How EV Data, Battery Prices & U.S. Policy Are Supercharging the Electric Transition: Corey Cantor, ZETA

04/08/25 • 59 min

Summary
Corey Cantor, Research Director at the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), joins us to break down the data behind the electric vehicle (EV) transition in the U.S. We explore how falling battery prices, expanding public charging infrastructure, and landmark policies like the 30D EV tax credit and 45X manufacturing incentives are accelerating EV adoption and reshaping the auto industry. Corey shares insights on shifting consumer perceptions, domestic supply chain investments, and how visibility of chargers directly impacts buyer intent. Whether you're curious about EV market growth, U.S. competitiveness in clean transportation, or the broader electrification ecosystem—from lithium mines to school buses—this conversation is packed with data-driven takeaways and future-forward perspective.
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Takeaways

U.S. EV Sales Grew Despite a Shrinking Auto Market
While the overall U.S. automotive market contracted in 2024, EV sales continued to grow, highlighting strong consumer interest and resilience even in challenging conditions.
EV Battery Prices Have Dropped Nearly 90% Since 2010
This dramatic reduction in lithium-ion battery costs is unlocking new affordability and accelerating adoption across passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and grid storage.
Charging Station Visibility Boosts EV Purchase Intent
Pew Research data reveals that people living within one mile of a public EV charger are 20% more likely to consider buying an EV, proving that visibility matters as much as access.
Most EV Charging Happens at Home—But DC Fast Charging Still Has a Key Role
With 80% of EV charging occurring at home, the conversation around infrastructure must balance fast charging buildout with scalable, everyday solutions like Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
$190 Billion+ Invested in U.S. EV Supply Chain Since 2020
Corey breaks down how investment in domestic EV manufacturing—spanning critical minerals, battery production, and vehicle assembly—is translating into tens of thousands of American jobs.
Electric School Buses Offer Massive Public Health and Cost Savings Potential
With over 500,000 school buses in the U.S., electrifying this fleet isn’t just an emissions play—it’s a public health and operational cost win for school districts across the country.
Bipartisan Support for EV Manufacturing Is Rising
New polling shows that a majority of U.S. voters—across political lines—support government action to back domestic EV production, signaling long-term policy momentum.

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NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Takeaways

U.S. EV Sales Grew Despite a Shrinking Auto Market
While the overall U.S. automotive market contracted in 2024, EV sales continued to grow, highlighting strong consumer interest and resilience even in challenging conditions.
EV Battery Prices Have Dropped Nearly 90% Since 2010
This dramatic reduction in lithium-ion battery costs is unlocking new affordability and accelerating adoption across passenger vehicles, commercial fleets, and grid storage.
Charging Station Visibility Boosts EV Purchase Intent
Pew Research data reveals that people living within one mile of a public EV charger are 20% more likely to consider buying an EV, proving that visibility matters as much as access.
Most EV Charging Happens at Home—But DC Fast Charging Still Has a Key Role
With 80% of EV charging occurring at home, the conversation around infrastructure must balance fast charging buildout with scalable, everyday solutions like Level 1 and Level 2 charging.
$190 Billion+ Invested in U.S. EV Supply Chain Since 2020
Corey breaks down how investment in domestic EV manufacturing—spanning critical minerals, battery production, and vehicle assembly—is translating into tens of thousands of American jobs.
Electric School Buses Offer Massive Public Health and Cost Savings Potential
With over 500,000 school buses in the U.S., electrifying this fleet isn’t just an emissions play—it’s a public health and operational cost win for school districts across the country.
Bipartisan Support for EV Manufacturing Is Rising
New polling shows that a majority of U.S. voters—across political lines—support government action to back domestic EV production, signaling long-term policy momentum.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Previous Episode

EV Charging Summit 2025 Live Panel: Public-Private Power Moves Driving Clean Mobility

Summary
Curious about how public and private partnerships are shaping the future of EV charging and clean transportation? In this special episode of Grid Connections, recorded live at the EV Charging Summit and Expo in Las Vegas, we sit down with Jane McCurry (Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan), Tom McCalmont (CEO, Paired Power), and Stacey Simms (Senior Director, Clean Fuels and Infrastructure at CALSTART) to explore how states are stepping up as federal funding wavers, where real progress is happening in multifamily and fleet charging, and why microgrids and smart financing are critical to scaling infrastructure. Whether you're in policy, fleet management, or just EV-curious, this episode is packed with actionable insights, state-level success stories, and bold ideas driving clean mobility forward.
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Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways:

State-Level EV Programs Are Filling Federal Gaps
States like Michigan, Colorado, and California are launching innovative funding and policy initiatives to keep EV infrastructure projects moving despite federal uncertainty.
Multifamily Housing Is the Next Frontier for EV Charging
With growing demand, new public-private programs are targeting apartment and condo dwellers to expand access to overnight EV charging.
Microgrids and Solar-Powered EV Chargers Offer Grid Resilience
Combining solar, storage, and managed charging is proving essential for deploying EV charging in grid-constrained or remote areas.
Fleet Electrification Needs Tailored Messaging and Financing Tools
Education, total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, and new financing models are critical to converting light-duty and municipal fleets.
Ride-and-Drive Events Are Driving EV Adoption
Getting drivers behind the wheel remains one of the most effective strategies for boosting consumer and fleet confidence in EVs.
Collaboration Across State Agencies Accelerates Deployment
Cross-agency coordination—between energy offices, DOTs, and air quality boards—is helping streamline EV infrastructure rollouts.
Innovative Financing Models Like Pay-As-You-Save Are Gaining Traction
Creative solutions are emerging to help public agencies and property owners overcome upfront costs and invest in long-term electrification.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
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NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging

Next Episode

Solving Grid Modernization Bottlenecks: Kim Getgen on InnovationForce, AI, and Utility Transformation

Summary
If you’re curious how utilities can break through outdated processes and accelerate grid modernization, this episode is a must-listen. Kim Getgen, CEO of InnovationForce, joins us to share how her AI-powered platform is helping utilities overcome “pilotitis,” streamline innovation workflows, and bring game-changing technologies to life faster. From aligning with fast-moving startups to addressing cybersecurity bottlenecks and making frontline workers part of the solution, Kim offers real-world strategies for scaling innovation in complex, regulated industries. Whether you work in clean energy, electric vehicles, or digital transformation, this episode is packed with insights on how AI is reshaping the future of utility innovation—one pilot at a time.
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Plus check out our new consultancy site: Grid Connections Consulting

Takeaways

1. Innovation starts with a challenge—not a shiny object.
Kim Getgen explains why utility innovation efforts often fail when they don’t begin with a clearly defined problem, and how starting with challenge statements leads to better alignment, faster pilots, and higher success rates.
2. Time is the silent killer of innovation.
More than budgets or resources, it's indecision and delays that stall progress. Kim shares why utilities must act quickly to match the pace of startups—and how AI can help accelerate that decision-making process.
3. Culture change comes after capability building—not before.
Drawing from Harvard-backed research, Kim breaks down why utility culture improves organically when employees are empowered with the right innovation tools and clear processes—not just buzzwords or slogans.
4. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be a bottleneck.
Kim dives into how standardized procurement workflows, better staffing, and proactive preparation from startups can reduce cyber delays—without compromising safety or compliance.
5. InnovationForce’s “airports and captains” model makes innovation accessible.
By ditching jargon and using aviation-inspired language, utilities can decentralize innovation and engage employees at all levels—especially those closest to the problem.
6. AI is changing the game for solution discovery and pilot matching.
InnovationWorks AI can read hundreds of pages of grid modernization filings in seconds, identify critical challenges, and instantly match them to vetted startup solutions—replacing months of manual research.

Support or Connect with Grid Connections

Looking to either buy a Tesla or even test drive one, use our referral code.
Travel for work and looking for a card that rewards your travel needs? Earn 60,000 bonus points with either Chase Sapphire card.
Looking to go off grid or just need a better internet setup? Try Starlink FREE for a month.
Want to be a guest on Grid Connections?

Website | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

NEVI, EV charging, infrastructure, federal policy, rideshare, rural charging, electric vehicles, multifamily, charging deserts, state responses, industry trends, DCFC, DC Fast Charging