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Episode #1121: We cover the rapid growth in EV charging infrastructure even as EV sales plateau, Tesla’s China-only 500+ mile Model 3, and a solar-powered drone that just stayed airborne for 74 hours without a drop of fuel.

Show Notes with links:

• EV sales brace for slump, but charging networks surge ahead with automaker support
• Despite challenges in EV sales, the U.S. fast-charging network is rapidly expanding and may actually meet infrastructure goals—whether or not EV adoption keeps pace.
  • The U.S. hit nearly 60,000 fast-charging ports in Q2 and is on track for 19% growth in 2025.
  • Private investment, not government aid, is fueling most of this growth as NEVI funds stall, with new players like Ionna and Mercedes-Benz expanding fast
  • Tesla dominates with 54% market share; Electrify America and ChargePoint trail at under 8%.
  • “There will be more choice, more infrastructure and, hopefully, better experiences for EV drivers,” said Loren McDonald, chief analyst at Paren.
    • This comes as U.S. EV registrations rose 4.6% in June, but EV market share slipped to 8.6%—down from 8.8% last year—signaling a stagnant market.
    • Tesla’s registrations dropped 6%, while GM surged with Chevrolet up 152% and Cadillac up 87%, showing shifting momentum among major players.

• Tesla has quietly introduced its longest-range Model 3 to date, the "Model 3 Plus," capable of up to 515 miles—but only for the Chinese market, for now.
  • The 830 km (CLTC-rated) Model 3 Plus uses a more powerful 225 kW motor and LG-supplied lithium-ion batteries.
  • It achieves long range with just a 78.4 kWh battery thanks to efficiency gains, not just capacity.
  • Tesla aims to compete directly with high-range local EVs like the Xiaomi SU7 and is expected to launch the model in China by September with a price just under $38K.
  • “This effectively shatters the 700 km psychological ceiling,” said Shanghai-based analyst Li Wei.

• Aviation startup Skydweller Aero just pulled off a wild feat: flying a solar-powered drone for 74 hours straight—twice—without touching down or using a drop of fuel.
  • The drone has a wingspan larger than a Boeing 747 and runs solely on solar power and batteries.
  • Its 17,000 solar cells power flight by day and charge 1,400 pounds of onboard batteries to keep flying at night.
  • Recent Navy tests suggest big military potential in anti-piracy, smuggling patrols, and backup GPS missions.
  • Skydweller also has commercial ambitions, including remote internet delivery and environmental monitoring.
  • “There’s a lot of money to be made in something that never touches the ground,” the company noted.

Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.

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