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In the News

Massachusetts DPU Approves $395M for EV Make-Ready Programs

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) just approved $395 million in new funding to accelerate EV charging station deployment across the Commonwealth!

This long-awaited infrastructure investment will support “make-ready” EV programs delivered by three energy companies:

  • Eversource Energy’s Phase II EV Program: $188 million over 4 years 

  • National Grid’s Phase III EV Program: $206 million over 4 years

  • Unitil EV Program: $998,000 over 5 years 

Thanks to this fresh infusion of state funding, charging stations (including DCFC equipment) can be purchased and/or installed at little-to-no cost to the site hosts. Eligible projects include public, workplace, fleet, municipal utility district (MUD), residential and Environmental Justice Community (EJC).

With a significant backlog of projects awaiting funding, you’ll have to act fast to get your piece of the pie. Let Voltrek guide you to victory! Our EV charging experts will help you breeze through the rebate application process as well as manage every aspect of your charging station project—from start to finish.

Start the new year strong by partnering with Voltrek! Connect with us now to get started.

MOR-EV Program in Massachusetts Expands EV Incentives

Electric vehicles in Massachusetts are more affordable than ever, thanks to increased rebates through the MOR-EV Program!

Effective Nov. 10, 2022, drivers are eligible for a $3,500 rebate (up from $2,500) if they purchase or lease qualifying battery or fuel-cell electric vehicles costing less than $50,000.

Another big change—fleets no longer have to worry about annual or lifetime rebate limits!

Keep in mind, MOR-EV rebates are available on a first come, first serve basis. To qualify you must submit a rebate application within three months of the purchase/lease, among other conditions. Learn more at mor-ev.org.

👉 If you’re looking for a great summary of what’s happening with the MORE-EV Program, read this blog post by the Green Energy Consumers Alliance: https://lnkd.in/gBc5Ru9r

Kathleen Connors Interview with CBS News Boston

Voltrek's Kathleen Connors just had a neat interview with CBS News Boston!

In her chat with Boston-area reporter Breana Pitts, Kathleen shared tips on how to maximize EV driving range in cold weather.

See the video interview and news article here: https://cbsn.ws/3TEXnmc

(NOTE: Video is embedded at the beginning of the article and should start playing automatically after a brief ad.)

Voltrek Expands Horizons by Partnering with Orion Energy Services

Voltrek Expands Horizons by Partnering with Orion Energy Services

Voltrek is thrilled to announce it has joined forces with Orion Energy Systems, Inc. (Orion), a leading provider of energy-efficient LED lighting, controls and electrical installation and maintenance services.

Now operating as an independent brand within Orion, a publicly traded company, Voltrek will provide the vital expertise, experience and resources necessary to help Orion to expand into the burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) charging station market.

“Voltrek’s turnkey EV charging solutions are an ideal fit for Orion’s national accounts and our partner network as they directly address a growing need expressed by our customers and fit well with our core areas of expertise,” says Orion COO Mike Jenkins. “Charging stations are an increasingly important part of a high-quality retail experience, as well as an important amenity for employees and visitors. We see substantial cross-selling potential between our LED lighting and electrical maintenance solutions and EV charging and believe Voltrek places Orion in the forefront of this opportunity.”

The future looks bright as our woman-led operation continues to evolve and flourish. “As a top-ranked ChargePoint EV charging station VAR and service provider, Voltrek is uniquely positioned to leverage our expertise in facilitating the conversion to electric mobility,” adds Voltrek founder and President Kathleen Connors. “We expect the added support of Orion’s customer reach, large partner network, financial resources, and its growing Maintenance Service Group will support our continued growth.”

To learn more about the new partnership between Voltrek and Orion, read this press release announcement: https://bit.ly/3ryTWSa

FHWA Proposes New Rules for National EV Charging Network

Creating a national EV charging network that is user-friendly, reliable and accessible to all Americans is a top priority for U.S. leaders. With this in mind, the Federal Highway Administration recently proposed setting minimum standards and requirements for federally funded EV infrastructure projects.

One key requirement is that charging stations must be spaced no more than 50 miles apart along major highways. This would help to ensure key infrastructure gaps are filled—including in rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities. “To support the transition to electric vehicles," comments U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, "we must build a national charging network that makes finding a charge as easy as filling up at a gas station."

Also, under the proposed rules, EV drivers can expect similar payment systems, pricing details, charging speeds and access to real-time information on whether charging stations are occupied or broken. To learn more, go to https://bit.ly/3MGvCGm.

U.S. DOE Announces $45 Million to Develop More Efficient EV Batteries

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just announced it is allocating up to $45 million to improve electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

In President Biden's continued push to accelerate the nation's transition to clean, electrified transportation, this funding is pivotal to developing more affordable, convenient, efficient and resilient batteries.

“Advanced batteries are the heartbeat of the electric vehicle industry and investments to make them charge faster and last longer will be critical to accelerate the deployment of electric cars and trucks,” confirms U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm. “The benefits of an electrified transportation sector in America will be felt for generations to come—from directly combatting climate change to growing domestic manufacturing jobs and strengthening our overall energy independence.”

This federal initiative is being carried out through a brand-new DOE program called Electric Vehicles for American Low-Carbon Living (EVs4ALL). Read this press release for more details: https://bit.ly/3OUnh3V

"Make New York EV Ready" Bill Advances in NY State Senate

Voltrek applauds the New York State Senate for advancing legislation that promotes the development of new electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

The "Make New York EV Ready" bill (S23A) sponsored by Senator Anna Kaplan (pictured) passed this week as part of a legislative package designed to combat climate change and promote environmental conservation. Essentially, it requires that certain state-funded parking facilities be constructed to support EV charging stations, and would help to ease the state's transition to EVs.

"Ensuring that new parking structures are pre-wired for electric vehicle charging is a no-brainer, and it’s what needs to be done to ensure that our infrastructure will be ready to handle the growing number of EVs on the road today and tomorrow," Senator Kaplan states.

Matthew Aracich, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, adds, “S23A represents a major step forward in the construction and personal transportation industries. Assigning dedicated EV charging spaces and infrastructure during the construction of our parking garages is not only common sense, but also represents a real step in achieving our plan for a green future for the Empire State.”

S23A still has to pass the New York State Assembly before being delivered to the governor's desk for final approval. Learn more about this key piece of legislation here: https://bit.ly/3xP20Td

More charging stations for Amherst

The Town of Amherst has decided to add more charging stations and has once again selected Voltrek to procure and program these new stations.

We've been authorized!

Voltrek selected as Winner for Massachusetts State Contract VEH-102 Advances Vehicle Technologies for Category 1: Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.  By winning this contract, Voltrek is authorized to work with State Agencies and Municipalities statewide to sell and install EV Charging Stations.