GM Recalls 2017-2019 Bolt EVs
General Motors has been notified of two recent Chevrolet Bolt EV fire incidents in vehicles that were remedied as part of the safety recall announced in November 2020. Out of an abundance of caution, we are asking owners of 2017-2019 Chevrolet Bolt EVs who were part of the recall population to park their vehicles outdoors immediately after charging and not leave their vehicles charging overnight while we investigate these incidents.
Customers who have not had the remedy completed should still visit their dealer for the recall remedy while our investigation continues. At GM, safety is our highest priority, and we are moving as quickly as we can to investigate this issue. Customers should visit https://my.chevrolet.com/recalls or contact the Chevrolet EV Concierge 1-833-EVCHEVY or their preferred Chevrolet EV dealer.
General Motors is notifying owners of select 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs that it has developed a remedy to complete the previously announced safety recall.
As part of the service procedure, dealers will utilize GM-developed diagnostic tools to identify potential battery anomalies and replace battery module assemblies as necessary. The remedy will also include the installation of advanced onboard diagnostic software into these vehicles that, among other things, has the ability to detect potential issues related to changes in battery module performance before problems can develop.
Customers will need to visit their nearest participating Chevrolet Bolt EV dealer to have the remedy service procedure performed. When the vehicle is updated with the new software, the 90% state of charge limitation is removed, so that the battery is returned to its previous maximum charging capacity.
Customers of 2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs were able to have this remedy performed starting on April 29 and customers who own 2017 and 2018 model year Bolt EVs will be eligible to have the remedy performed starting May 26 at their preferred Chevrolet Bolt EV Dealer. We will also be making the advanced diagnostic software available to all other Bolt EV owners in the coming months. Additionally, we will be making this diagnostic software standard in the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV, as well as future GM electric vehicles.
GM Ultium Charge 360
General Motors and BrightDrop, a new business created and wholly owned by GM that is reimagining commercial delivery and logistics for an all-electric future, today announced the Ultium Charge 360 fleet charging service, a comprehensive approach designed to help make the switch to electric seamless for fleet customers by connecting them with services, features and resources.
The Ultium Charge 360 fleet service will be one of the industry’s most holistic solutions offering, where available:
- Fleet and facility management tools
- Integration with both GM’s fleet management solution, OnStar Vehicle Insights, and the BrightDrop fleet and asset management platform
- Support for a wide range of fleet segments, including delivery, sales, utilities and motor pool
The comprehensive solution will help new and existing fleet customers identify providers, tools and solutions required to plan, finance, deploy and operate charging infrastructure in fleet yards and depots.
In addition, Ultium Charge 360’s holistic approach to charging will help to enable support for home charging and provide drivers access to more than 60,000 public places to charge while en route. As part of the solution, GM is working with preferred providers, including four depot infrastructure providers – eTransEnergy, a Duke Energy company; EVgo; In-Charge Energy; and Schneider Electric. GM is also expanding existing commercial relationships with Qmerit for home charging and EVgo for public and depot charging to provide fleet owners the flexibility to choose a charging solution that best suits their needs.
EVgo Inc., announced that General Motors Company (GM) has named it a preferred provider for the company’s Ultium Charge 360 fleet service. With the announcement, EVgo will deploy comprehensive new charging and infrastructure solutions specifically for GM fleet and BrightDrop customers; in addition, these customers can receive program discounts at EVgo’s nationwide network of more than 800 public fast charging locations.
Automakers around the globe have announced more than $300 billion of EV investments, and just last month, GM, announced its plans to spend $35 billion through 2025 on EVs and AVs, an increase of 75% from March 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic.
GM tapped EVgo as a preferred provider to leverage its dedication to innovation and deep expertise in designing, building and maintaining EV infrastructure across the country, including dedicated charging services for fleets. Reliability is a key factor for mission critical fleets, and EVgo maintains uptime of 98%1 across thousands of charging stations. EVgo can help fleet owners realize electrification’s significant benefits, empowering them to recognize lower total cost of ownership, meet emerging regulations and lead on corporate sustainability.
eTransEnergy Chosen by GM
eTransEnergy, a Duke Energy company, today was named by GM as a preferred provider to help GM fleet and BrightDrop customers transition to electric vehicles through the GM Ultium Charge 360 service.
Duke Energy introduced eTransEnergy in February 2021 as a wholly owned subsidiary created to offer energy transportation services to logistics, services, and last-mile delivery companies, as well as school districts and transit agencies.
“We are so pleased eTransEnergy was named by GM as a preferred provider for the electrification of its fleet,” said Greg Fields, eTransEnergy vice president. “This speaks to the strength of our program and the value of our service as a realistic solution for customers seeking to transform their fleets.”
Customers who choose eTransEnergy will benefit from comprehensive infrastructure planning, smart charging technology, on-site solar energy generation, battery backup options and other aspects of EV (electric vehicle) fleet management.
In addition to helping to reduce carbon emissions, EVs are quiet, offer great performance, and have low operating costs. eTransEnergy is designed to give customers one comprehensive source for transitioning their fleets to EVs from start to finish.
“GM’s Ultium Charge 360 service and our work with eTransEnergy will help ensure that fleets are able to customize their electrification plans,” said Alex Keros, lead architect, EV infrastructure, General Motors. “GM and eTransEnergy will work to provide a curated approach to charging solutions that will help accelerate EV adoption for an all-electric future.”
“Fleet electrification is an incredible way for fleet operators of all sizes to reduce their carbon emissions, and we look forward to helping organizations across the nation realize this and the many other benefits of fleet electrification,” said Fields.
Duke Energy works continuously in all its service areas to strengthen and improve the electric grid. And now, with eTransEnergy services available across North America, Duke Energy will work with local utilities to support updates to the energy grid and other infrastructure as needed.
Fleet owners and operators interested in more information can visit the eTransEnergy website.
Schneider Electric Selected by GM
Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, today has been selected as a preferred provider for GM’s Ultium Charge 360 fleet service to support electric vehicle infrastructure. The move will facilitate GM’s commitment to fleet electrification and provide a more seamless experience for GM fleet and BrightDrop customers via an end-to-end solution offered by Schneider Electric.
Schneider Electric’s new EcoStruxure for Automotive and Mobility solution, an offering specifically for fleet customers that will now be available through the GM Ultium Charge 360 fleet service, is an EV infrastructure solution providing utility rate negotiation and modeling, software integration, charging station agnostic solutions, and cybersecurity architecture. The service also provides end-point cloud integration connecting products, controls, software and services, and Energy-as-a-Service design and financial support for the infrastructure solution.
“We are incredibly excited to be one of the first preferred providers to join the GM Ultium Charge 360 fleet service and, as the most sustainable company in the world1, we share their commitment to make the most of our energy resources, bridging progress and sustainability for all,” said Annette Clayton, CEO & president, Schneider Electric North America. “Our EcoStruxure for Automotive and Mobility solution will help us meet the needs of GM fleet and BrightDrop customers by proving an end-to-end EV infrastructure solution to facilitate their EV transition.”
As part of the preferred provider agreement, GM will also facilitate and coordinate integration between fleet customers’ existing integrated software solutions and Schneider Electric programming interfaces as needed. This means that Schneider Electric’s new EV infrastructure technology will work seamlessly with existing GM solutions where available, such as Energy Assist, OnStar Business Solutions, and OnStar Vehicle Insights, as well as newer technologies moving forward.
“Electrifying fleets is a critical step as we move toward EV adoption at scale and our work with Schneider Electric will help make the shift to electric as seamless and integrated as possible,” said Alex Keros, Lead Architect, EV Infrastructure, General Motors. “GM and Schneider Electric will provide fleet customers an integrated charging solution that can fit their needs through comprehensive fleet-depot charging.”
How Jeep Plans to Electrify
In July 15, 1941, the former Willys-Overland Co. signed a contract with the U.S. War Department to begin production of the first military Jeep® vehicle. Eighty years later, the Jeep brand thrives around the world with a product lineup that continues to expand into new segments, a devoted community of global customers and the use of 4xe electric vehicle technology as the natural evolution of 80 years of capability leadership.
“We’re celebrating our 80th anniversary by continuing to move upward and forward,” said Christian Meunier, Jeep Brand Chief Executive Officer. “We’re expanding our portfolio into new segments, with the three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L, while setting a strong foothold in the premium SUV market, with our all-new Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Next in our exciting global product pipeline is the introduction of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be equipped, for the first time, with plug-in-hybrid 4xe technology. We are fully committed towards a vision of zero emission future, and by 2025 we will be offering a zero-emission fully electric Jeep 4xe in every SUV segment.”
To celebrate its anniversary and to honor this zero-emission vision, the Jeep brand posted today on the Jeep brand YouTube channel the 80th Anniversary version of the Jeep Life Electrified video, which debuted during the 2021 Stellantis’ EV Day event. The video showcases the unique nature of the electrification of the Jeep brand through a couple’s love story. The piece intertwines Jeep brand vehicles, future technology and the Jeep global community, to establish a promise for a brighter future ahead. The piece features Bastille’s new song, “Give Me The Future,” out today.
“We are committed to make Jeep the greenest and most exciting SUV brand. The electrification of the Jeep lineup will allow commuters to travel solely on electric power, delivering an efficient and fun on-road experience and offering an ability to enjoy even more off-road capability in nearly complete silence,” said Meunier.
This zero emission vision is another significant milestone in the 80-year history of a brand that continues to be defined by a sense of community, open-air-freedom, pioneering spirit and groundbreaking 4X4 innovations.
4xe is the new 4×4
The evolution of the Jeep brand accelerated in this 80th anniversary year with the arrival of 4xe, the Jeep brand’s exclusive and proprietary utilization of electrification applications to develop and produce the most capable, fun and advanced 4×4 vehicles in the world, including the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee, which will be introduced at the 2021 New York International Auto Show.
As the icon of the brand, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe is leading the brand’s electrification offensive. Jeep Wrangler’s Trail Rated 4×4 capability is made possible by a sealed waterproof battery pack and electronics that can perform in the toughest conditions. Powered by a 2.0L I4 DOHC direct-injection turbo PHEV, the 4xe sports impressive 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet (637 Nm) of instant torque. With 49 MPGe, a driving range of 370 miles, acceleration from 0-60 mph in just six seconds and E-Selec driving modes, this is the most capable, powerful, efficient, eco-friendly and technically advanced Wrangler ever, which, because of its quiet electric power, can now more fully immerse its owners in nature drives.
Taiga Funding
Taiga” (TSX: TAIG), a leading manufacturer of electric off-road vehicles announced t the raise of a combined $50M in support of the Shawinigan Mass-Production Assembly Facility.
The project and development represent an investment of approximately $125,17 million. Taiga will benefit from support by all levels of governments to a combined $50 million ($10 million in federal funding, $30 million in provincial funding, and $10 million in municipal funding.) With the development of the new facility, Taiga predicts that it will accelerate production of its off-road vehicle platforms and powertrains while simultaneously optimizing and automating the battery production. Given the company’s approach of clean-sheet engineering of power units and vehicle platforms, this new manufacturing capability will have direct impact on off-road vehicle transportation and the environment.
REE Automotive SPAC Merger
REE Automotive (REE), a leader in e-Mobility, which is in the process of closing its merger with 10X Capital Venture Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VCVC), today announced a strategic collaboration with EAVX, a wholly owned business unit of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO). The JB Poindexter business enterprise includes commercial work truck bodies and accessory industry leaders Morgan Olson, Morgan Corporation, Reading, Truck Accessories Group, and Masterack. REE and EAVX will collaborate to develop best-in-class, zero-emission, commercial EV work trucks for existing and new customers that will integrate the REEcorners™ and JBPCO commercial vehicle body solutions. REE and EAVX will also collaborate to grow their joint customer base and bring EVs to North America markets that will be ‘Powered by REE.’
REEcorner technology packs critical vehicle components such as the motor, steering, braking, suspension, powertrain, and control into a single compact module positioned between the wheel and the chassis. This enables a fully-flat EV platform, enabling the lowest step-in height, and maximum payload capacity for transporting cargo and passengers with more room for batteries for extended range.
Zero Electric Vehicles Batter Management
Zero Electric Vehicles, Inc. (ZEV), an innovative sustainable mobility company for electrification solutions, announced a revolutionary, low-cost, sustainable plant-based “passive” thermal management technology for BEV mobility applications.
“We are thrilled to announce this breakthrough. Dr. Kannan and his team have worked tirelessly to pioneer this new method to stabilize battery thermal management during faster charge/discharge cycling. This innovation is a shining example of the focus and commitment ZEV has to offer towards the next chapter in EV adoption,” said Carolyn Maury, ZEV CEO.
Lithium-ion battery (LIB) systems with liquid electrolytes currently hold a large portion of the portable and automotive battery markets, with several advantages over other battery systems, such as higher operating voltage, higher energy and power densities, lower self-discharge rate, and longer cycle life. However, safety is still a major issue for LIBs in electric power equipment as liquid electrolytes contain combustible organic solvents, leading to a risk of catching on fire during faster charge and discharge operations, especially in larger modules. In particular, the temperature profile of the battery module and pack plays a crucial role in terms of performance and safety for automotive applications. A properly designed thermal management system is important to prevent overheating and uneven heating across a large battery module, which can lead to degradation, mismatch in cell capacity and thermal runaway. Hence, battery thermal management is critical for improving thermal safety, prolonging the cycle life and overall lifespan of batteries with liquid electrolytes, at high rate of charge and discharge.
Historically, air is used as a cooling medium by passing between the LIB cells for controlling the module temperature. Liquid has also been used for cooling of battery cells and can be circulated to a remote liquid-to-air heat exchanger for discharging excess rejected heat. However, this active cooling/thermal management of the LIB module consumes additional electrical energy. The revolutionary passive thermal management system with sustainable plant-based phase change material (PCM) eutectic mixture is demonstrated to ensure thermal uniformity with exceptional safety with higher charge/discharge rates. Initial research with cylindrical LIBs with groundbreaking results through passive thermal management using plant-based PCM in a battery module has been protected through U.S. patent application # 63/207,509.
“ZEV’s immersive method to passive battery temperature control is a significant breakthrough in LIB thermal stability across operating temperatures and fast charge/discharge cycling, improving battery performance, cycle life and safety for ZEV customers,” said Dr. A.M. Kannan, ZEV Chief Scientist and Lead Inventor on the announcement.
Samsara Partners with EVgo
Samsara, the pioneer of the Connected Operations Cloud, today announced it has partnered with EVgo (Nasdaq: EVGO), the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), to help customers accelerate their transition to electric. EVgo is the first electric vehicle partner on Samsara’s Experts Marketplace, a network of trusted, certified implementation experts.
EVgo is on a mission to expand the ecosystem of charging stations and enable electrification of the transportation sector. EVgo designs, owns, operates and maintains a network of more than 1,100 Level 2 chargers and 800+ direct current fast charging locations across 34 states. As a certified partner on Samsara’s Experts Marketplace, EVgo can now serve as a resource and implementation partner for Samsara customers interested in taking their next step towards electrification.
“The transportation market is electrifying at a rapid pace. Electric vehicles provide an incredible opportunity for commercial fleets when it comes to making a sustainable impact,” explained Jonathan Levy, chief commercial officer at EVgo, “Samsara serves more than 20,000 customers across industries that are ripe for electrification and we’re excited to partner with them to further accelerate the adoption of EVs.”
In addition to maintaining the largest public fast charging network in the United States, EVgo provides a number of options to help light, medium, and heavy-duty fleets electrify. These options include:
- Public fast charging: EVgo provides fleets access to their existing and growing network of EVgo public fast chargers, which has an uptime rate of 98%.
- Dedicated charging hubs: EVgo can build dedicated charger hubs for fleets without consistent “home base” charging or who need additional “opportunity” charging on the go.
- Fleet depots: EVgo offers turnkey depot solutions that span the entire value chain for fleets, including transition planning, infrastructure deployment, equipment provisioning, software & networking, and ongoing maintenance.
“Fleet electrification is top of mind for a number of our transportation customers, but the process of adopting EVs can present unique operational challenges,” explained Christopher Mozzocchi, director of OEM products and ecosystem integrations at Samsara. “Partnering with EVgo will ensure our customers have the expertise and EV infrastructure needed to meet their sustainability goals.”
If you are interested in getting started with electric vehicles, register to attend Samsara’s upcoming webinar co-hosted with EVgo here.
Wallbox Launches 48Amp Plusar Plus
Wallbox, the leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, today announced the launch of the all-new 48Amp Pulsar Plus, designed to give drivers of next generation 48Amp compatible EVs, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the VW ID4, the option of a more powerful home charger.
Pulsar Plus is the smallest smart home EV charger in the U.S., and among the most powerful in the market. This new model charges at up to 48Amp (11.5kW), making it up to eight times faster than a standard 110V charger, and is currently available exclusively in the U.S.
Standout features include flexible amperage setting, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, charge scheduling, power sharing, the myWallbox app, and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The Pulsar Plus 48Amp is also NEMA Type 4 rated watertight. Both models come with a 25-foot charging cable and include a specially-designed cable management holster.
“We’re excited to add the 48Amp Pulsar Plus to the U.S. Wallbox family of products at a time so much attention is being focused on electric vehicles, especially newer makes and models capable of accepting faster home charging,” said Douglas Alfaro, general manager of Wallbox North America. “With both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, Pulsar Plus gives users multiple ways to connect to and control their charger through the innovative myWallbox app. As charger functions are managed locally–not in the cloud–users can access and control the charger’s smart features even when an active Wi-Fi connection is not available.”
Pulsar Plus, Wallbox’s best selling home charger worldwide, is compatible with all EVs, including Teslas, using the Tesla-provided J1772 adapter. The Pulsar Plus 40 and 48Amp chargers are eligible for most federal, state, and local tax credits and rebates where available, including the U.S. federal tax credit for up to 30% of total equipment and installation costs up to $1,000.
Where to Buy Wallbox Pulsar Plus
The 48Amp Wallbox Pulsar Plus is available for $699 beginning August 1 on the Wallbox website, Amazon, and from Wallbox-certified resellers and installers across the U.S.
Volta Free Charging for Westfield
The Town of Westfield and Volta Industries, Inc. (Volta Charging), an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, partnered to install six electric vehicle charging stations in strategic locations throughout Westfield at no cost to the Town, providing residents, local employees and visitors with the ability to charge their EVs for free.
Furthering efforts to establish a local green economy, the Town of Westfield anticipates the addition of several new businesses along North Avenue focused on sustainability – including a Karma Automotive Dealership, and Redi-farms, a hydroponic vertical farm to provide year-round locally grown produce to the community.
Electrify America Intros Boost Plan
Electrify America announced its “Boost Plan” to more than double its current electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada, with plans to have more than 1,800 fast charging stations and 10,000 individual chargers installed by the end of 2025. The expansion will increase the deployment of 150 and 350 kilowatt chargers – the fastest speed available today – and help pave the way for more electric vehicles in North America.
The announcement today expands Electrify America’s previous commitment to invest $2 billion over 10 years in Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure, education, and access in the U.S. In addition to adding to its existing network in the U.S., Electrify America will also expand its Electrify Canada charging network which began installations in 2019. Both initiatives are part of a global announcement today by the parent company Volkswagen Group to substantially increase public charging infrastructure in North America, Asia and Europe.
“We have decided to double our current charging infrastructure in North America over the next four years to help meet the need for the rapid growth expected of electric vehicles by virtually all the auto manufacturers, and to help make EV adoption more accessible and attractive than ever,” said Giovanni Palazzo, president and chief executive officer, Electrify America. “We are making this commitment to support the plans by major automakers and the U.S. and Canadian governments to help the transformation to an electric mobility transportation system.”
SCE’s Charge Ready Program
Businesses, government agencies and other organizations in Southern California can sign up to participate in Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program, the largest electric passenger vehicle charging infrastructure program in the nation run by an investor-owned electric utility company.
The $436-million program, approved by the state last year, will add approximately 38,000 new electric car chargers throughout SCE’s service area over the next five years.
Through Charge Ready, SCE installs and maintains the supporting EV charging infrastructure while site hosts, who are non-residential SCE customers, typically own, operate and maintain qualified charging stations.
“As SCE is preparing its electric grid to serve the increase in transportation electrification, more charging equipment is needed to give EV drivers and fleet operators the peace of mind that they will be able to charge whenever they want,” said Carter Prescott, SCE director of eMobility and Building Electrification. “Today, we are asking our customers to join with us to ensure that an effective framework is in place for a clean air future for our communities.”
The large-scale program introduced at a virtual event today is modeled after a much smaller pilot that concluded in May, in which SCE partnered with businesses, local governments and other organizations to add more than 2,700 charge ports at nearly 150 sites.
SCE will continue to focus on providing charging infrastructure at workplaces, public parking lots, schools, hospitals and destination centers, with an added emphasis on condominium and apartment complexes.
In the interest of making EV charging available to all Californians, Charge Ready sets a target to locate 50% of the chargers in state-designated disadvantaged communities, or economically-impacted communities that suffer most from the negative effects of air pollution.
In addition to Charge Ready for passenger EVs, SCE launched a program last year for larger trucks, buses and off-road industrial equipment called Charge Ready Transport, which aims to add charging to support at least 8,490 medium- and heavy-duty EVs over a five-year period. The $356 million program is also modeled after the Charge Ready pilot.
EVgo Buys Recargo
EVgo Inc. (Nasdaq:EVGO), the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and first powered by 100% renewable electricity, today announced that it has acquired Recargo, a leading e-mobility software company and one of the industry’s most utilized sources of driver-contributed EV industry data, for $25 million in an all-cash transaction (including $3mm loan repayment). The transaction brings together two trusted EV leaders and first movers with deep technical expertise and broad customer bases, combining EVgo’s national public fast charging infrastructure and Recargo’s leadership in EV innovation on app development, market research, data licensing, reporting, and advertising.
Founded in 2009, Recargo has established itself as the technology leader and EV first mover, including:
- Building PlugShare, the world’s largest EV community, with an estimated 3 million unique driver app downloads worldwide1. PlugShare has become the go-to source for finding and choosing public EV charging, sharing experiences with other drivers, rating charging experiences via the proprietary PlugScore feature, planning EV trips, and paying for charging.
- Developing Pay with PlugShare (PWPS), a mobile payment platform enabling seamless and reliable payment for multiple charging networks through a single app.
- Deploying PlugShare API to integrate PlugShare’s rich network data into global automaker dashboards and custom mobile and web applications.
- Integrating relevant advertisements into the PlugShare mobile application and website.
- Launching PlugInsights, the world’s largest EV driver panel (approximately 72,000 drivers) for use with survey and qualitative research.
Over the past two years, EVgo has rolled out a suite of its own proprietary system innovations, including power sharing architecture for chargers, EVgo Access™ (to enable public charging in parking garages); EVgo Advantage™ (a B2B coupon tool for partners to reach drivers); and EVgo Reservations™.
Current Dealers Offers Solar
Current Dealers, supplying and installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers, solar panels and battery storage units nationwide to car dealerships, garages, property managers and federal and local government agencies.
In a three-step process, Current Dealers offers a facility assessment, which includes a comprehensive check of a property’s EV charging requirements along with a proposal; installation, which accounts for the property’s current and future EV charging needs; and ongoing service, including warranties, maintenance and support on all EV products.
Arcimoto Pilot Program in TN
Arcimoto, Inc.® (NASDAQ: FUV), makers of affordable, practical, and joyful pure electric vehicles for everyday commuters and fleets, announced that it has entered into a joint pilot program with Tennessee Clean Fuels and Drive Electric Tennessee to test the FUV and Deliverator in key cities across the state.
Over the course of the 30-day pilot program beginning on August 16, Arcimoto vehicles will be tested by state and local governments in key cities including Memphis, Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. If you’re interested in attending a test drive event, please email info@etcleanfuels.org.
“It’s incredibly encouraging that our Tennessee partners want to introduce our ultra-efficient EVs to the state,” said Arcimoto Founder and CEO, Mark Frohnmayer. “The Arcimoto platform offers big advantages in terms of daily utility, total cost of ownership, and energy efficiency. It’s critical for fleets and individuals alike to use the most efficient tools for the job in order to meet the state’s aggressive sustainability goals, and we think we’ve got just the thing.”
In Tennessee, several organizations are already hosting programs to promote transportation electrification, including the Middle-West and East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalitions, known collectively as Tennessee Clean Fuels. These U.S. DOE designated Clean Cities Coalitions offer fleet engagement and technical assistance programs to promote the adoption of alternative fuels and advanced vehicle technologies. Along with these Coalitions is Drive Electric Tennessee, a consortium of Tennessee stakeholders—including State agencies, utilities, local governments, universities, research institutions, electric vehicle manufacturers, businesses, and advocacy groups—who have worked together on the development of a shared vision for electric transportation in the state. The consortium’s goal is to increase EV adoption in Tennessee from approximately 13,800 EV in June 2021 to 200,000 vehicles by 2028.
“Improving access to sustainable transportation not only improves public health for Tennesseans but contributes to a strong economy by protecting our natural resources and limiting the reliance on fossil fuels across the state,” said Jonathan Overly, Executive Director for the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition and Administrator of Drive Electric Tennessee. “We hope this pilot will serve as a meaningful step in making electric transportation more efficient and accessible, while improving public health, equity, and access.”
Nikola Corp Allaince of Dealers
Nikola Corporation, a leading designer and manufacturer of heavy-duty commercial battery-electric vehicles (BEV), fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and energy infrastructure solutions, announced today a second phase in establishing a nationwide plan for its Class 8 truck sales and service coverage with the addition of five independent dealers with more than 51 locations in Texas, Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Delaware, Virginia and Maryland.
The five independent dealership additions to the Nikola dealer network average more than 80 years of providing strong sales and service support to customers. The Nikola dealer network expansion includes HOLT Truck Centers (7 locations in Texas), Empire Truck & Trailer (7 locations in Arizona and California), Wagner Equipment Co. (11 locations in Colorado, New Mexico), Ring Power (14 locations in Florida), and Carter Machinery (12 locations in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia).
In April, Nikola announced a partnership with RIG360 Service Network, a network of heavy-duty truck service and maintenance centers, to provide sales and service products for commercial customers at more than 65 RIG360 dealer locations throughout the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions of the United States.
The announcement is anticipated to bring the number of Nikola sales and service locations up to 116 across the United States as it rapidly continues to fulfill its commitment to the expansion of the distribution network.
“These five new partners are expected to add a culture of customer focus and service leadership that we are building at Nikola. Customers will benefit from the strength and experience of these companies and their highly talented organizations,” said Nikola Energy and Commercial President Pablo Koziner. “These dealers will work closely with customers in helping them maximize operational efficiencies, energy management, vehicle uptime and overall industry adoption in BEV and FCEV vehicles.”
Ford Brings Gas Smell to EV Owners
Ford has created a premium fragrance for those who crave the performance of the new all-electric Mustang Mach-E GT yet still hold a fondness for the evocative smells of traditional petrol cars.
In a Ford-commissioned survey, one in five drivers said the smell of petrol is what they’d miss most when swapping to an electric vehicle, with almost 70 per cent claiming they would miss the smell of petrol to some degree. Petrol also ranked as a more popular scent than both wine and cheese, and almost identically to the smell of new books.
The new scent is designed to help usher these drivers into the future of driving through their sense of smell. Rather than just smelling like petrol though, Mach-Eau is designed to please the nose of any wearer; a high-end fragrance that fuses smoky accords, aspects of rubber and even an ‘animal’ element to give a nod to the Mustang heritage.
Ford revealed the fragrance this weekend at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, an annual event that attracts petrolheads from across the globe. The scent, which is not available to buy, is part of Ford’s ongoing mission to help dispel myths around electric cars and convince traditional car enthusiasts of the potential of electric vehicles.
After all, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of survey respondents claimed they would miss the performance of petrol cars if they made the swap, yet the Mach-E GT’s 487 PS, 860 Nm all-electric powertrain supports a new level of Ford fun-to-drive experience with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of just 3.7 seconds. Figures that no performance car fan should turn their nose up at.