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New EPA Guide
EPA’s 2024 Fuel Economy Guide is now available at fueleconomy.gov.
Orange is Greens 1,000
Orange EV announced the production of its 1,000th pure-electric terminal truck, solidifying its position as the industry-leading manufacturer of zero emission, heavy-duty trucks. The 1,000th truck will join the expanding fleet of Orange EV electric trucks currently owned and operated by Lazer Logistics, the pioneer in efficient, innovative, end-to-end yard management solutions.
Orange EV started the EV terminal truck revolution in 2015 as the first manufacturer to commercially deploy a heavy-duty electric truck, proving it was possible to push the industry to a more sustainable future. Over 8 years, 11.8 million miles, and 4 million hours of operation, Orange EV has set new industry standards for performance, reliability, and sustainability. Orange EV has provided more than 230 fleets with turnkey, cost-saving solutions, delivering electric yard trucks that average more than 98% uptime.
Lazer Logistics is North America’s largest provider of outsourced yard management, trailer spotting, and shuttling services, and with more than 6 years of experience operating Orange EV trucks, is the industry leader in electrifying yard operations. Committed to saving customers money while reducing their carbon footprint, Lazer has rapidly expanded their electric terminal truck fleet (aka spotters, yard trucks), in the United States and Canada.
Mitsubishi & Nexperia for SiC
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that it will enter into a strategic partnership with Nexperia B.V. to jointly develop silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors for the power electronics market. Mitsubishi Electric will leverage its wide-bandgap semiconductor technologies to develop and supply SiC MOSFET chips that Nexperia will use to develop SiC discrete devices.
The electric vehicle market is expanding worldwide and is helping to drive the exponential growth of SiC power semiconductors, which offer lower energy loss, higher operating temperatures and faster switching speeds than conventional silicon power semiconductors. The high efficiency of SiC power semiconductors is expected to contribute significantly to global decarbonization and green transformation.
Mitsubishi Electric has established leading positions in applications such as high-speed trains, high-voltage industrial applications and home appliances. The company launched the world’s first SiC power modules for air conditioners in 2010 and became the first supplier of an all-SiC power module for Shinkansen bullet trains in 2015. Mitsubishi Electric has accumulated superior expertise for the development and manufacture of SiC power modules, which are known for their advanced performance and high reliability.
More Orders for GreenPower
GreenPower Motor Company Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of purpose-built, all-electric, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector, announced orders for 35 Type D all-electric, purpose-built school buses for the California market.
GreenPower received the orders from its exclusive California dealer Model 1 (formerly Creative Bus Sales) for 25 of the Mega BEAST school buses for the Montebello School District and 10 BEAST school buses for the Garden Grove school district. Funding for the all-electric, zero-emission school buses comes from both the California HVIP program and the EPA Clean School Bus Program.
Exxon Mobil to Provide Lithium from AK
Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) announced plans to become a leading producer of lithium, a key component of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. Work has begun for the company’s first phase of North America lithium production in southwest Arkansas, an area known to hold significant lithium deposits. The product offer will be branded as Mobil Lithium, building on the rich history of deep technical partnership between Mobil and the automotive industry.
“Lithium is essential to the energy transition, and ExxonMobil has a leading role to play in paving the way for electrification,” said Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. “This landmark project applies decades of ExxonMobil expertise to unlock vast supplies of North American lithium with far fewer environmental impacts than traditional mining operations.”
In early 2023, ExxonMobil acquired the rights to 120,000 gross acres of the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas – considered one of the most prolific lithium resources of its type in North America.
“South Arkansas is our state’s all-around energy capital, producing oil, natural gas, and now thanks to investments like ExxonMobil’s and their combination of skills and scale, lithium,” said Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “My administration supports an all-of-the-above energy strategy that guarantees good, high-paying jobs for Arkansans – and we’ll continue to cut taxes and slash red tape to make that happen.”
Southwest Arkansas has a history as an oil and natural gas producer, and the region’s geology is well understood. ExxonMobil is working with local and state officials to enable the successful scale-up of Arkansas’ emerging lithium industry.
Toyota & SDG&E Research V2G
Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) and San Diego Gas & Electric Company (SDG&E), a Southern California-based public utility that serves 3.7 million people, announced today that they have agreed to collaborate on vehicle-to-grid (V2G) research for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) using a Toyota bZ4X. The V2G research will explore bidirectional power flow technology that enables BEV owners to both charge their vehicle’s batteries from the electric grid and discharge electricity from the batteries back to the grid. V2G technology has the potential to support customer needs through improved energy reliability and resilience, the integration of renewables, and the possibility of reduced electricity costs.
Understanding the needs of BEV owners, their charging habits, and when they use their vehicles will be crucial in driving widespread adoption of V2G. Nearly 80 percent of owners currently charge their BEVs at home overnight, when grid demand is lower. With bidirectional capability, these vehicles could send power back to the grid during peak demand hours or at other critical times, such as during rotating outages due to shortage in electricity supplies. The collaboration between SDG&E and Toyota’s Electric Vehicle Charging Solutions (EVCS) team aims to find synergies between the needs of BEV owners and the needs of the electricity grid, as well as explore how to communicate with BEV owners about the potential benefits of bidirectional capabilities.
SDG&E’s service territory, which encompasses 25 communities in San Diego and southern Orange Counties, represents one of the largest Toyota BEV and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) ownership regions in California. The Golden State is the fastest-growing EV market in the nation, making it an excellent area in which to conduct this research.
HummingbirdEV Expands
HummingbirdEV, a global provider of advanced commercial vehicle electrification systems, announced today that it is entering an exciting new phase of business growth to combat climate change through zero-emissions technologies. After successfully integrating its products and technology into more than 500 commercial vehicles and securing initial funding for its Series A investment round, the company is now focusing on strategically accelerating mass commercialization of its climate-friendly technologies. This expansion of its business, including increased hiring, new sales and marketing efforts, and the expedited roll-out of multiple next-ge
Founded in California in 2015, HummingbirdEV has established revenue streams domestically and in China, received funding from the California Air Resources Board (CARB), and developed a broad portfolio of complete vehicles, electric drivetrain systems, sophisticated control software, bi-directional charging systems, modular batteries including battery management systems, and more. Its products have been successfully deployed in a variety of commercial vehicles including trucks, buses, tractors, and mining vehicles, as well as other applications.
“Achieving 500+ successful vehicle deployments is a major milestone that validates our products, technologies, and talented team,” said Rakesh Koneru, CEO and co-founder of HummingbirdEV. “Our years of experience delivering real-world solutions has positioned us for this next phase of growth. We are thrilled to leverage this momentum to accelerate our mission of electrifying commercial vehicles globally to combat climate change.”
To fuel its continued growth and new product development, HummingbirdEV is also announcing the opening of a preferred Series A investment round. An initial investor has already committed $6M which the company is using to expand its team and complete the development of several new products. The company is seeking additional investors to include in the round which is targeted at closing in Q1 2024. “We are thrilled to have strong early support from investors who believe in our vision,” said Koneru. “This new funding round will provide the fuel to turn our innovative ideas into transformative solutions for electrifying commercial vehicles globally.”
LeapCharger App in Google PlayStore
LeapCharger Corporation (OTC: LCCN) (“LeapCharger” or the “Company”), an electric vehicle (EV) charging company with disruptive and innovative technology providing eco-friendly and sustainable solutions, is thrilled to announce that, as of November 13, 2023, its APP is now available for download on the Google PlayStore.
The launch comes on the heels of a series of beta tests conducted in numerous key and target markets to ensure proper mobile connectivity and availability, including Dubai, the United States, Canada and India. According to LeapCharger, its APP is meant to serve a bridge for users of our EV Charging Stations to maximize their charging experience.
The LeapCharger APP represents a significant step forward in the realm of EV technology, offering users unparalleled convenience and control over their charging needs. Key features of the exciting new LeapCharger APP include:
1. **Real-time Station Status:** Stay informed with live updates on the availability and status of charging stations, ensuring users can plan their routes seamlessly.
2. **User-Friendly Interface:** The app boasts an intuitive design, making it easy for both seasoned EV enthusiasts and newcomers to navigate and utilize its features effortlessly.
3. **Smart Charging:** Optimize charging schedules based on energy demand, allowing users to take advantage of off-peak hours for more cost-effective and eco-friendly charging.
4. **Payment Integration:** A secure and streamlined payment system ensures a hassle-free transaction process, making it convenient for users to access charging services on the go.
5. **Location-Based Services:** Discover nearby charging stations, amenities, and attractions, providing a holistic and enjoyable experience while waiting for your vehicle to charge.
Miller EV Opens Design Center
Miller EV Solutions, a pioneering leader in the electrical contracting industry, in partnership with CBRE, is thrilled to announce the launch of the Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center (EVIDC). This groundbreaking initiative embodies Miller EV Solution’s unwavering commitment to advancing electric vehicle (EV) technology, fostering sustainability, and creating a more connected future.
City Council President Ron Salem and other esteemed city officials were in attendance to mark this momentous occasion. The event served as an opportunity to introduce the EVIDC project to the public and showcase the transformative potential it holds for the future of electric vehicle charging.
With a history dating back to its founding in 1928, Miller EV Solutions has consistently demonstrated its dedication to fostering cutting-edge initiatives aligned with the evolving landscape of sustainable energy and transportation. The EVIDC project reflects their commitment to embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the electric vehicle solutions industry. The EVIDC is poised to revolutionize sustainable solutions for EV and set new benchmarks in the EV evolution. As a groundbreaking facility strategically located in Jacksonville, the EVIDC is more than just a physical space; it’s a state-of-the-art facility of innovation that will transform the way we approach sustainability. It’s a game-changer that will significantly reduce Jacksonville’s carbon emissions by a staggering 8,390 tons annually.
At the heart of the EVIDC’s mission is to facilitate hands-on learning, testing, and data collection in the realm of EV charging technology. This visionary facility offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the world of EV and microgrid solutions, exploring a wide array of technologies. The EVIDC houses a comprehensive range of equipment, from Level 2 (AC) chargers and ultra-fast (DC), Level 3 Chargers, and pull-through heavy duty charging provided by various respected charger manufacturers to the latest in sustainable technologies, including inductive charging, solar canopies, and battery storage. This state-of-the-art center is a platform for change, providing invaluable, transparent use-case data to assist clients and stakeholders in making informed decisions on their journey towards sustainable transportation. With a commitment to reducing carbon emissions by an impressive 8,390 tons annually, the EVIDC is poised to transform Jacksonville into a pioneer in electrification and environmental responsibility.
The Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center is committed to transparency and innovation, offering visitors a unique opportunity to “try before they buy,” making informed decisions on the EV charging solutions that suit their unique objectives. The facility goes a step further by providing not only real-time data-driven evidence of consumer use but also a hands-on training and learning environment for facility managers and electricians.
As a publicly available, client-driven center, the EVIDC aims to break the barriers to EV adoption by fostering confidence and knowledge among clients, reducing cognitive dissonance, and ultimately accelerating carbon reduction efforts. With the support of partners like Miller EV Solutions, the leading EV Solutions Provider in the U.S., the Electric Vehicle Innovation Design Center is set to drive innovation, growth, and sustainability in the EV market, making it a game-changer not just for Jacksonville but for the entire nation.
The EVIDC project’s goals include fostering the development of actionable plans for ensuring the continuity of EV charging infrastructure and establishing a standardized methodology for assessing charging station performance and reliability. By providing a real-world environment for collaboration, testing, and training, the EVIDC advances charging infrastructure. In close cooperation with CBRE, the site will provide a testing ground for a wide range of charging hardware, which will be managed on multiple EV charger management software platforms as part of CBRE’s remote operating center. CBRE will also use the EVIDC extensively as a training facility for its service technicians and project engineers.
The project approach involves a collaborative effort with partners, including OEMs, software providers, Schneider Electric, Graybar, WB Engineers+Consultants and community partners such as North Florida TPO, the Clean Fuels Coalition, Jacksonville Transportation Authority, and JEA. These partnerships provide the essential equipment and expertise required.
The EVIDC’s outcomes include equitable EV adoption and economic growth, a diverse and inclusive EV ecosystem, resilient charging infrastructure, demonstrated community-driven models, enhanced local collaboration, and contributions to national goals.
The facility emphasizes community and labor engagement, investments in job quality and workforce continuity, advancements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, and contributions to the Justice40 Initiative. These aspects ensure that the project benefits the local community and addresses social and environmental inequities.
Miller EV Solutions, with its extensive experience in the electrical contracting industry and a commitment to shaping a more sustainable future, is uniquely qualified to spearhead the EVIDC project. Their expertise, national reach, and collaboration with the IBEW and NECA position them well for this transformative initiative.
ChargePoint Deploys 500kW
ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), announced the first large scale deployment of its new Express Plus Power Link 2000 DC fast charging platform. The Power Link system, capable of delivering charging speeds up to 500kW, debuted today as the charging hardware and software driving the fastest public charging network in North America: Mercedes-Benz HPC NA.
“With the deployment of Express Plus Power Link 2000, ChargePoint is setting a new standard by offering sustained, ultra high speed charging for all EV drivers,” said Rick Wilmer, COO of ChargePoint. “We congratulate Mercedes-Benz on the launch of their HPC NA network, and we look forward to boosting the availability of fast, reliable public DC charging on North American roads.”
Express Plus is a modular DC fast charging platform. The architecture is based upon Power Blocks, which in turn house up to five Power Modules to reach a desired charging specification. The Power Blocks deliver power that can be dynamically shared amongst Power Link charging stations, which are the actual units that plug into a vehicle. Featuring liquid-cooled cables with hardware designed and tested to deliver a reliable charging experience, these stations can simultaneously charge two vehicles at one time, at sustained high speeds of up to 500kW. Power Blocks intelligently and dynamically allocate power based on what specific vehicles can accommodate as they charge.
Offered under ChargePoint’s Express Plus architecture, the Power Link 2000 station debuts with a number of critical features that both EV drivers and site hosts have long been waiting for. Most notable is the ability to charge two vehicles simultaneously at very high speeds from the same charging station. Offering charging speeds of up to 500kW – a rate even faster than current EVs are capable of charging – Express Plus is designed to meet the charging needs of both current and future EVs. Notably, Power Link 2000 uses a proprietary cooling architecture to deliver these peak speeds for sustained periods of time, meaning an EV driver can charge and go without unexpected additional dwell times.
ChargePoint software combines with the Express Plus Power Link 2000 to enable a seamless driver experience. Long awaited features making their debut include preferential charger access via a reservation system, and automatic payment functionality via “Plug & Charge.” While authentication via card, app or user interface are possible, it is not required for drivers of vehicles that have enabled these services.
Mercedes-Benz & MN8 Energy Premium Charging in NA
Mercedes-Benz HPC North America (Mercedes-Benz HPC NA), a joint venture between Mercedes-Benz and MN8 Energy, launching a network of premium electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across North America, inaugurated its first Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub, located at the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz USA in Sandy Springs, Georgia. With the launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, Mercedes-Benz sets a new standard for fast, convenient, clean and reliable EV charging, while promoting EV adoption by expanding the North American public charging map for all brand of EVs. This inaugural charging hub is the first step in Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to invest over $1 billion, in a joint venture with MN8 Energy, to deliver 2,500 chargers within at least 400 charging hubs across North America by the end of the decade.
“With the official launch of the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network in North America, we aim to set a new standard for a quality charging experience for the entire industry”
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Sandy Springs, GA: North America’s First Mercedes-Benz Charging Hub
The inaugural charging hub at the Mercedes-Benz USA headquarters represents a benchmark for standalone charging hubs. Special features include:
- 400kW Chargers: The first chargers installed are provided by ChargePoint and are all capable of charging rates of up to 400kW, offering customers some of the fastest charging speeds in the industry.
- Open to all from day one: Drivers of EVs from any brand can charge their vehicle and enjoy a Mercedes-Benz brand commensurate experience.
- Charging lounge: Charging hub customers can enjoy a premium, clean and comfortable environment while their vehicle charges, complete with couches and lounge chairs, vending machines, refreshments, and restroom facilities.
- Solar Canopy: Provides weather cover for customers, overhead LED lighting for safety and solar panels on top to generate passive clean electricity.
- Intelligent Indicators: A pylon built to a height of 15 feet, visible from the street, indicates the status of the charging stall: in use, free or reserved.
- Accessibility: The charging hub includes one charging spot, closest to the charging lounge, designed especially for handicap accessible vehicles, as well as one uncovered, drive-through charging spot that is designed for electric vans or EVs with trailers up to 26 feet in length.
- Powered by clean energy: Through both direct and indirect means, the charging hub uses renewable energy and is carbon neutral.
Synop & Lion Electric
Synop, the leading platform for electric vehicle (EV) fleet solutions, announces a new partnership with The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. Through this partnership, Synop’s vehicle, charging, and energy management solutions will be integrated with LionBeat, Lion’s advanced telematics offering, and additionally available as an add-on solution for non-LionBeat subscribers.
“Lion is a leader in the industry and the combined offering will bring many advanced solutions to Lion customers, furthering both companies along our shared mission to get more commercial EVs on the road.”
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By leveraging Synop’s APIs, Lion is advancing its ecosystem offerings, seamlessly equipping electric school buses and trucks with a single interface that allows clients to see all the data and details needed to manage their assets. This empowers customers to efficiently manage infrastructure and make informed decisions that maximize uptime and minimize cost.
Additionally, Synop’s technology can provide Lion customers with added revenue through its advanced vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. By automating energy management that prioritizes charging at lower-cost, off-peak hours, Synop’s software then equips customers with the ability to sell that energy back to the grid at a higher price during peak hours from vehicles not in use.
Marie Bedard, Director of Lion Ecosystem, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We’re excited to partner with Synop to provide our customers with a market-leading energy management solution. This collaboration offers our customers a highly advanced energy management software that further builds upon Lion’s robust Ecosystem portfolio.”
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Lion,” said Synop CEO Gagan Dhillon. “Lion is a leader in the industry and the combined offering will bring many advanced solutions to Lion customers, furthering both companies along our shared mission to get more commercial EVs on the road.”
Interested customers can learn more by visiting Lion at https://thelionelectric.com/en, or Synop at https://synop.ai.
Graphite & Cobalt -Free Battery from Zeta Energy
Zeta Energy announced that it has demonstrated its graphite-free and cobalt-free lithium-sulfur batteries are on target to reach 450 Wh/kg and over one thousand cycles by the planned commercial launch in 2025. Zeta Energy’s batteries are based on a proprietary sulfurized carbon cathode and a lithiated vertically-aligned carbon nanotube anode, with an industry standard electrolyte and separator. The batteries do not use graphite, cobalt, or nickel (all of which have been designated critical metals by the World Materials Forum and U.S. Department of Energy). Furthermore, because sulfur is widely abundant and economical, the batteries will cost a fraction of the kWh price of today’s lithium-ion batteries and can be produced with a wholly-domestic supply chain.
Chief Executive Officer Tom Pilette stated, “There has been considerable concern over China’s plans to begin restricting graphite exports in December. There is also market anxiety about the potential for rising costs for metals like cobalt and nickel. Zeta Energy’s battery is a solution to both of these concerns. Zeta’s battery does not use graphite, cobalt or nickel. It is based on lithium, carbon and sulfur. We are also in the process of developing a version of the battery that does not require copper or aluminum current collectors. This will liberate the supply chain for batteries significantly, while bringing down costs even further.”
There is widespread interest in lithium-sulfur batteries because of their very high energy density and low materials cost. To achieve lithium-sulfur’s potential, however, required overcoming the “polysulfide shuttle effect” whereby polysulfides would form in the electrolyte, causing the capacity and energy of the battery to drop rapidly with each charge-discharge cycle. Zeta Energy’s patented technology, tested and validated by multiple national laboratories, prevents the polysulfide shuttle effect, enabling the production of lithium-sulfur batteries that cycle as long (or longer) than lithium-ion batteries.
Hertz & EVgo
Hertz (NASDAQ: HTZ) and EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (“EVgo” or the “Company”), one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), today announced a joint promotion to offer one year of special charging rates to drivers renting any EV model at a Hertz location across the country. Available exclusively to new EVgo customers, drivers who sign up for this promotion can save when they plug in across EVgo’s nationwide network with no monthly subscription fees or session fees for one year.*
“Hertz is committed to providing an exceptional rental experience and the widest choice of vehicles possible to meet our customer needs and preferences, including a variety of EVs at a range of price points,” said Wayne Davis, Chief Marketing Officer at Hertz. “We’re thrilled to partner with EVgo to provide our EV renters with more affordable and accessible charging options to support a smooth journey.”
With fast charging locations from coast to coast, EVgo helps drivers quickly power up on the go with stations featuring charger speeds of up to 350kW. In addition to unlocking special rates, drivers who enroll in this promotion will also have access to a variety of other benefits on the EVgo network, including the ability to earn points toward charging credit with EVgo Rewards™.
“When people experience an EV for the first time, whether through a rental or riding along as a passenger, they see the benefits firsthand of quieter operation, smoother handling, quick acceleration, and of course, no tailpipe emissions,” said Maggie Tallman, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Solutions at EVgo. “By partnering with Hertz to expose new drivers to the electric experience, we can inspire more prospective EV drivers to make the switch and welcome them to the electric revolution.”
Hertz customers interested in signing up for this exclusive promotion with EVgo can learn more online. Hertz EV renters can also sign up for this promotion in person through a QR code when renting one of tens of thousands of EVs available at more than 2,000 Hertz locations across 44 states.
EVgo and Hertz are committed to educating consumers about the benefits of driving electric, as well as how to take advantage of public charging infrastructure. Similar to EVgo’s educational initiatives including Charge Talk and EV101, Hertz provides a variety of digital resources and in-person guidance on how to operate and charge an EV, including its new How to EV video series at hertz.com/myev.
To learn more about driving an EV and where to rent one, visit hertz.com. For more information about the EVgo charging network, visit www.evgo.com.
*Promotion is only available to new EVgo customers who sign up for an account with EVgo, for a limited time only. Rates will vary by region and time of day. Discount does not apply to taxes and fees, if applicable, and is only valid on the EVgo owned and operated network. Check the EVgo app for specific station pricing and terms.
DESTEN Ultra-Fast Charging, 6C LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate)
DESTEN Inc., an advanced lithium-ion battery technology company, announced the launch of the latest cell technology advancement, an Ultra-Fast Charging, 6C LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) cell.
The latest pouch form-factor cell from DESTEN is capable of charging from 20% to 80% SOC in 6 minutes. Owing to its LFP based chemistry, this cell features an impressive chemical and temperature stability profile, making for the safest battery technology available to date, alongside market leading cost efficiency.
DESTEN’s LFP cell is poised to change the face of electrified mobility and energy storage, reducing charging times for electric vehicles and enabling grids to access short duration storage at a low cost/kWh with enhanced safety, as yet unavailable with NMC based compositions today.
This Ultra-Fast Charging LFP innovation reflects DESTEN’s R&D capabilities, building upon established expertise in the development of Ultra-Fast Charging NMC cells, and the application of tailor-made material platforms, cell structuring techniques and proprietary cell production processes.
DESTEN is now working with its partners in North America, Europe and Asia to integrate these advancements in new EV and BESS platforms, with the first samples having already been made available to the OEM partners.
“Our latest technological breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize transportation and energy storage applications,” remarked Bader Al-Rezaihan, CEO and Chairman of DESTEN Inc. “By making ultra-fast charging cost competitive via Iron-Phosphate material formats, DESTEN will resolve key adoption barriers for EV drivers and provide grids the power capacity they need to replace fast ramping fossil fuel generation sources with confidence.”
“LFP is becoming a leading chemistry for mass market applications,” remarked Thomas Gerhard Wilhelm Damitz, Chief Innovation Officer of DESTEN Inc. “By developing a combination of fast charging, safety, longevity and cost efficiency, the future of our grids and mediums of transportation are secured.”
GM Absorbs BrightDrop
BrightDrop will become part of GM. GM believes that the move will benefit our fleet customers by providing them with an efficient single point of contact through GM Envolve.
BrightDrop was born in GM’s Innovation Lab and spent the last three years as a wholly owned subsidiary. That structure allowed BrightDrop to operate with the agility and innovation of a tech startup and benefit from GM’s deep manufacturing expertise. With this, BrightDrop has produced a product portfolio that is helping customers like FedEx, Ryder and DHL decarbonize their fleet operations and a team that brought an electric delivery van to market in record time. As BrightDrop has matured, we are now bringing that ethos back to GM so our work is more efficient and so BrightDrop’s startup spirit can help fuel further success with GM’s commercial customers.
GM remains committed to scaling BrightDrop Zevo production, which is expected to resume in the spring of 2024 and will be supported by the launch of CAMI’s new battery-module plant based in Canada. This new battery-module line will have capacity to fully support Zevo production at CAMI and supplement EV production at other GM plants.
As part of the structure going forward, BrightDrop electric delivery vans (Zevo 600 and Zevo 400) will continue to be part of GM Envolve’s commercial fleet offerings. Additionally, GM is bringing together all commercial digital solutions, including BrightDrop Core, into GM’s software and services organization.
Bringing BrightDrop fully into GM means the beginning of a new chapter and continuing to build towards an EV future for everyone.