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Toyota and Lexus Partner With Treehouse for Home Charging Solutions
Toyota Motor North America has partnered with Treehouse to streamline the purchase and installation of home electric vehicle chargers for 2026 Toyota and Lexus models. Treehouse utilizes a software-based operating system and virtual scoping technology to provide customers with upfront installation quotes in under 48 hours. This holistic approach manages the entire process including project design, permitting, and hardware installation by licensed electricians.
Beginning with the 2026 model year, all Toyota and Lexus battery electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles will include a standard dual-voltage 120V/240V AC home charger. This hardware supports Level 2 charging with a maximum output of 7.7 kW, which is capable of recharging a vehicle from ten percent to full capacity overnight. Owners can utilize Treehouse to install a 240V outlet for this cable or opt for a hardwired ChargePoint Home Flex charger.
The partnership aims to reduce charging times and simplify the ownership experience as electrified vehicles enter the mainstream market. The ChargePoint Home Flex unit available through Treehouse can be configured with either SAE J3400 NACS or SAE J1772 plugs to accommodate various model years. Treehouse provides a two-year installation warranty while Toyota and Lexus offer dedicated warranties for the charging hardware.
Samsung SDI and Columbia University Advance Lithium Metal Battery Research
Samsung SDI and Columbia University have published joint research in the journal Joule detailing a breakthrough in lithium metal battery technology. The research focuses on a new fluorine based gel polymer electrolyte designed to enhance the lifespan and safety of next generation batteries. This formulation creates a stable interface on the anode surface that effectively suppresses the formation of dendrites which have historically limited the commercial viability of high density lithium metal systems.
Lithium metal batteries are capable of delivering over 1.6 times the energy density of conventional lithium ion batteries but have faced significant challenges regarding charge discharge cycle stability. By collaborating between its South Korean R&D center, its North American research arm, and Columbia University, Samsung SDI has demonstrated a path to move beyond the typical limitation of several dozen cycles. This advancement is expected to support the development of energy intensive applications including next generation wearable devices and advanced mobile electronics.
The publication provides academic validation for a technology that addresses long standing safety concerns associated with lithium metal chemistry. Samsung SDI intends to leverage its global research network to accelerate the commercialization of these high performance battery solutions. The company remains committed to expanding its industry academia partnerships to maintain its leadership in the evolving energy storage market and to push the boundaries of current battery density limits.
EnergyHub and Rivian Partner for Grid-Edge Managed Charging
EnergyHub and Rivian have announced a strategic partnership to integrate Rivian electric vehicles into utility-managed charging programs across North America. The collaboration leverages EnergyHub’s virtual power plant platform to enable both passive and active managed charging, allowing utilities to recruit Rivian drivers into programs that align charging behavior with local grid conditions. This integration aims to transform EVs into flexible grid resources, utilizing dynamic load shaping to maintain distribution network capacity and protect infrastructure from the power plant to the residential garage.
The partnership utilizes Rivian’s native software ecosystem to provide drivers with intuitive smart charging features and direct access to utility incentives. By coordinating EV load as part of a broader VPP that includes connected thermostats and residential batteries, EnergyHub provides utilities with the tools necessary to manage increasing demand and load growth. This grid-aware approach focuses on lowering the total cost of ownership for EV drivers while enhancing grid reliability and security through optimized energy orchestration.
Volvo Recalls 40K+ EX30-Battery Overheating
Volvo Cars has issued a recall for 40,323 EX30 electric SUVs following reports of potential overheating in high-voltage battery packs. The recall specifically targets the Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance variants of the compact SUV, a pivotal model for the automaker’s transition to a fully electric portfolio. Volvo confirmed it will replace the affected high-voltage battery modules, though the replacements will be sourced from the same supplier responsible for the original units.
Loop Global Reports Fifty Percent Revenue Growth For 2025
Loop Global reported over 50% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025, shipping approximately 4,200 chargers to expand its total network to 8,500 ports. The company achieved OCPP 2.0.1 certification and maintained uptime in the mid-to-high 90% range across complex operating environments, including extreme weather deployments in Colorado.
The provider expanded its footprint in the multifamily and international sectors, notably launching a 44-port installation at Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi. Technical innovations focused on connectivity resilience through the Infinity Link platform, which enables session initiation in zero-network environments, alongside flagship Infinity Flash hardware designed for high-utilization SDV infrastructure.
Strategic partnerships with AvalonBay Communities and AMLI Residential underpin the company’s focus on large-scale EV charging deployments. Loop remains eligible for major utility incentives including CALeVIP and ENERGY STAR certifications as it scales its interoperable hardware and software platform into 2026.
Global Electric Vehicle Market Analysis 2026
The global electric vehicle market is transitioning into a high-growth phase, with valuations projected to rise from USD 0.67 trillion in 2025 to USD 0.75 trillion in 2026. This trajectory is expected to reach USD 1.30 trillion by 2031, representing a CAGR of 11.68%. Primary growth drivers include declining battery pack costs, the expansion of 350 kW fast-charging infrastructure, and stringent fleet-average CO₂ regulations in China, the EU, and the United States. BEVs now account for over 70% of unit sales, with the Asia-Pacific region generating more than half of global demand due to scaled LFP production.
Technological advancements are centered on 400–800V architectures to facilitate sub-20-minute charging cycles and the commercialization of silicon-carbon anodes to enhance energy density. Regulatory frameworks, including China’s dual-credit system and California’s Advanced Clean Cars II, are forcing legacy OEMs to pivot R&D toward dedicated EV platforms. While market concentration remains moderate—with BYD, Tesla, and SAIC holding a third of the global share—incumbent automakers are accelerating capacity expansion to avoid non-compliance penalties and meet strengthening emission standards across North America and Europe.
TurnOnGreen Completes Foster City Infrastructure Project
TurnOnGreen, Inc. (OTC: TOGI) has finalized an electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment for the City of Foster City in San Mateo County, California. The project involves multiple EVP1100 networked Level 2 charging stations, each delivering 48-amp/11 kW high-power output capable of providing 35–40 miles of range per hour. These units are integrated with a cloud-based management platform allowing municipal operators to monitor energy consumption, session tracking, and remote reporting in alignment with local sustainability mandates and emission reduction targets.
The installation serves the Pilgrim workforce housing community and was supported by technical assistance and incentives from Peninsula Clean Energy. This deployment addresses the localized demand for shared private charging as California targets a requirement of 1.01 million chargers to support a projected fleet of 7.1 million plug-in EVs by 2030. The hardware utilized is ENERGY STAR® certified and features van-accessible configurations to ensure compliance with ADA requirements while supporting the transition to zero-emission mobility within multi-unit residential environments.
Volkswagen Reaches Two Million All-Electric Vehicle Delivery Milestone
Volkswagen has surpassed the two million unit delivery milestone for battery electric vehicles, a trajectory initiated with the 2013 launch of the e-up!. The landmark vehicle, an ID.3 produced at the Zwickau facility, represents the OEM’s systematic expansion across the MEB architecture. Volume drivers include the ID.4 SUV with approximately 901,000 units delivered globally and the ID.3 compact with 628,000 units. The ID.7 saloon and estate variants have contributed an additional 132,000 units since their 2023 introduction, targeting the upper mid-range segment with enhanced range and efficiency metrics.
The brand’s electrification roadmap for 2026 focuses on the high-volume small car segment, led by the forthcoming ID. Polo. This model is the first of four entry-level BEVs intended to scale electromobility through improved affordability and localized production. In 2025, the Zwickau assembly plant maintained high utilization rates, producing 212,000 electric units. Strategic transformation remains centered on maintaining a leading market position in Europe and North America while navigating the transition from legacy internal combustion platforms to dedicated zero-emission lineups.
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