Toyota showed its timeline for multiple battery platforms.
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Lighting eMotors Sells 5 Lightning ZEV4 Shuttle Buses
Lightning eMotors (NYSE: ZEV), a leading provider of zero-emission, medium-duty commercial vehicles and electric vehicle (EV) technology for fleets, announced today it sold five Lightning ZEV4™ shuttle buses to St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL). STL partner SP Plus Parking (SP Plus) will operate the vehicles, transporting passengers between the airport’s two terminals. The deal also includes five Level 2 chargers and one Level 3 DC fast charger, currently set for delivery later this year.
STL received a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 2023 Voluntary Airport Low Emissions Program (VALE) grant to help fund the purchase of the vehicles and chargers. These grants are only available for the purchase of FAA Buy American compliant vehicles. To ensure its customers could access some of the more than $5 billion in available FTA/FAA funding, Lightning has certified the ZEV4 product line to be both FAA Buy American and FTA Buy America compliant.
“Our team has worked hard to ensure our products meet the high standards required to receive any of the billions of federal dollars that are available to support the expansion of the EV ecosystem. This order is a great validation that our vehicles and charging technology are ideally suited to help airports achieve their business and environmental goals,” said Kash Sethi, chief revenue officer for Lightning eMotors. “As our first order purchased with funds from the FAA’s Buy American VALE funding program, it is a clear case study in why these grants are crucial to accelerating EV deployments at airports nationwide.”
Lightning is fast becoming an EV manufacturer of choice for airport deployments. For example, ACE Parking’s fleet of 24 Lightning shuttle buses at San Diego International Airport have amassed over one million miles since 2020 and continues to provide emissions-free transport to hundreds of passengers each day, while delivering low cost, reliable service. In addition, Lightning recently completed a test of its Lightning Mobile charger at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
“The Lightning ZEV4 will allow us to deliver EV shuttles to those that use St. Louis Lambert International Airport sooner,” said Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, STL’s airport director and CEO. “St. Louis Lambert International is committed to sustainable, clean energy practices and we’re excited for passengers to begin experiencing that firsthand with our new shuttles.”
The five Lightning ZEV4 cutaway vehicles are built on Lightning’s second generation, GM4500-based platform and will be fitted with shuttle bodies. They are expected to travel 100 miles per shift, with at least one operating around the clock using the Lightning-supplied DC fast charger during charging breaks, while the others will be used daily and charged overnight on Level 2 chargers. Lightning will also train local service providers to maintain the airport’s first EVs.
“This process will allow us to move from thinking Green to being an airport that practices the Green concept,” said Hamm-Niebruegge.
“Airports provide an ideal use case for electric commercial vehicle fleets, particularly when you couple accessible FAA funding with the real-world operating benefits of EVs. This is an exciting expansion of our airport customer base and we’re confident it’s just the beginning of our work with airports across the country,” added Sethi.////
AESC Facility in Bowling Green
AESC, a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, along with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, helped place the last piece of structural steel on its 1.6 million square foot facility in Bowling Green today. This “Topping Out” ceremony marks a significant milestone in AESC’s progress toward completing its state-of-the-art gigafactory in the Kentucky Transpark in Bowling Green, Warren County. The 30 GWh plant will create 2,000 new, skilled jobs for the region, producing battery cells and modules to power next-generation EVs produced for multiple global automotive manufacturers.
Rockwell Automation & Infinitum Agree to Co-Development
-Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, and Infinitum, creator of the sustainable air core motor, announced an exclusive agreement to jointly develop and distribute a new class of high-efficiency, integrated low voltage drive and motor technology. This solution will significantly save energy and cut costs for industrial customers globally, while helping them reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable.
As companies grow more energy conscious and look to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, variable frequency drives (VFDs) with high-efficiency motors have increasingly come into focus. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric motors consume approximately 40% of the electricity consumed globally, with the percentage rising to nearly 70% for industrial companies.
Under this agreement, Rockwell’s market-leading PowerFlex® drive technology will be combined with Infinitum’s high-efficiency Aircore EC motor system. This powerful package will help companies reduce their carbon footprint with a motor system that is 50% smaller and lighter, uses 66% less copper, and consumes 10% less energy than traditional iron core motors.
“We’ve long recognized the benefits of Infinitum’s integrated motor and drive system because of its class-leading energy efficiency, sustainability, and ease of operations,” said Barry Elliott, vice president and general manager of Power Control, Rockwell Automation. “We’re excited about the powerful impact that our new joint solution will have on improving sustainability, energy-efficiency, and productivity for our customers around the world.”
Rockwell and Infinitum have collaborated since 2021, when Rockwell made an initial investment in Infinitum as part of the company’s Series C funding.
“We’re excited to extend our successful partnership with Rockwell Automation. This agreement opens new customer channels for our sustainable motors that can power the world with less energy, material, and waste,” said Ben Schuler, founder and CEO, Infinitum. “Working with Rockwell will enable a direct and widespread impact on industrial companies, reducing electricity consumption and increasing sustainability for this energy-intensive sector.”
The integrated VFD and motors will be available in late 2024 exclusively through Rockwell and its partners.
Highland Electric Electric School Buses for Durham Schools
Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus fleet Electrification-as-a-Service in North America, announced today its partnership with the second largest student transportation provider in North America, National Express LLC and its subsidiary Durham Schools Services, to provide 52 electric school buses for districts across the country. Awarded funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), totaling over $20M, will support the electrification and sustainability of Durham’s fleet serving Compton Unified School District of California, Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy of Rhode Island, and Rumney School District of New Hampshire.
“We are thrilled about entering the next phase of our transition towards a fully electric school bus fleet,” stated Nick Voisard, Senior Director of Electric Vehicles at National Express LLC. “The growing body of evidence, including research from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory, highlighting the positive impact of zero-emissions school buses on children’s health, communities, and the environment fuels our enthusiasm to deploy these buses on the roads. Witnessing the encouraging benefits of zero-emissions school buses is inspiring, and we are equally heartened by the increasing wealth of supporting data and studies as we advance on our journey toward becoming 100% zero-emissions by 2035.”
Beth Dowd, Director of Operations at Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy (BVP), also shared, “By embracing this more sustainable initiative, we support the well-being of BVP scholars, our communities, and the environment, and prioritize a healthier and more vibrant future for all.”
NEC and Highland will also be partnering with bus manufacturers IC and Thomas Built Buses for the deployment.
“It’s an incredibly exciting opportunity for Highland to partner closely with National Express, who is a strong and reputable force in student transportation innovation,” said Duncan McIntyre, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Highland. “With this partnership, we can work together to bring safe, reliable, and cleaner transportation to school districts, students, and communities across the country.”
“By partnering with Highland Electric Fleets, National Express School and our customers stand to gain immensely from their industry-leading expertise as an electrification service provider. This partnership underscores National Express’s unwavering commitment to global environmental sustainability, all while delivering secure and dependable transportation.” –Dan Cecchin, SVP, Commercial Development, National Express LLC.
Orange EV Intros New HUSK-e Series Terminal Truck
Orange EV, the United States-based leading manufacturer of electric yard trucks, is launching the all-new HUSK-e® Series terminal truck at this year’s IANA Intermodal EXPO, Sept. 11-13 at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. Beginning production at Orange EV’s 400,000 sq. ft. global headquarters in Kansas City, the HUSK-e is purpose-built to handle the most demanding needs of port operations, rail and intermodal sites, and other heavier duty applications.
“The HUSK-e complements the current e-TRIEVER® offering from Orange EV by providing customers with THE Big Dog. HUSK-e has been designed specifically for port and rail power, torque, and load requirements while continuing to provide the unmatched reliability, drivability, and service that Orange EV has become known for after 8 years of producing and delivering pure electric yard dogs,” said Kurt Neutgens, Orange EV president and CTO. “We’re thrilled to have a HUSK-e truck on display in Booth #711 at IANA and to be offering Ride & Drive opportunities during the show, highlighting the HUSK-e pulling a twin pick of loaded containers. Like Orange EV’s e-TRIEVER, the HUSK-e is transforming container handling operations.”
The HUSK-e Series provides the power and endurance fleets need while also increasing driver safety and comfort with reduced noise and vibration, no diesel exhaust, no transmission, better visibility, a 50% reduction in stopping distance, and a superior in-cab experience. Specific performance qualities include:
- Extreme Pulling Power: The HUSK-e has a GCWR up to 180,000 lbs., pulling the heaviest loads including a bomb cart chassis loaded with full-weight twin 20-ft. containers up to 32mph.
- Exciting Speed and Acceleration: The HUSK-e is equipped to handle faster-paced, maximum-load operations at steeper grades, saving valuable time with every move.
- Increased Battery Capacity: The 243 kWh battery pack delivers the energy needed for long, hard shifts and can fully recharge in approximately two hours by utilizing 105+ kW CCS1 charging.
- Superior Battery Chemistry: Orange EV utilizes lithium-ion iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to maximize longevity and safety vs. NMC batteries. Designing and building their own battery packs specifically for the yard dog since 2015, Orange EV’s 820+ commercially deployed electric trucks have more than 3.6 million hours of operation, are all operating on their original battery packs, and come with an industry-leading battery warranty of 7.5 years or 220,000 / 396,000 / 410,000 kWh (specific kWh is dependent on battery pack size).
- Massive Savings: Hard savings for fuel and maintenance of over $120,000/year per truck are possible in two shift port operations. Additional savings are realized through higher uptime, smoother operation, higher productivity, and operator health and safety.
“Orange EV yard dogs are the truck of choice for more than 200 fleets in 35 states and Canada,” said Wayne Mathisen, Orange EV CEO. “Why? Orange EV electric trucks provide superior performance along with lower total cost of ownership, speedy on-site mobile service from our highly trained network of technicians, and unparalleled production that delivers trucks within 90-120 days of order. At Orange EV, we partner with our customers from day one to deliver – and continue delivering – the highest quality trucks and service.”
The HUSK-e® Series is ready for orders now, with initial deliveries expected as early as Q4 2023.
Greenland Tech Win Port of Baltimore Bid
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, announced that it won a bid from Maryland’s Port of Baltimore, under which Greenland will help facilitate the Port of Baltimore’s ambitious plan to electrify port equipment, including planned sales of the Company’s new GEL-5000 all-electric front loader.
Maryland’s Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs, with nearly 140,000 jobs overall linked to Port activities. The Port is first among the nation’s ports for autos and light truck volume, roll on/roll off farm and construction machinery and imported gypsum. The Port is responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in personal wages and salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenue and $395 million in state and local tax revenue annually.
The GEL-5000 is a 5.0 ton rated load all-electric lithium wheeled front loader that boasts strong power, approximately 40,000 pounds operating weight and increased payload options, making it a clean, green front loader with a rapid 2 hour charge time and 9 hours of operation time per charge. With a long list of sustainability, performance, comfort, maintenance and safety features, the GEL-5000 all electric front loader is ideal for both indoor and outdoor usage. It is perfect for on-site applications in industries ranging from agriculture, urban construction to waste management and property management. Customers can learn more about the GEL-5000 Electric Wheel Front Loader or schedule a demo at www.gethevi.com.
Raymond Wang, CEO of Greenland, commented, “We are excited to be celebrating Maryland’s Port of Baltimore’s commitment to clean and sustainable alternatives, and its leadership in the more broad electrification of the industrial environment. When we announced our Maryland manufacturing expansion last year, our goal was to leverage the strategic location and attractive incentives to create meaningful jobs in support of a production ramp for existing customer demand and anticipated growth. We are progressing to plan and benefit from new opportunities, like Maryland’s Port of Baltimore, as more and more government entities and companies seek to electrify their equipment. We believe this is just the tip of the iceberg and we look forward to capitalizing on this exciting opportunity with Maryland’s Port of Baltimore, and the many new opportunities this will create for Greenland, as we benefit from the accelerating global drive to electrify equipment.”/
Workhorse Approved for Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
Workhorse Group Inc. (Nasdaq: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero emission commercial vehicles, today announced that it has received IRS approval as a qualified manufacturer for the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit as defined in 30D(d)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. With this approval, Workhorse customers are eligible to receive up to a $40,000 credit for deliveries of all Workhorse vehicles in 2023 and beyond.
“We are focused on leading the transition to commercial EVs to make last-mile delivery more efficient and less harmful to the environment and are pleased that the IRS recognizes the inherent sustainability of our commercial EVs,” said Workhorse CEO Rick Dauch. “We look forward to providing this credit to our customers as we deliver our all electric, dependable, high quality commercial vehicles.”
Workhorse will be listed as a Qualified Manufacturer on the IRS Qualified Manufactured index on IRS.gov. Additional information on commercial clean vehicle tax credit can be found here.
Vitesco Intros Power Mod
– Vitesco Technologies, a leading international supplier of modern drive technologies and electrification solutions, is developing a power module which will be manufactured using transfer molding process. During this process the power electronics are sealed under a dielectric material that protects the components extremely well. The result is a very robust, cost effective and reliable electronic. The power module consists of three overmolded half-bridges and forms the core of an inverter system, which controls both the drive energy and the energy recovery (recuperation) in high-voltage electric vehicles.
Manufactured at the Nuremberg electronics plant, the power modules will be delivered to a large global car maker from mid-2025 onwards.
Vitesco Technologies has been adapting and utilizing transfer molding technology since 2020, first applying it to compact Transmission Control Units designed for full integration inside a gear box.
ZOOZ ZOOZTER in SC
ZOOZ Power leading provider of flywheel-based power boosting solutions for the EV charging infrastructure market, announces the successful installation and initiation of a fast-charging station for electric vehicles (EVs), supported by ZOOZ’s power booster, the ZOOZTER™-100, at a Scotchman gas station and convenience store, operated by a subsidiary of ARKO Corp., in Rock Hill, South Carolina.
This fast charging station, supported by the ZOOZTER™-100, ZOOZ’s innovative kinetic (flywheel-based) Power Booster, was established and will be operated as part of a joint pilot with ARKO Corp. one of the largest convenience store operators in the US, and in cooperation with ABM, a leader in eMobility design, installation, and maintenance solutions.