WattUp USA secures structured capital for retail‑based charging rollout
WattUp USA has raised $130M to accelerate its retail-focused EV charging network across Western US markets. The funding supports Phase 1 deployment of ultra-fast, battery-integrated chargers at 100 commercial sites, including shopping centers, grocery stores, and mixed-use developments in California, New Mexico, and Washington. The company’s model combines on-site storage with DC fast-charging to draw power during off-peak hours, easing grid demand and lowering operating costs. Its turnkey approach covers site evaluation through long-term operations, offering property owners a new revenue stream. Retail parking areas are positioned as emerging infrastructure assets as demand for reliable, accessible charging continues to rise.
Cox Automotive advances large‑scale EV battery recycling
Cox Automotive reports surpassing 10 million pounds of recovered black mass from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries, marking a step forward in scaling the EV circular economy. Its Oklahoma City facility uses a patented dry process, relying on mechanical disassembly, shredding, and air-based separation, to recover up to 94% of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. The company now handles repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling as more used EVs enter the market and lease maturities increase. Recovered materials can be fed back into new battery production, supporting domestic supply chains and reducing environmental impact while expanding capacity for end-of-life battery management.
Essex prepares major expansion of public charging network
Essex County plans to install 5,000 new public EV charging points by 2031 after securing £8.3M in government funding. Deployment begins this summer across public parking lots and on-street locations, with a focus on supporting residents without home-charging access. A promotional campaign will accompany the rollout, emphasizing environmental and cost benefits. The county recently completed a separate project adding 62 chargers in Basildon, Chelmsford, and Colchester. Officials previously estimated more than 5,000 chargers would be needed by 2030 to meet demand, compared with around 300 available in 2024, signaling a significant scale-up.
India sets emissions standards for green hydrogen‑based ammonia
India has introduced new emissions limits for green ammonia under its National Green Energy Mission, defining non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions at no more than 0.38 kg CO₂ per kilogram of ammonia on a 12-month average. The threshold covers hydrogen production, ammonia synthesis, purification, compression, and storage. The standard applies to processes powered by renewable electricity delivered directly, via the grid, or from stored renewable energy systems. Earlier tenders are exempt but may voluntarily align. The move supports India’s aim to build a competitive export market, particularly to Europe, and aligns with its target of producing five million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030.
Deals
Mind Robotics raises $500m to scale industrial AI robotics
Mind Robotics, a Rivian spin-out focused on industrial automation, has secured $500M in Series A funding co-led by Accel and Andreessen Horowitz, valuing the company at around $2B. The startup is developing AI-enabled robots capable of handling variable, dexterity-intensive manufacturing tasks and leverages operational data from Rivian’s factories. Unlike humanoid-oriented efforts elsewhere, its systems focus on practical applications in real-world production environments. Rivian remains a key strategic partner. Mind Robotics expects to deploy multiple robot models by year-end as manufacturers modernize facilities and address labor shortages, while also exploring opportunities linked to Rivian’s silicon development.
Eaton invests $75m in SPAN for smart home electrification
Eaton has committed $75M to SPAN to accelerate the development of advanced smart electrical panels for home electrification. The partnership combines SPAN’s energy intelligence and load management software with Eaton’s distribution and safety hardware. Co-branded panels will launch in Q2 2026 and will be distributed through Eaton’s installer and homebuilder networks. The systems aim to reduce upgrade costs, dynamically manage household loads, and support devices such as batteries and EV chargers. SPAN panels will add Eaton surge protection, while Eaton’s new panels will integrate SPAN’s real-time controls. The collaboration supports Eaton’s Home as a Grid strategy by enabling flexible, grid-aware residential energy management.