Search: New Power

Denver Public Schools has deployed a Kempower distributed charging system at its Hilltop Bus Terminal to support a fleet of 28 electric school buses, including 25 newly added Blue Bird Vision models. The installation, led by electrical solutions provider Winn-Marion, comprises 650 kilowatts of total power delivered through 13 dual-port Kempower Satellite dispensers, providing 26 charging plugs with dynamic power distribution. PowerFlex (formerly The Mobility House) supplied smart charging and energy management technology for the project, announced in August 2026.

Why it matters: The project demonstrates a scalable depot charging model for school districts electrifying fleets, with distributed architecture allowing dynamic power sharing across multiple vehicles to meet tight operational schedules. It highlights Kempower's growing presence in the US school bus segment and the role of integrators like Winn-Marion in delivering turnkey charging solutions for public sector clients.

Summer Fun Inc. will shut down four Tesla Superchargers at 443 Main Street in Gorham, New Hampshire, on 25 October after electricity bills exceeded $32,000 against net revenue of almost $15,900 through mid August. The site, installed in May, charged 69 cents per kilowatt hour but could not cover power costs despite serving tourists travelling between Canada and coastal destinations. The closure comes as New Hampshire seeks to expand public EV charging infrastructure.

Why it matters: The shutdown highlights the commercial risk of high utility rates in rural charging locations, where lower utilisation and unfavourable tariffs can make sites unviable even at premium per kilowatt hour pricing. Operators and funders evaluating North Country or similar low traffic corridors must model demand charge exposure and seasonal revenue gaps before committing capital.

Charge will upgrade its N3 highway charging hubs in South Africa from 360 kW to 720 kW total capacity per site, with dynamic power allocation enabling up to 600 kW to a single connector for simultaneous charging of passenger and commercial vehicles. The expansion, announced three months after the May launch, responds to demand driven by electrified vehicles reaching 6% of new light vehicle sales and NEV sales growing over 500% year on year, according to NAAMSA figures cited by Charge.

Why it matters: The rapid capacity doubling signals that initial infrastructure sizing underestimated uptake velocity in an emerging market now past the 6% adoption tipping point. CPOs and funders should note the commercial vehicle charging capability and the need for flexible power architecture when planning corridor networks in high growth regions.

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.

JD Power's 2026 U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study found customer satisfaction with DC fast chargers rose 12 points year on year to 666 on a 1,000 point scale, with charger availability improving by 27 points, location safety by 18 points and cost of charging by 18 points. The public charging non charge visit rate fell to 12%, down from 14% a year earlier and the lowest level recorded in the study. Three new OEM backed DC fast charging networks, including IONNA, which ranked highest among DC fast charger stations in its first year of award eligibility, have recently launched and performed well on ease of charging, charging speed and charger availability.

Why it matters: The 27 point jump in charger availability and record low failure rate signal that network reliability is finally catching up with deployment pace, reducing a key barrier to fleet electrification. The strong debut of OEM backed networks suggests vertically integrated charging models may set new operational benchmarks that independent CPOs will need to match to compete for site partnerships and driver loyalty.

Peterborough City Council has granted final planning permission for a 10-bay EV charging hub at Parkway Sports and Social Club, replacing a hand car wash. Moreco Investments Ltd secured approval in August after resubmitting plans in June with design changes including revised layout, updated charging equipment specifications, a new power cabinet, and removal of inter-bay landscaping and canopies. The site will feature five charging units serving 10 bays, including two PAS-compliant accessible bays, with 24/7 operation and pedestrian links to Boulevard Retail Park.

Why it matters: The approval demonstrates how brownfield sites can be repurposed for charging infrastructure, while the design revisions highlight the iterative planning process CPOs face when optimising hub layouts for operational efficiency. The inclusion of two accessible bays and retail park connectivity shows attention to accessibility standards and destination charging demand.

A JD Power study released on 12 August 2026 found that only 12 per cent of EV drivers encountered nonfunctional DC fast chargers in the previous nine months, marking an all time low for the US market. The 2026 US Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study attributes the reliability gains to network expansion deploying newer, more robust charging hardware. Previous JD Power research identified fast charging network unreliability as the leading barrier to EV consideration among new vehicle shoppers.

Why it matters: An 88 per cent operational rate for DC fast chargers signals maturing infrastructure that may reduce procurement risk and support stronger business cases for CPOs expanding networks. The data also suggests that reliability focused hardware specifications and maintenance protocols are delivering measurable uptime improvements across the US charging estate.

IONNA, the automaker consortium backed by BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Toyota, scored 807 out of 1,000 in the 2026 JD Power US Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study, ahead of Mercedes-Benz Charging Network at 797 and Rivian Adventure Network at 755. The network, which operates 1,375 ports across 150 stations, uses Alpitronic hardware and proprietary software, with CEO Seth Cutler citing first-attempt success rate as its reliability metric. JD Power noted the newer automaker-backed networks scored more than 100 points above segment average in ease of charging, charging speed and charger availability.

Why it matters: The strong debut validates the amenity-rich Rechargery model for procurement teams evaluating site design standards, whilst IONNA's rapid climb to the top of reliability rankings may influence OEM partnerships and hardware selection for CPOs competing on driver satisfaction metrics.

Private operator Solguara has launched Cuba's first solar powered fast and ultra-fast charging station on the National Highway near Santa Clara, Villa Clara. The facility operates independently of the National Electrical System and offers charging compatible with various international standards, plus free mobile phone and appliance charging for residents facing blackouts exceeding 24 hours. The project forms part of Cuba's official policy to expand renewable energy infrastructure.

Why it matters: The off-grid model demonstrates how private operators can deploy EV charging in markets with unreliable grid supply, offering a template for resilience in emerging economies. For CPOs and developers, the dual use case combining vehicle charging with community power services may unlock new revenue streams and social licence in fragile energy environments.

Finnish technology firm Kemppi Group has established Kemplink, a new subsidiary that designs and manufactures high power DC fast charging cables for electric passenger vehicles and heavy duty transport, plus connectors and supporting systems for charging infrastructure. The products and technology have been under development within Kemppi Group for the past two years, drawing on the parent company's decades of expertise in power electronics, thermal management and ergonomics. Antti Kemppi, Chairman of the Board, said the move is a natural next step in the group's electrification journey as transport electrification accelerates.

Why it matters: The launch adds a specialist cable and connector supplier to the procurement pipeline at a time when DC fast charging networks are expanding for both light and heavy duty fleets. Kemplink's focus on high power transfer and thermal management may appeal to CPOs deploying ultra fast chargers and depot charging for commercial vehicles.

Roadchef has opened six new EV charging bays at its Hamilton Services site on the M74 in South Lanarkshire, served by three ultra-rapid chargers offering up to 360kW via CCS connectors. The location sits on a key corridor linking Glasgow, Edinburgh and northern England, where the UK's rapid and ultra-rapid charger network has grown 16 per cent over the past year. The 24/7 site aims to meet rising demand for high-power charging on one of Scotland's busiest motorway routes.

Why it matters: The rollout adds material ultra-rapid capacity on a strategic Scottish trunk route, signalling continued MSA investment in high-power infrastructure. Procurement teams and charge-point operators will note the 360kW specification and the 16 per cent annual network growth figure as benchmarks for corridor planning.

Public charging operator EVgo will deploy more than 500 DC fast charging stalls at 90 shopping centres managed by Brixmor Property Group, with each site receiving up to 12 high power chargers. The rollout, announced in August 2026, will cover locations in Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, bringing EVgo chargers to around 25% of Brixmor's portfolio. EVgo currently operates over 1,200 DC fast charging stations across 47 states.

Why it matters: The deal demonstrates how retail landlords are embedding charging infrastructure at scale to attract EV drivers, creating a pipeline of multi stall sites for charge point operators. For procurement teams, the focus on high power units and clusters of up to 12 stalls per location signals a shift toward destination charging hubs that can handle higher utilisation.

DC fast-charging manufacturer Kempower has opened eight new charging points at a service station in Astwick, Hertfordshire, funded through a leasing agreement with DLL that covers hardware, installation and maintenance. The site features four Kempower Double Satellites offering eight CCS2 connections, linked to two Power Units capable of delivering up to 400 kW per vehicle. Kempower and DLL partnered in 2024 to reduce capital barriers for operators, with Yunex Traffic providing procurement, installation and servicing for the project.

Why it matters: The leasing model addresses a key barrier in the UK charging rollout by shifting capital expenditure to operating expenditure, making large-scale deployments more accessible to smaller operators and fleet hubs. It also bundles long-term maintenance into the finance package, potentially simplifying procurement and reducing lifecycle risk for buyers.

China's 15th Five Year Plan (2026 to 2030) for power system construction sets a goal of building a nationwide charging infrastructure network capable of supporting more than 110 million electric vehicles by the end of the decade. The plan, discussed by experts from Xiamen University and the China Electricity Council in the National Business Daily, also targets 50 percent nonfossil energy in total electricity generation by 2030 and consumption of more than 2.8 billion kilowatts of new energy. The development of electricity spot, capacity and ancillary services markets is expected to accelerate during this period.

Why it matters: The 110 million EV target signals massive public charging infrastructure procurement and grid integration work across China over the next five years. Accelerated electricity market development may reshape how CPOs price and operate charging services, with time and location based pricing becoming more prominent.

Cyprus has set a target of 85,000 electric vehicles by 2030, up from around 8,200 today, requiring roughly 15,000 new registrations annually. The country currently operates approximately 250 public charging stations, including ten 100kW fast chargers funded with over €1 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility under a five-year public contract. The European Alternative Fuels Observatory notes low recharging power per vehicle, and industry estimates place rural coverage gaps at 15 to 20 per cent of the territory.

Why it matters: A tenfold fleet increase in four and a half years will test whether Cyprus can scale charging infrastructure fast enough to support demand, particularly in rural areas where coverage remains patchy. The reliance on EU recovery funds and new building mandates signals procurement opportunities for CPOs able to deliver higher power and wider geographic reach.

Battery electric vehicles captured 21.03% of Australia's new light vehicle market in the second quarter of 2026, more than doubling from 34,435 units in Q1 to 69,414 units, according to the Australian Automobile Association EV Index. Plug-in hybrids reached 10.58% share, bringing total electrified powertrains (including conventional hybrids) to 49.16% of the 330,111 new vehicles sold in the three months to 30 June. In the medium SUV segment, battery EVs have surged from under 1% to 37.30% share in just over four years.

Why it matters: The near 50% electrified share signals accelerating demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure across Australia, particularly in suburban and regional areas where medium SUVs dominate. Charge point operators and fleet managers must plan capacity for a market where one in five new vehicles now requires plug-in infrastructure.

Battery maker Molicel has introduced the INR-21700-P70X, the first cell in its PX series designed to bridge lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors. The cell offers 7,000 mAh capacity, 340 Wh/kg specific energy, 30C continuous discharge, and 900 W peak power with under 200 microsecond response time. Molicel tested the cell under a supercapacitor-like profile and reports 96% capacity retention after 1,000,000 cycles, targeting the hybrid market which reached 20% of US new vehicle sales and 24% in Europe during 2025.

Why it matters: The cell's rapid response and million-cycle durability address hybrid duty cycles that differ fundamentally from BEV deep discharge patterns, potentially influencing battery procurement strategies as hybrids capture growing market share. Molicel's UL9540A thermal runaway certification may also inform safety specifications for charging infrastructure serving hybrid fleets.

New electric car sales in Africa increased from roughly 4,000 in 2023 to about 25,000 in 2025, according to the International Energy Agency, with Egypt, Morocco and South Africa accounting for nearly 70% of 2025 sales. Public chargers are spreading beyond major cities, battery swapping networks are scaling for electric motorcycles, and solar powered stations are emerging where electricity grids remain constrained. The infrastructure is developing differently from Europe, China or the United States, shaped by millions of motorcycles and commercial vehicles, large distances between cities, uneven electricity access and limited private parking.

Why it matters: The sixfold sales increase in two years signals a nascent but accelerating market for charging operators and equipment suppliers willing to adapt to African conditions, including solar integration and battery swapping for two and three wheelers. Procurement teams and CPOs will need to consider multiple deployment models rather than replicating Western hub and spoke networks, particularly in markets with weak grid infrastructure.

The RAA Charge network in South Australia recorded nearly 50,000 additional charging sessions in the past financial year, a 40 per cent increase year on year, driven by regional road trips and interstate visitors. Sessions more than doubled at regional sites including Burra, Clare and Renmark, while the network delivered enough renewable electricity to power over 28 million kilometres of EV travel. Interstate visitors accounted for 20 per cent of all sessions in April, the busiest month, coinciding with Easter holidays and AFL Gather Round.

Why it matters: A 40 per cent annual jump in sessions, with regional sites doubling usage, signals strong utilisation and validates investment in rural charging corridors. The data underscores the importance of event driven demand and interstate connectivity for network planning and revenue forecasting in Australia's charging rollout.

Spanish renewable energy company Acciona Energía has opened a 42 bay public charging station at the El Faro shopping centre in Badajoz, Extremadura, with 2,000 kW of contracted power. The site features four 240 kW ultra fast chargers serving eight bays, ten 80 kW fast chargers serving 20 bays and seven 22 kW chargers serving 14 bays, using Circutor infrastructure. The station was built in partnership with Castellana Properties, a Spanish real estate investment company.

Why it matters: The deployment demonstrates how retail partnerships can unlock large scale charging hubs, with Spain's public network exceeding 50,000 operational points at the end of 2025 despite grid connection and administration delays slowing rollout. The project offers a procurement model for CPOs targeting high footfall retail locations with mixed power offerings.

Australian supermarket chain Coles has launched a two year partnership with Evie Networks to deploy EV charging infrastructure at up to 30 store locations across Australia. The first site opened at Coles Middle Camberwell in Melbourne, featuring two Kempower dual plug stations offering up to 200 kW shared across four bays. Further sites will launch throughout the year in Victoria and Queensland, including new stores at Orana Village, Beveridge and Annerley, plus the existing Milton Village location.

Why it matters: The rollout signals growing retail sector investment in destination charging infrastructure, with a major grocery chain integrating EV charging into its property portfolio to meet customer demand. The partnership with Evie Networks, Australia's largest fast charging operator, demonstrates how CPOs can secure anchor retail sites through strategic alliances that align charging dwell times with shopping habits.

Kenneth Gibson MSP has endorsed plans by Greenwheel Electric for a solar powered ultra rapid charging hub at Hunterston Port and Resource Centre in Cunninghame North. The developer proposes around 16 ultra rapid charging bays powered entirely by renewable energy, targeting private motorists, local businesses and HGV operators at the former coal terminal site off the A78 near the Firth of Clyde. Greenwheel Electric is deploying a UK wide network of integrated charging hubs using on site generation and certified green grid power.

Why it matters: The project signals growing interest in renewable powered charging infrastructure at strategic transport corridors and repurposed industrial sites. Political backing and dedicated HGV provision may accelerate procurement timelines for operators seeking green energy charging solutions in Scotland.

Yokogawa Test & Measurement has released the WT1500, a four channel power analyzer that measures up to 2,000 V DC directly, removing the need for external high voltage dividers in test setups for electrified vehicles, energy storage and renewable power conversion. The 2U rack mount instrument offers total power accuracy of ±0.038% at DC and 50/60 Hz and supports two input element types: a High Voltage element for up to 2,000 V DC at 300 kHz and a Wide Bandwidth element for up to 1,000 V at 2 MHz. Yokogawa announced the product on 24 July 2026.

Why it matters: Direct high voltage measurement simplifies test bench configuration and reduces error for manufacturers validating EV charging hardware, power conversion systems and battery storage equipment. The dual element design in a single chassis allows testing teams to cover both DC charging infrastructure and high frequency motor drive applications without external dividers.

Milence, the joint venture between Daimler Truck, TRATON GROUP and Volvo Group, has opened two new high power charging hubs for battery electric trucks: its fourth site in the Netherlands at Deurningen-Hengelo and its first public hub in Denmark at Padborg. The Dutch location at the Frans op den Bult truck stop on the A1 motorway was built using electric construction equipment, a first for the company. Both sites strengthen the North Sea to Baltic and Scandinavian to Mediterranean TEN-T freight corridors.

Why it matters: The expansion demonstrates how OEM backed joint ventures are targeting strategic freight corridors with dedicated heavy duty charging infrastructure, while the use of electric construction equipment at Deurningen-Hengelo signals a shift in procurement practices for CPO site builds. The Padborg hub marks Milence's entry into the Danish market, extending cross border charging coverage for long haul electric truck operators.

Motorway services operator Moto Hospitality has launched its Moto Charge hub at Exeter Junction 30, creating the UK's largest EV charging Mega Hub with 100 ultra-rapid passenger charging bays. The site combines 24 new Moto Charge ultra-rapid bays (up to 400kW, adding 100 miles in under 10 minutes) with existing infrastructure from 32 Tesla and 44 Gridserve high-power chargers, plus four dedicated eHGV bays. The rollout forms part of Moto's plan to invest more than £500 million across its nationwide estate.

Why it matters: The 100 bay Exeter hub sets a new benchmark for motorway charging capacity in the UK, signalling the scale of infrastructure investment needed to serve growing EV traffic at strategic corridor locations. For CPOs and suppliers, Moto's £500 million commitment and multi-brand site model (Moto Charge, Tesla, Gridserve) illustrate both the competitive landscape and the commercial opportunity in high-throughput motorway charging.

Bhopal Smart City Development Corporation Limited has proposed 30 new EV charging locations under a public private partnership, with scope to add up to 20 more sites within municipal limits and 10 beyond. The expansion follows a 2025 GIS summit rollout, yet a pilot charger at New Market multilevel parking now stands idle with exposed power lines. Residents and analysts warn that poor maintenance of existing infrastructure is undermining public confidence in EV adoption.

Why it matters: Procurement teams and charge point operators face reputational and commercial risk when early deployments are left unmaintained, signalling that long term service contracts and asset management clauses will be critical in future tenders. The Bhopal case underscores the need for enforceable upkeep standards in public private EV infrastructure agreements.

Less than half of the Government funding allocated for EV charging infrastructure over the past five and a half years has been drawn down, with just over one quarter of 2025's €40.5m allocation used. As of April 2026, Ireland had 3,288 public chargers serving 247,363 registered EVs, while Zevi has pledged €20m to deliver 266 new high power recharging hubs across motorways and national and regional roads through 2026 and early 2027. The figures were released to Sinn Féin transport spokesperson Pa Daly.

Why it matters: The low drawdown rate signals potential delivery bottlenecks in Ireland's charging rollout even as EV adoption accelerates, creating both risk and opportunity for CPOs able to deploy capital quickly. Zevi's €20m commitment and 266 hub pipeline offers a concrete near term procurement window for equipment suppliers and construction partners.

IndexBox projects purpose-built battery storage for EV charging stations will expand at a compound annual rate in the high teens to low twenties through 2035, driven by ultra-fast public charging network buildout. Battery energy storage system costs for charging applications are expected to fall 30% to 40% over the forecast period, with lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry set to capture 60% to 70% of new installations by 2030. The report notes that import dependence remains high for battery cells and power conversion modules.

Why it matters: CPOs planning ultra-fast networks can factor in significant cost reductions for on-site storage, which buffers peak demand and defers expensive grid upgrades. The shift toward LFP chemistry and persistent import reliance will shape procurement strategies and supply-chain risk management through the next decade.

Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd. (PMPML) will begin a fresh trial of electric double-decker buses on 21 July across 10 routes, including Hadapsar to Wagholi and Hadapsar to Swargate, focusing on corridors without Bus Rapid Transit or Metro connectivity. The trial will assess road width, flyover clearances, overhead power lines, and traffic conditions to determine operational feasibility, as well as measure passenger response before any wider rollout decision. PMPML plans to add 1,715 new buses to its fleet by year end.

Why it matters: The trial signals potential procurement of electric double-decker buses for Pune's public transport network, creating opportunities for EV bus suppliers and charging infrastructure providers. Successful testing could lead to a significant fleet expansion beyond the 1,715 buses already planned, requiring depot charging solutions and route optimisation expertise.

Torque News reports that hybrid vehicle sales are outpacing fully electric vehicle sales by a ratio of 3 to 1 in 2026, with the margin continuing to grow. The trend highlights ongoing consumer preference for hybrid powertrains over pure battery electric options in the US market.

Why it matters: A sustained shift toward hybrids over BEVs could slow the growth in public charging demand, affecting utilisation forecasts and the business case for new chargepoint deployments, particularly in regions where hybrid adoption reduces the urgency for rapid charging infrastructure.