Tesla Pays Out
Tesla settled a lawsuit paying $1.5 million to claimants for a software update that reduced battery voltage for some Model S. Sedans reducing range and charging time. Software later corrected the problem for each member of the owners that received $625.
Mesa AZ for Exro Tech
Exro Technologies a leading clean technology company that has developed a new class of power electronics for electric motors and batteries, announced the location of its U.S. headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. Exro plans to hire 50 employees over the next 18 months, bringing new job opportunities to the region and expanding the local e-mobility ecosystem. This news comes on the heels of Exro’s graduation to the Toronto Stock Exchange and demonstrates the Company’s continued growth and momentum.
From its 15,000 square foot location in Mesa, Arizona, Exro will expand its research, development, and testing to optimize power within electric vehicles (EVs) of all types, from scooters and e-bikes to electric cars and buses. The facility will be multipurpose and promote an atmosphere of creativity and innovation to attract customers, shareholders, and future talent to experience the company’s advanced motor control technology, Coil Driver™, first-hand and to understand the product’s ability to improve cost positioning and performance in electric motors. From this location, Exro will continue developing and begin piloting its advanced battery control technology.
Lion Electric Supplies E-Trucks for Green Mountain Power
The Lion Electric Company a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, today announced that Green Mountain Power (GMP) of Vermont will purchase two of its all-electric trucks – a Lion8 bucket truck for line crews and a Lion6 stake body truck for electrical maintenance field crews. GMP is among the first utilities in New England to receive all-electric heavy-duty trucks for its fleet.
Lion Electric expects to deliver the first truck to GMP in the first half of 2022, and the second one is scheduled to arrive next summer. Adopting electric trucks creates savings for operators, including reduced maintenance costs by up to 60%, and energy costs by up to 80%. Additionally, the bucket truck and its auxiliary systems run entirely off the vehicle’s battery pack, eliminating emissions and noise pollution. The bucket truck has a range of 130 miles, the stake truck can go 200 miles on a charge.
Energy Assurance Expands Lab & Testing In Hopkinton Mass
Energy Assurance LLC, a provider of cell and battery testing for performance, regulatory compliance and failure analysis, announced today its acquisition of a 20,000-square-foot lab that will enable it to expand into large-format cell testing for the electric/hybrid automotive and energy storage system industries, as well as for other high-current applications. Already a leader in small- to medium-format battery testing, the acquisition further extends Energy Assurance’s capacity to close to 3,000 cell and battery test channels with the ability to test lithium ion and other chemistry cells and batteries up to 150V and 1350A.
Combined with Energy Assurance’s testing lab in Metro Atlanta, the acquisition makes it the largest independent battery-testing lab in North America as well as one of the largest globally.
The acquired world-class lab, utilizing all MACCOR channels, was previously owned by a leading battery cell manufacturer for automotive use, with its cell test center based in Hopkinton, Massachusetts. With more than 100 years of combined large-format cell-testing experience, the manufacturer’s validation engineers and technicians are being welcomed into the Energy Assurance team.
“As the market for larger and more energy-dense batteries grows exponentially, so does the demand for testing to support the growth, making the timing right for this acquisition,” said Cindy Millsaps, CEO of Energy Assurance. “With our expanded capabilities, automakers and energy storage system providers now have an unbiased, third-party resource for battery testing. The acquisition dramatically increases our high-current cycling capacity, and we can now test the full gamut of lithium-ion cells for high-performance products—from small to large and from low to high current—within our facilities.”
EvGo Chargers in Santa Monica
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO), the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and first powered by 100% renewable electricity, announced today the recent installation of eight new EVgo public fast chargers for Lot 29, located at 1654 5th Street in Santa Monica, California.
The new EVgo chargers will provide zero-emission charging through EVgo’s network, supporting the City of Santa Monica’s Electric Vehicle Action Plan. Santa Monica first installed public EV chargers in the mid-1990s and purchased some of the original versions of electric vehicles for its own municipal fleet. Today, there are 150 City-owned public EV charge ports in Santa Monica, all of which are Level 2 chargers, with more planned throughout the City as part of the Santa Monica EV Action Plan. The new EVgo chargers are Level 3, or DC fast charging (DCFC), and can provide a full charge in 15-45 minutes. Charging speeds vary based on a vehicle’s charging capability and range, but six of the new EVgo fast chargers are high powered 350 kW chargers, capable of delivering 180 miles in 15 minutes and two of the new chargers are 100 kW, capable of delivering 90 miles in 15 minutes. EVgo has more than 140 fast charging locations in the greater Los Angeles area, more than any other network.
Hyundai For Hydrogen Fuel Mobile Power Generation
Hyundai Motor Company today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Electric & Energy Systems Co. (Hyundai Electric), a leading electrical equipment manufacturer and energy solution provider, to develop a hydrogen fuel cell package for mobile power generation.
The MOU signing took place via online, attended by Saehoon Kim, Head of Hyundai Motor Group Fuel Cell Center, and Seok Cho, President and CEO of Hyundai Electric.
Dana Inc Partners with Switch Mobility
Dana Incorporated, a global leader in drivetrain and e-propulsion systems, and Switch Mobility Ltd. (‘Switch Mobility’ or ‘the company’), the electrified commercial vehicles company and subsidiary of Ashok Leyland Ltd, a leading commercial-vehicle manufacturer, announced today the signing of a strategic agreement between the two entities.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dana will make a strategic investment in Switch Mobility and become a preferred supplier of electric drivetrain components for the company’s e-bus and EV commercial vehicle offering, providing e-Axles, gearboxes, motors, inverters, software and controls, and electronics cooling.
“Santa Monica residents have long been early adopters of electric vehicles and the City is in strong support of expanded EV charging infrastructure to support them .
EVPassport Reveal 5G Platform
-EVPassport, the EV charging hardware and software platform for purpose-driven organizations, today unveiled its 5G EV charging and edge computing platform powered by Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network. In May, EVPassport was chosen to participate in Newlab’s 5G Studio, created by Newlab and Verizon (NYSE: VZ). EVPassport installed three Level 2 chargers at Newlab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard to demonstrate the company’s ability to provide the fastest, simplest and most reliable charging
-The powerful combination of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network and mobile edge compute allowed EVPassport to reduce latency in charging sessions by more than 50% and orchestrate chargers in real-time to rebalance load based on EV charging levels — enabling the ability to automatically prioritize power to vehicles with lower charges. Combining 5G technology with EVPassport’s seamless charging experience, large EV fleets and consumer-facing brands can now deliver faster and more reliable power to their drivers.
Chevy Bolt EUV for Current Dealers
– Current Dealers, a company that provides solutions for electric vehicle charging and solar power is starting off on the right foot in showing its commitment to sustainability. This week, owners Will McCoy and Sal Estrada purchased their first fleet vehicle, a Chevrolet Bolt EUV from Heidebreicht Chevrolet in Romeo, Michigan. “Sustainability and e-mobility are two very important agendas to us. We are making our first company car and EV, the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.”, relates McCoy. Organizations like Current Dealers are taking big leaps in demonstrating social responsibility when it comes to the environment. Let’s explore some advantages to companies who decide to purchase fleet EVs.
SunPower Partners with Wallbox
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading solar technology and energy services provider, today announced it is teaming up with Wallbox, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, to make the switch to an electric lifestyle more convenient, affordable, and sustainable. Through the strategic alliance, new SunPower customers can opt to install a Wallbox home EV charger at the same time as their solar and/or storage system installation. SunPower will also act as a preferred solar and storage provider and EV charger installation provider for Wallbox customers.
To travel 100 miles, the average EV requires the same amount of electricity an average American home uses each day to run appliances, computers, lights, heat and air conditioning, according to Pew Research. With approximately 80 percent of car charging happening at home, leveraging solar power to charge an EV — rather than powering it with energy generated from fossil fuels — is more environmentally friendly, reduces strain on an already taxed grid, and can help homeowners reduce electricity costs.
For SunPower customers interested in installing a Wallbox charger, SunPower will assess the user’s home and electrical system to ensure it is compatible with home EV charging. Wallbox’s Pulsar Plus chargers come with a standard J1772 EV plug, an app allowing scheduled charging, and power sharing for two or more chargers with adjustable current output, making them a fit for all EV models.
As a preferred installer for Wallbox, SunPower expects to provide EV charging station installation services for Wallbox customers in regions where SunPower has installers and plans to expand its installation capacity in North America. EV charging customers without solar will also have the opportunity to add solar or storage to their homes through SunPower.
SunPower and Wallbox are currently exploring options for developing products and experiences to further integrate solar power with EV. Current discussions include backup power solutions and incorporating Wallbox’s pioneer bi-directional charging technology into SunPower systems.
“Making charging at-home easier and less expensive has always been core to Wallbox’s vision. Our alliance with SunPower will further enable us to achieve this goal and support rising EV adoption,” said Enric Asunción, Wallbox CEO and co-founder. “Combining EV charging with solar power is the natural next progression for our two industries and will make EV’s even more sustainable, not only benefiting our consumers but the planet.”
SunPower plans to begin installing EV chargers for new customers in Southern California this fall; the company expects to expand its offering to additional regions and states throughout 2021.
Hyliion Offers Long Ranger
Hyliion Holdings Corp. (NYSE: HYLN) (“Hyliion”), a leader in electrified powertrain solutions for Class 8 semi-trucks, today announced a long-range variant of the Hypertruck ERX™, which will be the first version brought to market. This enhanced option, which will offer 75 miles of all-electric range, will enable Hypertruck ERX™ equipped production trucks to qualify for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) credits by meeting California’s Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) Rule.
The Hypertruck ERX™ will offer more than 1,000 miles of total range, enabling freight hauling capabilities that are comparable to diesel. The innovative electric powertrain system uses an onboard generator to continually recharge the battery pack while driving, eliminating the significant range and charging infrastructure challenges that battery-only electric trucks now face. The Hypertruck ERX™ is also plug-in capable, allowing fleets the operational flexibility to recharge with low-cost renewable electricity from the grid.
“At Hyliion, we agree that climate protection and air quality improvement can’t wait. But, for long-haul fleet operators whose success centers around reliable freight delivery, there is no room for error as they look for viable alternatives to diesel,” said Thomas Healy, Founder and CEO of Hyliion. “That is why Hyliion is collaborating with major truck manufacturers to offer the long-range iteration of the Hypertruck ERX™ and assist freight transportation fleets to achieve the critical emission reduction mandates California and other states require without compromising range, operating costs or performance.”
Taking a modular approach to the platform to meet OEM demand, address fleet needs and satisfy government mandates, the production Hypertruck ERX™ will be available in multiple iterations, including a reduced electric range model that will follow the release of the long-range version.
The ACT rule, approved by the California Air Resources Board in June 2020, requires Class 8 truck tractor manufacturers to sell ZEVs in California, beginning with Model Year 2024. The sale of a battery or fuel cell vehicle earns one credit towards an OEM’s ACT obligation. Based on this rule, truck manufacturers will be able to achieve up to a 75% ZEV sales credit by selling a Class 8 truck with the Hypertruck ERX™ electric powertrain.
While California was the first state to introduce a ZEV sales requirement for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, both New Jersey and Washington have initiated formal regulatory processes to adopt the ACT Rule. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, and Connecticut have also considered adoption of California’s ACT regulation.
A Hypertruck ERX™ validation unit will be on display for the first time in Hyliion’s booth at the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo on August 31 and September 1 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
Fisker Inc. Invests in Allego
–Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) (“Fisker”) – passionate creator of the world’s most sustainable electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions – today announced it will make a $10 million private investment in public equity (PIPE) supporting the planned merger of leading European EV charging network, Allego B.V. (“Allego”) with Spartan Acquisition Corp. III (NYSE: SPAQ), a publicly-listed special purpose acquisition company. Fisker is the exclusive electric vehicle automaker in the PIPE and, in parallel, has agreed to terms on a strategic partnership to deliver a range of charging options for its customers in Europe.
Mullen Tech SPAC with Net Element
Mullen Technologies, Inc. (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, which previously announced a definitive agreement to merge with Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) in a stock-for-stock reverse merger in which Mullen’s stockholders will receive a majority of the outstanding stock in the post-merger company, announces today an update for Mullen shareholders.
“I’m very grateful for all the hard work the Mullen team has put into filing the recently cleared S4 which represents a significant milestone in merging with Net Element,” said David Michery, CEO and Chairman of Mullen. “I look forward to a successful transition with NETE and congratulate their team for making this happen. Our focus continues on our EV efforts, and we are looking forward to debuting our first EV Crossover, the Mullen FIVE.”
In March 2021, Mullen crossed another major milestone with the purchase of its 120,000-square-foot Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Center and Proving Grounds (AMEC) on 100+ acres in Tunica, Mississippi. Mullen’s plans include an additional 700,000-square-foot body shop, paint shop, warehouse, and test track to complete an automotive campus. In total, the campus will include over 820,000-square-feet with production capacity of 100,000 vehicles annually.
Mullen has also hired experienced operating executives Trey Agner as Director of Operations and Jerry Baker as Production Manager to oversee and begin preparing the facility for production start. The two executives have a combined 50+ years of experience in manufacturing and bring a wealth of automotive expertise in production, prototyping, plant operations and facility management across the U.S. and internationally. Agner and Baker were also part of the original manufacturing team that established the facility in 2017 and they bring a wealth of firsthand working knowledge for customizing the AMEC facility to support the start of manufacturing Mullen’s first EVs (electric vehicles).
Mullen has also spent the past few months diligently working on fine-tuning the design, material selections and vehicle build for the Mullen FIVE Crossover EV (formerly Ottava 2p6). Mullen will unveil the FIVE to the world for the first time in November 2021. Mullen is now accepting reservations on the FIVE.
Greenland Tech Intro E-Forklift
Greenland Technologies Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: GTEC) (“Greenland” or the “Company”), a technology developer and manufacturer of electric industrial vehicles and drivetrain systems for material handling machineries and vehicles, today announced the launch of its innovative new GEF-series EV forklift, one of the industry’s first lithium powered EV forklift trucks. Deliveries will start in September 2021 in the North American market.//
Niron Magnetics New Funding
-Niron Magnetics, the company developing the world’s first high performance permanent magnets free of rare earths, announced it has raised $21.3M in new financing. The Volvo Cars Tech Fund and Volta Energy Technologies join existing investors Anzu Partners and the University of Minnesota. Niron will use the funding to build its pilot production facility in Minnesota and accelerate the development of its Clean Earth Magnet™ technology.
Surging global demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and other motorized devices has highlighted global dependency on the unsustainably-produced rare earth materials currently required for the magnets needed in electric drivetrains and motors. Niron’s Clean Earth Magnet™ technology, developed from a decade of research, leverages materials science innovations to eliminate the need for rare earth content in magnets. Instead, Niron utilizes some of the most common elements on earth – iron and nitrogen – to deliver better performance and lower costs. Niron’s technology delivers magnets that are less expensive, more sustainable, globally available, and made from abundant input materials not subject to supply constraints or price instability. Niron’s production process is up to 95% less damaging across certain environmental impacts than alternatives, as its input materials require no toxic mining and refining.
Microvast Partners Partners with eVersums
Microvast Holdings, Inc. (“Microvast”), a leading global provider of next-generation battery technologies for commercial and specialty vehicles (Nasdaq:MVST), and eVersum, a high-tech vehicle OEM specializing in the design, development and build of the most purposefully engineered electric commercial vehicles for passenger transport, will join forces to develop state-of-the-art battery solutions to electrify the current and future lines of eVersum’s purpose-built, purely “eBorn,” electric vehicles.
The highly demanded eVersum eShuttle, which is the realization of a 21st century electric vehicle seeking to define its own new category in the electric shuttle bus segment, will be outfitted with a newly developed battery solution. eShuttles are modularly designed and able to comfortably transport from 15 to 50 passengers, for a variety of applications at a competitive cost.
“eVersum selected Microvast as its primary battery partner due to strategic considerations and a desire to work with a manufacturer that offers a high degree of vertical integration,” said Pete Speck, Managing Partner responsible for supplier development at eVersum.
“Such capabilities extend from core battery chemistry to R&D and production, including cathode and anode materials, electrolyte, and membrane separators, proprietary cell manufacturing, application technologies including battery management systems (BMS) and other power electronics. Using a variety of cell chemistries, from NMC to LFP to LTO, gives us maximum flexibility while applying the same physical battery packs with the possibility to connect such packs adaptively in series and/or in parallel to achieve the required voltage and energy levels,” he continued.
eShuttle is expected to be the first among several types of electric buses and special vehicles. Both companies will bring their expertise together to seize momentum as the world shifts toward electrification. The first prototype battery system has been delivered to eVersum and test-bench load simulations are being performed. The parties have agreed upon terms and are currently finalizing a framework supply agreement to memorialize the commercial relationship for the supply of battery systems estimated to total more than EUR 100 million over six years, including products manufactured at Microvast’s new European facility.
Conti Powers E-Trucks Via Overhead Cable
Continental’s development and production service provider, Continental Engineering Services (CES), and Siemens Mobility will collaborate in the development and production of current collectors for trucks, so called pantographs. The aim is to electrify key sections of the highway network with an overhead line system, and thus significantly reduce CO2 emissions from trucks, in line with EU regulation 2019/1242. The new partnership brings together the expertise of two worlds of technology: Siemens Mobility is a specialist in rail electrification, while Continental Engineering Services is a development and production service provider for sophisticated automotive technologies. Both companies are now pooling their expertise in order to achieve volume production of current collectors quickly, thus making them available for widespread use in Europe. The eHighway technology supplies trucks with electric drives (e.g., hybrid, fuel cell, or battery-powered electric trucks) on heavily frequented stretches of highway via an overhead cable. Trucks can drive completely electrically while also charging their batteries without consuming fuel. “We are transferring the principle of rail electrification to the road. The current collectors will be developed and produced in accordance with automotive standards. The partnership between Continental Engineering Services and Siemens Mobility is a major step toward climate-neutral freight transport,” explains Dr. Christoph Falk-Gierlinger, Managing Director of CES.
The eHighway technology developed by Siemens Mobility is already ready for use today. Now, it is just a matter of developing the current collectors, especially for trucks, so that they can be offered to commercial vehicle manufacturers cost-effectively and in any desired number of units. “Road haulage plays a central role in the battle against climate change,” says Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility. “In Germany, it causes one third of the transport sector’s CO2 emissions. Truck manufacturers are pursuing various concepts towards reduction. With the eHighway, Siemens Mobility has already created a ready-to-use technology for energy-efficient, cost-effective and emission-free truck traffic that can be combined with other drives. This may become the backbone for environmental protection in road haulage.”
The key to the eHighway is that not all highway kilometers need to be electrified. The “National Platform for the Future of Mobility,” an innovation initiative of the Federal Ministry of Transport, recommends that 4,000 kilometers of highway be equipped with overhead cable technology by 2030. This is because approximately around two thirds of fuel consumption by long-distance truck traffic on German highways takes place on the most frequently used 4,000 kilometers of the 13,000-kilometer-long network. By electrifying the core network and supplying electricity to the trucks driving there with electric drives (e.g. battery, hybrid, hydrogen), a huge and quick contribution to climate protection can be achieved. The solution with electricity from the overhead line corresponds to the rail principle, where only around 60 percent of the rail network is equipped with overhead cables. However, these are the key sections, which means that more than 90 percent of rail traffic in Germany rolls over the rails with electricity from the overhead line. According to a study by the Federal Ministry of Transport, the electrification of German road haulage on a core network of 4,000 kilometers could reduce CO2 emissions by 10 to 12 million tons annually when electricity is obtained from regenerative sources.