Electric Vehicles

Co-op EVolution: Notable EV Trends to Watch

• EV-related grid impacts will continue to grow in 2026, driven by charging-network expansion and rising fleet electrification.
• The U.S. fast-charging network expanded 33% year-over-year to nearly 68,000 ports, averaging 46+ new fast chargers added daily in 2025.
• Advancements in AI-managed charging, increasing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities, and rapid adoption of the NACS plug standard will improve reliability and interoperability across manufacturers.
• 2026 EV retail sales growth is expected to slow:
  • U.S. EV sales expected to decline 15%, impacted by loss of the federal $7,500 tax credit and weakened fuel-economy rules.
  • U.S. November 2025 EV sales already fell 41% year-over-year as incentives expired.
  • Automakers are delaying EV launches or shifting toward hybrid-focused strategies.
• Despite softer passenger-vehicle sales, long-term EV interest remains steady and fleet electrification continues to expand across school buses, municipal fleets, and delivery vehicles.
• For cooperatives, EV adoption will still generate meaningful 2026 load growth, with opportunities in:
  • Managed charging programs
  • Commercial and municipal fleet partnerships
  • Targeted rate design to align new EV load with system capacity and member affordability