EV charging network leader introduces two new fast DC charging stations

By Bruce Brown Published January 5, 2017

When it comes to refueling vehicles, it’s not just “where you do it,” but also “how long will it take?” For electric vehicles (EVs) of all types to proliferate at a good rate, the charging infrastructure needs to move ahead of the curve so finding places to charge EVs on the road won’t be perceived as a potential obstacle. But having plentiful charging spots isn’t the only challenge — charging time matters, too. If drivers have to stop every 2 to 4 hours to recharge their vehicles and the process takes too long, the pushback will be strong. ChargePoint, an infrastructure company that currently handles the world’s largest network of EV charging stations, has announced ChargePoint Express Plus as an answer to our need for quicker charging.

Billed as the “next generation ultra-fast DC charging solution,” Express Plus is a modular platform planned for major roadways and depots. The Express Plus can supply as much as 400 kW to an EV, allowing for faster recharging. The platform is designed for long-distance drivers and larger vehicles, including buses and service trucks. Local commuters can utilize less-powerful charging stations, but regardless of vehicle size — whether talking a Chevy Bolt or a dump truck — high-demand users need capacity and speed.

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“Express Plus is a platform built to support our vision for the future of DC fast charging: simple, ultra-fast, scalable and incredibly efficient charging that’s conveniently located where drivers need it for long trips,” said Pasquale Romano, ChargePoint CEO. “Express Plus charging centers can start small and grow as needed by adding charging capacity without infrastructure upgrades. Together with our commercial and residential charging solutions, Express Plus will complete the fueling network to make fully electric transit a reality.”

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According to ChargePoint, Express Plus chargers should be capable of fully charging an EV at a road stop in the time it takes the driver to get a drink and use the restroom. Looking ahead, ChargePoint says the Express Plus chargers will add hundreds of miles of driving range in under 15 minutes.

ChargePoint is also introducing Express 250, a standalone charging station that can add 90 miles of range in 30 minutes. Both stations will be available starting in July.

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Contributing Editor

Bruce Brown Contributing Editor As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…

Cars

Buy Now, Upgrade Later: Slate’s $25K Truck Flips the Script on EVs

many hybrids rank as most reliable of all vehicles evs progress consumer reports cr tout cars 0224

A new electric vehicle startup—quietly backed by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos—is building something bold in Michigan. Not just a car, but a whole new idea of what an EV company can be. Slate Auto is a stealthy new automaker with one mission: ditch the luxury-first EV playbook and start from the affordable —which most drivers actually seek.
The start-up has been operating out of public sight since 2022, until TechCrunch found out about its existence. Of course, creating a little mystery about a potentially game-changing concept is a well-tested marketing approach.
But Slate truly seems to approach EVs in a very different way than most: It isn’t debuting with a six-figure spaceship-on-wheels. Instead, it's targeting the holy grail of EV dreams: a two-seat electric pickup truck for just $25,000. Yep, twenty-five grand. That’s less than a tricked-out golf cart in some neighborhoods. Slate is flipping the Tesla model on its head. Tesla, but also the likes of Lucid, BMW, and to a certain degree, Rivian, all started with high-end vehicles to build brand and bankroll future affordable car. But Slate wants to start with the people’s pickup—and letting it grow with you.
This isn’t just a cheap car. It’s a modular, upgradeable EV that’s meant to be personalized over time. Buy the basic model now, then add performance, tech, or lifestyle upgrades later—kind of like building your own dream ride one paycheck at a time. It’s a DIY car for a generation raised on customization and subscriptions. The company even trademarked the phrase: “We built it. You make it.”
Backing up this idea is an equally bold strategy: selling accessories, apparel, and utility add-ons à la Harley-Davidson and Jeep’s MoPar division. You’re not just buying a vehicle; you’re buying into a lifestyle. Think affordable EV meets open-source car culture.
Slate's approach isn't just novel—it's almost rebellious. At a time when other startups risk folding under the weight of their own lofty ambitions, Slate is keeping things lean, scalable, and customer focused. The company reportedly plans to source major components like battery packs and motors from outside suppliers, keeping manufacturing costs low while focusing energy on design, experience, and upgrade paths.
Sure, it’s all been kept under wraps—until now. With plans to begin production near Indianapolis by next year, the wraps are about to come off this EV underdog.
While, at least in spirit, the U.S. market has been dominated by high-end EVs, Slate’s “start small, scale with you” philosophy might be just the jolt the industry needs.

Cars

Kia EV9 and EV6 now fully qualify for the $7,500 tax credit – except for one trim

Kia EV 9

As Kia reported record first-quarter sales, Eric Watson, Kia America VP of sales, made a point of painting a rosy picture for the future: Now that the latest versions of its two best-selling electric vehicles, the EV9 and the EV6, are in full-scale production at Kia’s plant in Georgia, the road is paved for further sales growth.
After all, when Kia announced it was switching production of the EV9 to the U.S. from South Korea in 2023, it largely based its decision on its EVs being eligible for the $7,500 tax credit on new EV purchases offered under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
But the EV9’s battery still came from South Korea and China, which meant it would only receive a partial tax credit of $3,750. Starting this year, the EV9 can qualify for the full $7,500 credit, as Kia switched the sourcing of its battery to its Georgia plant.
As for the EV6, 2025 marks the first time its production takes place stateside, and most of its trims have also become eligible for the full tax credit.
However, there are notable exceptions: Both the EV6 and EV9 GT trims, which are known for providing more horsepower - ie, being faster – and offering a “more aggressive styling and accents”, won’t qualify at all for the tax credit: That’s because production for those vehicles remains based in South Korea, according to CarsDirect, which cited a Kia bulletin to its dealers.
The full credit should still be available for those who lease the vehicles, as leasing does not have the same sourcing requirements under the IRA.
Another big unknown for the GT trims is whether the U.S.’ 25% tariffs on all imported vehicles will again be applied. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump paused most tariffs announced in early April for 90 days.
While prices for the new EV6 and EV9 have yet to be revealed, the combination of the tariffs and the inegibility for the tax credit could seriously dent the appeal of the GT trims.

Android

AR driving at last – this Android Auto feature could mean navigation on smart glass

AR driving

A heads-up display while driving has always been the dream use of AR glasses and now it looks like that could soon become a reality.

Looking at a screen for navigation while driving is undoubtedly a hazard. So overlaying guidance on glasses, that let you keep focused on the road, makes a lot of sense.