EV Charging Infrastructure Expands in South Carolina as Optimus Energy Solutions Acquires Duke Energy Pilot Network

## EV Charging Infrastructure Expands in South Carolina Orlando-based Optimus Energy Solutions (OES) has acquired and will continue operating a significant electric vehicle fast-charging network in South Carolina, according to a PR Newswire release dated June 10, 2026. The network was originally developed through a Duke Energy pilot program approved by the South Carolina Public Service Commission. OES's acquisition marks a transition of the infrastructure from a utility-led pilot initiative to a dedicated commercial energy solutions operator, a move that reflects broader industry trends toward privatised management of EV charging assets. ### Relevance to the Maritime Sector While the acquisition is primarily framed as an energy and transportation story, the development carries implications for the maritime industry in the region. South Carolina is home to the Port of Charleston, one of the busiest container ports on the US East Coast, as well as the Port of Georgetown. The expansion and consolidation of EV fast-charging infrastructure in the state supports the electrification of port-adjacent logistics operations, including drayage trucking, terminal equipment, and last-mile freight delivery. As ports across North America face increasing regulatory pressure to reduce emissions from landside operations, reliable and widely available EV charging networks are becoming a critical component of port decarbonisation strategies. The South Carolina network, now under OES management, could serve as supporting infrastructure for fleet operators transitioning to battery-electric vehicles in the region's freight corridors. ### Broader Electrification Context The acquisition aligns with a national push to build out EV charging capacity along major freight and logistics routes. Federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) programme has accelerated deployment of fast-charging stations across the US, and private operators such as OES are increasingly stepping in to acquire and scale utility-originated pilot assets. For maritime stakeholders, the story underscores the importance of monitoring onshore energy infrastructure developments as the industry works toward cleaner port operations and compliance with evolving emissions standards at both the state and federal level. *Source: PR Newswire*