Author: Daniel Brooks

Renault Group has integrated its electric vehicle charging solutions—previously operated under Mobilize Beyond Automotive—directly into its core business, while rebranding the activities under a new identity, “Plug Inn,” the company said. The move forms part of a broader restructuring programme initiated in 2025, aimed at streamlining operations and focusing on core activities. As part of this transition, Renault had already integrated its charging and energy services into its main business in December and discontinued its e-carsharing operations. Under the new branding, Renault will unify its charging ecosystem, renaming key services to reflect the Plug Inn identity. The bidirectional charging solution…

The Michigan Department of Transportation said it is preparing a third round of public applications for electric vehicle charging funding after securing federal approval to deploy remaining funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program. The approval, known as “FBO certification,” allows Michigan to access the remaining $51 million from its total $106 million allocation through fiscal year 2026. The funding is part of a broader federal initiative to expand EV charging infrastructure across the United States. MDOT said the next funding round will aim to ensure statewide access to charging infrastructure, with a focus on closing gaps in the…

ChargePoint said it has launched an expanded electric vehicle charging network in partnership with South Coast Air Quality Management District, enabling more than 90 charging ports across Southern California to serve both agency employees and the public. The deployment includes 55 new Level 2 charging units capable of supporting 94 vehicles simultaneously, replacing older infrastructure. Several of the installed units are ChargePoint’s CP6000 stations, which the company said can deliver charging speeds about 60% faster than typical Level 2 chargers and feature its Omni Port connector compatible with modern EVs without adapters. All charging stations are connected to ChargePoint’s cloud-based…

French multi-technical services provider SPIE is expanding its electric vehicle charging infrastructure in France with a new focus on heavy-duty transport, as it prepares to deploy seven high-power charging (HPC) stations for electric trucks along key motorway routes. The stations will be installed at service areas operated by Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône (APRR), targeting logistics corridors used by long-distance haulage companies. The initiative is designed to align charging operations with mandatory driver rest periods, enabling electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to gain up to 300 kilometres of range during short breaks, SPIE said. “The transportation of goods by road is entering an…

Dutch fast-charging provider Fastned said it will reduce its charging prices in Germany from April 1, citing lower grid fees following a federal subsidy introduced in 2026. The ad-hoc charging rate—paid directly at the station—will fall from €0.73 to €0.69 per kilowatt-hour. Registered users of the Fastned app will also benefit, with prices dropping to €0.62 per kWh when using a linked payment method, down from €0.65. The price reduction follows a decision by the German government to temporarily lower grid fees, supported by a €6.5 billion subsidy. Authorities have indicated an average reduction of around €0.02 per kWh, although…

ChargePoint has introduced two new service offerings—Premier Care and a self-service Support Portal—designed to streamline charger management and improve operational efficiency for charging providers. The company said the two solutions target different segments of the market, with Premier Care aimed at large-scale or complex charging networks, while the Support Portal provides a digital interface for customers seeking greater autonomy in managing their infrastructure. Premier Care is positioned as a concierge-style, “white glove” service, offering operators access to a dedicated expert responsible for overseeing charging network performance. Services include revenue reporting, proactive monitoring, network optimisation, case management and support with charger…

Dutch fast-charging company Fastned reported annual charging revenue of €122.4 million in 2025, surpassing the €100 million mark for the first time, while posting a wider net loss as it continued to expand its European network. The company said charging revenue rose 47% from €83.4 million a year earlier, supported by higher utilisation and a growing number of charging sites. The Netherlands remained its largest market, generating €72.8 million, followed by Belgium (€16 million), France (€12.7 million), Germany (€10 million) and the United Kingdom (€8 million). Fastned’s total revenue reached €139.2 million in 2025, up 66% year-on-year, according to its…

UK-based charging network operator Paua has partnered with DAF truck dealers Motus and Ford & Slater to expand shared charging access for electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across the country. Under the agreement, depot-based charging infrastructure operated by Motus and Ford & Slater will be integrated into Paua’s Share platform, allowing third-party commercial fleets to access charging facilities at these sites. The initiative targets both rigid and articulated electric trucks and is open to vehicles from all manufacturers. See also: UK’s Paua Adds 177 High-Powered Connectors via E.on Deal, Targets Fleet Charging Needs The move reflects growing efforts to improve…

Scheidt & Bachmann Energy Retail Solutions has introduced an artificial intelligence-based tool designed to predict charging station availability and waiting times, as electric vehicle adoption increases and demand for reliable infrastructure grows. The system, called SIQMA FlowMax.AI, uses algorithms to estimate utilisation, availability, and pricing transparency at charging points in real time. The company said the tool is intended to help drivers decide whether to wait at a busy station or seek alternatives, while also improving efficiency for charging station operators. “Anyone who has tried to charge their electric vehicle knows the problem: if the charging station is occupied, the…

Fastned has raised €32.4 million through a new corporate bond issuance aimed at private investors in Belgium and the Netherlands, as the company seeks to accelerate the expansion of its fast-charging network across Europe. The bonds offer an annual interest rate of 6% and are set to mature in March 2031. Fastned said retail bonds remain a core financing tool, allowing the company to raise capital from a broad base of investors, including electric vehicle drivers and non-customers alike. See also: Fastned Lifts Revenue per Site by 25% in 2025 as Network Expands Across Europe Over the past two years,…

Tesla has opened its first publicly accessible Megacharger station for its electric Semi trucks in the United States, marking a step toward building a dedicated charging network for commercial electric freight vehicles. The new charging site is located at 4265 E Guasti Road in Ontario, California, and is available to Tesla Semi fleet customers. Unlike earlier Megacharger installations, which primarily served Tesla’s internal fleet operations, the Ontario location appears to be accessible to external customers operating Tesla’s electric trucks. Tesla announced the opening of the site on social media. The station currently offers charging power of about 750 kilowatts, although…

Blink Charging has partnered with Korian Belgium to deploy more than 200 electric vehicle charging points across 90 care facilities in Belgium, the companies said. The rollout has already begun, with three locations currently operational. Most of the charging network is expected to be installed by the end of 2026. See also: Blink Charging And BetterFleet Partner On AI-Driven Fleet Charging Management Under Blink’s fully financed investment model, Korian will not bear upfront installation costs. Blink will retain ownership of the chargers and will handle installation, operation, maintenance and customer support for the charging network. The charging stations will be…