The 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.
Vehicle News
Photo credit: Nissan
- Nissan’s 2026 LEAF S+ has proven its actual range is greater than its EPA-rated 303 miles. An Edmunds EV Range Test showed a true range of 310 miles. Given its starting price at $29,990, this could be very appealing to many long-distance drivers.
- Ford reaffirmed its commitment to more affordable EVs, priced at around $30,000. With considerable investments in its Ford Universal EV Platform, CEO Jim Farley states the new EVs are “right around the corner.”
- Hyundai opened the Hyundai Mobility Training Center to prepare EV manufacturing workers at Hyundai and affiliate companies. In preparation for its Metaplant America in Georgia, the training center will be operated by Georgia Quick Start, a workforce development program of the Technical College System of Georgia.
- Toyota unveiled its first U.S. battery plant in Liberty, North Carolina, creating up to 5,100 jobs in the region. Batteries sourced from the plant will serve many of its hybrid lineups and its yet-to-be-announced three-row electric SUV.
- Waymo is expanding its autonomous ride territory to include Miami, Dallas, Houston, and other major cities. Depending on the city, riders will be able to book now, by the end of the year, or later in 2026.
- The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates New York’s JFK Airport, stated Terminal 1 is under construction and will soon be home to the world’s first electric airport ground service equipment fleet.
- Atlas Public Policy’s recent issue brief found that affordability across vehicles of all fuel types in the U.S. has declined over the past decade. Atlas outlines several factors regarding the decline:
- The shrinking lower price point vehicle market
- The rise in vehicle average price point to $50,000
- Although light-duty battery costs have declined, customer demand for large battery capacity has contributed to higher MSRPs.
- Policy changes at the federal level impact overall vehicle affordability among Americans
- Edmunds reported that while light-duty used cars are generally staying on dealer lots longer, used EVs are in higher demand when compared to other fuel types. The average used EV currently sells for $20,000-$30,000.
Charging Infrastructure News
Photo credit: bp pulse
- bp pulse announced a 40-stall fast charging hub near Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. In collaboration with Hertz, bp pulse expands its portfolio at multiple airports and bp’s retail network.
- Kempower, partnering with PowerUp America, has expanded its U.S. fast charging hub footprint in southern states. Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky hubs will be funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program and will be made from America-sourced materials.
- ChargePoint launched the latest version of its ChargePoint Platform, where fleet operators, automotive manufacturers, commercial and retail site owners, charge point operators, and energy providers can manage their charging infrastructure. With the intent of a customizable, user-friendly interface that has end-to-end encryption and OCPP compliance, ChargePoint continues to serve customers of the EV fleet market
Cool Tool Pool
Friend of the EC, Coltura, released its quarterly EV Cost Savings Index reports showing that maintenance and fuel savings for EVs hold at 9.2 cents per mile compared to gas cars. U.S. drivers who drive 25,000 miles per year save $2,291 in fuel and maintenance costs.
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