs may accelerate demand for workplace and public charging infrastructure as fleet operators and private drivers seek cheaper alternatives to home charging. CPOs offering competitive off peak or bundled tariffs could gain market share during the cap period and beyond.

Electric vehicle sales in the United States rose 14.2% quarter on quarter to 247,226 units between April and June, the strongest quarterly result since the federal EV tax credit expired in September, according to Cox Automotive data released on Friday. Sales remained 20.5% lower than the same period a year earlier when the incentive was active, but the sequential growth signals market stabilisation after the policy change. Tesla led with 124,800 units sold in Q2, up 6.4% from Q1 2026 but down 9.6% from Q4 2025.

Why it matters: Recovering EV sales volumes suggest sustained demand for charging infrastructure despite the loss of federal purchase incentives, with state level programmes and new model launches now driving uptake. Charge point operators can expect steadier utilisation growth as the market finds a new baseline after last year's correction.

Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation's failure to issue work orders for 4,500 electric buses under the PM E-DRIVE scheme has prompted six states and cities to request 4,220 additional buses, including 2,000 from Andhra Pradesh, 600 from Hyderabad, 500 from Surat, 900 from Rajasthan, 200 from Jammu and Kashmir, and 20 from Meghalaya. Despite the Centre completing the tender process in December 2025 and finalising bids with Greencell Mobility, Chartered Speed, and PMI Electro as lowest bidders, BMTC still awaits Karnataka Cabinet approval to issue Letters of Award. Moneycontrol reports the Union Ministry of Heavy Industries may reallocate Bengaluru's sanctioned fleet if delays continue.

Why it matters: The impasse demonstrates how state level approval bottlenecks can jeopardise large scale e-bus procurements, potentially shifting 4,500 units worth of manufacturing and deployment contracts to competing jurisdictions. Operators and OEMs tracking India's PM E-DRIVE pipeline face uncertainty over whether Karnataka's allocation will proceed or be redistributed among the six requesting states.