EVPowerPulse Issue #36

AMPECO raises $26M, Tesla plug now federal standard, and Electrada teams with Duke Energy

Author

Steve Taylor
December 07, 2024

Together with

The 3 big stories:

  • AMPECO secures $26M Series B funding

  • Biden Administration announces Tesla’s J3400 charging standard

  • Duke Energy and Electrada launch fleet mobility microgrid in North Carolina

Enjoy,

–Steve

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

AMPECO has raised $26M in Series B funding, led by Revaia, marking a major milestone for the EV charging management software industry. This latest round brings AMPECO’s total funding to $42M since its launch in 2019.

Operating in 60 markets globally, AMPECO has integrated over 120,000 charging stations into its platform. The company’s significant growth serves an industry expected to add 40 million public charging points by 2030.

The funding comes at an important moment, as operators face growing challenges to scale their networks while ensuring reliable operations. AMPECO has established strategic partnerships with leading European operators, including EON Drive Infrastructure and INDIGO Group, while expanding its presence through growing collaborations in the US and Nordic markets.

Steve's Take

The size of this funding round shows growing investor recognition of the critical role software infrastructure plays alongside charging hardware. As charging networks become increasingly complex, sophisticated management platforms are essential to ensuring seamless operations and scalability.

Looking ahead, the success of companies like AMPECO could fundamentally transform how charging networks are managed. As the industry evolves, there will likely be more focus on software solutions capable of handling the complexities of large-scale charging operations while providing the flexibility operators need to differentiate their services.

The challenge AMPECO now faces is executing its ambitious expansion plans without compromising quality.

–Steve

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Power and Policy

The Biden Administration is preparing to introduce a significant change to EV charging standards in its final weeks, announcing plans to adopt Tesla’s J3400 plug as the standard for federally funded charging stations. This decision will align federal requirements with Tesla’s charging connector, which has gained widespread industry adoption over the past year.

Earlier this week, Acting Federal Highway Administrator Kristin White disclosed at the Alliance for Automotive Innovation conference that the new standard will be finalized before the Administration transition in January. The change comes as the federal EV charging program faces deployment challenges, having established just over 100 operational charging ports by mid-November—well short of its 30,000 ports target.

The announcement also raised questions about the future of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation. While its core mission is expected to continue, the office’s structure and strategic direction under the incoming Trump Administration remain unclear.

Rob's Take

By mandating the J3400 standard for federally funded projects, the Biden Administration is attempting to establish technological uniformity amid a looming leadership transition.

For charging network operators and automakers, this standard offers much-needed clarity for planning long-term investments. It also marks a significant win for Tesla.

However, uncertainty surrounding the future of the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation adds complexity. As the critical link between federal agencies and state partners, the Joint Office has played an important role in advancing federal EV infrastructure initiatives. Any restructuring or reduction of its authority could disrupt states’ efforts to deploy their allocated federal funds.

Looking ahead, the industry will need to navigate these changes while maintaining momentum in charging infrastructure deployment. The success of this transition will largely depend on how effectively the incoming Trump Administration manages these existing programs. I anticipate we’ll know more very soon. 

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

Duke Energy and Electrada have launched an innovative Fleet Mobility Microgrid in Mount Holly, North Carolina, achieving a major milestone in the electrification of commercial fleets. This facility serves as both a blueprint for utility-grade fleet charging infrastructure and a functional charging hub, supporting a wide range of electric fleet vehicles, from light-duty to heavy-duty classes.

The facility has six high-capacity fleet charging stations, delivering between 120 and 300 kilowatts, alongside two Level 2 chargers for added flexibility. The standout feature is an integrated microgrid system capable of transitioning between grid power and 100% carbon-free energy sources, using a combination of solar power, battery storage, and hydrogen generation.

Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) has joined as a founding partner, taking advantage of the microgrid’s proximity to one of its largest East Coast manufacturing hubs.

Steve's Take

The Duke Energy and Electrada Fleet Mobility Microgrid represents a unique solution to the challenges of commercial fleet operations. Its dual function as an operational charging hub and an innovation center makes it an important model for the future of fleet charging infrastructure.

By offering real-world testing of diverse charging scenarios and advanced technologies, the facility will provide valuable insights into grid integration and energy management. These learnings have the potential to inform future fleet electrification initiatives across the country.

The integration of multiple power sources—from traditional grid power to renewables—creates a resilient model that could prove especially valuable in regions with less stable grid infrastructure. This approach not only supports immediate charging needs but also sets a precedent for how fleet operators can maintain operations during grid disruptions.

As fleet electrification accelerates, facilities like this will play an important role in demonstrating how operators can transition seamlessly and reliably to electric vehicles. The insights gained from this project could serve as a blueprint for advancing commercial fleet charging infrastructure across North America, helping operators meet sustainability goals without compromising performance.

–Steve

Featured Jobs

You can find more EV industry jobs here.

Featured Startups

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See you next time!
⚡️Steve and Rob

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