Arizona Plans 34 New Rapid EV Chargers to Expand Statewide Network

Arizona is progressing with its statewide electric vehicle (EV) charging network by advancing the second phase, which includes constructing 34 new rapid-charging stations along major highways, supported by $76.5 million in federal funds and designed to alleviate range anxiety with fast chargers placed no more than 50 miles apart (Article 1). In India, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science and Delta Electronics have developed a transformer-free, highly efficient EV fast-charging converter that connects directly to medium-voltage grids, reducing size, cost, and material use while boosting efficiency, with plans to scale it up to charge large vehicles simultaneously (Articles 2 and 3). Meanwhile, wireless EV charging technology is emerging as a promising future alternative, with global standards like SAE International J2954 ensuring interoperability and enabling hands-free "park and charge" solutions that could increase EV adoption by 40 percent (Articles 4 and 5). Testing by Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrated wireless charging of up to 120 kW power at efficiencies around 96-97%, with automakers such as Porsche and Mercedes-Benz developing and testing wireless systems for passenger cars and larger vehicles. Despite challenges in replicating lab efficiencies in real-world conditions, ongoing developments and standardization efforts suggest wireless charging will become a key component of the EV charging landscape soon. Together, these advancements reflect a multi-faceted effort worldwide to make EV charging faster, more accessible, and more convenient.