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Volvo Trucks NA, TEC & Truck Centers Partner for Charging Network
The Electrified Charging Corridor Project has the goal of enabling convenient charging for:
- Small business fleets that want to avoid making major financial investments in large-scale charging infrastructure at their site;
- Fleets looking to pilot an electric vehicle through rental and short-term lease opportunities; and
- Fleets that need an OEM-neutral location to “opportunity charge” along their route.
Canoo to Supply US Army with Demo Vehicle
“As an American company based in the heartland, it is an honor to be selected by the U.S. Army,” said Tony Aquila, Investor, Chairman & CEO at Canoo. “This is another opportunity to prove our proprietary technology – which is customizable and adaptable for multiple use cases and special environments.”
Canoo’s multi-purpose platform was recently selected by NASA for crew transportation vehicles to deliver astronauts to the Artemis launch site for lunar missions to establish the first long-term presence on the Moon.
Panasonic Energy to Build Battery Factory in Kansas
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly jointly announced that the state of Kansas has approved an Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) state incentive* application submitted by Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.The agreement would make the state the location for a proposed US-based lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility, pending approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors.
Panasonic Energy plans to develop the project at a property in Kansas, which is expected to drive significant economic activity and opportunities for the local economy and could create up to 4,000 new jobs and result in an investment of approximately $4 billion. The company has identified a site.
Nikola Corp. Demos Vehicles in D.C.
Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, displayed their zero-emissions Class 8 battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) Wednesday in Washington D.C. Together, with key federal government representatives, industry organizations and strategic stakeholder partners, Nikola provided visibility to the importance of congressional efforts in advancing clean energy and climate incentives that will enable market growth of zero-emissions technologies and a national clean hydrogen economy.
EAVX & Morgan Olson Show First Pics of Class 5 Step Van Proxima
EAVX and Morgan Olson, both subsidiaries of JB Poindexter & Co (JBPCO), are revealing first images and additional details of its new Class 5 walk-in step van body design that offers unprecedented integrated technology and aims to lead the way in the development of next-generation commercial delivery vehicles.
Named Proxima, the body builds off Morgan Olson’s reputation for durable and dependable commercial vehicle bodies, while introducing new technologies to enhance driver ergonomics and efficiencies that will transform the industry. Proxima’s chassis-flexible design means it offers significant advantages for both electric and internal-combustion powertrains, as well as new features that aim to positively impact safety, comfort and overall driver experience.
“We are thrilled to begin sharing the Proxima body concept with the world in the coming weeks and months,” said Mark Hope, COO and General Manager of EAVX. “Proxima combines JBPCO’s proven history of building durable and dependable work truck and commercial vehicle bodies and accessories with our long track record of product innovation. Receiving in person feedback from some of the leading fleets in the world is an exciting and important next step as we move closer to bringing Proxima to market.”
Proxima’s key design highlights and product features include:
- Improved aerodynamics: Delivering a significant reduction in drag for maximum efficiency without compromising functionality,
- Enhanced driver ergonomics: Proxima is designed to accommodate drivers of all sizes with a focus on every interior detail to reduce distraction and increase comfort.
- Increased driver visibility: Proxima’s purposefully designed dash, windshield, and side- and rear-view screens optimize driver sight lines for maximum visibility and significant blind-spot reduction
- Improved driver safety: Proxima’s design puts a premium on driving position and improved visibility to aid in parking, maneuvering and avoiding obstacles — contributing to overall driver safety.
- Enhanced technology integration: EAVX’s proprietary VX Control™ is a digital vehicle infrastructure that enables the widest array of technologies to be connected, configured and communicate with each other and with drivers, no matter the chassis or powertrain. For Proxima, VX Control will unify lighting, equipment, tools, cameras, sensors and driver assistance technologies into a single, intelligent system that works continuously to deliver higher efficiency, lower operational cost and greater value in every application.
Proxima features a flexible design that offers design options for all types of chassis regardless of powertrain or power source. For this first proof of concept, EAVX and Morgan Olson are partnering with automotive technology company REE Automotive (NASDAQ: REE) for its P7 electric chassis, where the body will be powered by the REEcorner’s drive-, steer-, and brake-by-wire technology. The companies will begin evaluations of Proxima with select potential customers later this month at dedicated events in the Detroit area. These events will allow potential customers across a number of delivery, logistics and retail segments to experience the vehicle and its groundbreaking technology firsthand.
“These events will be a critical opportunity for partners and potential customers to engage our team first hand, and to see what Proxima offers as we get closer to production,” said John Poindexter, CEO and Chairman, JBPCO. “Innovation is a living part of our company’s foundation and EAVX and Proxima are the latest examples of this compulsion.”
EVmatch Rolls Out Travel Service for Charger Sharing
EVmatch, announced its rollout of a vacation rental EV charging software service to expand EV charging options for travelers.
With summer road tripping in full swing, EVmatch is thrilled to announce its recent release of an EV charging software management platform designed specifically for vacation and short-term rental owners. The software solution allows property owners to easily install a Level 2 charging station, which adds about 25 miles of range per hour, and charge their guests for usage. The flexible software platform also allows property owners to list their charging stations on EVmatch’s nationwide public network when their rentals are not in use. The software is compatible with the Enel X JuiceBox and the Wallbox Pulsar Plus and offers a reservation system, automatic payments processing, and remote control of charging equipment.
Karma Automotive Joins MIH Consortium
Karma Automotive became the latest OEM to join MIH Consortium. The mission of MIH Open Platform Alliance is to facilitate cooperation in the electric vehicle sector, developing next generation e-Mobility technologies, establishing testing and certification standards, and bringing alliance partners together. These complementary expertise’s further support the goals of improved user experience as well as cost reductions and expedition of development cycles. This will truly enable the transformation of the EV automobile industry.
Karma Automotive has been at the forefront of advanced engineering technologies and integration in the EV industry since their incorporation a decade ago. This is especially true when it comes to series hybrid (EREV) powertrain system currently being used in the Revero GT and GS-6 vehicles. Karma’s mission is to create technologically-advanced luxury vehicles and deliver commercial vehicle electrification services with class-leading safety features and exceptional design.
Rock Tech Lithium Signs Agreement with German OEM
Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (the “Company” or “Rock Tech”) is pleased to announce that the Company has signed a framework agreement (the “Framework Agreement”) with a renowned globally operating car producer having its headquarters in Germany establishing the basis for arrangements between the parties for the supply of lithium hydroxide, a key material in the production of lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries. The agreement forms the basis between the automaker and Rock Tech Lithium for future supplies of lithium hydroxide and has a five-year term with renewal options.
Sila Earns ISO 9001 Cert
Sila, a next-generation battery materials company, announced it has earned an ISO 9001 certification. Many global automotive, consumer electronics, and cell phone makers require ISO certification from their suppliers and partners. With this certification, Sila begins to establish its preparedness to satisfy the needs of these industries worldwide.
ISO 9001 is a global standard for effective Quality Management Systems (QMS). Millions of companies and organizations across 170 countries are certified to this standard, which has a strong focus on the delivery of consistent, high-quality products to customers. Sila’s certification to this global standard is part of its roadmap for scaling their next-generation silicon anode material at its current Alameda plant and its newly purchased 600,000+ sq. ft. plant in Moses Lake, Washington. The initial capacity of the new plant will produce enough anode material to power batteries in up to 500,000 premium electric vehicles and 500 million mobile phones annually, beginning in the second half of 2024. Mercedes-Benz has recently disclosed that it will incorporate Sila’s anode material in an upcoming fully electric G-Class model.
Electreon Partners with CTG Limos
Electreon (TASE: ELWS.TA), the leading provider of wireless and in-road wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging technology for commercial and passenger EVs, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the sale of its wireless EV charging services to CTG, the largest operator of limousine fleets and unique shuttle services in the New York and Las Vegas area. CTG currently operates a fleet of over 2,800 limousines and taxis, which it plans to transition to EVs in the near future in order to reduce emissions and operating costs. This is Electreon’s first sale and wireless EV charging deployment in the New York and Las Vegas areas, and expands on its other recent U.S. projects in Michigan and Utah.
After reviewing the existing charging solutions in the market, CTG chose Electreon’s wireless EV charging services in order to reduce its upfront costs, save space in the urban operating areas, avoid the visual and safety hazards of conductive charging stations, and ensure the simple and continuous operation of its electric limousine fleets. Electreon’s Charging as a Service business model ensures the payment for the charging services will be per vehicle and includes full set up of the wireless chargers, maintenance, support and software services. As part of the MOU, CTG will also connect Electreon to its EV manufacturers to support the integration of Electreon’s vehicle systems and receivers that enable the EVs to charge wirelessly. The commercial terms of the sale of charging services will be determined in the full agreement and announced separately.
AMTE Power Partners with MAHLE
AMTE Power Plc, one of the UK’s largest commercial battery cell manufacturers, has signed a memorandum of understanding (“MoU”) with MAHLE Powertrain (“MPT”), the Engineering Services subsidiary of MAHLE Group. The non-binding MoU lays the foundation for the supply of AMTE’s Ultra High Power (“UHP”) cells to support the development of next generation electric vehicles.
MPT is well-known as a leading engineering services provider, working with major vehicle OEMs and prestige car manufacturers to design, test and develop electrified powertrain systems and hybrid vehicle engines. This partnership will facilitate testing of AMTE Power’s UHP cells in MPT’s recently opened Battery Development Centre in Northampton. This will allow MPT to develop powertrain concepts for the next era of high-performance electric cars and help address the automotive industry bottleneck in battery testing.
AMTE Power’s differentiated cells are specifically designed to solve key challenges for high-performance electric vehicles (EVs), balancing power, weight and safety needs. The Group’s lithium ion UHP cell provides rapid charging and discharging times. All of AMTE Power’s cells are made in the UK, guaranteeing security of supply and helping MPT’s EV customers comply with emerging rules of origin legislation.
This MoU is the latest in a series of commercial opportunities announced by AMTE Power and is further endorsement of the Company’s UHP cell as it looks to scale up production in support of the drive towards net zero. The business anticipates providing a further update later this year on its manufacturing capabilities that will enable it to produce its cells in the UK at industrial scale.
Jersey Central Power & Light Launches EV Driven
Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE), has launched EV Driven, a new four-year program that provides incentives for electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The program, recently approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), will benefit the state’s environment by reducing auto emissions.
“New Jersey is a national leader in clean energy and electric vehicle adoption, and the EV Driven program helps our customers build the charging backbone necessary to reach our state’s goal of registering 330,000 electric vehicles by 2025,” said James Fakult, president of JCP&L. “We’re excited to support New Jersey’s efforts to expand the charging station network as we continue providing safe, reliable and affordable service to our customers.”
The $39.8 million program has three components:
- Residential charging – provides up to $1,500 in incentives for customer electrical upgrades necessary for the installation of up to 2,000 qualified Level Two electric vehicle chargers in JCP&L’s service area. Qualified residential customers may also be eligible for up to $5,500 in utility upgrades, such as new poles, transformers and service wires, required to support the chargers. Additionally, bill credit incentives may be available to encourage off-peak-hours charging.
- Mixed-use commercial and multifamily property charging – the mixed-use commercial program provides up to $6,700 per qualified Level Two charger for up to 500 public-access ports, and up to $5,000 per port for a maximum of 100 ports dedicated to workplace use across JCP&L’s service territory. Multifamily property owners also can qualify for off-peak charging credits as well as incentives of up to $8,375 per qualified Level Two charger for up to 150 ports in state-designated overburdened communities within JCP&L’s service territory, and up to $6,700 per smart charging port for up to 150 ports in non-overburdened communities in JCP&L’s service territory. The mixed-use commercial and multifamily property component also covers the costs of utility upgrades at qualifying locations.
- Public-access DC Fast charging – provides incentives of up to $25,000 per DC fast charger port for up to 248 charging locations accessible to the public across JCP&L’s service territory. Additionally, JCP&L will install new underground cabling, transformers, metering connections and poles for up to 124 public DC Fast charging locations at a cost of up to $50,500 per location. To help manage the increased electrical costs of DC fast charging, demand charge discounts are also available.