I
In this Article
Tesla Semi Pepsi Delivery Coming
Elon Musk announced via Twitter that the Tesla Semi truck will be delivered to Pepsi by December 1. Musk claims a 500 mile range.
Toyota Fixes bZ4X Bolt Issue
Toyota is fixing the loose hub bolt problem on Toyota bZ4X models in production and ready for the recall. Toyota dealers will install. Newly designed wheels and replace loose hub bolts. With new ones that have washers.
Rivian Loose Fastener Recall
Rivian has recalled over 12,212 of its trucks, vans and SUV to fix a loose fastener on the front upper control arm and steering knuckle–that may cause a loss of vehicle control and could result in separation causing a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Loop Energy New Partners in South America
-Loop Energy™ (TSX: LPEN), a developer and manufacturer of hydrogen fuel cells for commercial mobility, today announces two new customers, each developing medium-duty hydrogen-electric trucks.
Loop Energy enters the Pilot Phase of the Customer Adoption Cycle with both companies, expanding its presence in the dynamic European market and establishing its first relationship in the emerging South American market. The news comes after Loop Energy recently upgraded its purchase order guidance for the next 18 months.
Having supplied components and infrastructure for battery-electric vehicles for more than a decade, Opex identified fuel cells as a solution for commercial vehicles in Latin America two years ago. Starting with a prototype, Opex aims to develop a logistics truck using Loop Energy’s S300 (30 kW) fuel cell as a range extender. Once built, the truck is expected to be trialed by a local fleet operator to evaluate how the technology can be deployed in larger truck applications.
Avia Ingeniería plans to also apply Loop Energy’s 30 kW fuel cell as a range extender in a tractor-trailer transport truck. The truck is a part of the ShineFleet project, which features various Spanish technology and engineering companies including Técnicas Reunidas. The aim of the pilot is to demonstrate the feasibility of hydrogen technology and educate fleet operators on how to scale a fleet. A logistics fleet operator is expected to integrate the truck into its service routes once it is operational in 2023.
“We’ve seen positive growth when it comes to using fuel cells in medium-duty electric trucks,” said Loop Energy Chief Commercial Officer, George Rubin. “Our team continues to identify manufacturers and fleet operators committed to the deployment of hydrogen-electric fleets worldwide. It is great to see Opex and Avia Ingeniería setting a positive example in their respective markets.”
Climate Change mitigation, regulatory pressure and energy security concerns are compelling manufacturers and fleet operators to invest in and operate hydrogen-electric trucks instead of traditional diesel combustion engine vehicles. Benefits such as extended range, lighter weight and fast refuelling are key contributors to lower total cost of ownership, making fuel cell-powered vehicles an appealing zero-emissions solution.
Fermata Intros New V2X Bidirectional Charger
Fermata Energy, the leader in vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging systems, announced the upcoming release of its newest V2X bidirectional charger, the FE-20. With multiple commercial projects already successfully deployed with its FE-15 bidirectional charger, Fermata Energy is adding a second commercial charger option with the FE-20 to meet the increasing demand for V2X installations. V2X includes vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-building (V2B) projects.
Carbon America to Capture Carbon in Nebraska
Carbon America, the first vertically integrated carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) super developer, announced an agreement with Bridgeport Ethanol, LLC to develop a carbon capture and storage project in Nebraska. The project will capture and store approximately 175,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per year, equivalent to 95 percent of total emissions from the ethanol facility’s fermentation process. This is the first commercial project of its kind in the state of Nebraska.
State of EV Buying in US
Cox Automotive Mobility’s detailed EV white paper offers the company’s perspective on the following core themes:
- State of EV Adoption. Americans are buying EVs at a record pace despite rising prices and long waits for delivery. The fleet industry is also taking note with fleet operators highly motivated to replace their gas-powered fleets with EVs to achieve sustainability goals, drive efficiency and reduce total cost of ownership.
- The Importance of Price Parity in Driving Adoption. The electric segment has been hit by the tide of inflation affecting the overall auto industry since the spring of 2021. Tax incentives available as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will be critical to consumer adoption, helping offset the cost of pricey EVs.
- Supply Chain Constraints Threatening EV Growth. Global computer chip and material shortages are impacting production, raising the price of new and used vehicles, and contributing to long waits to buy new EV models.
- Building a Robust EV Supply Chain in the U.S. The U.S. currently has a vulnerable EV supply chain heavily reliant on imports for semiconductor chips, raw materials and EV batteries. The country is in a sprint to produce its own EV components in order to increase economic competitiveness and energy independence.
- The Role of Technology. Right now, the U.S. doesn’t have enough domestically supplied materials to keep up with consumer demand, so innovations in battery chemistry, materials substitution and recycling will be key to the transition to EVs.
“This convergence of factors shines an even brighter light on the importance of end-to-end EV battery lifecycle management,” said Lea Malloy, AVP of EV Battery Solutions, Cox Automotive Mobility. “Coupled with government policy support, EV battery first life extension is paving the way for meaningful progress in protecting the planet while accelerating the uptake of EVs in a challenging environment.”
The Cox Automotive Mobility white paper is available for download at EV Whitepaper – Cox Automotive Mobility (coxautoinc.com).
Xos Delivered 88 Electric Trucks
Xos, Inc., a leading technology company that provides fleet services, software solutions, and manufactures Class 5 through Class 8 battery-electric commercial vehicles, today announced it delivered a total of 88 units to customers during the third quarter of 2022. Xos had previously provided a second half of 2022 guidance range of 150 to 200 units delivered and is on track for its deliveries to fall within that range.
“We are pleased with our continued growth of vehicle deliveries year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter as we work to provide our customers with the most durable and reliable electric trucks, powertrain systems, and fleet management tools available,” said Dakota Semler, Chief Executive Officer at Xos. “We’ve scaled up our manufacturing and production capabilities significantly and look forward to continuing to provide the vehicles and services needed to help fleets seamlessly transition to battery-electric.”
The 88 units were delivered across approximately 15 North American cities, and several customers including Merchants Fleet and Fedex Ground operators, as previously announced. The third quarter unit deliveries represent a 21% sequential quarter over quarter increase from the second quarter of 2022, during which Xos delivered 73 units.
Xos will provide further details on third quarter performance and an update on its outlook for the remainder of the year on its Q3 2022 earnings call in November.
Recon to Make EV Blocks in US
Minesota-based precast concrete licensing company, Recon, announces a partnership with UK-based EV Blocks Ltd. to bring universal precast charging base foundations to North America. This partnership comes at an opportune time given the more than 1.5 million charging stations likely needed by 2030 and the passing of the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill which will help fund the buildout.
EV Blocks precast foundations are currently sold across the UK with demand driven by a patent-pending design that includes a universal top plate and side openings for conduit installation, making it ideal for nearly all Level 2 charger installations. Its precast nature reduces the complexities of installation, eliminating the time it takes to pour and cure concrete foundations on-site. Precast blocks are produced ahead of time in approved facilities and come ready to install, saving days of labor and raw material order lead time.
Recon is a precast product licensor with established retaining wall and light pole base solutions and an extensive global network of expert precast producers, highly concentrated in North America. EV Blocks is poised to become the gold standard in EV charger foundations as Recon plans to extend its innovative production solutions and dedicated support to precast concrete producers throughout North America in the coming months.
EnPower Powers UP Production in Indi
EnPower, Inc., the US-owned fast-charge battery company, opens its first production facility in Indianapolis. This facility is dedicated to producing next generation American-made lithium-ion batteries, a crucial component of our zero-emission future.
The 92,000-square-foot production facility will open with an initial capacity of 800 MWh, quickly growing to well in excess of 1 GWh. EnPower’s multilayer technology has won industry-wide attention because it delivers repeated fast charges without harmful battery degradation or compromising power and energy density.
The capabilities for their uses are multifaceted, from electric vehicles to outdoor lawn and power equipment, commercial and off-highway vehicles, recreational vehicles, drones, marine and aviation.
Indiana State Sen. Kyle Walker and Indiana Rep. Carey Hamilton will participate and share their thoughts about the significance of EnPower’s grand opening and its importance to Indiana and the community.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, who had planned on attending, had a family emergency and will be unable to attend, his office said Monday. His representative is expected to attend in his place.
Midtronics Releases EV Service Guide
Midtronics, the world’s leading vehicle battery testing and management provider, announces today the release of the most comprehensive electric vehicle battery service strategy guide on the market. The guide includes strategies on applications, service considerations (such as safety, strategies, applications, and training), aftermarket implications, and much more.