Tim,

The start of a new year can mean new beginnings–or in our case, a major legal victory that protects EV charging infrastructure across the country. Last Friday, we received a complete win when a judge ensured that states can move forward with building EV chargers funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. 

NEVI was created in 2021 through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to build a national network of reliable, high-speed EV charging stations along America’s highways. Last year, the U.S. Department of Transportation halted ongoing projects by unlawfully freezing funding to states. The move caused chaos and stopped charger installation, slowing our progress toward a future with cleaner air.

The court’s most recent order permanently bars the U.S. Department of Transportation from withdrawing states’ funds, canceling implementation plans, or otherwise interfering with the program in violation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

This ruling brings certainty to all states (not just those involved in the lawsuit), investment in cleaner air, and better access to reliable charging for everyone. What a wonderful thing to celebrate. 🎉

Beyond this uplifting news for you today, we’ve got a look at new EVs arriving this year, a driver tip that makes EV life a little easier, and the launch of our flagship annual survey.

Here’s to the year ahead. We can’t stop and won’t stop. 

Lindsey Perkins

Director of Communications and Marketing

STATE OF THE EV MARKET

New EVs are hitting the market this year!

2026 is shaping up to be a big year for electric vehicles, with new models hitting the market that offer longer range, faster charging, and more options at different price points. The 2027 Chevy Bolt and 2026 Nissan LEAF are already available, continuing to make EV ownership more accessible. On the premium side, the 2026 BMW iX3 and Mercedes CLA EV bring sleek design and advanced tech, while adventure-ready options like the 2026 Rivian R2, Toyota C-HR EV, and Subaru Trailseeker show just how broad the EV lineup has become. Curious what else is on the way? InsideEVs rounded up several of the most anticipated EVs of 2026 in a fun read you can check out.

EV driver tip of the month 🌟

One of our community members, Ira, shared a clever, budget-friendly EV habit they use regularly. They keep a small folding bike in their car, making it easy to leave their EV at a nearby free Level 2 charger and then bike or walk home while it charges.

This approach has been especially useful on busy workdays or when driving between multiple locations. It’s a simple, flexible way to save on charging costs—and a great reminder that a little creativity can go a long way with EV ownership.

Have a tip to share with fellow EV drivers? Just send us an email back. 😊

Take and share our annual survey

The time has come … the 2026 EV Driver Survey is here! We want to hear about your experiences with an electric vehicle - from the shopping process to your public charging habits. Everyone is welcome to take the survey, even if you don’t drive an EV.  Your opinions and perspectives are always important to us and help inform our policy and education work.

We are also excited to introduce brand-new questions this year. These questions will help us learn more about extended battery warranty considerations, public charging station locators, and overall EV perceptions, among other topics. And if you have already taken it, we would love it if you shared it with a friend or two. 😊

WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

Did you miss our charging incentives webinar?

If so, don't worry - the recording is on our website. If you or someone you know is thinking about installing a charger this year, now is the time. Federal incentives for EV charging equipment expire soon, and chargers must be installed and operational by June 30th. Find out how you can save money, whether you are a homeowner, renter, business owner, or tax-exempt entity. Learn more or watch here. 

Educating drivers  

Earlier this month, our team attended the San Diego Auto Show to tell attendees about the benefits of driving electric and to share trusted EV resources. If you’re located in a region with an upcoming major auto show, keep an eye out — you may be seeing us soon! 🚗

Why this mother-daughter duo trusts their EVs

We recently visited Arizona to film our first EV story in Spanish. The video includes English subtitles for translation. Alexa and her mother, Emma, shared with us why driving an EV was the clear choice for them: a safe ride + no gas stations = 💙 Watch the full video. 

STAY INFORMED

What we're interested in:

• After A Billion Miles, This is What We Know About Your EV (Recurrent)
• Maryland delays EV charger fees amid intense criticism from advocates, industry  (Maryland Matters)

Where we've been featured:

• From ICSC NEW YORK: Why Convenience Leads, How EV Charging Lifts Retail and One Small City’s Big Win (ICSC)
• Yes, EVs Are Great in Winter, and I Drove in the Arctic to Prove It (Global News)
• Here's How Much Your EV Range Anxiety Drops When You Actually Own An EV (Inside EVs)
• Kansas Co-op Wins National EV Award for Education, Infrastructure Efforts (NRECA)
• The Administration's Cut to Fuel Economy Regulations Will Cost Consumers More Money (Clean Technica)

Resources: PlugStar | EV Support Center| EV Training for Dealers

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