Blue Current $80M Amazon Funding, Cybertruck 325kW, Demand Charges

Introduction

The EV charging industry advances on multiple fronts as Blue Current raises $80 million in Series D funding led by Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund for solid-state battery commercialization, Tesla Cybertruck achieves 325-kilowatt charging speeds with 500-kilowatt V4 Superchargers on the horizon, and commercial property owners grapple with demand charges that can comprise 30 to 70 percent of monthly electricity bills. At Shaffer Construction, Inc., we track these developments to help Los Angeles property owners understand the evolving charging landscape and make informed decisions about their commercial EV charger installations and residential charging solutions. This week we examine how next-generation battery technology is attracting major investment, what faster charging speeds mean for infrastructure planning, and why demand charge management has become critical for commercial charging economics.

Blue Current Raises $80 Million Series D Led by Amazon Climate Pledge Fund

Blue Current, a solid-state battery developer, has closed an $80 million Series D funding round led by Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund. The investment brings Blue Current's total funding to approximately $150 million since its founding in 2014. The company's solid-state battery technology promises higher energy density, faster charging, improved safety, and longer cycle life compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries, potentially transforming both electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage. Source: Business Wire.

Blue Current's technology eliminates the flammable liquid electrolytes found in conventional lithium-ion batteries, replacing them with solid polymer electrolytes that enable safer, more energy-dense cells. The company has demonstrated cells with energy densities exceeding 400 watt-hours per kilogram, compared to approximately 250 to 300 watt-hours per kilogram for current lithium-ion technology. This increased density could translate to longer vehicle range without increasing battery size or weight, or alternatively smaller, lighter battery packs with equivalent range. Source: PR Newswire.

Amazon's investment reflects growing corporate interest in next-generation battery technology. The Climate Pledge Fund has invested over $2 billion in companies developing sustainable technologies since 2020. For EV charging infrastructure, solid-state batteries could eventually enable vehicles that charge faster while requiring fewer charging sessions, potentially altering utilization patterns at commercial charging locations. However, widespread commercial deployment remains several years away, with most analysts expecting solid-state batteries to reach mass production between 2027 and 2030. Property owners installing charging infrastructure today should plan for current vehicle capabilities while recognizing that future battery improvements may change usage patterns.

Tesla Cybertruck Achieves 325kW Charging at V4 Superchargers

Tesla Cybertruck owners are now experiencing charging speeds up to 325 kilowatts at V4 Supercharger stations, with Tesla confirming that future V4 cabinets will support charging speeds up to 500 kilowatts. The increased charging capability comes from the combination of Cybertruck's 800-volt architecture and Tesla's latest Supercharger hardware. At 325 kilowatts, Cybertruck can add approximately 136 miles of range in just 15 minutes, significantly reducing charging stops on long-distance trips. Source: Electrek.

Tesla's V4 Supercharger rollout has accelerated throughout 2025, with stations appearing across North America and Europe. The V4 design features longer cables that eliminate the need for pull-through parking and can serve vehicles of any size, from compact cars to pickup trucks and vehicles towing trailers. The 500-kilowatt capability, when fully deployed, will enable even faster charging for vehicles designed to accept such high power levels, including future Tesla models and other manufacturers' vehicles using the North American Charging Standard connector.

For commercial property owners, the trend toward higher-power charging has important implications for electrical infrastructure planning. As we discussed in our analysis of Vermont's 400kW ultra-fast chargers, properties installing DC fast charging must ensure adequate electrical capacity not just for current equipment but for potential future upgrades. Shaffer Construction performs comprehensive electrical load studies that account for both current requirements and anticipated future charging power levels.

Commercial Demand Charges Comprise 30 to 70 Percent of EV Charging Bills

Demand charges have emerged as the single largest cost factor for commercial EV charging operations, often comprising 30 to 70 percent of monthly electricity bills depending on utilization patterns and local utility rate structures. Demand charges are based on the highest 15-minute peak power draw during a billing period, meaning that even a brief period of multiple vehicles charging simultaneously can dramatically increase monthly costs. A commercial property with several DC fast chargers drawing 150 kilowatts each could face demand charges of $1,500 to $3,000 per month even with modest utilization. Source: Department of Energy.

Strategies for managing demand charges include load management systems that stagger charging sessions to prevent simultaneous high-power draws, battery energy storage systems that buffer grid demand during peak periods, and time-of-use rate optimization that shifts charging to off-peak hours when demand charges may not apply. Some utilities offer special EV charging rates that reduce or eliminate demand charges for qualifying installations, though these programs vary significantly by service territory. Source: Alternative Fuels Data Center.

California utilities have introduced various rate structures to address commercial EV charging economics. Southern California Edison's TOU-EV-8 rate for commercial EV charging eliminates demand charges entirely, instead using time-of-use energy rates that vary by season and time of day. Pacific Gas and Electric offers Business EV rates with reduced demand charges for qualifying installations. San Diego Gas and Electric provides EV-TOU rates designed specifically for commercial charging applications. As we covered in our analysis of EV charging software platforms, AI-driven energy management systems can optimize charging schedules to minimize demand charges while ensuring vehicles are ready when needed.

Portable EV Charger Safety Standards Gain Importance

As more EV owners purchase portable charging equipment for home and travel use, safety certification standards have gained increased attention. UL 2594, the Standard for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, establishes safety requirements for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers including protection against electric shock, overcurrent conditions, and environmental factors. Chargers that carry UL 2594 certification have undergone rigorous testing to verify they meet these safety standards, while uncertified products may pose risks including electrical fires, shock hazards, and damage to vehicles. Source: UL Solutions.

The portable charger market has expanded rapidly with options ranging from basic Level 1 units to sophisticated Level 2 chargers with adjustable amperage, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone apps. Price points vary from under $200 for basic units to over $700 for premium products. Consumer Reports and other testing organizations have found significant quality variations among products, with some budget options lacking proper safety certifications or failing basic performance tests. Property managers and EV owners should verify UL 2594 or equivalent certification before purchasing portable charging equipment.

For property owners providing charging access to tenants or guests, equipment selection directly impacts liability exposure. Installing certified equipment from reputable manufacturers with proper electrical permits and inspections protects property owners while ensuring safe, reliable charging for users. As we detailed in our analysis of multifamily charging opportunities, the gap between EV adoption and available charging infrastructure creates opportunities for property owners who invest in safe, properly installed charging equipment.

California Commercial EV Rate Programs Expand

California utilities continue expanding rate programs designed to make commercial EV charging economically viable. Southern California Edison serves approximately 15 million customers and offers multiple commercial EV rate options including TOU-EV-8 for dedicated EV charging and TOU-EV-9 for mixed commercial use with significant EV charging load. These rates feature time-of-use structures without demand charges, dramatically improving economics for commercial charging operations with variable utilization. Source: Southern California Edison.

Pacific Gas and Electric offers Business EV rates across its Northern and Central California service territory, with options for both dedicated EV charging and general commercial accounts with EV infrastructure. PG&E's EV Fleet program provides additional incentives for commercial fleets transitioning to electric vehicles, including rebates for charging infrastructure and reduced rates during off-peak hours. The utility has committed to supporting 1 million EVs in its service territory by 2030.

For Los Angeles property owners, LADWP's commercial EV charging rates provide favorable economics for installations serving employees, customers, or the public. The utility's EV rebate programs, combined with federal tax credits available through June 2026, significantly reduce upfront installation costs. As we analyzed in our coverage of LADWP and SCE rebate programs, property owners who act while these incentives remain available capture substantial cost savings while meeting growing demand from EV drivers.

What These Developments Mean for Los Angeles Property Owners

This week's developments highlight several important themes for property owners evaluating charging infrastructure investments. Blue Current's $80 million Amazon-led funding demonstrates continued investment in next-generation battery technology that will eventually transform vehicle capabilities. While solid-state batteries remain years from mass production, the investment signals confidence in the long-term trajectory of electric transportation.

Tesla Cybertruck achieving 325-kilowatt charging speeds with 500-kilowatt capability on the horizon underscores the importance of future-proofing electrical infrastructure. Properties installing DC fast charging should ensure adequate capacity for potential equipment upgrades as vehicle charging capabilities continue advancing. Even Level 2 installations benefit from proper electrical planning that allows future expansion.

Demand charges comprising 30 to 70 percent of commercial EV charging bills represent perhaps the most actionable insight for property owners. Understanding local utility rate structures and selecting appropriate rate plans can dramatically improve charging economics. California utilities offer multiple options specifically designed for commercial EV charging, with programs that reduce or eliminate demand charges for qualifying installations.

Portable charger safety certification standards remind property owners of the importance of selecting quality equipment from reputable manufacturers. UL 2594 certification provides assurance that charging equipment meets rigorous safety standards, protecting both property and users while reducing liability exposure.

Conclusion

From Blue Current's $80 million Series D led by Amazon to Tesla Cybertruck achieving 325-kilowatt charging speeds, this week's developments demonstrate continued advancement across the EV charging ecosystem. Understanding demand charge economics and selecting appropriate utility rate programs has become critical for commercial charging viability, while safety certification standards ensure reliable, safe operation. For Los Angeles property owners, these trends reinforce the strategic value of investing in EV charging infrastructure while utility rebate programs remain available and before charging access becomes a standard expectation rather than a competitive differentiator.

Ready to explore EV charging options for your Los Angeles property? Contact Shaffer Construction, Inc. for a complimentary site assessment and expert guidance on selecting the right charging solution for your needs.

Shaffer Construction, Inc.
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Los Angeles, CA 90004
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