E&E News

The EV transition is challenged in Georgia, where Hyundai's huge auto plant -- the largest economic-development project in state history -- is running into problems with water. Locals are crying foul because when Hyundai and its economic boosters couldn't get water nearby, they hatched a plan to reach four miles and dig their wells in another county. Hyundai expects to use 4 million gallons of water a day. That could cause the water table to drop by as much as 19 feet, endangering the livelihoods of farmers. It's a fascinating clash between EV high-mindedness and corporate underhandedness, involving legal challenges and unseated politicians. Read the story. This electric-vehicle plant is staunchly supported by Republicans (what?) and opposed by environmentalists (huh?) and injects an uncertain strain into the politics of a swing state right before the election.

Why is the feds' $5 billion effort to build EV charging stations going so slowly? I attended a conference recently for the people who oversee the building of those stations: state transportation and energy officials. They shared some of the reasons that, more than two years in, only a handful of stations have been built: - State DOTs lay pavement and build bridges -- they haven't had experience with the incredibly complex world of the electric grid. Yet they're the ones the feds put in charge. So there's been a steep learning curve. - There's an extraordinary number of players. DOTs usually manage their own staff and a few contractors. With charging stations -- which are built on private land -- there's landowners, and the businesses that host the chargers, and charging equipment providers, and others. - Electric utilities -- the ones that provide the electricity -- move VERY SLOWLY, and aren't equipped for the fluidity of the young EV charging market. - Everything is in short supply. Electric transformers, which are needed to boost the juice to these power-hungry stations, can take years to acquire. Thanks to Alexa Voytek, Erin Ervin Belt, Gabe Klein, Alex Schroeder, Lyle McMillan, Chris Berg, Francesca Wahl, Jimmy O'Dea, and Jake Brown for sharing their perspectives. These officials think that despite the hurdles, a flurry of charging-station ribbon-cuttings is imminent. Read the whole story here:

Today I had first contact with an exciting new thing: A gas station that puts the EV driver on equal footing with everyone else. This station, found outside Toledo and built by General Motors, EVgo and Pilot/Flying J (a truck-stop company), has features that are exhilarating if you're an EV driver. A canopy! The ability to pull through! And....windshield cleaners and a trash can! These are things that regular car drivers take for granted, and that's why it's such a big deal. EV drivers are used to being second-class citizens. We hunt around for charging stations and find them in the back of a building by the trash cans or in the middle of a Walmart parking lot. You're exposed to the rain. The charging session might or might not work. Getting to food and a bathroom are a hike. I glided up to this station, plugged in, opened the EVgo app, and started the session without a hitch. Then I sauntered into Denny's and had breakfast. I felt like I was an EV driver who...mattered.

Hello from Detroit! I’m stationed here for the next two weeks, reporting for E&E News and POLITICO on how the electric vehicle is changing and challenging Motor City. I’ll visit auto factories and startups, meet with candidates running for and against the EV in November’s election, check out the charging infrastructure, and drive the new electric Chevy Equinox (and use its new adapter to charge at Tesla supercharger stations). Follow along, it ought to be an interesting ride.

Donald Trump’s choice of a conservative leader to head his transition team signals rising influence for the America First Policy Institute. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/47eTgW7

Yohannes Abraham, a veteran of President Joe Biden’s transition team, will lead the operation. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/47fjEzu

Republicans have for years villainized the progressive climate proposal. Democrats are turning the tables. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4gbwouP

Access this in-depth examination with our specialist reporters about how Harris' record as vice president, U.S. senator and attorney general of California will inform her economic priorities and approach. https://bit.ly/3AFH6ta

Get access to 24/7 intel and expert analysis to prepare for potential outcomes. Be proactive and stay ahead with E&E News. https://bit.ly/3zzQYEt

That’s a wrap on the 2024 DNC! POLITICO kicked off the convention with an exclusive event for POLITICO Pro, E&E News, and AgencyIQ subscribers and hosted VIP Convention Conversations with key Democratic figures throughout the week. #DNC2024 #POLITICO