⚡ Europe ⚡
Octopus launches the UK’s first V2G tariff
Octopus Power Pack, Octopus Energy’s first mass-market-ready V2G tariff, promises average savings of £850 a year for drivers. This innovative tariff leverages V2G technology to prioritize green electricity during off-peak hours, requiring drivers to plug in for about six hours daily.
The initiative aims to encourage more car manufacturers to adopt V2G technology, offering a bolt-on tariff that separates EV charging from household energy use and allows customers to earn from solar generation. Despite its pioneering status, some feedback points to limitations like the need for CHAdeMO-compatible vehicles and the expensive required charger, raising concerns about cost-effectiveness and battery longevity due to extra charging cycles.
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France hits new milestone - 120,354 public chargers
As of January 2024, France's public EV charging network has surged to 120,354 charge points, a whopping 41% increase in just one year! January alone saw 2,336 new installations, setting the pace towards an electrifying target of 150,000 chargers installed by year-end.
Fast charging is rising, making up 17% of all installations - a significant jump from just 9% two years ago. And with ultra-fast chargers increasing from 2% to 8%, the future of EV charging in France is faster and more accessible than ever.
2024 is a pivotal year for EV charging in France as regulations kick in, requiring non-residential parking lots with over 20 spaces to gear up with chargers- a move set to supercharge the deployment across parking lots, businesses, and shopping centers.
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EV infrastructure investments in Germany
In Germany, significant advancements in EV charging infrastructure are underway, marked by Vattenfall's plan to invest €100 million annually, aiming for a €500 million investment by 2028 to expand its charging network, focusing on private, commercial, and semi-public sectors, excluding motorways.
Concurrently, the German government is funding the 'BiFlex-Industrie' project to explore V2G technologies for commercial fleets, enhancing energy efficiency and grid stability. Additionally, a collaborative tender by Fastned, E.ON, TotalEnergies, and Autostrom has been awarded to install almost 1,000 fast-charging points across German motorways, significantly boosting the Deutschlandnetz charging network and addressing the urgent need for highway EV charging infrastructure.
⚡ North America ⚡
IONNA launches major EV charging network across North America
Announced in July 2023 (and in our 11th edition of Inside EV Charging Newsletter), IONNA, the joint venture of seven leading automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Stellantis, has been approved to launch a high-powered EV charging network in North America.
The network will support EVs with NACS or CCS connectors and aims to offer a top-tier charging experience with amenities like restrooms and food services. IONNA aims to establish 30,000 high-powered charging stations powered by renewable energy and strategically positioned throughout North America. IONNA plans to open its first U.S. stations in 2024 and expand into Canada later.
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CEC approves $1.9B to expand zero-emission transportation infrastructure
This funding is part of a broader $48 billion California Climate Commitment, which earmarks over $10 billion for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and related infrastructure, supplemented by significant federal contributions for clean transport.
The recent approval of these funds is anticipated to add 40,000 new charging stations across the state, augmenting the nearly 94,000 existing public and shared private chargers. When combined with prior investments and contributions from various federal and state sources, utilities, and other initiatives, California is on track to exceed 250,000 chargers, supplementing the network of private and residential charging solutions.
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