EV Power Pulse Issue #22

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

bp Looking to Expand EV Charging Unit

bp is seizing an opportunity following Tesla's unexpected decision to eliminate its Supercharger team. The energy leader is committing $1B to significantly expand its US EV charging network, aggressively seeking to acquire real estate and talent to scale its operations.

Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp pulse Americas, said in a recent interview with Bloomberg, "If there are stranded real estate partners who are looking for someone to call, they should feel free to pick up the phone and call me or look me up on LinkedIn." 

Sharma also highlighted bp’s interest in recruiting experienced staff from Tesla's dismissed team, as the company aims to strengthen its position in the EV charging market.

Last year, bp signed a $100M contract to purchase Tesla Supercharger hardware, with a plan to integrate these chargers into bp charging points across the US. bp’s 250-kilowatt pulse-branded chargers will be compatible with both Tesla’s NACS and the CCS plugs, enabling them to serve a wide range of EV models.

The company currently operates 27,000 charge points globally and aims to expand its network to 100,000 by 2030. Despite a recent reduction of its EV charging workforce by over 10% and a focus shift to key markets in the U.S., UK, Germany, and China, bp remains dedicated to enhancing its EV infrastructure.

Tesla's decision to cut its Supercharger team significantly shifts the competitive landscape, providing significant opportunity for companies like bp and EVgo to expand their market presence. 

By capitalizing on Tesla's strategic retreat, bp is positioning itself as a leading player in the rapidly expanding EV charging market, ready to meet the growing demand for an extensive and reliable EV charging infrastructure.

–Steve

Automotive Charging Solutions (ACS) and EV Connect are partnering to deliver world-class EV charging solutions to the hospitality industry. With ACS and EV Connect, you get a turnkey solution that provides industry-leading equipment, software, and EV charging network solutions, preferred pricing with flexible financing options, dedicated project and account management, and 24/7 technical support. Click to find out more. 

Power and Policy

President Biden Addresses China’s Unfair Trade Practices

President Biden's recent actions to address China's unfair trade practices include significant measures to protect and boost the American EV industry. As part of this effort, the tariff rate on imported EVs from China will increase from 25% to 100% in 2024. 

This substantial tariff hike aims to shield American EV manufacturers from China's extensive subsidies and non-market practices. These have led to a surge in Chinese EV exports, growing by 70% from 2022 to 2023. By imposing these tariffs, the Biden administration intends to ensure that the future of the auto industry will be made in America by American workers.

Additionally, the tariff on lithium-ion EV batteries will rise from 7.5% to 25% in 2024. This increase is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on China, which controls over 80% of certain segments of the EV battery supply chain. 

By investing nearly $20B through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Defense Production Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration aims to expand domestic production capacity for advanced batteries and battery materials. These investments are critical to building a secure and resilient supply chain for batteries, which is essential for both national security and achieving clean energy goals.

The Biden Administration's tariffs and investments are set to significantly impact the EV industry by promoting domestic manufacturing and enhancing supply chain security, as they continue to expand the EV charging network. These steps are designed to protect American jobs, foster innovation, and ensure that the United States remains competitive in the rapidly evolving global EV market.

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

Plug Inn was the Airbnb of EV Charging…Until this past Wednesday

A new app out of France called Plug Inn offers an innovative solution for EV owners. Developed by Renault and Publicis Sapient, this app functions like Airbnb for EV charging, allowing drivers to book time at private chargers in residential areas. 

As EV drivers plan their road trips, they can schedule stops at these private charging points, helping alleviate the common concern of range anxiety, especially in rural areas.

France is rapidly expanding its EV charging infrastructure, but charging options outside major cities and off highways are limited. Plug Inn addresses this gap by allowing homeowners with EV chargers to list their chargers in the app. This provides more charging options to EV drivers and allows homeowners to earn extra income. 

Since its launch, the app has over 75,000 downloads and lists more than 1,000 private chargers. Users receive specific access details before the reserved time, ensuring a seamless charging experience.

The concept of homeowners offering charging to other EV owners extends beyond France. This week, Airbnb entered into a strategic partnership with ChargePoint, offering hosts discounted EV charging solutions. Given that the average cost of Level 2 home chargers is around $1,300 for purchase and installation, the discounts provide a significant incentive for hosts to upgrade their properties.

This collaboration is a response to an 80% increase in searches for Airbnb rentals with EV charging equipment from 2022 to 2023. Listings with EV chargers are not only more frequently booked but also generate higher income for hosts. 

While the current partnership is exclusive for Airbnb guests, it’s conceivable these companies can adopt Plug Inn’s model and provide access to both Airbnb guests and non-guests. 

–Steve and Rob

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Until next time, stay charged!
- Steve and Rob