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304 Mile Range 4 Kia EV9
The forthcoming Kia EV9 three-row SUV is rated an EPA-estimated 304 miles in the Light Long Range RWD trim, besting an internal AER target of 300 miles. All five EV9 variants were rated higher than initial target estimates.
Honda & Mitsubishi Partners for Batteries and Smart Charging
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) and Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) are pleased to announce the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to begin discussions toward the creation of new businesses with an aim of leveraging the strengths of both companies to build sustainable business models in light of anticipated growth in the electric vehicle (EV) market toward a decarbonized future society. The two companies will explore the possibility of new businesses with a goal to increase the value offered to customers through their EV and EV battery business. Details are explained below.
1. Battery Lifetime Management Business
This new business would aim to maximize the value of batteries to be installed in Honda mini-EV models, that are scheduled to begin sales in Japan in 2024. By employing a sophisticated battery-monitoring system, the new business would manage and maximize the value of each battery throughout its lifetime shifting from powering EVs to use as stationary energy storage.
2. Smart-charging*1 and V2G*2 Energy Management Business
This new business would help EV users to optimize their electricity costs by offering access to smart-charging, V2G services and green (renewable) power which leverages advanced control technologies for the energy management system.
*1Smart charging systems automatically adjust the timing of EV charging to avoid peak load periods and optimize energy consumption.
*2Vehicle to Grid: In a V2G system, EVs will not only be charged with the electricity from the grid but also supply electricity to the grid to help meet local electricity needs.
Volcon Partners with US Army
Volcon Inc. (NASDAQ: VLCN) (“Volcon” or the “Company”), the first all-electric, off-road powersports company, announced the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the United States Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (ERDC). Volcon believes this collaboration marks a significant step forward in the development of EV technology for both civilian and military applications.
Under the terms of this CRADA, Volcon and ERDC will collaborate on research and development efforts aimed at enhancing the capabilities of electric vehicles, with a focus on creating dual-use products that benefit both warfighters and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in their support of emergency services disaster response.
Key objectives of this collaboration include:
- Energy Management: Volcon will provide technical expertise to improve energy management in electric vehicles, including measurement, monitoring, range extension, and export power processes and procedures.
- Compatibility with Microgrid Technology: The collaboration will work to ensure compatibility with emerging microgrid and electrical infrastructure technologies to create scalable solutions that enhance the adaptability of off-road EVs.
- Enhanced Tactical Ground Vehicles: Volcon aims to develop enhanced tactical ground vehicle applications to support soldiers and emergency responders in their missions.
- Government Fleet Electrification: The collaboration aligns with the 2022 U.S. Army Climate Strategy and Executive Order 14057, supporting government fleet electrification from the present through 2050.
UL Standardized Bidirectional from Fermata
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, announced it issued its first certification to UL 9741, the Standard for Bidirectional EV Charging System Equipment, and UL 1741 SA, the Standard for Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use With Distributed Energy Resources, Supplement SA for a vehicle-to-grid (V2G) compliant electric vehicle (EV) charging system to Fermata Energy, an artificial intelligence-driven V2G bidirectional software platform services provider.
Fermata Energy’s FE-20 bidirectional EV charging system is the first V2G-compliant EV charger to achieve certification to UL 9741 and UL 1741 SA. UL 1741 SA addresses inverters and other utility-interconnected distributed generation equipment for grid support functions, enabling smarter, safer reactive grid interconnection. The FE-20 was designed for Fermata Energy by Heliox, a provider of fast-charging solutions.
“With Fermata Energy achieving the first UL 9741 and UL 1741 SA certification of a vehicle-to-grid compliant bidirectional EV charger, UL Solutions is helping to build trust in this technology among fleet managers, consumers and other stakeholders,” said Milan Dotlich, vice president and general manager of Energy and Industrial Automation at UL Solutions. “We continue to monitor technical developments and regulatory changes to help enable innovation and speed to market as the future of mobility evolves.”
“Achieving the first UL 9741 and UL 1741 SA certification for a vehicle-to-grid compliant bidirectional EV charger is a remarkable milestone for Fermata Energy. UL Solutions’ safety science expertise in EV charging and the power grid was invaluable in helping us demonstrate for the first time that V2G bidirectional charging can be achieved while meeting the safety requirements of UL Standards. We are grateful for UL Solutions’ commitment to help us solve these complex challenges and support the future of mobility and the energy industry,” said Tony Posawatz, CEO of Fermata Energy.
This achievement builds on UL Solutions’ first certification to UL 9741 for Fermata Energy’s FE-15 charging system in 2020. The UL 9741 Standard covers bidirectional EV charging equipment that charges EVs from an electric power system (EPS) and also includes functionality to export power from the EV to an EPS.
Exyte Dryroom for VW
Exyte, a global leader in the design, engineering, and delivery of high-tech facilities, continues its support of the global journey towards sustainability as the company is set to be building a state-of-the-art dry room for Volkswagen in Salzgitter, Germany. The dry room will be located within Volkswagen’s battery cell gigafactory, currently being built at the site in Salzgitter. It will occupy an area of five soccer fields.
Volkswagen’s first Group-owned battery cell factory is being built in Salzgitter. From 2025, unit cells for the volume segment will be produced there, and the cell factory will prospectively have an annual capacity of 40 GWh – sufficient for around 500,000 electric vehicles.
“Receiving this contract is an achievement of strategic relevance for Exyte and demonstrates the trust world-class companies have in our ability to deliver top-tier projects. We are enthusiastic about contributing to the European automotive sector’s transition to sustainable mobility,” says Exyte CEO Dr. Wolfgang Büchele.
Exyte sees great potential in the design and build approach for projects for battery cell gigafactories including dry rooms. According to expert estimates, up to 150 gigafactories will be built worldwide in the coming years. In Europe alone, 30 gigafactories are currently being planned to enable electromobility to ramp up. “The design and construction of battery cell production facilities is a business area that will continue to develop positively, putting Exyte in an ideal position to create more opportunities to grow profitably in the future,” Büchele says.
Dry room is vital for battery cell production
In Salzgitter, Exyte is responsible for the detailed design, procurement, construction and commissioning of the required dry room including the exhaust treatment and particle monitoring for increased operator safety. Battery cell production requires a clean and dry environment which needs to be strictly monitored and controlled, and the dry room is central to this. Aspects such as humidity and particle contamination must be kept at a minimum as they can impact the quality and reliability of the battery cells produced. “Designing and constructing a large-scale production area that can consistently provide an atmosphere with close to zero percent relative humidity, among other parameters, is nothing short of an engineering feat and one which Exyte excels at,” says Mark Garvey, President of Exyte’s Global Business Unit Advanced Technology Facilities.
With a vast experience in delivering semiconductor fabs globally for over half a century, and having had already designed and built a gigafactory with what is currently the largest dry room in Europe, Exyte has a proven track record and the profound expertise to successfully execute the project in Salzgitter. Garvey comments: “This is another significant milestone not just for Exyte but also for our client as both companies are committed to supporting the rising megatrend of electromobility for a more sustainable automotive industry.”
Salzgitter’s a blueprint for Volkswagen’s global expansion
The new plant in Salzgitter will act as the blueprint and a prelude to Volkswagen’s plan to expand the electric vehicle battery cell production capabilities across Europe and North America. Until 2030, Volkswagen plans to invest over 20 billion euro in the development of the battery business to generate over 20 billion euro in annual sales and create up to 20,000 jobs in Europe alone. Both Valencia, Spain, and Ontario, Canada, have already been announced as the locations for their next gigafactories.
Vingroup Combines with VinES
Vingroup’s Chairman, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, announces that he will donate 99.8 percent of VinES Energy Solutions Joint Stock Company’s shares to VinFast. The merger is designed to enhance VinFast’s self-sufficiency in battery technology and its production chain, while increasing its competitive edge in the ever-growing electric vehicle market.
Following the donation, VinES will be merged into VinFast to enhance its self-efficiency in battery technology and leverage resources to increase battery research and development for its vehicles.
VinES is a member company of Vingroup with legal capital of VND 6,500 billion ($270 million). The company specializes in researching, developing, and manufacturing advanced lithium-ion batteries for mobility and energy storage applications. VinES also cooperates with leading global battery technology partners and seeks to become a comprehensive energy solution provider.
Under the terms of the merger, VinFast will acquire all VinES’ intellectual property related to battery cells, battery packs, manufacturing facilities, technology, partnerships, and supplier contracts. This comprehensive acquisition of VinES’ battery technology and modern manufacturing facilities is an important step in completing VinFast’s fully integrated production chain and creates an unparalleled competitive advantage for VinFast in the global electric vehicle market.
Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Global CEO of VinFast shared: “The acquisition of VinES will help VinFast control our battery technology and supply chain, thus optimizing operating expenses and enriching technology content in our electric vehicles. This is also an important step towards developing and controlling an integrated supply chain as well as comprehensive manufacturing system to further strengthen our competitiveness.”
In April 2023, Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong signed an agreement committing him to donate USD 1 billion from his personal assets to VinFast. Vingroup, together with Mr. Vuong, also announced the contribution of a further USD 500 million to VinFast in non-refundable grants as well as a guarantee for a loan of USD 1 billion carrying a maximum tenor of five years to support VinFast’s growth and global expansion plans.
EPA Cert for REE
– REE Automotive (Nasdaq: REE), an automotive technology company and provider of fully by-wire electric trucks and platforms, has received United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certification for its P7-C chassis cab and P7-S stripped chassis products.
Certification from the EPA is another step towards REE’s planned full-vehicle certification in late 2023. EPA certification confirms that REE’s P7 electric truck lineup is in conformity with the Clean Air Act, which is intended to reduce and control air pollution across the United States.///
Battery Making Site in IN from Stellantis & Samsung
Stellantis N.V. and Samsung SDI today announced that Kokomo, Indiana, will be the site for a second battery manufacturing facility in the United States as part of the StarPlus Energy joint venture. The new StarPlus Energy plant is expected to begin production in early 2027 with an annual capacity of 34 gigawatt hours (GWh). The joint venture company will invest over $3.2 billion (€2.8 billion) and create 1,400 new jobs in Kokomo and the surrounding areas. The total investment for both facilities will be over $6.3 billion (€5.5 billion) and create 2,800 total new jobs.
This will be the second StarPlus Energy gigafactory in Kokomo. Construction is already underway on the first StarPlus Energy gigafactory, which is on track to open by the first quarter of 2025 with an annual production capacity of 33 GWh.
“Our battery ecosystem is the foundation of our electrification strategy and our great partners Samsung SDI, the State of Indiana, and the City of Kokomo have created a compelling case for locating our sixth gigafactory in Kokomo,” said Mark Stewart, Stellantis COO North America. “The BEVs coming to our North America brands play an important role in our drive to offer clean, safe and affordable mobility for all and achieve the bold goal of carbon net zero by 2038.”
“Through construction of the second battery plant of StarPlus Energy, Samsung SDI will be establishing its largest production base for electric vehicle batteries in North America,” said Yoon-ho Choi, President and CEO of Samsung SDI. “We expect Stellantis brand vehicles powered by Samsung SDI batteries featuring supreme technologies to contribute to accelerating the U.S. transition to an era of electric vehicles.”
“Indiana’s economy is on a roll,” said Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. “Today’s commitment from Stellantis and Samsung SDI will double the capital investment, the new jobs created, and the impact this joint venture will have on Kokomo and the state of Indiana for decades to come. This decision puts Hoosiers squarely at the center of innovating and developing the future of mobility, catalyzing Indiana’s leadership position in tomorrow’s global economy.”
“We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Stellantis, Samsung SDI, and their joint-venture StarPlus Energy for their continued commitment and investment in our community,” said Mayor Tyler Moore of Kokomo. “The addition of this second battery plant will solidify Kokomo as one of the largest electric vehicle battery producers in North America and shows that Kokomo continues to remain on the cutting edge of advanced automotive manufacturing.”
As part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis announced plans of reaching a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. To achieve these sales targets, the Company is securing approximately 400 GWh of battery capacity. Stellantis is on track to become a carbon net zero corporation by 2038, all scopes included, with single-digit percentage compensation of remaining emissions.
Lectron Chargers at Best Buy
Lectron, a leading provider of home and portable electric vehicle (“EV”) charging solutions, announces its retail expansion with Best Buy, the nation’s largest retailer in the consumer electronics industry. Lectron is teaming up with Best Buy to provide best-in-class, affordable EV chargers and adapters that cater to the needs of all EV drivers, eliminating range anxiety and compatibility issues, regardless of make and model.
Lectron delivers reliable charging in any climate. EV owners can enjoy high-powered Level 2 home charging with the V-BOX Charging Station or opt for rapid on-the-go charging with the portable Level 2 charger. For overnight charging to support short daily commutes, the portable Level 1 charger is ideal and plugs directly into standard NEMA outlets.
Consumers can easily find and purchase the latest Lectron premium charging solutions at competitive prices at select Best Buy locations nationwide. Christopher Maiwald, Founder and CEO of Lectron, emphasized, “We are delighted to partner with Best Buy in making our new Level 1 and 2 chargers readily available to their valued customers from coast to coast.”
Lectron chargers are compatible with all* EV model types – now available online and in select Best Buy stores nationwide:
Lectron V-BOX 48A Charging Station
- Experience high-powered, high-speed Level 2 home charging up to 240V.
- Delivers a charging rate of up to 46 mph at 11.52 kWh.
- User-friendly design includes a 20-foot cable and a convenient storage mount.
- Choose between a NEMA 14-50 outlet (up to 40A) or a 48A hardwired installation.
Lectron Portable Level 2 40A EV Charger
- Get more miles in less time with this powerful portable charger.
- Offers up to 9.6 kWh charging speed, perfect for quick home or office charging.
- Provides up to 240V and 40A through a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
Lectron Portable Level 1 15A EV Charger
- Ideal for daily urban commutes, with a 1.65 kWh charging capacity.
- Effortlessly plugs into standard NEMA 5-15 outlets.
- Provides convenient charging up to 110V and 15A, available wherever and whenever needed.
Lectron adapters bridge the gap between charging standards:
Lectron Tesla to J1772 EV Adapter
- Expanded charging options for non-Tesla EVs with access to Tesla chargers.
- Compatible with Tesla charging infrastructure, including High Powered Wall Connectors and Destination Chargers.
- Compatible with all J1772 EVs.
Lectron J1772 to Tesla EV Adapter
- Charge your Tesla with hassle-free access to a broader network of non-Tesla charging stations.
- Compatible with all Tesla models.
Lectron CCS to Tesla Adapter
- Enjoy rapid charging with support for up to 150 kW charging rate for Tesla vehicles at thousands of CCS fast chargers nationwide.
- Compatible with all Tesla models.///
Northleaf Acquires Controlling Interest in EV Passport
Northleaf Capital Partners (“Northleaf”), a leading global private markets investment firm, announced it has agreed to acquire a controlling stake in EVPassport, Inc. (“EVPassport”), an electric vehicle (“EV”) charging platform company co-founded by Hooman Shahidi (Chief Executive Officer), and Aaron Fisher (Chief Technology Officer), which focuses on the deployment of Level 2 and Level 3 EV chargers across North America. Funds managed by Northleaf have committed $200 million to fund EVPassport’s capital requirements and accelerate the build-out of EV charging systems.
EVPassport provides an end-to-end EV chargingenterprise and commercial businesses. The company utilizes an innovative business model that allows for charging infrastructure to be installed under an infrastructure-as-a-service (“IaaS”) model, supporting its client base with turnkey solutions. This contractual framework is paired with an advanced technology platform that prioritizes the customer experience through high reliability, open API integrations, and an app-less charging experience.
“We’re excited to partner with EVPassport and apply our market knowledge and industry expertise to build out this critical infrastructure,” said Olivier Laganiere, Managing Director at Northleaf. “With a significant installed base across the country, EVPassport is poised to meaningfully expand its footprint and help drive the EV transition. Under EVPassport’s IaaS framework, site host customers are able to offer an increasingly critical transportation amenity to tenants or clients, while individual charging users benefit from strong reliability, high uptime, and customer-driven features.”
He continued, “This investment is an excellent fit with Northleaf’s infrastructure strategy, and our investors benefit from the long-term, contracted cashflow profile that underpins EVPassport’s business model.”
Since EVPassport’s inception in 2020, the company has scaled its network to 35 states, as well as Canada and Mexico. It has deployed thousands of chargers, primarily focusing on the multi-family, hospitality, and retail sectors, while delivering a 99.97% uptime. Existing customers include Viejas Casino and Resort, National Development, Ace Parking, Millennium Park Garages, and Nuveen.
EvGO Gets $12.7 Million in Funding for CA, CO & PA
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (“EVgo” or the “Company”), one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), announced it has been selected for more than $12.7 million in preliminary awards from a variety of funding sources across California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania, including utilities, air districts, state energy offices, and state departments of transportation via the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula program during the third quarter of 2023. In total, these new awards will support the buildout of more than 150 fast charging stalls.
Since announcing in July 2023 that EVgo and its eXtend partners were awarded more than 75% of funds in Ohio’s NEVI program, EVgo and its eXtend partners have been selected for more than $4.3 million in additional NEVI awards; this includes more than $1.5 million in Colorado supporting the construction of 14 stalls, and more than $2.8 million in funding in Pennsylvania supporting the construction of 18 stalls. To date, EVgo and its eXtend partners have been selected for approximately 20% of awarded NEVI funds, with additional announcements expected before the end of the year. All EVgo and eXtend stations to be built along corridors with NEVI funding will feature high-power 350kW fast charging to help EV drivers power up quickly and get back on the road.
In addition to more than $5 billion in NEVI funding expected to be awarded over the coming years, utilities, air districts, and state energy offices continue to stimulate EV charging investments through distinct funding programs. In the third quarter of 2023, EVgo received a preliminary award of $4.3 million from the California Energy Commission’s Fast and Available Charging for All Californians (FAST) grant, which seeks to support infrastructure deployments for high mileage on-demand transportation services, car sharing enterprises, car rental agencies, and the public. FAST is funded through the Clean Transportation Program, which invests up to $100 million annually to fund a broad portfolio of clean transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Golden State.
Other recent awards include more than $2.9 million from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and more than $1.1 million from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Public Access program.
“For well over a decade, EVgo’s partnerships with utilities, state governments, and other funding entities have been critical in accelerating our national network expansion,” said Sara Rafalson, Senior Vice President, Market Development, Public Policy and External Affairs at EVgo. “At this time of unprecedented public sector interest and investment in EV charging, we look forward to continuing to build upon our experience to capitalize on funding programs to fuel our growth and double down on our mission to build convenient, reliable, and accessible charging infrastructure for all EV drivers.”