Latest news with #EVcharging
Fox News
4 hours ago
- Automotive
- Fox News
Costco's EV charging move signals major shift
Costco has always been a go-to destination for bulk groceries, electronics and even gas. Now, the retailer is making headlines by bringing fast, reliable EV charging to its parking lots. With electric vehicles becoming more popular and over a million new EVs registered in 2024 alone, the need for convenient charging options has never been greater. Costco EV charging stations are stepping up to meet this demand, offering a seamless way for drivers to power up while they shop. In a move that's turning heads, Costco partnered with Electric Era, a startup founded by former SpaceX engineers, to install ultra-fast charging stations at select locations. The North Port, Florida, warehouse was among the first to benefit, with six fast chargers installed in just 54 days-an impressive turnaround in an industry where installations can take months or even years. These chargers deliver up to 200 kWh, allowing most EVs to reach 80% charge in just 20 to 60 minutes. That's enough time to shop for groceries, grab a slice of pizza and return to a car ready for the road. Costco EV charging stations stand out for several reasons. They offer fast charging, which means less waiting and more time for shopping, and their battery-backed system minimizes the need for major grid upgrades, allowing installations to be completed more quickly and efficiently. These stations are also highly reliable, boasting over 98% uptime and more than 90% session reliability, so EV drivers can count on them to keep moving. The chargers themselves are user-friendly, equipped with both CCS and NACS connectors, 24/7 monitoring, automatic fault detection, over-the-air updates, and even integration with Costco's loyalty program. Large screens at the stations display promotions and store information, making the experience even more engaging. By strategically placing these chargers at popular warehouse locations, Costco not only offers greater convenience for drivers, but also encourages customers to spend more time in-store, benefiting both shoppers and the retailer. Costco isn't stopping with Electric Era. The retailer has also teamed up with Electrify America to roll out DC fast chargers at select locations in California, Colorado and Florida. These stations deliver up to 350 kW and are compatible with nearly all EV makes and models, making them a practical option for a wide range of drivers. With over 500 warehouses across the U.S., Costco has the potential to dramatically expand the nation's fast-charging infrastructure. If the North Port pilot proves successful, thousands of new charging stalls could pop up nationwide, making EV ownership easier and more appealing. Costco EV charging stations are more than just a convenience; they're a glimpse into the future of retail and transportation. By integrating fast, reliable charging with the everyday shopping experience, Costco is helping to drive America's transition to electric vehicles, one parking lot at a time. Is Costco quietly becoming one of the most powerful players in America's EV revolution, or should it be betting on other fuels instead? Let us know by writing to us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
The Independent
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Independent
Leading the charge towards Net–Zero transport
is a Business Reporter client Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly familiar sight on Britain's roads. With over 1.3 million now in use, and one in five new vehicle registrations in the first quarter of this year being electric, consumer confidence is clearly growing. Yet for many would–be EV drivers, one barrier still stands in the way: access to reliable, convenient and affordable public EV charging. Tackling this challenge head–on is a company at the forefront of delivering accessible charging infrastructure where it's needed most – on the streets where people live. With more than 4,000 charge points already deployed nationwide, has established itself as a leader in helping communities make the switch to electric. 'The real transition to electric happens when everyone, not just homeowners with driveways, has a convenient and reliable way to charge,' says John Lewis, CEO of 'Our goal is to make charging as seamless and affordable as possible for everyone, everywhere.' This commitment is now being brought to life in Brighton & Hove, where is planning to deliver one of the most ambitious public charging projects in the country. Backed by central government funding through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, the partnership will see up to 6,000 charge points installed across the city over the next six years. Brighton & Hove, a city with a long history of embracing the electric revolution, has committed to reaching Net Zero emissions by 2030. For Kieran Fitsall, EV Lead at Brighton & Hove City Council, the decision to work with was about more than just installing charge points – it was also about forming a partnership built on a shared vision with long-term impact. 'What drew us to was its ability to deliver at scale, quickly and efficiently,' Fitsall explains. 'It had the operational expertise, financial backing and forward-thinking approach we needed to make this work, not just now, but for the next 15 years.' has invested in charger reliability, usability and data-driven planning, ensuring infrastructure is placed where it's most needed – serving today's EV drivers while also anticipating future demand. The role of a charge point operator (CPO) goes beyond infrastructure – it's also about creating a driver experience that encourages more people to make the switch to electric. One critical element of that experience is cost. Night Tariff of 39p/kWh leads on affordability, offering off-peak savings to drivers without home chargers. While still higher than private energy tariffs due to VAT, operating and maintenance costs, is among those most strongly committed to narrowing the gap. While this project marks a significant local achievement, it also reflects a broader national movement. With £381 million in LEVI funding available to local authorities, councils across England are beginning similar large-scale projects. Brighton & Hove was among the first to act, showing how local governments and private partners can effectively close the EV accessibility gap. From smart procurement strategy to long-term planning, the council is setting a clear example of public-private collaboration in action. While Brighton is currently largest single project, the network is expanding rapidly. Recent rollouts have launched in Richmond, Wandsworth and Barnet, with more deployments planned for this summer. As more councils prepare their own LEVI-funded initiatives, is well-positioned to support growth across the country. 'We're aiming to help over a million drivers nationwide make the switch to electric over the next five years,' says Lewis. 'That's the kind of scale the climate crisis demands – and the kind of ambition we bring to every region we work with.' In the year ahead, demand for experienced charge point operators is expected to surge. sees the rollout in Brighton & Hove as a valuable opportunity to learn, enhance its services and reach new drivers. The council has also committed to sharing insights from the project with other local authorities, helping accelerate the development of reliable, inclusive charging networks nationwide.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
ChargePoint Launches Comprehensive Home Charging Solution for European Company Car Fleets
CAMPBELL, Calif., July 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of EV charging solutions, today announced the new Flex Plus charger. The Flex Plus will be sold in Europe to address the challenge of home charging for company cars, which represent 60% of new car sales in the region. ChargePoint's Driver Management Solution pairs with the charger to seamlessly reimburse employees for home energy usage, enable public charging for drivers on the road, and provide visibility into the charging activity of an entire fleet. The Flex Plus is the first charger to be built on ChargePoint's new AC charging architecture, which features innovative technologies such as real-time dynamic load management. This feature automatically accelerates charging speeds when power is not needed elsewhere in the building, enabling the fastest charging possible without incurring the cost of upgrading electrical service into the home. The charger's smart home compatibility allows it to integrate with solar power, batteries and other components of home energy management systems. The Flex Plus debuts an innovative new backplate mounting system which enables drivers to take their charger with them when moving houses. For fleet managers, this allows a previously fixed asset to become portable, thereby lowering costs and assuring continuity as the charger simply pops onto a pre-wired backplate in the new location. "Fleet managers and company car drivers require a seamless experience to fully embrace their electric vehicles," said Hossein Kazemi, CTO for hardware at ChargePoint. "The new Flex Plus charger pairs with ChargePoint's Driver Management Solution to automatically reimburse company car drivers for home charging, making it easy for drivers and fleet managers to go electric." ChargePoint's Flex Plus and Driver Management Solution solves a key issue for fleet managers, accurately automating reimbursement for home charging, thanks to the charger's built-in meter and connectivity. The software extends beyond this to manage the critical aspects of home and public charging, from installation to consolidated VAT invoicing for international fleets. Fleet managers can onboard new drivers, easily manage driver groups, assign charging rules for specific segments, and utilize a centralized dashboard to manage fleet-wide activity. For a company car driver, the benefits of the solution are numerous. Flex Plus can be installed quickly, professionally and conveniently at home thanks to ChargePoint's installation partners. From there, the need to stop and fuel during the workday is traded for the convenience of plugging in at home overnight. When a driver does need to charge on the road, the Driver Management Solution enables them to find, use, and pay for their charging via an app that can be white-labeled, or in some cases right from the in-dash experience of their vehicle. The ChargePoint Flex Plus is now available for order as part of the Driver Management Solution, with deliveries beginning later this summer. For more information, please visit ChargePoint and the ChargePoint logo are trademarks of ChargePoint, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. About ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. ChargePoint has established itself as the leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging innovation since its inception in 2007, long before EVs became widely available. The company provides comprehensive solutions tailored to the entire EV ecosystem, from the grid to the dashboard of the vehicle. The company serves EV drivers, charging station owners, vehicle manufacturers, and similar types of stakeholders. With a commitment to accessibility and reliability, ChargePoint's extensive portfolio of software, hardware, and services ensures a seamless charging experience for drivers across North America and Europe. ChargePoint empowers every driver in need of charging access, connecting them to over 1.25 million charging ports worldwide. ChargePoint has facilitated the powering of more than 16 billion electric miles, underscoring its dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electrifying the future of transportation. For further information, please visit the ChargePoint pressroom or the ChargePoint Investor Relations site. For media inquiries, contact the ChargePoint press office. CHPT-IR View source version on Contacts ChargePoint John Paolo CantonVice President, AJ GosselinDirector, Corporate media@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
HyperStrong Accelerates APAC Expansion Through Strategic Cooperation with Alpina to Advance Integrated Charging + Storage Development
BEIJING, July 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HyperStrong, a global leader in energy storage system integration, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based energy infrastructure developer Alpina on 29 June, to jointly advance the development of integrated charging and storage infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific region. Under the MoU, HyperStrong will supply 5,000 sets of charging plus storage integrated units to Alpina from 2025 to 2027, strengthening efforts to meet the surging demand for EV charging infrastructure in fast-growing APAC markets. The new-generation all liquid-cooled integrated units to be deployed under this collaboration features built-in semi-solid-state batteries, AI-driven early warning systems, and multi-layer fire safety capabilities including detection, suppression, and prevention — ensuring intrinsic safety. It also supports full-station energy sharing, DC/AC coupling, and renewable energy integration with PV and wind power. It enables 2-5 times more charging terminals under the same transformer capacity and improves site-level charging capacity by 40%–80%, significantly delaying the need for costly grid upgrades. The solution supports multiple business models including peak shaving, demand control, capacity expansion, virtual power plants, reactive power regulation, and backup power — driving diversified revenue streams. Low Siong Yong, Executive Chairman and CEO of Alpina, stated: "With the rapid adoption of EVs in Singapore and Southeast Asia, demand for efficient, intelligent, and compliant storage + charging solutions is growing rapidly. We are delighted to partner with HyperStrong, a global storage technology leader, to unlock more value from storage in urban energy systems." Mr. Kevin Changbin Qiu, Senior Vice President of HyperStrong International, commented: "HyperStrong has deep technical strengths in system integration, intelligent manufacturing, and lifecycle services. This partnership with Alpina is a significant milestone in our APAC strategy, and we look forward to jointly building future-ready energy infrastructure to support the region's low-carbon transition." This collaboration is a strategic milestone for HyperStrong, not only establishing a presence in Singapore but also serving as a launchpad for further market penetration in the Asia-Pacific region. It also represents a successful application of HyperStrong's "Energy Storage + X" strategy and a benchmark for integrating flexible, intelligent technologies in urban energy systems. By addressing growing demand for fast-charging infrastructure, the partnership contributes to regional decarbonization and sustainable mobility. Looking ahead, HyperStrong will continue driving global deployment of its "Energy Storage + X" solutions through technological innovation and cross-regional collaboration, contributing to the realization of global carbon neutrality goals and the broader energy transition. About HyperStrong Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. ("HyperStrong", is a global leading energy storage system (ESS) integrator and service provider. Founded in 2011, with more than 13 years of research and development, as well as experience garnered through more than 300 energy storage projects and more than 30GWh of deployment, HyperStrong offers a portfolio of ESS products and one-stop solutions for the full spectrum of utility-scale, commercial and industrial applications. Having built four smart manufacturing bases, three R&D centers, two testing labs and a global marketing center, HyperStrong empowers clients worldwide to achieve their energy transition and carbon neutrality goals. For more information about HyperStrong, visit: About Alpina Alpina Holdings Limited is headquartered in Singapore and was founded in 2003. The company was listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in 2022. Alpina is an established specialist in providing Integrated Building Services (IBS), M&E Engineering Services (M&E), Alteration and Addition Works (A&A) for both public and private sector projects in Singapore, with a long operating history of over 20 years. For more information about Alpina, visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Beijing HyperStrong Technology Co., Ltd. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Tesla's V4 Chargers Hit China: Can They Outrun Fierce Competition?
Electric vehicle (EV) giant Tesla TSLA just launched its first batch of V4 Superchargers in China — the world's largest EV market. These chargers offer faster charging speed, with compatible EVs achieving 168-200 miles of range in 15 minutes. The V4 Superchargers deliver peak charge rates up to 325 kW, higher than 250 kW offered by Tesla's V3 Superchargers. Additionally, the V4 chargers promise broader access. They would not just power Tesla vehicles, but also electric cars from other brands in China. These V4 Superchargers have been initially rolled out in Shanghai, Chongqing, Gansu, and Zhejiang provinces. Tesla plans to expand the deployment of these chargers to Beijing, Guangdong province, along with other Chinese localities, but there is no set deadline for the same yet. Tesla's Shanghai factory has begun manufacturing V4 chargers, so expansion wouldn't be much of an issue. Plus, thanks to the design of the chargers and economies of scale, installation costs are low (each V4 station costing less than $40,000). Tesla already has more than 11,000 charging stalls in China, and with the rollout of V4 chargers, it is strengthening its charging infrastructure in the country. With the V4 Supercharger available to third-party EVs, it could also evolve into a default public charging solution. Worldwide, Tesla has more than 70,000 Superchargers, making it the largest EV charging network globally. This leadership has made its charging connector the go-to choice for many EV makers in North America and Europe. Charging Wars: How Tesla's Rivals Stack Up in China The timing of this V4 Supercharger launch in China is interesting as competition is heating up in the country's charging corridor. China's BYD Co Ltd BYDDY is making the loudest entrance, touting 'megawatt' chargers that promise 400 km of range in just five minutes. BYD first talked up 4,000 of these units, then upped the target to 15,000 through partnerships, though it still hasn't shared a firm build-out timeline. Peak power looks dazzling on paper, but hardware costs and network density will decide who wins daily traffic. Meanwhile, another promising EV company, Li Auto LI is also making efforts to scale. As of May 2025 end, Li Auto operated 2,414 super-charging sites (13,195 stalls). It is targeting more than 4,000 stations live by year-end. Li Auto is focusing on highway access and aims to blanket 90% of China's main routes by 2025. Now, Tesla's V4 rollout indeed trails BYD in headline power yet beats it on installed base and cost efficiency. And while li Auto excels at highway coverage, Tesla's 11,000-plus stalls in China—and open access for rival EVs—give it a broader moat if it can keep pace on expansion. TSLA's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Shares of Tesla have lost around 21% year to date compared with the industry's decline of 19%. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, TSLA trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 9.71, way above the industry. It carries a Value Score of F. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for TSLA's earnings has been revised over the past 60 days. Tesla stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and Sells We're not kidding. Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent. Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators, and more, that closed 256 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2024 alone. See Stocks Now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY): Free Stock Analysis Report Li Auto Inc. Sponsored ADR (LI): Free Stock Analysis Report
