AM Batteries, Nanoramic, Kia, GreenPower, General Motors, Autocar, Electreon, Hyundai Mobis, itselectric, Pickering, Toyota, EVgo, Pilot Travel, Xendee, ACERTUS, Lion Electric, Stellantis, Ample, PowerFlex & Autocar.
In this Article
US EV Sales Top $1Million
US EV sales this year is greater that 1 million .The National Automobile Dealer Association (NADA) reports that through 11 months of 2023, BEV sales totaled 1,007,984 – an increase of 50.7% year-over-year. BEVs sold by franchised dealerships represented 39.7% of all the new BEVs sold so far this year.
AM Batteries Funded
AM Batteries, a pioneer in the field of lithium-ion dry-electrode technologies, announced it closed a $30M Series B in an oversubscribed funding round led by Toyota Ventures. New investment combines strategic corporate support from Porsche Ventures and Asahi Kasei, with financial investment from RA Capital Management – Planetary Health, Wilson Sonsini, and Industry Ventures. The round also includes existing investors such as Anzu Partners, TDK Ventures, Creative Ventures, Doral Energy-Tech Ventures, Foothill Ventures, and Zeon Ventures.
As the electrification wave sweeps across industries from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage, the conventional “wet-coating” battery electrode production method is increasingly recognized as a disadvantage due to the energy consumption that arises from the drying process. In contrast, AM Batteries’ dry battery electrode (DBE) process uses a “powder to electrode” method that reduces the number of steps to make a battery electrode from seven steps to four by removing the need for electrode drying and solvent recovery. This reduces cost, time, and energy while eliminating the need for harmful solvents – ultimately catalyzing the growing EV demand. All in all, this change is critical for the commercialization of greener batteries – and helpful to OEMs and cell makers as they search for the best option to reduce the cost of EVs for mass market adoption.
Nanoramic & UB Partner for Work Training
After announcing a $47.5 million federal grant to build its first major factory in the city of Bridgeport, Massachusetts-based electric-vehicle battery startup, Nanoramic Laboratories, has tapped University of Bridgeport (UB), along with a few other select area colleges and universities, as a partner in workforce development.
The innovative company chose Bridgeport following a nationwide search to identify a location for its first factory – a search that included several other potential sites, including in New York state.
Free Electrify America Charging for Kia EV9
Electrify America and Kia America announced their charging agreement to provide 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of complimentary charging to first-time owners of the all-new, all-electric 2024 Kia EV9 three-row SUV EV.
Building on the multi-year relationship with Kia America regarding the EV6 GT charging agreement announced earlier this year, the EV9’s 1,000 kWh complimentary charging is redeemable at any Electrify America charging station across the country through the Electrify America app. The EV9 is the third Kia vehicle to include this complimentary Electrify America charging, along with Niro and EV6.
GreenPower First Oders for Nano Beast
Chatham Central School District, a quintessential rural community in Upstate New York, has placed the first order for a GreenPower Type A Nano BEAST. Another Nano BEAST purpose-built school bus will serve as a demo vehicle that Leonard Bus Sales will use to introduce schools throughout the state to GreenPower’s offerings of all-electric school buses.
General Motors’ HYDROTEC for Autocar
General Motors and Autocar Industries, LLC have signed a joint development agreement to create a range of zero tailpipe emissions vocational vehicles powered by GM’s HYDROTEC power cubes.
Autocar, a market leader in customized vocational trucks, views this initiative as an important expansion in offering robust, zero tailpipe emissions solutions to customers. Fuel cell technology offers an additional energy propulsion option to support Autocar’s vocational customers’ move toward EPA requirements.
Hydrogen fuel cells are a key component of GM’s electrification strategy which extends beyond battery-powered passenger vehicles. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity through an electrochemical reaction. The fuel cell enables the conversion of energy stored in hydrogen into electricity to power a vehicle.
Since fuel cells are lightweight and enable large payloads, excellent range, quiet operation and rapid refueling, they can meet the needs of the heaviest duty applications. With regulations rapidly changing in many countries, fuel cell-powered vehicles have the added advantage of zero tailpipe emissions when compared to diesel vehicles.
These jointly developed trucks will be powered by GM’s HYDROTEC power cubes, which are GM’s fuel cell propulsion system solution for these very demanding commercial vehicles. HYDROTEC power cubes are compact, easy to package, scalable and can electrify vehicles and applications across a variety of industries, from freight trucking, aerospace and locomotives to power generation.
The first of these vehicles is expected to go into production in 2026 at the Autocar Truck Plant in Birmingham, Alabama. Vehicles with HYDROTEC technology will be built to order by Autocar and will be sold directly to customers. Cement mixers, roll-off and dump trucks, which all share a common architecture, will be built first, followed by refuse trucks and terminal tractors.
Electreon Wireless Charging for e-Buses
Electreon (TASE: ELWS) has successfully completed the construction of a groundbreaking wireless charging terminal for parked urban electric buses (e-buses), marking a world first in the field of this innovative charging technology. The commercial project, delivered to Electra Afikim, a prominent public transportation operator in Israel, located in Rosh HaAyin in the center of the country, and supplies stationary wireless charging to the e-buses during the night and day, in parking bays at the public bus terminal in a distributed energy model.
Coulomb Lower Prices for LFP Batteries
Coulomb Solutions Inc. (CSI), announced new lower pricing for its entire LFP battery pack portfolio. As the North American solution provider for CATL battery systems, CSI’s battery experts provide battery systems based on CATL’s proven, long-life, safe, electric vehicle batteries for a wide variety of commercial vehicle applications including trucks, buses, vans, construction equipment, agricultural vehicles, locomotives, off-road, and marine. The batteries have been proven in more than 700,000 commercial vehicles globally that have driven an astounding 57 billion miles. These highly proven battery systems are now offered at even more competitive prices.
“We are pleased to announce that we have introduced new pricing for our entire range of CATL LFP battery packs.” said David Mazaika – CEO, Coulomb Solutions Inc. “As the price of Lithium has declined and normalized over the past 2 years, we feel that this is an appropriate opportunity for CSI to share these reductions directly with our OEM customers and partners. We offer the most reliable and advanced technologies in the world, whether it be the most proven batteries or leading-edge components. At CSI we continuously strive to develop innovative products to help solve commercial EV industry problems. Helping our OEM customers with more attractive pricing and better discount structures is yet another way to improve their success and help accelerate the adoption of commercial EVs.”
Hyundai Mobis Electrification Research Center
Hyundai Mobis (KRX 012330) announced on 5th that Hyundai Mobis has established the ‘Electrification Research Center’ within the Hyundai Motor Group’s Uiwang R&D Center in Uiwang, Gyeonggi Province and held an inauguration ceremony. At the ceremony, the newly appointed President of Hyundai Mobis, Lee Gyu Suk, emphasized the company’s future growth direction centered on electrification.
The newly established Hyundai Mobis Electrification Research Center serves as a comprehensive research center for developing core electrification components, including research and development, testing, performance evaluation, and quality analysis. Hyundai Mobis established this center to consolidate its R&D capabilities in electrification, previously scattered across various locations, including the Mabuk R&D Center in Yongin, Uiwang, and Seosan, to improve efficiency and proactively respond to the expanding global electrification market.
With the establishment of this specialized research institute, Hyundai Mobis now operates dual research bases in Korea; Mabuk R&D Center and Uiwang R&D Center. The Mabuk R&D Center leads the development of core auto components such as autonomous driving, connectivity, and chassis safety, while the Uiwang R&D Center specializes in the development, testing, and performance evaluation of electrification components. Hyundai Mobis also independently operates the Seosan Proving Ground for applying these R&D achievements to actual vehicles, assessing their performance and reliability.
At the inauguration, President Lee Gyu Suk, emphasized that “the Electrification Research Center is a strategic hub for next-generation electrification technology, equipped with an optimal research environment.” He stressed that “focusing on specialized research personnel, we will utilize this hub as an innovation base in the field of electrification.”
Leaping as a Leading Company in Electrification-Centric Mobility Technology… Continuous Expansion of Electrification Workforce
Hyundai Mobis announced its future strategy at this year’s CES to leap forward as a ‘Mobility Platform Provider’ with a software-centric integrated solution. Electrification is a key business area that concretizes this strategy, and the opening of the new Electrification Research Center is part of this strategic plan.
Recently, Hyundai Mobis successfully secured orders worth several trillion won for core electrification components from Volkswagen, a major global automaker in Europe. This success is a testament to the worldwide market’s recognition of the reliable mass production quality of Hyundai Mobis’s electrification products. Establishing a new strategic hub for next-generation electrification technology is significant, especially considering anticipated additional orders for electrification components from global automakers. This move aims to maximize mass production quality by integrating research and development, quality, and production technologies, thereby enhancing organizational and workforce efficiency.
With the establishment of the Electrification Research Center, Hyundai Mobis plans to expand its pool of specialized research personnel continuously. The Electrification Research Center is poised to become a key research center in global electrification technology development, harnessing the synergy of these talented individuals in an optimal research environment.
Hyundai Mobis operates nine electrification production bases worldwide (six domestic, three overseas) and is establishing six new bases in Korea, North America, and Indonesia. The company recently secured $940 million in investment funds from seven international financial institutions to develop a new electrification base in North America.
Hyundai Mobis is set to proactively respond to expanding the global electrification market, grounded in its core portfolio of electrification components, including Battery System Assembly (BSA), Power Electronics System (PE System – Drive System), and Power Conversion System. Hyundai Mobis’ cumulative electrification sales until the third quarter of this year have surpassed 9 trillion and 794.1 billion won, already exceeding last year’s total electrification sales. Hyundai Mobis plans to continuously strengthen its competitive edge in the electrification sector by ensuring stable operation and expansion of local production bases and securing next-generation technologies, actively pursuing global orders.
itselectric Charging in Motor City
itselectric, a Brooklyn-born electric vehicle (EV) curbside charging company, has announced three key initiatives within the city of Detroit. These strategic partnerships underscore how the mobility transition to electrification is ushering growth, innovation, and revitalization in the Motor City.
“The country needs 1.2 million more public EV chargers by 2030, particularly in dense urban neighborhoods. Today, the biggest barrier to deployment is the cost and complexity of connecting an EV charger directly to the utility’s main in the roadway. Our charging network fully avoids this barrier, enabling affordable and scalable public charging infrastructure that benefits cities, drivers, and communities,” said Nathan King, CEO and Co-Founder of itselectric.
Detroit Launch with Partner Properties:
itselectric is thrilled to launch in Detroit and positively impact its neighborhoods by bringing EV charging to the city through itselectric’s innovative model of providing and installing public EV chargers at no cost to building owners or the City of Detroit. itselectric’s first Detroit properties to receive these chargers will be IBEW Local 58 Headquarters (1358 Abbott St.), Dutch Girl Donuts (19000 Woodward Ave.), The Schvitz (8295 Oakland Ave), Lager House (1234 Michigan Ave.), and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (1950 Trumbull). Chargers will be rolled out for public use beginning in February of 2024.
itselectric provides small-footprint, design-centered, Level-2 charging posts and is the only curbside charging network that offers revenue sharing to property owners. Once a property is deemed eligible, at no cost to the property owner, itselectric installs and maintains a low-profile charger and shares proceeds with the property owners. With this business model, itselectric helps cities meet their carbon reduction targets and reduces governments’ capital expenditures by completely avoiding the utility infrastructure upgrades normally needed to support public charging. Building owners and drivers who would like to see a charger on their block can express interest by joining itselectric’s waitlist [https://www.itselectric.us/join].
This work is being funded in part through grants provided by DTE Energy as an Emerging Tech Fund grant partner and the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME) Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP). itselectric’s work began in the Detroit Smart Parking Lab (DSPL) and is now the DSPL’s first graduate bringing their technology into real-world public deployments within the city. The DSPL is a unique partnership between Bedrock, Bosch, Ford, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) designed to support technology startups as they test and demonstrate solutions for last-mile mobility, sustainable parking, and electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure enhancement.
BMS Testing from Pickering Interfaces
Pickering Interfaces, a premium supplier of modular signalswitching andsimulation solutions for use in electronic test and verification, announced the company’s continued investment in EV battery management system (BMS) testing by helping customers scale test solutions to meet throughout demands.
Growing demand for EV production requires scalable test systems
According to the Consumer Reports “Excess Demand: the Looming EV Shortage” report, consumer demand for EVs increased 350% between 2020 and 2022. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, demand grows for testing solutions that can validate complex BMSs quickly and thoroughly.
However, many automotive manufacturers struggle to expand BMS testing capabilities fast enough to meet accelerating production volumes. Capital costs and supply chain issues prevent scaling at the pace required.
Pickering’s modular PXI products, such as the battery simulator or fault insertion modules, can be combined in various configurations for a flexible test setup. Engineers can seamlessly integrate new test components into existing architectures using the same PXI chassis and controller as requirements change.
“EV manufacturers must be ready to rapidly expand their test operations alongside production increases. Our modular approach to test systems allows users to incrementally increase system capacity and functionality to match evolving needs,” said Noman Hussain, Pickering Interfaces Vice President. “Systems can be right-sized for current needs, avoiding over-engineering, and then added to as demand grows. We find that this scalable approach reduces initial capital investment by 30-40%.”
Hardware-in-the-loop supports greater production by providing accurate validation early in development
Simulation techniques like hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing provide early validation in the product design cycle when the cost of making design changes is lower.
HIL testing leverages Pickering’s modular products to simulate an environment for BMS testing, enabling validation and verification of intelligent control algorithms and safety mechanisms. With HIL, BMS manufacturers can investigate performance by emulating charging and discharging cycles of new types of cells.
Pickering modules prove beneficial for long-term investment
Pickering future-proofs test systems with extremely long product lifecycles. Most modules remain available for 15-20 years and continue to be supported after that timeframe. As EV technology evolves, users can trust Pickering’s flexible solutions will integrate with and adapt to new test needs.
Modular design, HIL simulation, and lasting product availability support engineers as they scale BMS testing. Pickering Interfaces provides solutions fine-tuned to the challenges of validation and verification in an electrified world.
Toyota Expands Battery Recycling Network
Furthering its mission to create a closed-loop battery ecosystem while working toward its carbon neutrality goals, Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) today announced that it is expanding its battery recycling network with a new collaboration with Cirba Solutions, a premiere battery recycling materials and management company. The agreement enhances Toyota and Cirba Solutions’ growing relationship by expanding Toyota’s battery recycling network and optimizing its logistics network for end-of-life electrified vehicle battery collection, including those from hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and battery electric vehicles (BEV).
GM, EVgo & Pilot Travel Opens 17 New Locations
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, General Motors (NYSE: GM) and EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) announced the opening of the first 17 locations of their previously announced national electric vehicle fast charging network. Now available in 13 states, the network features an elevated charging experience, providing EV travelers access to the same amenities offered at existing Pilot and Flying J travel center locations.
Pilot Travel Centers LLC, GM, and EVgo, along with multiple public agencies and utilities, have worked together to grow the nation’s public fast charging infrastructure, creating a model for how public-private collaboration can make measurable progress in accelerating broader access to EV charging. The three industry leaders have worked to provide current and future EV drivers with a thoughtful, practical and accessible charging experience for long distance travel.
Many locations throughout the network offer a variety of 24/7 amenities, products and services, including:
- Multiple fast charging stalls at each site, with chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW.
- Canopies to help protect drivers from the elements during charging.
- Pull-through charging stalls to accommodate EV towing.
- Centrally located chargers in well-lit areas, monitored around-the-clock by onsite staff.
- Access to restrooms, food and beverage options, and free Wi-Fi.
- Plug and Charge compatibility for a streamlined charging experience.
A seamless digital user experience has also been built into this network — EV travelers will be able to easily find available charging locations via GM’s vehicle brand apps, Pilot’s myRewards Plus app, the EVgo app, PlugShare and other applications designed for EV drivers.* Beginning in spring 2024, GM and Pilot Travel Centers LLC will introduce exclusive benefits for GM drivers, including the ability to reserve a charger, and discounts on charging. All EV travelers can also save at Pilot and Flying J locations with regular deals on food, beverages and merchandise available in the myRewards Plus app.*
By the end of 2023, it is expected that at least 25 Pilot and Flying J travel centers will feature EV fast charging, with approximately 200 locations targeted by the end of 2024. In total, the network will include up to 2,000 high-power fast charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers across the U.S., connecting urban and rural communities. Expansion sites for this network have been strategically selected for continued electrification of highly traveled corridors in every corner of the nation.
To learn about available locations, amenities and more, visit pilotflyingj.com/ev-charging.https://www.pilotflyingj.com/ev-charging///
Xendee Intros New Tool for EV Charging & Infrasctructure
Xendee, the world’s leading EV fast-charging and distributed energy system design platform, is proud to announce the official release of PROPOSE, a groundbreaking sales and business development tool designed for teams operating in the energy transition and EV fast-charging infrastructure sectors.
Aiming to address the demand and rapid growth in the clean energy infrastructure industry, Xendee has developed PROPOSE, a solution that streamlines the process of generating proposals accurately and quickly. The sale and development of distributed energy systems and EV fast-charging projects is complex, and many teams struggle to express the resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective capabilities of their solutions without performing in-depth technical studies.
PROPOSE enables business development and sales teams to easily create EV fast-charging and distributed energy system proposals, and confidently respond to RFPs. This innovative tool generates proposals within minutes by streamlining the sales and business development process and allowing for rapid feasibility studies that leverage multiple investment paths. Moreover, PROPOSE enables pricing accuracy for sales professionals without the need for extensive engineering and analysis.
“PROPOSE is a reflection of our commitment to accelerate the transition into a clean energy future. With PROPOSE, sales professionals can focus on sales, rather than technical details. We automate the complex task of quoting EV fast charging and distributed energy projects through a consistent process designed to optimize sales productivity, boost scalability, and decrease RFP response times. Business development and sales teams can move faster, and focus on working with clients to grow the pipeline,” said Adib Nasle, Co-Founder and CEO of Xendee.
Scott Mitchell, Co-founder and Chief Software Architect of Xendee added, “One of the key innovations with PROPOSE is that it allows seamless transfer of proposals into our detailed DESIGN solution for bankable project planning. Our partners can now complete the entire project lifecycle from proposal, feasibility, and design through real-time operations in one platform, ensuring investment-ready infrastructure project pipelines while enabling enormous savings of both time and cost. According to our initial data, the time spent was reduced by a remarkable 90%.”
For more information and to explore this new product’s capabilities, please visit xendee.com/propose.
ACERTUS Partners with OpConnect
ACERTUS, the only automotive logistics-as-a-service platform, announced a strategic partnership with US-based electric vehicle (EV) charging solution provider, OpConnect, to electrify 41 of its 67 nationwide locations. With the growing demand for transporting electric vehicles, ACERTUS will leverage OpConnect’s charging systems across its storage, hub and prep locations to maintain EV battery health, ensuring customers receive their vehicles fully charged and ready to drive.
According to Goldman Sachs Research, EVs will make up about half of new car sales worldwide by 2035. Further, the firm predicts EV sales will soar to about 73 million units in 2040, up from around 2 million in 2020. As EV prices continue to drop and consumer demand rises, the need for transporting EVs will be even greater.
“Our customers range from OEMs to fleets, and all have very different needs as they prepare for an influx of electric vehicles in market. Our nationwide transportation hub and storage locations vary drastically in terms of the power that’s available, and we needed a partner that could provide a truly customized solution,” said Trent Broberg, CEO of ACERTUS. “Partnering with OpConnect is not just an investment into our infrastructure but it’s an investment into our customers and their rising needs for EV charging capabilities.”
“As EV adoption and subsequent ownership accelerates, the charging infrastructure needs to be ready to support this increased demand,” said Dexter Turner, CEO of OpConnect. “We strive to partner with organizations that share our goal of making charging more efficient and accessible. With its experience in transportation, logistics, and storage, and its commitment to supporting electrification, ACERTUS shows great promise in helping move this mission forward.”
The electrification of 67 ACERTUS locations is already underway, with a goal of 80% electrified by early 2024. OpConnect is also training and supporting local electricians on how to install stations with the power available.
To learn more about ACERTUS, visit: acertusdelivers.com, and for more information on OpConnect, visit: opconnect.com
Lion Electric Certification
The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, announced today the successful final certification for its medium duty (“MD”) battery pack, the LionBattery MD, a lithium-ion battery pack specifically designed for the Company’s medium duty trucks and school buses.
Lion, in collaboration with third-party testing partners, conducted stringent testing to fulfill the certification requirements. The LionBattery MD pack is now certified to meet the most rigorous criteria and safety regulations in the automotive industry.
Stellantis & Ample to Swap Batteries
Stellantis and Ample have signed a binding agreement to establish a partnership in electric vehicle (EV) battery charging technology capable of delivering a fully charged electric vehicle battery in less than five minutes. The two partners have agreed to work toward integrating Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution in Stellantis electric vehicles. Battery swapping technology allows an EV customer who stops at a battery swapping station to have its depleted EV battery swapped out for a fully charged battery in a matter of minutes.
The two companies are also in discussions regarding the expansion of the application of Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping Technology to meet Stellantis fleet and consumer demand across other Stellantis platforms and geographies.
The initial program is planned to begin in Madrid, Spain in 2024 using a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e’s within Stellantis’ Free2move car sharing service. The Fiat 500e is the highest selling electric vehicle within Stellantis, sold globally and is an EV leader in multiple European markets.
DG Matrix & Natron & Parnter for Fast Charging
DG Matrix, Inc., the global leader in high-power, high-efficiency multi-port electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and Natron Energy, Inc., the global leader in manufacturing sodium-ion batteries, announced a strategic partnership agreement to accelerate market deployment of EV fast charging infrastructure.
The DG Matrix multi-port EV charger, designed to integrate seamlessly with diverse power sources, will incorporate Natron’s Prussian blue sodium-ion batteries for enhanced capabilities in battery safety, performance and sustainability.
The partnership represents a comprehensive solution for sustainable EV charging. By partnering with Natron, DG Matrix ensures that its EV fast charger deployments use advanced sodium-ion battery chemistry with high peak-power capacity, fast charge and discharge capabilities and enhanced cycle life. Natron has the only UL-listed sodium-ion battery in production on the market, making it one of the safest battery technologies available, enhancing global ease of deployment.
This multi-year agreement creates the framework for DG Matrix and Natron to push the EV fast charger market from hundreds of MWhs in 2024 to several GWhs of installations by 2027 and sets a new standard in efficiency, sustainability and deployment speed, while prioritizing safety and reliability.
DG Matrix is accepting orders now for delivery in 2024. For more information, please visit www.dgmatrix.com.
Ford Pro & Xcel Energy 30K Charging Stations
Ford Pro, the commercial division within Ford Motor Company, and Xcel Energy, a national leader in clean energy, announced a unique collaboration to support the deployment of 30,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging ports in Xcel Energy service territories across the U.S. by 2030 with most upfront costs offset by Xcel for qualifying business fleet customers1.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are launching the 30×30 initiative within Xcel Energy’s broader Electric Vehicle Supply Infrastructure (EVSI) program to scale EV adoption and increase access to charging infrastructure for business fleets across Xcel Energy’s service areas in the U.S. Through the program, most upfront costs for EV charging equipment and installation for businesses will be offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will offer its suite of end-to-end charging solutions to Xcel Energy business customers as part of the effort.
“Ford Pro and Xcel Energy are pioneering a whole new way to scale EV charging infrastructure,” said Amanda Rome, Executive Vice President, Group President, Utilities & Chief Customer Officer at Xcel Energy. “Ford Pro is a trusted provider in fleet electrification, scaling charging infrastructure for fleets with smart vehicle, charging and software solutions. And Xcel Energy is a trusted advisor in transportation electrification, providing energy, infrastructure and innovative solutions for customers’ homes, businesses and EVs. Together, we are committed to making a real impact on the future of electrification in America.”
Starting in 2024, 30×30 will be available through Xcel Energy’s EVSI program in Colorado and Wisconsin. The program will seek opportunities for expansion in future states over the next six years within Xcel Energy’s service territories, pending regulatory approvals, including Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Texas.
“We know electrification can be complex for businesses,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re focused on helping them make that transition at the right time in the right way that’s best for their business. We know that may require new ways of working to encourage and support adoption. We’re honored to work with Xcel Energy—together we’re creating a new model to help eliminate barriers for businesses in their electrification journey.”
How 30×30 Works
The 30×30 collaboration is an inventive approach between a vehicle manufacturer and utility provider that teamed up to help provide EV charging solutions to business fleets. Together, the companies will streamline the process for businesses to acquire EV charging and support. Subject to applicable program requirements, Xcel Energy will install the charging infrastructure for business customers that qualify for and enroll in an approved EVSI program in the customer’s service location, with most upfront costs offset by Xcel Energy. Ford Pro will provide Ford Pro Charging equipment and post-installation customer service and support.
Business fleets can also benefit from Ford Pro Intelligence, which offers smart charging software and connected solutions like Ford Pro Telematics.2 The integrated software and hardware solutions help increase uptime and potentially lower operational costs by allowing businesses to access data from both vehicles and chargers. These solutions help ensure vehicles are charged and ready when businesses need them while optimizing how, when and where EVs are charged.
Benefits for Business, the Electric Grid and the Future
Ford Pro is committed to helping customers simplify their transition to zero tailpipe emissions with a growing lineup of Ford work-ready EVs—including the F-150® Lightning® Pro pickup and E-Transit™ van—and Ford Pro Charging hardware with available 48- and 80-amp chargers to enable overnight charging with Level 2 AC charging, plus Ford Pro Charging software for home, public and depot chargers. Ford Pro also offers extended DC Fast Charger options in 180kW and 240kW, giving fleet operators and their drivers more versatility at their workplace with more power and potentially shorter charge times.
Ford Pro and Xcel Energy also intend to analyze telematics data3 from vehicles participating in the initiative to promote commercial charging during off-peak times, helping reduce electric grid emissions4 and potentially saving customers money.
This novel approach provides energy and utility companies a template for future collaboration, helping them meet the EV charging infrastructure needs of businesses in their service areas.
1Xcel Energy’s EVSI programs, availability of the EVSI programs and the costs covered by the EVSI Programs are subject to the Xcel Energy customer and EVSI project qualifying for, and enrolling in, an Xcel Energy EVSI program approved for that location. Not all programs are available in all of Xcel Energy’s service locations, and not all Xcel Energy customers or projects will qualify. Xcel Energy EVSI program terms and conditions will apply.
PowerFlex Solar Project for ASICS
PowerFlex, a clean technology solutions company, announced the completion of the second rooftop solar project for ASICS, a leading brand in the design and manufacturing of performance athletic footwear, apparel, and accessories, at their Byhalia Distribution Center, located in Byhalia, Mississippi. The completion of the 1-megawatt (MW) solar rooftop brings the total solar generated power at the distribution center to 2 MW’s that are used to power the building load and directly offsets utility costs. The system is the largest solar PV rooftop in Byhalia and included the engagement of local labor. Additionally, ASICS now participates in net metering which contributes power to the grid and helps build grid resiliency.
SOLAR ROOFTOP PROJECT
PowerFlex coordinated the interconnection agreement between ASICS and NorthCentral Electric, the municipal utility. Interconnecting 2-megawatts of solar assets increases ASICS’ clean energy generation, powering approximately 48% of the distribution center. PowerFlex minimized the disruption to ASICS’ business and required just three months of active construction for the project. The additional 1MW is projected to provide $100,000 in energy savings in the first year. The environmental benefits of the combined systems are equivalent to removing nearly 330 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles per year or offsetting the electricity of around 290 households annually.1
“ASICS is a relentless innovator and leader in reducing carbon emissions,” states Raphael Declercq, CEO of PowerFlex. “We’re proud to partner with ASICS to double their clean energy production, offset energy costs, and contribute energy to the grid to expedite their ongoing commitment to sustainability.”
Average EV Charging Times
An analysis of data collected from a study of electric vehicle (EV) owners shows fast charging statistics over a three-year period from June 30, 2020, to June 30, 2023, and includes a total of about 2.4 million sessions. The average length of time for a paid fast charging session was 42 minutes, consuming an average of 22 kWh of energy. Free fast charging sessions nearly doubled those numbers at 1 hour and 18 minutes and 42 kWh of electricity consumed.
DC Fast Charging Statistics, June 30, 2020, to June 30, 2023
| Charging Cost | Number of Sessions | Energy per Session (kWh) | Charge Time per Session (minutes) |
| Free | 957,265 | 40.7 | 78 |
| Paid | 1,412,050 | 22.0 | 42 |
| Totals | 2,369,315 | 29.4 | 54 |
Note: The statistics in this study are from a self-selected set of EV owners nationwide. They do not include charging sessions from Tesla’s Supercharger network.
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