EVPowerPulse Issue #34

Electric Era installs chargers at Costco, Biden announces $3B for port electrification, Monta expands to the US

Author

Steve Taylor
November 09, 2024

Illustrated by Kaylin Duynstee

Getting started with EV charging can seem complicated, but it doesn’t need to be. Let Automotive Charging Solutions (ACS) help you navigate the world of EV charging with their free “Guide to EV Charging.” It covers everything from charger types, industry trends, financing options, and more. Download yours today.

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⚡️On Thursday, November 14 at 11am ET, EVPowerInsights will host a post-Election Day briefing with two DC insiders from Capitol Counsel (one Republican and one Democrat) to discuss what the results of the 2024 election mean for US charging infrastructure. Register here ⚡️

Here are this issue’s 3 big stories:

  • Electric Era + Costco. A standard setting 7-week charger installation.

  • Biden’s $3B Port Electrification Project. The Biden Administration allocates $3B through the EPA's Clean Ports grant program. 

  • Monta’s U.S. Expansion. The Danish EV charging software company sets up HQ in Miami.

Plus, featured news, jobs, and startups shaping EV charging infrastructure.

Enjoy,

–Steve 

EV Industry Update

A recent partnership between Costco and Electric Era has delivered one of the fastest retail charging station rollouts on record. Installed at Costco’s Ridgefield, Washington location in just seven weeks, this deployment was significantly faster than the usual year-long timelines that often delay similar projects.

This project demonstrates how retailers can quickly meet rising EV charging demands without compromising construction schedules or customer convenience. Leveraging battery-backed charging technology, the installation sidestepped typical roadblocks like transformer lead times and grid upgrades that traditionally cause delays.

With 98% uptime per port, these charging stations tackle the industry’s ongoing reliability challenge—a critical factor as nationwide scrutiny on station performance continues to grow.

Steve's Take

This rapid deployment model could reshape the expansion of retail charging infrastructure. By dramatically cutting installation times without sacrificing quality, retailers may be more inclined to incorporate charging stations into their standard construction plans.

As demand continues to grow for accessible EV charging, deployment speed will become increasingly important. Completing installations in two months rather than a full year could allow businesses to quickly expand their charging networks, aligning with local requirements and customer needs.

The integration of energy storage within this model is very promising — we discussed this in our last issue. It provides a pathway around grid limitations, particularly in areas with restricted capacity for new charging sites. If this approach proves scalable, it could drive a transformative acceleration in retail charging infrastructure across the country.

–Steve

Power and Policy

The Biden Administration has announced a $3 billion investment through the EPA’s Clean Ports Grant Program to accelerate the electrification of port infrastructure across 27 states and territories. This landmark initiative, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to revolutionize port operations with zero-emission equipment and charging infrastructure.

The program will finance the deployment of extensive electric charging infrastructure to power more than 1,500 units of cargo-handling equipment, 1,000 electric drayage trucks, 10 locomotives, and 20 vessels. In addition to vehicle electrification, the initiative supports battery-electric charging stations, hydrogen fueling systems, and solar power generation to supply these new electric assets.

At the Port of Baltimore, which is set to receive $147M in funding, the grant will enable the purchase of zero-emission cargo equipment and trucks, as well as the installation of charging infrastructure to support the port’s shift to zero emissions. The Maryland Port Administration will also receive a $2 million planning grant to develop strategies for further emissions reductions.

Rob's Take

The $3B port electrification program marks an important shift in the approach to charging infrastructure deployment. While much of the focus has been on consumer-facing charging stations along highways and in cities, this investment highlights the significant role industrial hubs like ports play in our transition to electric transportation.

The scale of infrastructure required to support hundreds of electric trucks, cargo equipment, and vessels at each port will likely drive new advancements in high-power charging technology and grid integration. These innovations could have a ripple effect across the EV charging industry, as solutions designed for the rigorous demands of port operations may be adapted for public charging applications over time.

I’m particularly interested in how ports will manage the significant power demands of these installations within existing grid constraints. Their approaches to integrating solar power and optimizing charging loads could serve as valuable models for other large-scale charging projects. The program’s emphasis on both battery-electric and hydrogen technologies reflects a practical approach, recognizing that diverse zero-emission solutions may be optimally suited to different types of port equipment.

This initiative could establish best practices for industrial-scale charging infrastructure, setting an important foundation as more commercial and industrial facilities move toward electrification.

–Rob 

Emerging EV Tech

Copenhagen-based Monta has established its U.S. headquarters in Miami. This expansion marks the company's first venture outside Europe, where it has become a leading platform for EV charging operations and management.

This move comes at a critical moment for the U.S. market, where growing EV adoption is met with persistent challenges in charging infrastructure reliability and user experience. Monta’s platform aims to address these issues through an integrated software solution that connects key players across the EV ecosystem, from hardware manufacturers to end users.

Monta has ambitious plans to integrate 25,000 commercial charge points by the end of 2025, scaling up to 1 million by 2030. This growth is supported by a new partnership with Emobi, giving Monta immediate access to over 118,000 charge points across North America.

Following an $87M funding round earlier this year, Monta is entering the U.S. market well-capitalized and with significant experience in Europe, where it currently manages 165,000 commercial charge points and facilitates two million charging sessions each month. The company’s platform has already gained traction with major industry players, including global partners like Siemens.

Steve's Take

Monta’s entry into the U.S. market marks a new phase for the EV charging software sector. The company will bring proven solutions from Europe’s more mature EV infrastructure to a market struggling with reliability challenges and fragmented user experiences.

Monta’s partnership with Emobi is strategically savvy. It allows Monta to quickly establish a significant presence in the US by leveraging existing infrastructure. This approach could help accelerate improvements in the U.S. charging experience while mitigating some market-entry challenges.

The true test, however, will be Monta’s ability to adapt its European success to the unique complexities of the American market. The U.S. charging landscape presents distinct challenges, from varied regional regulations to diverse consumer behaviors and competitive dynamics. How Monta navigates these factors while sustaining its ambitious growth will be compelling to watch.

–Steve

Featured Jobs

You can find more EV industry jobs here.

Featured Startups

  • EVpin. EVpin is an all-in-one tool that delivers essential insights for assessing and designing EV charging sites. Use code EVPOWERINSIGHTS15 when you upgrade to Pro to receive 15% off your first month. This special offer is valid for new EVpin subscribers only.

  • Amber. Amber is “AppleCare for your Tesla;” month-to-month protection for your electric car’s battery and more, with no upfront payments or waiting period. Get started with a complimentary remote diagnostic inspection and vehicle health report and use this link to receive a 5% discount on your AmberCare plan.

Premium Membership

Last week, we released our first industry Monthly Report titled “State of EV Charging and the Hospitality Industry.” Here are the key highlights;

  • Rising Demand. The growth of EV sales drives demand for charging at hotels, attracting eco-conscious guests and future-proof properties.

  • Challenges. High installation costs and infrastructure requirements pose challenges, though government incentives can offset expenses.

  • Revenue Opportunities. Hotels can generate revenue by charging for EV use, offering a service that differentiates them from alternatives like vacation rentals.

Premium members have exclusive access to the full report. Interested in receiving these monthly industry reports? Sign up here.

Thank you to leading industry contributors, including Automotive Charging Solutions (ACS), for providing valuable insights that helped shape this comprehensive report. 

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See you next time!
⚡️Steve and Rob

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