Electrification Coalition
Back to News & Events

EC Tech Desk #1

EC Tech Desk is a monthly resource compiled by the EC’s technical services team that aims to curate transportation electrification’s most relevant news, tools, and resources in a brief, readable format. 

General News

Pictured: Chevrolet Equinox EV, photo by Chevrolet

  • Abroad News, Canada: Q1 2025 reports that GM overtook Tesla as the top EV seller in the country, with sales surging by 252%. New Chevrolet and Cadillac models were major indicators of its success this quarter, with 13 models available across GM’s electric portfolio.
  • Dealership News: An open letter from Adam Lee, Chairman of Lee Auto Malls who represents auto dealers in Maine, urges Toyota to improve on EV delivery. This is a stark difference from a year ago, when auto dealers petitioned their opposition to EVs, and offers a hopeful narrative with Toyota being one of the largest automakers in the U.S.
  • EV Prices: Electrek reported how Tesla and other EV models lowered in price point, with Kelley Blue Book showing a 1.1% drop from year-over-year at $57,734 in May. Other models are becoming more affordable soon as well:
    1. Volkswagen: Offering the electric minivan ID.Buzz at $59,995, Volkswagen reports it will add a smaller, more affordable electric minivan to replace the Touran.
    2. Kia: Delivering the EV9, a three-row electric SUV at $56,395, which is available for incentives that could tally savings to $12,500, knocking the base MSRP down to as low as $43,895.
    3. Nissan: Unveiling photos of the revived third-gen Leaf EV, Nissan retires the hatchback style in favor of a more spacious, family-friendly crossover design that comes with a built-in NACS port. The 2025 model starts at $29,280.
    4. Hyundai: Announced reducing its 2025 IONIQ 5 lease price to only $179 per month. The model also now sports increased range and the NACS port as well.
    5. Chevrolet: Finally, Chevy reported its Equinox EV accounts for almost a third of total EVs sold by GM in Q1 2025, priced at under $35,000. The 2027 Chevy Bolt is also announced to start production this year and expected to cost around $30,000.

In the Weeds

Pictured: Oshkosh & Striker Volterra ARFF, photo by Oshkosh

  • Freight News: Oshkosh and Striker Volterra debuted an electric Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighter (ARFF). As an emergency rescue EV, it comes with advanced battery technology with multiple power options, capable of hauling up to 4,000 gallons of water and fire suppression foam. While there are no further details beyond the article at this time, the ARFF could support airports, remote municipalities, and other niche but critical use cases.
  • Workforce Buildout: ICCT released a report with key insights on workforce needs from 2026 to 2032 for building out medium- and heavy-duty charging infrastructure on the state and national level. The report emphasizes that investments are driven by the 45W and 45X credits. States include NJ, IL, CO, MN, MI, NY, CA, NC, MD, WA, OR, SC, PA, and TX.
  • Freight Study: CALSTART released a seventh edition study titled Zeroing in on Zero-Emission Trucks. The report provides a current snapshot of the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle market, trends, and opportunities to accelerate growth. For example, California, Florida, and Texas have the most zero-emission truck deployments, with cargo vans being the most popular option, followed by heavy-duty trucks and yard tractors.

Cool Tool Pool

Pictured: Public charging stations, photo by EC staff

  • Charger Availability: A new J.D. Power survey found that 84% of public EV charging attempts were successful in Q1 2025, improving the 20% failure rate seen in the past four years by 4%. Factors that have improved performance include NEVI requirements and companies such as EVgo and Electrify America implementing new policies and procedures (e.g., internal audit for charger inventory or idle fees). The survey also found that over 70% of EV app users underutilize app features (e.g., schedule charge, trip planning, or in-app payment). Over 90% of EV app users prefer features like vehicle status, remote updates, or diagnostics.
  • Gas Costs Study: Coltura, EVHybridNoire, and GreenLatinos have released a research paper on gasoline spending by Black and Hispanic households, emphasizing the economic benefits of EVs. The report found that these demographics’ high-mileage drivers could save an average of $3,800 a year on fuel and $4,900 on maintenance costs when switching to EVs.

If you come across any tools or resources you think should be added to the next edition of the Tech Desk, please reach out to Senior Program Associate Steph Wagner at steph@electrification.org 

Amy Malaki

Amy Malaki is the head of policy and sustainability at SkyNRG and SkyNRG Americas, pioneering global leaders in sustainable aviation fuel production and supply. Prior to SkyNRG, Amy was the associate director for the transportation portfolio at the ClimateWorks Foundation where she developed philanthropic investment strategies to advance a sustainable, equitable and low-carbon mobility system. She also pioneered the organization’s international aviation decarbonization strategy. Prior to that she focused on Asia business development at Better Place, a Silicon Valley electric vehicle network startup. She has a B.A. in Chinese and China studies from the University of Washington and an M.A. in international policy studies (energy and environment) from Stanford University.