US Government Approves Funding For EV Charging Infrastructure, Audi Endurance Tests RS Q e-tron

All 50 states allocate new funding for 75,000 miles of highway charging station infrastructure.

When it comes to EVs, a mention of range is always followed by “infrastructure.” Well, according to CNBC, that infrastructure is about to get a big boost. On September 27th, the Transportation Department has said it approved plans for all 50 US states for a network of charging stations along major highways.

About $135 billion dollars has been allocated to EV infrastructure and tech in the US already. Though it is not yet clear how individual states will implement their charging network plans, officials have recommended that states have charging locations approximately every 50 miles, and be located within one mile from major highways. No dates have been set on when the network of chargers should be complete, either.

However, once in place, this should give a major boost to long-haul and interstate travel for EV owners. And given that these stops will be new, and built with a small wait time in mind, they could be really cool. For sure they would be better than some of the dingy and old rest stops currently found on some US highways.

Audi’s grueling Morocco test puts thousands of miles on the new Dakar challenger.

Audi’s RS Q e-tron E2 has undergone more test mileage. This newest Dakar rally contender is meant to take the infamous off-road race by storm and prove that electric driven vehicles can withstand the vigors of the toughest race on earth. In all, 2,621 miles of testing are now complete. Drivers report vast improvements from the car’s lighter weight, and ease of driving.

Audi’s development of this car coincides with a greater push to see the various capabilities of EV cars. Especially in off-road environments. EV power and torque is arguably better for off-road than internal combustion. The only caveat is charging.

As for charging, the RS Q e-tron is still a hybrid of sorts. A gas engine keeps the battery charged, as current battery tech doesn’t accomodate for the long haul requirements of this event. However, applying electric power to the ground still helps drive EV development forward.

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Photos Courtesy of CNBC, Audi