#38: Trump signals EV investment cuts

Trump likely to cut EV investments, ChargePoint and GM partner, DC Grid unveils modular power solution

Author

Steve Taylor
January 04, 2025

Together with

The 3 big stories:

  • ChargePoint and GM partner to build 500 charging ports in 2025.

  • The Trump Administration signals a plan to reallocate EV funding to national defense.

  • Startup DC Grid announces modular charging station power generators.

Plus, featured jobs and news.

Enjoy,

–Steve

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

ChargePoint and General Motors are partnering to deploy up to 500 ultra-fast charging ports across the United States. This partnership, set to establish new public charging locations under the GM Energy brand by the end of 2025, represents a significant effort to accelerate EV adoption and expand charging accessibility.

The collaboration will leverage ChargePoint’s Omni Port system, which offers universal compatibility for vehicles equipped with CCS or NACS charging ports without requiring adapters. These stations will also feature the Express Plus platform, which offers charging speeds of up to 500kW.

The partnership includes an incentive program designed to encourage third-party charge point operators (CPOs) to invest in and manage EV charging infrastructure. The program is designed to simplify the deployment process while maintaining operational standards across the network.

Steve's Take

This partnership shows the increasingly active role automakers are taking in shaping the charging landscape. By involving third-party CPOs, the partnership could help accelerate network expansion while more effectively distributing operational responsibilities.

This approach may prove more sustainable than fully vertically integrated models, offering a blueprint for future industry collaborations. With an ambitious goal of completing deployment by the end of 2025, success will depend on overcoming supply chain constraints and navigating complex permitting processes.

As the EV ecosystem evolves, partnerships between automakers and charging networks will become even more critical. The way charging infrastructure is deployed and managed is shifting, influenced by policy changes and market dynamics, making these collaborations key to scaling EV adoption nationwide.

–Steve

Power and Policy

President-elect Trump's transition team has outlined plans that could significantly reshape federal priorities for EV charging infrastructure. According to a Reuters report, the incoming administration is considering redirecting funds from the Biden Administration’s $7.5 billion EV charging initiative toward battery mineral processing and national defense efforts.

The transition team's recommendations emphasize the strategic importance of batteries and minerals for defense production, stating that charging stations lack the same critical value. This shift signals a departure from the Biden Administration’s focus on establishing a national charging network to support EV adoption.

Additionally, the proposed plans include rolling back vehicle emissions standards to 2019 levels and revoking California’s authority to set stricter emission standards. These measures have historically driven EV adoption and influenced the expansion of charging infrastructure. Such changes could slow the growth of EV infrastructure, particularly in states aligned with California’s ambitious environmental policies.

Rob's Take

The transition team's recommendations signal a shift from direct federal funding for infrastructure development. While still preliminary, these proposals suggest the need for the EV charging ecosystem to adapt to a changing funding landscape. This could mean greater reliance on state programs, private investment, and public-private partnerships to maintain charging network expansion.

This potential reallocation of federal funds could significantly impact projects dependent on the NEVI program, requiring developers to pivot toward alternative funding sources to stay on track.

However, it's worth noting that private sector investment in charging infrastructure has gained considerable momentum. Major retailers, utilities, and charging networks have advanced initiatives that could sustain infrastructure growth even with diminished federal support.

While reduced federal funding introduces uncertainty, the strength of private sector efforts may help offset potential setbacks. The extent to which these dynamics can maintain the current growth trajectory will depend on how effectively stakeholders adapt to the evolving policy environment. Ultimately, the impact of these changes on the industry will hinge on the speed and agility of market responses.

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

DC Grid, a Mountain View-based startup, has unveiled its new approach to powering EV charging infrastructure through modular, direct current power generators. The company's solution aims to bypass traditional utility constraints by providing standalone power units that can be deployed within three months.

The company's Authentix™ 300 kW DC/DC Fast Charger system offers dual-hose compatibility with both NACS and CCS charging standards. By using direct current throughout the system, DC Grid eliminates multiple power conversion steps, improving efficiency and reducing the space requirements for installation.

The company’s flexible energy-as-a-service business model allows customers to choose between renting units for temporary needs or purchasing them outright. With six MOUs secured, DC Grid plans to install its first system by mid-2025.

Steve's Take

DC Grid's approach to solving power infrastructure challenges presents an interesting alternative to EV charging deployment. The ability to bypass traditional utility processes could significantly accelerate the expansion of charging networks, particularly in areas where grid capacity or bureaucratic hurdles have historically slowed progress.

The energy-as-a-service model could prove particularly appealing to fleet operators and charging networks. Offering both temporary and permanent solutions allows DC Grid to meet immediate charging demands while supporting the transition to more permanent infrastructure—an important advantage during periods of rapid EV adoption and infrastructure buildout.

If DC Grid can deliver on its ambitious three-month deployment timeline while maintaining reliability and controlling costs, it may redefine the standards for fast-tracked charging infrastructure deployment, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

–Steve

Featured Jobs

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⚡️Steve and Rob

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