Proterra to Power Nikola
Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA). a global leader in zero-emission transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, and Proterra Inc leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, announced a strategic, multi-year supply agreement to power Nikola zero-emission semi-trucks with Proterra’s industry-leading battery technology.
Proterra product is expected to be incorporated in the Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and Tre fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). The first Proterra Powered Nikola semi-trucks are expected to be produced in the fourth quarter of 2022, with Proterra delivering prototype systems to Nikola starting in the second quarter of 2022.
Stellantis Invests in Factorial Energy for Solid-State Battery Technology
Stellantis N.V., through its affiliate, completed an investment round in Factorial Energy (Factorial) as part of Factorial’s Series D round of funding, together with other investors. Funding will be used to accelerate commercial production and deployment of Factorial’s solid-state battery technology that is robust and offers up to 50 percent greater driving range than current lithium-ion technology.
“Stellantis is full-speed ahead on its electrification transformation with 33 electrified models available right now, and eight battery electric vehicles coming in the next 18 months,” said Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis. “With our partners, including Factorial, we will quickly electrify our brand portfolio with safe, sustainable, and affordable solutions.”
Stellantis announced during its EV Day program in July 2021 its target of having the first competitive solid-state battery technology introduced by 2026.
MINI EV Sales Were BIG
MINI is growing and electrifying. The British premium car brand was able to increase worldwide vehicle sales by 3.3 percent to 302 144 units 2021. The MINI models with electrified drive systems experienced a real boom in demand. Their sales figures climbed by 64.3 percent to 53 243 vehicles – around 18% of total worldwide sales in 2021. The winner of the year was the fully electric MINI Cooper SE (electricity consumption combined: 17.6 – 15.2 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km). The MINI Electric even managed to almost double its sales (plus 98.2 percent). It is now already the most popular model variant in the entire MINI product range.
Volvo VNR Class 8 Truck Increases Range 85%
Volvo Trucks North America continues to lead in the deployment of sustainable Class 8 zero-tailpipe emission vehicles for the North American trucking industry with ongoing deliveries of its Volvo VNR Electric model to fleets across the country. The journey continues, as the company announces that production of the enhanced Volvo VNR Electric model will begin in Q2 2022 and features an up to 85% increased range, faster charging, and even more configurations for heavy-duty transport.
Volvo Trucks first began taking customer orders for its first Volvo VNR Electric model in December 2020, with commercial production starting in quarter two 2021 at the company’s New River Valley manufacturing plant in Dublin, Virginia. Over the past year, Volvo Trucks has delivered the Volvo VNR Electric to customers in several states across the US, collecting valuable operating data to continually improve the technology to increase the efficiency of the truck under varying operating conditions. The next generation Volvo VNR Electric is now open for order.
The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric’s true power lies in the improvements made in the battery – technology, design, management, and package offering. Improvements in battery design have resulted in an up to 40% increase in storage capacity for each battery. A dedicated Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS) was added to manage and maintain ideal environmental temperatures. Volvo Trucks has also introduced a new six-battery package option. Combining all three boasts an increased energy storage of up to 565kWh and offers an operational range of up to 275 miles. Regenerative braking energy is captured and fed back into the system to maximize energy efficiency and driving range. The enhanced Volvo VNR Electric also reduces the required charging time, as the state-of-the-art 250kW charging capability provides an 80% charge in 90 minutes for the six-battery package and 60 minutes for the four-battery version.
Volvo Trucks has added two new configurations to its VNR Electric lineup — a 6×4 straight truck and a 6×4 tractor — joining its three existing models: 4×2 tractor, 6×2 tractor, and single-axle straight truck. Each Volvo VNR Electric configuration is designed for applications and drive cycles with local and regional distribution ranges, including food and beverage, drayage, and pick-up and delivery routes.
Volvo Trucks is focused on supporting customers in their electromobility transition by expanding its network of Volvo Trucks Certified Electric Vehicle (EV) Dealerships that consult with fleets who are considering making the investment in the Volvo VNR Electric. The sales teams at Volvo Trucks EV Certified Dealerships are fully educated on guiding customers through the transition towards electromobility solutions and the service teams are trained and equipped to safely perform battery-electric truck maintenance and repairs. Volvo Trucks has certified dealers in California and New York and is working with numerous dealerships throughout North America to finalize their certifications. Volvo Trucks has also built a dedicated corporate salesforce to support dealers and customers, with electromobility district managers in place across the country.
Funding and incentives are an important part of the total cost of ownership calculation for fleets deploying battery-electric trucks, and Volvo Trucks helps customers leverage funding programs across North America. In addition, Volvo Financial Services offers complete financing and insurance solutions for the Volvo VNR Electric and charging infrastructure.
Volvo Trucks introduced the Volvo Gold Contract in conjunction with the initial launch of the Volvo VNR Electric to provide peace of mind for new electric truck owners. Incorporating maintenance, towing, uptime services, and full coverage of major components, the Volvo Gold Contract is the most advanced service contract available and comes standard with the Volvo VNR Electric.
Wallbox Adapts Pulsar Plus for Super Bowl
Wallbox (NYSE:WBX), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions worldwide, announced that it would air its first-ever national television advertisement in the U.S. during Super Bowl LVI on February 13, 2022.
The announcement comes after a year of rapid growth for Wallbox, which entered the U.S. market in February 2021 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in October.
Wallbox’s best-selling smart charger worldwide, Pulsar Plus, has been adapted to meet the growing needs of the North American market as more and more people transition to electric vehicles. Pulsar Plus is compatible with all EVs, including Tesla, and became the number one bestseller on Amazon within its first three months on the U.S. market. The 48 Amp version of Pulsar Plus is one of the fastest home charging options in the market.
“Most electric vehicle charging takes place at home and, as a global leader in this space, we have the hardware and software technology to simplify EV adoption for American drivers,” said Enric Asuncion, CEO of Wallbox. “Today the potential buyer for an EV and an EV charger in the U.S. is almost anyone shopping for a car – studies show that due to incentives and the variety of models available, most people at least consider an electric option. We want to introduce our innovative, design-led products to these consumers and the heavily-watched Super Bowl is the prime venue for us to market our brand to such a broad audience.”
Hyundai & IonQ to Study Battery Chemistry
-IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leader in trapped-ion quantum computing, and Hyundai Motor Company announced a partnership to develop new variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) algorithms to study lithium compounds and their chemical reactions involved in battery chemistry.
Quantum-powered chemistry simulation is expected to significantly enhance the quality of next-generation lithium batteries by making improvements to the devices’ charge and discharge cycles, as well as their durability, capacity and safety.
The partnership pairs IonQ’s expertise in quantum computing and Hyundai’s expertise in lithium batteries. Together, the teams are creating the most advanced battery chemistry model yet developed on quantum computers, measured by the number of qubits and quantum gates.
IonQ and Hyundai are laying the foundation to create better quality batteries by more precisely simulating and controlling their chemical reactions. This research has the potential to lead to new types of source material that save time, cost and effort in the years to come — a critical advancement as batteries are typically the most expensive component of an electric vehicle (EV).
This partnership is the latest in IonQ’s continued efforts in the field of quantum chemistry. Previously, IonQ’s computers were used to demonstrate an end-to-end pipeline for simulating large molecules, such as those present in fertilizer creation. IonQ’s quantum computers have also been used to simulate water molecules, one of the first demonstrations of the potential for quantum computing to tackle quantum chemistry applications.
Bolt Delivers EVs for IKEA Canada
Bolt Logistics (“Bolt”), a leading Canadian technology-enabled ecommerce fulfillment and last-mile delivery provider, is proud to announce that it will deploy 30 electric vehicles (EVs) across the country in 2022, in partnership with leading global home furnishing retailer IKEA Canada (“IKEA”). This sustainable approach to delivery and ecommerce operations will help bring both companies closer to their industry-leading carbon footprint minimization goals, including Bolt aiming to be carbon negative by 2023 and IKEA Canada striving to reach 100 percent zero-emission deliveries by 2025. This also marks one of Canada’s largest zero-emissions, medium-duty vehicle distributions for commercial deliveries to date.
Bolt’s first zero emission delivery trucks have officially hit the road with more to follow across British Columbia, Quebec and Ontario early this year. This initiative propels both Bolt and IKEA Canada forward within the Canadian logistics, delivery and ecommerce landscape by improving relationships with progressive clients intending to decarbonize their supply chain.
EVmatch Funding from SVCE
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is providing $100,000 in funding to EVmatch, a local electric vehicle (EV) charging software company, to support increased EV charging access to the public and people living in multi-unit residential housing. These funds will support the installation of 60 publicly available EV charging stations at eligible multi-unit residential properties within Santa Clara County.
The funding from SVCE matches grant funding awarded to EVmatch through the BESTFIT Innovative Charging Solutions Grant, provided through the California Energy Commission (CEC) Clean Transportation Program.
In addition to constructing new charging stations in the County, EVmatch will also provide their proprietary, national online social platform to connect available charging station hosts with EV drivers on a reservation basis, a service greatly needed in the industry. Any driver can download the free app, accessing publicly available charging stations at commercial and residential properties.
These installation efforts address critical EV charging market gaps that are common at multi-unit residences.
Volcon E-Motorsports Deal
Volcon Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCN), the first all-electric, off-road powersports company, announced that it has signed its 36th dealer and retained two industry veterans to manage the growing roster of dealerships across the United States. Steven Christian and Johnny Hayes, longtime motorsports industry veterans, join Volcon, effective immediately, to manage the Southern and Northwest territories, respectively.
Steven, having spent a lifetime in powersports and sales will be responsible for the Northwest territory of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado. Steven’s 20-year sales career started with BRP (Can-Am) where he managed a large dealership network, expanding his territory by exceeding wholesale and retail sales goals. Since his days at BRP he has helped bring emerging brands to market like CFMoto and Mahindra, bringing the ROXOR brand to life across the Northwest.
Cenntro Electric Record Production
Cenntro Electric Group Limited (NASDAQ: CENN), a leading EV technology company with advanced, market-validated electric commercial vehicles, announced that it achieved a record production milestone of 1,623 electric commercial vehicles (ECV) for 2021 and experienced its highest volume month of 628 ECV’s produced and shipped in December 2021.
The Company also announced the introduction of four new vehicle models during fiscal 2021 and has received favorable reactions from its European and American channel partners and customers.
Cenntro’s product portfolio includes Class 1 – Class 4 vehicles in addition to off-road offerings and, through its channel partner network, it currently distributes vehicles in over 26 countries to target customers, which include corporate fleets (i.e., utilities companies), medium and small companies (i.e., small processing facilities, farms, solar farms, resorts, planned communities, etc.), as well as both state and federal government fleets.
Cenntro has produced and delivered over 3,600 commercial electric vehicles since 2017 and its scalable, decentralized production model allows it to grow production without many of the associated infrastructure costs utilizing its asset light manufacturing model. The company plans to scale production in the first quarter of 2022, through new facilities both in Jacksonville, Florida and Dusseldorf, Germany.
“Today’s milestone achievement demonstrates that Cenntro is quickly becoming a significant player in the electric commercial vehicle market,” said Peter Wang, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cenntro Electric Group. “With the merger behind us and cash of $250 million, we are well positioned to build up our European operating center in Dusseldorf, Germany and assembly plant in Jacksonville, Florida, which will significantly increase assembly, sales and after-market service capabilities for operations.
“Moreover, the new capital also allows Cenntro to expand our management team, core U.S. operations, board of directors and strategic advisors to support and manage our rapid growth. I am equally excited about our progress already in 2022 based on the interest we received at CES 2022 after unveiling Cenntro’s iChassis skateboard for last mile delivery and municipal services.
“Finally, we are undergoing many initiatives including a re-branding of our public materials, new corporate governance, the appointment of strategic advisors and investor relations to communicate with key stakeholders and new investors. We look forward to reviewing all those initiatives and milestones during our conference call in April 2022 discussing our fiscal 2021 financial results,” concluded Wang.
Cenntro Electric Group (NASDAQ: CENN) is a leading EV technology company with advanced, market-validated electric commercial vehicles. Cenntro plans to lead the transformation in the automotive industry through scalable, decentralized production and fully digitalized autonomous driving solutions empowered by the Cenntro iChassis. Cenntro has produced and delivered over 3,600 commercial EVs in more than 26 countries. For more information about the company, please visit www.cenntroauto.com.
GM Intros Fuel Cell Tech for Trucks, Aerospace and Trains
GM continues to accelerate its growth as a platform innovator and announced new commercial applications of its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology. HYDROTEC projects, which are currently in development, from heavy-duty trucks to aerospace and locomotives, are being planned for use beyond vehicles for power generation.
GM is planning multiple HYDROTEC-based power generators, all powered by GM’s Generation 2 HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes, including:
- A Mobile Power Generator (MPG) to provide fast-charge capability for EVs without installing permanent charge points
- The EMPOWER rapid charger to help retail fuel stations add affordable DC fast charging without expanding the grid
- A palletized MPG to quietly and efficiently power military camps and installations
These fuel cell generators could ultimately replace gas- and diesel-burning generators with fewer emissions at worksites, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts and festivals. They could also back up or temporarily replace grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial enterprises at times of power disruption.
Each of these HYDROTEC-based power generators feature zero-emissions electric power generation output ranging from 60 kilowatts to 600 kilowatts, along with low noise1 and heat signatures2.
“Our vision of an all-electric future is broader than just passenger vehicles or even transportation,” said Charlie Freese, GM executive director of the global HYDROTEC business. “Our energy platform expertise with Ultium vehicle architectures and propulsion components and HYDROTEC fuel cells can expand access to energy across many different industries and users, while helping to reduce emissions often associated with power generation.”
Mobile Power Generator
GM is supplying HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes to Renewable Innovations of Lindon, Utah to build the Mobile Power Generator. GM will combine its fuel cell hardware and software with Renewable Innovations’ power integration and management systems to create a generator that can provide fast-charging capability for EVs without having to expand the grid or install permanent charging assets in places where there’s only a temporary need for power.
Multiple development projects involving the MPG are already in process, including a demonstration of the technology as a mobile charging station for EVs, funded in part by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center. This version of the MPG is expected to first be demonstrated in mid-2022.
“As pioneers and innovators in the hydrogen power space, Renewable Innovations sees exciting opportunities across consumer, business, government and industrial markets,” said Robert Mount, CEO and co-founder of Renewable Innovations. “We’ve seen that there’s a need for EV charging in places where there’s no charging equipment, and now we’re committed to bringing the best technology and game-changing applications to market with GM to accelerate the company’s vision of a zero-emissions future.”
The California Energy Commission is funding a separate demonstration program of four additional MPGs through its Mobile Renewable Backup Generation Systems program to show how hydrogen-based mobile power can help offset the loss of energy during the planned power shutoffs used to mitigate wildfires throughout the state.
This demonstration is being led by the Electric Power Research Institute, the preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organization, collaborating with stakeholders like GM and Renewable Innovations to help ensure the public has safe, reliable, affordable and equitable access to hydrogen-generated electricity.
Retail EV Charging Stations
In addition to mobile EV charging, GM and Renewable Innovations have collaborated on the EMPOWER rapid charger. Intended to help retail fuel stations add more affordable DC fast-charging capability, the EMPOWER rapid charger will help deploy necessary fast charging without significant investment in nonrecoverable electrical infrastructure upgrades, like larger feed wires, transformers and potentially new substations.
EMPOWER rapid chargers can be installed at existing fuel stations or along corridors frequented by travelers only part of the year, such as near national parks or vacation destinations.
The EMPOWER rapid charger, powered by eight GM HYDROTEC power cubes, consumes hydrogen from internal tanks and can DC fast charge as many as four vehicles simultaneously starting at 150 kW with an estimated target full charge time of 20 minutes3. More than 100 EVs can potentially be charged by the EMPOWER rapid charger before the unit would need to be resupplied with hydrogen.
Renewable Innovations plans to deploy 500 EMPOWER rapid chargers across the country by the end of 2025.
Palletized Mobile Power Generator System
GM is designing a separate, palletized version of the MPG and in partnership with GM Defense, will offer this and EV solutions to defense and other customers, such as the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC), which is currently evaluating the technology. GVSC is also exploring how this version of the MPG can power heavy-duty military equipment and camps. This prototype is equivalent in size to a 60-kW generator and produces nearly 70 percent more power than traditional diesel generators. This MPG variant also contains features not typically found on diesel generators, like battery backup and output regulation.
Powered by a HYDROTEC power cube, this MPG prototype converts offboard, bulk-stored hydrogen to electricity generated with no emissions in operation. It generates less noise than a conventional diesel engine at full load and emits water which can be captured and repurposed in the field.
GM will produce HYDROTEC fuel cell systems using globally sourced parts at its Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturing joint venture with Honda in Brownstown, Michigan. Renewable Innovations will produce the trailer-based MPG and the larger, modular EMPOWER rapid charger at their facilities in the Salt Lake City metro area.
Honda Partners with SES for EV Batteries
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that, in December 2021, the company signed a joint development agreement in the area of Lithium-Metal secondary batteries*1 with SES Holdings Pte. Ltd.(“SES”), a U.S. (Boston)-based EV battery research and development company.
Moreover, SES plans to list on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) via a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) transaction, and through the PIPE (private investment in public equity) offering by the SPAC, Honda plans to acquire approximately 2% of the shares of SES AI Corporation, the company to be listed on NYSE*2 *3.
The battery is a crucial component of battery electric vehicles (EV) and Honda, which is accelerating electrification of its products on a global basis, has been concurrently looking into several options for next-generation batteries, including the all-solid-state batteries Honda is developing independently. This joint development agreement with SES is part of the overall battery strategy of Honda.
From here onward, Honda and SES will pursue joint research for the realization of safe, high-durability and high-capacity next-generation EV batteries.
- *1Batteries with Lithium-Metal anode, which are expected to realize higher energy density than Lithium-ion batteries (which usually use carbon-based materials for the anode).
- *2On October 22, 2021, Honda signed a PIPE subscription agreement with Ivanhoe Capital Acquisition Corp. (“Ivanhoe”), a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) listed on the NYSE, pursuant to which Honda is scheduled to acquire shares of Ivanhoe on the day of the merger between SES and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ivanhoe, with SES the surviving entity (“the merger”), prior to the completion of the merger. Ivanhoe, which will wholly own SES, plans to change its name to SES AI Corporation prior to the completion of the merger. Fulfillment of all prerequisites for the execution of the merger, including approval of SES and Ivanhoe shareholders, is a prerequisite for the stock purchase by Honda.
- *3The shareholding percentage above is based on the assumption that the shareholders of Ivanhoe will not exercise their redemption rights.
At Home Chargers for Jeep & Chrysler PHEV
At-home charging for Jeep® 4xe and Chrysler plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is now easier with the introduction of new, Wi-Fi-capable, Level 2 (240-volt) charging units from Mopar.
Available in plug-in or hardwired versions that supply 32 amps/7.7kW (maximum) of power, the new charging units provide a full charge in just over two hours, up to six times faster than standard Level 1 (120-volt) chargers. In addition, new Wi-Fi connectivity gives customers the ability to monitor and control charging any time and anywhere via a mobile app and web portal, saving time and money.
“Our new, factory-backed, at-home, Level 2, plug-in charging units offer a quick, seamless charging solution for Jeep 4xe and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid owners,” said Mark Bosanac, North America vice president, Mopar service, parts & customer care. “At Mopar, we’ll continue to enhance the customer experience and expand our electric-vehicle portfolio of accessories.”
Each new charging unit is Energy Star®-certified and smart-grid optimized for a balance between availability, efficiency and cost to help customers reduce energy costs by charging at low-rate times and participate in energy credit programs where available.
Portable, lightweight, lockable and weatherproof for indoor/outdoor charging, each unit is universally compatible and backed by a 3-year warranty. U.S manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $599. New charging units may be ordered with a Jeep or Chrysler-branded faceplate.
See the Mopar parts and accessories eStore or Jeep brand or Chrysler dealerships in the United States for more details.
Installation Services Available From Qmerit
Mopar is teaming with the expert installation service company Qmerit to offer convenient installation of Level 2 chargers within the United States. Qmerit-certified installers are licensed, insured and rigorously screened to meet exacting standards and can offer service if there is ever a need. See Qmerit/Jeep or Qmerit/Chrysler for more details.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee 4xe is the first Grand Cherokee to offer plug-in hybrid capability. The 4xe propulsion system combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission for maximum efficiency and capability. Overall, the 4xe system delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. The Grand Cherokee 4xe, targeting an estimated 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range, returns an estimated 57 miles per gallon-equivalent (MPGe) and has an estimated total range of more than 440 miles (708 km). The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe is scheduled to arrive in North America early this year and in global markets later in 2022.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
The new Jeep Wrangler 4xe delivers 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion and is EPA rated at 49 MPGe, making it commuter friendly as an all-electric daily driver without range anxiety. The hybrid powertrain combines a high-tech, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine with two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack and the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. Benchmark 470 lb.-ft. of torque in the Wrangler 4xe arrives instantly on demand from the driver. The powertrain also delivers fuel-saving, seamless, start-stop operation of the engine.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The Pacifica Hybrid, still the first and only plug-in hybrid minivan, delivers more than 80 MPGe in electric-only mode, an all-electric range of more than 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles. Pacifica Hybrid features a Stellantis-designed, innovative dual-motor eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) paired with a specially modified version of the 3.6-liter, Pentastar V-6, gasoline engine that alleviates range anxiety and delivers peace of mind to customers. Pacifica Hybrid is designed to offer a seamless driving experience, with no need for the driver to select between electric and hybrid modes.
At-home charging for Jeep® 4xe and Chrysler plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is now easier with the introduction of new, Wi-Fi-capable, Level 2 (240-volt) charging units from Mopar.
Available in plug-in or hardwired versions that supply 32 amps/7.7kW (maximum) of power, the new charging units provide a full charge in just over two hours, up to six times faster than standard Level 1 (120-volt) chargers. In addition, new Wi-Fi connectivity gives customers the ability to monitor and control charging any time and anywhere via a mobile app and web portal, saving time and money.
“Our new, factory-backed, at-home, Level 2, plug-in charging units offer a quick, seamless charging solution for Jeep 4xe and Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid owners,” said Mark Bosanac, North America vice president, Mopar service, parts & customer care. “At Mopar, we’ll continue to enhance the customer experience and expand our electric-vehicle portfolio of accessories.”
Each new charging unit is Energy Star®-certified and smart-grid optimized for a balance between availability, efficiency and cost to help customers reduce energy costs by charging at low-rate times and participate in energy credit programs where available.
Portable, lightweight, lockable and weatherproof for indoor/outdoor charging, each unit is universally compatible and backed by a 3-year warranty. U.S manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $599. New charging units may be ordered with a Jeep or Chrysler-branded faceplate.
EV Connect Fleet Charging Managment in Porterville
Focused on providing a streamlined pathway to fleet electrification, EV Connect announced the general availability of its Fleet Charging Management Platform. As a lead customer, the City of Porterville now leverages the EV Connect Fleet solution for advanced capabilities such as real-time charger and vehicle data, automatic and manual charging prioritization, and energy management to help mitigate on-peak energy costs. The EV Connect Fleet solution provides an enhanced user experience, allowing for complete control over fleets and their energy consumption for fleet service providers as well as in-house-managed vehicle fleets.
The City of Porterville, Calif., located in the San Joaquin Valley, is expanding its leadership in municipal sustainability by deploying EV charging to take advantage of its quick and convenient access to key transportation routes. In addition to serving more than 20 of its own fleet vans to buses, the City of Porterville can now optimize its charging schedules for demand response, manage charging costs, and ensure uptime across a multi-vendor charging environment which serves the EV charging needs of public and private fleet customers.
With the goal to balance operations, insights, and user control, the EV Connect Fleet Management Platform presents an intuitive dashboard that can track a vehicle’s state-of-charge, ready time, and overall status, with complete visibility into depot specifics. Automatic and manual charging sequencing and prioritization provides adaptive fleet scheduling and gives owners and operators the ability to leverage in-depth analytics to improve fleet scheduling, including state-of-charge, energy power levels, and station availability. The charging management software supports all use cases, including parking lots, distribution centers, transit hubs, and other public-accessible locations. Thanks to collaborations with various payment, telematics, and fleet management software providers, the software enables fleets to manage energy, track fuel time, and notify managers of potential problems through real-time alerts.
EV Connect offers a charging network service and software platform that employs innovations in remote management and analytics capabilities to ensure reliable and consistent charging site operation. With robust data analytics, fleet managers can view everything fleet-related down to the lowest level. Through the fleet portal, owners and operators can control various aspects of their fleets, from dynamic power allocation that maximizes fleet readiness to real-time energy consumption and utility bill analytics. EV Connect provides real-time energy consumption data from individual stations up to the entire network level, which allows fleet managers to understand real-time energy needs.
EVOGO Battery Swapping
Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Ltd. (CAES), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd. (CATL), rolled out its battery swap solution EVOGO featuring modular battery swapping at its first online launch event. Comprised of battery blocks, fast battery swap stations and an app, EVOGO will be first launched in ten cities, said Chen Weifeng, general manager of CAES.
Innovative Modular Battery Swap Solution Injects New Life into Market
To solve the problems of range anxiety, inconvenience of refueling, and high total cost of ownership, CAES rolled out its innovative modular battery swap solution on Tuesday’s online launch event. Based on the separation of vehicle and battery, CAES considers the battery as a shared product, creating a whole new experience for the market.
Designed to look like a bar of chocolate, “Choco-SEB (swapping electric block)” is a mass-produced battery specially developed for EV battery-sharing. It boasts the advantages of high-energy density with small size, flexible combination and minimalist design.
With the support of the latest CTP (cell to pack) technology, it can achieve a weight energy density of over 160 Wh/kg and a volume energy density of 325 Wh/L, enabling a single block to provide a driving range of 200 km.
Meanwhile, the Choco-SEB is compatible with 80 percent of global BEV platform-based vehicle models available on the market, and all BEV platform-based models to be released in the next three years globally. Customers are free to take one to three blocks to meet different range requirements at swap stations.
Furthermore, equipped with wireless BMS technology, the trailblazing Choco-SEB does not have any parts on its exterior except the high-voltage positive and negative terminals, which significantly increases the reliability of plugs.
The battery swap station highlights high compatibility, need-based battery rental, and complementarity with charging services. With a footprint equivalent to three parking spaces, a standard EVOGO battery swap station can house up to 48 Choco-SEBs and allows one-minute swapping for a single battery block, ensuring fully charged batteries for customers at any time without a long wait. Moreover, EVOGO offers a variety of swap stations to suit the climates of different regions.
The app links customers with different modules of EVOGO, allowing the connection among customers, vehicles, stations and batteries, and provides other services as well.
High Power Charging from CEC CALSTART
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and CALSTART have been awarded $13 million from the California Energy Commission (CEC) to jump start California’s high-power charging infrastructure for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The two organizations will lead a first-of-its-kind collaboration to launch the country’s first zero-emission, freight-charging corridor network.
The multi-phase project, Research Hub for Electric Technologies in Truck Applications (RHETTA), will commence with a community-first engagement framework to ensure that pollution-impacted communities, low-income communities, and tribal communities are involved in creating and guiding the initiative.
Phase one of the RHETTA project will begin this month, with the goal of developing, testing, and implementing high-power electric vehicle (EV) chargers for trucks near Southern California’s two ports. The project will work toward developing high-power chargers that can provide 100 miles of range in less than 10 minutes and cost less than $500 kW. Each pilot site will have two charging units that will serve as demonstrations sites to test and validate their use and impact. The high-power charging support extending the range of electric trucks and increase their market penetration. The first phase of the project runs through 2025.
Other key elements include the creation of:
- An online freight heatmap outlining freight hubs, travel patterns along major freight corridors, truck stops, and locations for truck charging in a web-accessible tool;
- Two high-power charging demonstration sites – one near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and one in the Inland Empire – to provide technology and operational data; and
- A plan for a statewide charging corridor network, including a workforce development strategy and templates for key freight corridors.
“Electrifying transportation is central to the clean energy transition, and this project has tremendous value in the adoption of electric, zero-emission trucks along one of the heaviest traveled corridors in Southern California,” said EPRI President and CEO Arshad Mansoor. “Proven successful, high-power charging could be replicated throughout the country, accelerating the clean energy economy.”
Nikola Funding for Trucks
Nikola Corporation a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, and Corcentric Fleet Funding Solutions, a leading provider of leasing and financing solutions, announced a signed agreement to facilitate sales of Class 8 Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and Nikola Tre hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Pursuant to the agreement, Corcentric will purchase vehicles and related assets (e.g., charging assets) directly from Nikola to offer Nikola customers a bundled lease that provides Nikola trucks and related equipment, as well as fuel and maintenance, in a single agreement.
24M Tech’s SemiSolid Tech for VW
-24M Technologies, Inc. (24M) announced it has closed its deal with Volkswagen Group (VWAG). Through the strategic partnership VWAG will manufacture next-generation lithium-ion EV batteries using the 24M SemiSolid™ platform for use in VWAG electric vehicles (EVs). VWAG acquired a 25% stake in 24M and will establish a wholly owned subsidiary that will, in cooperation with 24M, develop a SemiSolidTM battery cell production technology for automotive applications.
VWAG invested a three digit millions of U.S. dollars in 24M’s Series F funding round and will make additional investments promoting automotive developments based on the 24M core technology. Additionally, Dr. Steffen Blase, Head of Group Mergers & Acquisitions at Volkswagen AG, will join 24M’s Board of Directors.
“The SemiSolidTM manufacturing platform offers the potential to substantially reduce capital and operating costs,” commented Dr. Blase. “Through our newly established subsidiary and our strategic partnership with 24M, we are focused on bringing the SemiSolidTM platform to automotive applications and believe we can develop cost effective processes to meet the increasing demand for EVs.”
“Through strategic partnerships with energy innovators like GPSC, Kyocera, AXXIVA, Lucas TVS, FREYR, Koch Strategic Platforms and now VWAG, 24M has built an ecosystem to rapidly scale the SemiSolidTM manufacturing platform and develop a better, cleaner energy future,” says 24M President and CEO, Naoki Ota.
FLO Workplace EV Charging
FLO is proud to announce the installation of the first wave of workplace electric vehicle (EV) charging stations as part of a multi-year agreement with General Motors (GM), whereby FLO provides AC Level 2 and direct current (DC) fast chargers for GM to be installed on their premises in the United States.
“Over the past two years, FLO’s collaboration with GM has been growing steadily and flourishing through different agreements” said Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO. “This time, we are particularly proud to support GM’s drive towards full electrification by bringing FLO chargers to employee parking lots. As we will cater to the employees driving GM’s current and future EVs, we know our workplace charging solutions will be used by sophisticated EV drivers with high expectations. We look forward to showcasing the reliability of our products with them and, consequently, helping to strengthen our collaboration with GM.”
FLO installs the first wave of workplace EV charging stations as part of a multi-year agreement with General Motors (GM)Tweet this
FLO is one of a select few EV networks whose chargers are being installed at GM’s plants and facilities, stretching over more than 120 locations across the US. FLO stations are already present at GM sites in New York city, Austin (TX), Arlington (TX), Flint (MI), and more. So far, more than 350 FLO chargers have been shipped to GM offices and plants, including 10 DC fast chargers, with the rest being AC Level 2 CoRe+TM chargers.
“At GM, we are committed to putting everyone in an EV,” said Rick Spina, Vice President, AV/EV Commercialization and Infrastructure at GM. “Doing so will require making EV charging readily accessible where people work, which is why we are excited to work with FLO to increase charging for our own employees, whether they are at an engineering or manufacturing facility.”
So Cal Gas Uses Toyota Mirai HFCEVs
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) announced that it took delivery of 23 Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (HFCEV), marking the company’s first purchase of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The company plans to expand its fleet of HFCEVs to 50 next month, making SoCalGas among the first utilities in the nation to start transitioning to hydrogen. These HFCEVs are an important step for SoCalGas in decarbonizing its fleet and supports the company’s Net Zero 2045 climate goal, which includes replacing 50% of its over-the-road fleet with clean fuel vehicles by 2025 and operating a 100% zero-emission fleet by 2035.
“California companies must work together in the fight against climate change,” said State Senator Susan Rubio. “The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions in California and these types of efforts will help the state meet its climate goals.”