We’ve come a long way from the excitement when we first saw our first Tesla rolling down the road – thrilling as it was. The same kind of innovation that produced that thrill has evolved into what we call “the electrification of everything.”
You can meet some of the drivers of these leading-edge technologies at an upcoming EV Charging Summit event. But in the meantime, we’re going to pique your appetite by sharing some of these electrification projects that have transformed the energy landscape nationwide.
1. EV Charging Goes Mainstream at Gas Stations Nationwide
Not long ago, one of our writers stopped by a BP station in the Midwest to get a bite to eat at the fast-food restaurant inside. She asked one of the attendants whether BP planned to integrate EV charging stations into its fueling options. The attendant looked startled, then chuckled, “Well, ma’am, you know the ‘P’ in BP stands for “petroleum,” don’t you?”
Times have changed, even for BP. With orders totaling $100 million for Tesla Superchargers and plans to sink $1 billion into EV charging across the nation by 2030, the company may need to think about rebranding the “petroleum” part of its moniker.
BP isn’t the only gas and diesel brand that provides EV charging for its customers. Regional chains, such as Buc-ee’s, Sheetz, and Kum & Go, as well as legacy fueling station companies Phillips 66, Shell, and Chevron, have all hopped aboard the EV charging train.
Love’s, too, has recently announced plans to install EV chargers in some of its stations. It’s only a matter of time before more gas station brands, large and small, join them.
It’s a matter of survival, it would seem. As a July 2024 Bloomberg article pointed out, public EV charging stations look to outnumber gas stations by 2032.
2. Old MacDonald Has a Farm…and Soon, a “Herd” of EVs to Make Life Easier
Leading the way in farm electrification, tractor company John Deere has begun to develop battery-powered farm vehicles, such as compact utility tractors, turf equipment, small tractors, and some construction equipment.
To power those vehicles, John Deere has acquired majority ownership of Austrian battery technology company KREISEL Electric. With KREISEL Electric’s expertise in providing remote charging networks for off-road applications, John Deere will soon have an army of farm vehicles to make Old MacDonald and his fellow farmers’ lives much easier – especially when it comes time to pay the fuel bills. It’s enough to get everyone singing “E-I-E-I-O.”
Locating EV charging stations for these vehicles in remote, rural areas is a top priority for John Deere and other tractor companies that might step into the farm vehicle electrification space. Other innovative technologies, such as on-site battery storage combined with solar power and vehicle-to-grid charging, can provide farmers with enough energy to charge their vehicles when they can’t drive to town to the nearest charging station.
3. Fleet Electrification Barrels Full Speed Ahead, Thanks to the Climate Mayors
Not long ago, we touted several municipal and regional fleets for their efforts to save money and provide cleaner air to their residents through fleet electrification. That movement continues to bolt forward, thanks in no small part to a group of 350 mayors united around a single purpose: to create a cleaner environment for the people they represent.
Called the “Climate Mayors,” these leaders have evolved from three to their current number since their founding in 2014. United across political divisions, the group celebrated its 10th anniversary with a pledge to electrify 50% of their cities’ fleets by 2030 and create 500% more EV infrastructure to support the growing move to EVs by 2035.
A whole industry has emerged to fuel these cities’ ambitions. Companies specializing in building charging stations and other infrastructure designed specifically for fleet use, such as FractalEV, Synop, and PISO, have sprung up nationwide. As more cities transition to electric fleets, you can expect this industry, too, will grow to new heights.
The Electrification Coalition has partnered with these mayors to provide resources to cities and regions seeking to electrify their fleets through a procurement portal – www.driveEVfleets.org. The coalition also provides fleet managers and employees with training and other educational resources, best practices, and analysis support, serving as a technical expert for those cities that need someone familiar with transitioning to an electric fleet.
Even city police departments are beginning to ride the electrification wave. In July 2024, the South Pasadena Police Department went all electric with its purchase of 20 Teslas to chase down offenders and keep their streets safe. In addition, the city will back up the power to three of its official buildings – the police station, city hall, and fire station with solar energy and a battery storage system.
That can’t be a fluke. To give Tesla police cars a run for their money, Chevrolet has launched a competitive line of electric police pursuit vehicles built on their Blazer platform.
No doubt more police departments will go electric, especially since some EVs can outrun gas-powered police cars, as an Atlanta News First report points out. Catching the bad guys – plus cleaner air – definitely a win-win for cities whose police departments go electric.
4. More Schools Are Turning to Electric Buses Than Ever Before
Electric school buses have become more popular among school districts across the country as studies show a correlation between switching to eco-friendly buses and healthier, better-performing students. As an October 2024 World Resources Institute report indicates, the US numbers show explosive growth in electric school bus adoption across the country.
With almost 5,000 electric school buses already deployed, and nearly 6,000 on order, electric school buses have increased a thousandfold over their 2021 numbers.
Every US state except Wyoming has school districts that have committed to bus electrification. The World Resources Institute report’s data show that those commitments are starting to even out across the country.
As study findings linking better health and performance to electric school bus use trickle down to the general population, parents will take notice – and likely take action. There’s nothing like a horde of parents showing up to school board meetings, facts in hand, to drive even the most reluctant board into action.
The future of electric school buses – and, therefore, America’s children – looks bright for the near future and years to come.
5. EV Chargers in Parking Lots Have Sprung Up Everywhere
As of the end of August 2024, businesses and communities have installed more than 192,000 public charging ports installed throughout the US, according to a US Department of Transportation press release. Since then, businesses and communities have added about 1,000 new public chargers per week.
It’s a movement that could change the face of transportation nationwide. With more chargers available for the growing number of EVs – and the convenience of charging as you shop and conduct other businesses – America looks ripe for an EV revolution.
6. Once Thought to Be a Drain on the Grid, EVs Might Just Save It
As recently as 2023, EV skeptics raised the specter of a fragile grid stretched to the breaking point by increased EV usage. Enter vehicle-to-grid (V2G) charging and related technologies to save the day.
Not only might these transformative developments save the grid, but, even more importantly, enhance it beyond its current potential. With V2G charging, EV owners can earn money by feeding their EV batteries’ energy back into the grid. That’s only the tip of the iceberg.
With vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging, EV owners can funnel their batteries’ energy back into their homes or business buildings, decreasing the load on the grid during peak usage while keeping the lights on at home and work. EV drivers can even use their cars’ batteries to power other vehicles, including off-road options, such as scooters, e-bikes, and golf carts.
Even more remarkable, EV batteries can serve as a source of energy for electrical appliances, farm equipment, and even well pumps through a DC-to-AC inverter, lessening the load on the local grid or serving as a backup during power outages.
7. Not the Hindenburg: Hydrogen Fuel Cell-Powered EVs Drive the Future
Learning history sears certain images upon our brains. The Hindenburg disaster was one of those images.
The minute we hear the word “hydrogen,” our brains transport us back to fifth grade and see that horrifying image etched in our history books. But today’s hydrogen fuel cell-powered EVs are a long way from the giant bag of explosive gas that ignited after a spark encountered a leak from its bloated hull.
While hydrogen is as explosive as ever, so are the fumes from the gasoline – and even the natural gas – that power internal combustion engines. With sensors that detect minute leaks, hydrogen fuel cell-powered EVs look to be every bit as safe as conventionally powered cars.
Extensive testing and solid construction have made hydrogen fuel cell cars one of the safest options on the road since at least 2015. Their compact fuel tanks sport layers of protection, while in-car safety protocols provide fail-safe protection for drivers, even during refueling.
Instead of toxic fumes, hydrogen-powered cars emit only water, making them safer for both passengers and passersby. It’s time to erase that image of the Hindenburg and drive toward a cleaner future with tomorrow’s technology today.
Drive Toward a Transformative Future at the EV Charging Summit
Get all your questions about EV charging answered by the world’s foremost EV charging experts at one of our Charging Answers Bars. It’s an exciting opportunity to rub shoulders with the industry’s best. Register for your place at the EV Charging Summit table today!
