Search: The Driven

Published stories matching “The Driven”.

  • Lubricant maker Gulf Oil India Ltd plans to invest ₹50 crore to nearly double manufacturing capacity at its Ahmedabad electric vehicle charger facility to around 3,000 DC fast chargers from 1,800 units, managing director and chief executive Ravi Chawla told Mint. The expansion is driven by growing demand from the electric bus sector.

    Why it matters: The capacity increase signals strengthening domestic supply chains for DC fast charging hardware in India, potentially improving lead times and pricing for CPOs and fleet operators procuring equipment. The e-bus focus reflects where public charging infrastructure investment is concentrating in the Indian market.

    Gulf OilIndia24 Aug 2026Source
  • JD Power's sixth annual U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study shows DC fast charging satisfaction rose 12 points to 666 on a 1,000 point scale, driven by improvements in charger availability (up 27 points), safety perceptions (up 18 points) and charging cost views (up 18 points). The study also found that the percentage of drivers unable to charge upon arrival fell to its lowest level since tracking began. Public Level 2 charging satisfaction declined 12 points to 595, with ease of payment and ease of charging cited as problem areas.

    Why it matters: The widening performance gap between DC fast charging and Level 2 networks signals where procurement budgets and site development efforts are delivering measurable user outcomes, helping CPOs and funders prioritise hardware, location and payment system investments. Lower failure to charge rates at DC sites also reduce operational risk for charge point operators expanding public networks.

    United States22 Aug 2026Source
  • 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.

    ChargeSouth Africa21 Aug 2026Source
  • A new market report projects the global public charging service sector will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 34.2% through 2026, driven by rising electric vehicle adoption, technological advancements and infrastructure investment. The forecast positions public charging as a critical component of the evolving electric mobility ecosystem.

    Why it matters: The 34.2% CAGR signals robust market expansion for charge point operators and infrastructure developers, indicating strong commercial opportunities and potential procurement activity as governments and private investors scale up charging networks to meet accelerating EV demand.

    Global10 Aug 2026Source
  • 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.

    Australia30 Jul 2026Source
  • Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating in Assam, India, driven by daily cost savings rather than state incentives, according to drivers and experts. E-autorickshaw driver Tasem Ali covers almost 100 kilometres per charge and reports lower running costs than diesel alternatives, though monthly instalments on vehicles costing around Rs 4 lakh remain a burden. Assam's 2021 EV policy promised subsidies, tax waivers and registration fee exemptions, but several owners report not receiving subsidies or lacking clarity on benefits, while poor charging infrastructure, limited financing and range anxiety continue to slow adoption, especially for four-wheelers.

    Why it matters: The gap between EV uptake and policy delivery in Assam signals that organic demand from total cost of ownership is outrunning public infrastructure and incentive programmes, a pattern that may inform procurement priorities and financing models for charge point operators entering similar emerging markets. The reliance on home charging and the 100 kilometre daily range of three-wheelers also highlight where public charging investment may lag real user behaviour.

    India28 Jul 2026Source
  • Driventic has launched the VEDS 2.2, a 275 kg integrated electric drive system for medium to heavy duty commercial vehicles, including trucks, buses and coaches. The system combines a high speed EVO 390 motor, inverter and single stage planetary gear unit into one unit, designed for both new builds and retrofit projects. The drive unit is compatible with existing diesel vehicle rear axles without modification, reducing retrofit investment requirements.

    Why it matters: The system's compatibility with conventional axles and simplified integration interfaces lower the technical and capital barriers for fleet operators and OEMs pursuing commercial vehicle electrification or retrofit programmes. Its IP6K9K rating and compact design address durability and space constraints in heavy duty applications.

    Driventic23 Jul 2026Source
  • South Africa operates approximately 300 charging points, a stark contrast to China's over 20 million and the United States' 250,000, according to data cited by The South African. Despite the limited charging network, consumers are purchasing electric vehicles, driven by rising fuel prices and reduced load shedding. The article questions who is buying EVs in a market with minimal public charging infrastructure.

    Why it matters: The 300 point figure underscores a critical infrastructure shortfall for charge point operators and installers targeting South Africa, where demand is emerging faster than the network can support it. Procurement teams and funders face a clear gap between consumer interest and the charging capacity needed to sustain EV adoption.

    South Africa22 Jul 2026Source
  • The International Transport Forum has published a report calling on governments to take a more proactive role in planning and regulating publicly accessible EV charging infrastructure. The report notes that electric vehicles now account for more than 20% of new vehicle sales globally, and the stock of publicly accessible chargers nearly doubled between 2022 and 2024 as governments shifted from market led to policy driven deployment. The ITF recommends integrating charging infrastructure into transport, energy and urban planning from the outset, reserving land and strengthening grid capacity ahead of demand, and using concession models with competitive tenders for private operators.

    Why it matters: The report signals a shift towards coordinated government planning for charging networks, which could reshape procurement strategies and create more structured tender opportunities for charge point operators. Early land reservation and grid capacity planning may reduce deployment risks and accelerate project timelines for infrastructure providers.

    ITFGlobal22 Jul 2026Source
  • The U.S. electric vehicle charging station market is valued at USD 22.52 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 190.45 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 23.8% from 2026 to 2035. The expansion is driven by rising EV adoption among consumers and businesses, substantial federal and state incentives, and efforts to reduce range anxiety through expanded charging infrastructure.

    Why it matters: The forecast signals a near ninefold increase in market value over the next decade, indicating sustained procurement opportunities across residential, commercial and public charging segments. CPOs and contractors can expect continued demand for Level 2 and DC fast charging installations as the U.S. builds out networks to support zero emission transport.

    Precedence ResearchUnited States20 Jul 2026Source
  • 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.

    Global15 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • A market research report published via openPR.com projects the global wireless electric vehicle charging market will surpass USD 4.42 billion. The forecast covers growth driven by advances in inductive charging technology and rising EV adoption worldwide.

    Why it matters: For CPOs and procurement teams, the projection signals growing commercial viability of wireless charging infrastructure, potentially opening new deployment models and partnership opportunities beyond traditional plug in solutions.

    Global15 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • Canada's public DC fast-charging network grew by 390 ports across 99 stations between April and June 2026, a 30 per cent increase year on year, according to Paren's Q2 2026 report. Quebec led deployment with 44 new stations, followed by Ontario with 21 and British Columbia with 18, while Tesla added 98 ports during the quarter. National utilization fell to 9.5 per cent from 11.3 per cent in Q1 as infrastructure expansion outpaced demand, driven by new port additions and weaker EV sales following 2025 incentive cuts, though reliability improved slightly to 91.2 per cent.

    Why it matters: The widening gap between charging capacity and utilization signals potential revenue pressure for CPOs and may influence site selection and investment timing as the market absorbs new infrastructure. Sustained reliability above 90 per cent in key provinces offers a competitive benchmark for operators tendering on public contracts.

    Canada15 Jul 2026Source
  • MG has released the MGS6 electric SUV in Australia, with the rear wheel drive Essence model priced at $49,990 drive away and the dual motor AWD version at $56,990 drive away. Both variants feature a 77kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, with the RWD model offering 180kW, 350Nm and a WLTP range of 530km, while the AWD version delivers 266kW and 540Nm. The review in The Driven positions the vehicle as a practical, well equipped family SUV aimed at competing with established electric models in the Australian market.

    Why it matters: The sub $50,000 price point for a long range electric SUV increases pressure on charging network operators to ensure coverage for mainstream EV adoption beyond premium segments. The 77kWh battery capacity and 530km range suggest typical charging session requirements that infrastructure planners must accommodate as volume sales grow in the family SUV category.

    MGS14 Jul 2026Source
  • As of early July, Australia has 1,316 operational public charging sites with more than 4,000 ports, of which 54% are DC fast chargers rated at 50kW or more. Battery EVs now account for 23% of new car sales in the country. Professor Hussein Dia of Swinburne University of Technology notes that no single authority oversees the rollout, which has been driven largely by private investment, resulting in a network with strengths but also clear gaps in coverage and reliability.

    Why it matters: The absence of a coordinating body means procurement teams and charge point operators must navigate a fragmented market with inconsistent standards and coverage. Understanding the scale and composition of the existing network helps CPOs identify underserved corridors and plan deployments that complement rather than duplicate private investment.

    Australia14 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • 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.

    Driventic (global)Global14 Jul 2026Source
  • The UK's new bus, coach and minibus market declined 50.6% to 1,465 units in Q2 2026, marking the fourth consecutive quarterly fall, according to SMMT data. Zero emission bus registrations dropped 37.0% to 388 units but captured 26.5% market share, up from 20.8% in Q2 2025, as the overall market contracted faster. Wales recorded 138% growth to 119 units, partly driven by Welsh Government investment in the TrawsCymru network, while England fell 49.9% to 1,190 vehicles and Scotland dropped 71.9% to 141 units.

    Why it matters: The widening gap between ZEV and diesel bus procurement signals a structural shift in fleet renewal priorities, even as public transport budgets tighten. Operators and charging infrastructure planners must prepare for a market where zero emission vehicles represent nearly a third of new registrations despite lower absolute volumes.

    United Kingdom14 Jul 2026Source
  • Rivian's electric delivery van achieved sales volumes 70 per cent higher than all competing electric van models combined in the United States. The performance establishes Rivian as the dominant player in the electric commercial van segment, driven largely by its partnership with Amazon for last mile delivery vehicles.

    Why it matters: The sales data signals strong commercial appetite for purpose built electric vans and validates the business case for fleet electrification at scale. Procurement teams evaluating charging infrastructure for commercial fleets can use Rivian's market dominance as a benchmark for capacity planning and depot charging requirements.

    RivianUnited States14 Jul 2026Source
  • Fewer than 1,000 electric heavy-duty trucks operate in India out of a fleet of nearly four million, despite potential fuel cost savings of 65% at grid tariffs or 80% with renewables. In contrast, India's electric bus fleet grew from about 500 in 2020 to over 16,000 on the road by 2026, with 63,000 buses contracted and valued at $8 billion, driven by public procurement. Hindustan Times reports that industry observers now call for a fleet electrification mandate compelling major shippers to convert diesel trucks on a defined timeline, arguing that cost competitiveness alone is insufficient to drive the freight transition.

    Why it matters: The stark contrast between bus and truck electrification highlights the limits of market forces in commercial vehicle adoption and signals that procurement mandates, rather than cost savings alone, may be necessary to unlock India's heavy freight charging infrastructure market. For CPOs and charging developers, a shipper mandate would create predictable demand for depot and corridor charging at scale, transforming the business case for heavy-duty infrastructure investment.

    India14 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • The Washington Post has published a state by state breakdown of how much money electric vehicle drivers are saving compared to petrol vehicle owners. The analysis highlights the variation in savings across the United States, driven by differences in electricity rates and petrol prices.

    Why it matters: State level savings data can inform CPOs on where EV adoption incentives are strongest and where charging demand growth is most likely, helping to prioritise site investment and tariff strategies.

    United States13 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • A market overview highlights five publicly traded companies in India with exposure to the expanding EV charging infrastructure sector, including charger manufacturers, power equipment suppliers and grid solution providers. The piece notes that utilities, oil marketing companies, fleet operators and private players are investing to build the network, with Exicom Tele-Systems cited as a leading maker of AC and DC chargers, charging management software and energy storage solutions across residential, commercial and public segments. The context is India's steady EV market growth, driven by government incentives and stricter emission rules.

    Why it matters: As India's EV fleet expands, procurement teams and charge point operators can track listed suppliers of chargers, cables, transformers and grid equipment likely to see rising orders in a multi-year infrastructure build-out. The overview signals where capital and manufacturing capacity are concentrating in one of Asia's fastest-growing EV markets.

    India11 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • LG Energy Solution is adding production lines for cylindrical battery cells at its Nanjing plant in China, with two new lines expected online in the second half of 2025, each rated at approximately 2 GWh annual capacity. The Elec reports the expansion is driven by rising Tesla orders, particularly for the Model Y, with LG currently supplying around 30 GWh of its 50 GWh total cylindrical capacity to Tesla's Shanghai Gigafactory. The Nanjing site is operating at full capacity, prompting the phased investment to reach double digit GWh totals.

    Why it matters: Higher battery output from a major supplier signals sustained EV production growth in China, which will feed demand for charging infrastructure at Tesla sites and across fleets. Procurement teams should track cell supply expansions as leading indicators for regional charging network buildouts.

  • SINEXCEL has unveiled a solar storage charging solution targeting Europe's heavy-duty electric truck sector, combining charging hardware, energy storage and software to address grid constraints and fleet economics. The company estimates the charging infrastructure market for zero-carbon electric truck fleets could be worth tens of billions of euros, with a power trading market worth hundreds of billions of euros, driven by EU targets to cut carbon dioxide emissions from new heavy-duty trucks by 90% by 2040. SINEXCEL cites four key challenges: vehicle range limitations, insufficient charging infrastructure, grid constraints and total cost of ownership, noting that grid upgrades can take one to three years.

    Why it matters: The solution directly addresses procurement pain points around grid capacity and upgrade timescales that delay heavy-duty charging rollouts, while the tens of billions of euros infrastructure market estimate signals significant contract opportunities. For CPOs and fleet operators, the integrated solar storage approach offers a potential route to faster deployment and improved project economics in the face of grid bottlenecks.

    SINEXCELGlobal10 Jul 2026Source
  • Global EV sales hit 2 million units in June 2026, bringing year to date volumes to 9.6 million, up 7% year over year, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence. Europe recorded its strongest month on record with sales up 31% year over year, driven by government incentives, high fuel prices and a new wave of affordable small EVs, while North America continued to decline following the end of the US federal EV tax credit in September 2025. France, Denmark, Spain and Portugal all set monthly sales records in June.

    Why it matters: The divergence between European growth and US decline signals shifting regional opportunities for charging infrastructure investment and deployment. Europe's surge in affordable EV models suggests accelerating demand for public charging networks, particularly in markets setting new sales records.

    GlobalUnited States9 Jul 2026Source
  • The global electric vehicle charging station market is projected to grow from USD 26.87 billion in 2025 to USD 143 billion by 2035, representing an 18.2% compound annual growth rate, according to a report from Future Market Insights. The expansion is driven by rapid EV adoption, government infrastructure investments, and the deployment of faster, smarter charging technologies including real time monitoring, intelligent charge management, renewable energy integration, and vehicle to grid capabilities. Governments worldwide are increasing funding to improve charger accessibility across highways, urban corridors, and rural transport networks.

    Why it matters: The forecast signals sustained procurement opportunities across residential, commercial, fleet, and public transit sectors over the next decade. CPOs and infrastructure developers can expect continued government funding support and growing demand for advanced charging solutions that integrate smart mobility features.

    Global9 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • The global electric vehicle charger market is valued at USD 18.87 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 212.18 billion by 2035, representing a compound annual growth rate of 27.38 per cent from 2026 to 2035. Growth is driven by rising EV adoption, government incentives, stricter emission regulations, and investments in fast charging technologies and infrastructure expansion across highways, urban centres, workplaces and residential areas.

    Why it matters: The forecast signals sustained demand for charging infrastructure procurement over the next decade, with opportunities spanning residential, commercial and public networks. CPOs and contractors can expect continued government support and private investment to underpin project pipelines globally.

    Precedence Research (global)Global9 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • Research and Markets projects the global portable DC fast charger market will expand from $0.94 billion in 2025 to $1.19 billion in 2026, representing a compound annual growth rate of 26.9 per cent. The market is expected to reach $3.05 billion by 2030, driven by electrification of logistics fleets, demand for flexible high power charging in remote areas, and adoption of mobile charging as a service models. Key technology developments include compact high power systems, battery buffered platforms, and multi standard connector interoperability.

    Why it matters: The rapid growth in portable DC fast charging presents procurement opportunities for fleet operators, event organisers, and construction firms requiring temporary or emergency charging infrastructure. The shift towards mobile charging as a service models may influence how CPOs and local authorities plan fixed network deployments and gap coverage strategies.

    Global8 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • Poole has been named the 10th most electric vehicle friendly place in the UK with a score of 65.40, according to data compiled by SEO Backlinks. The town's high ranking is driven by 95.32 per cent of listed homes offering off street parking or a garage, enabling home charging rather than reliance on public infrastructure. The analysis highlights that EV readiness depends on the combination of home charging access, rapid charger availability and everyday journey patterns.

    Why it matters: High levels of off street parking reduce the need for dense public charging networks, shaping where CPOs prioritise investment. Areas with strong home charging potential may see lower utilisation of on street or destination chargers, affecting business case modelling for public infrastructure.

    United Kingdom7 Jul 2026 · date approximateSource
  • Fleet software provider FleetCheck reports that UK fleets buying electric vehicles outright face difficulty assessing deal quality because list prices diverge sharply from transaction prices. CEO Peter Golding attributes the gap to manufacturer oversupply driven by the zero emission vehicle mandate, with discounting particularly acute for light commercial vehicles; one dealer email this week showed over 80 per cent of pre-registered vans were electric, some priced far below list. Spot deals lasting weeks further complicate price benchmarking for procurement teams.

    Why it matters: Fleets procuring EVs on outright purchase terms lack reliable pricing signals, risking overpayment or missed savings as ZEV mandate pressure widens the spread between list and real transaction values. The volatility is most pronounced in the LCV segment, where lower demand amplifies discount cycles.

    FleetCheck (uk)United Kingdom30 Jun 2026 · date approximateSource
  • The global EV charging infrastructure market is projected to grow to USD 238.82 billion by 2033, driven by public and private sector investments, according to a Yahoo Finance report. The forecast reflects accelerating expansion of charging networks worldwide as governments and commercial operators scale deployment to support rising electric vehicle adoption.

    Why it matters: The USD 238.82 billion market projection signals sustained long term capital flows into charging infrastructure, creating procurement opportunities and competitive pressure for CPOs to secure funding and partnerships over the next decade.

    Global22 Jun 2026 · date approximateSource