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Battery Swifties: Safer, Lighter & Less Electrolyte 73% More Range
An A-Sample battery pack was deesigned by Enpower Greentech for a class-1 commercial EV customer. The module utilized Enpower Greentech’s energy dense semi-solid state “Swift” batteries. The “Swift” battery contains less liquid electrolyte, making it a safer and lighter chemistry choice for e-mobility when compared to other lithium-ion batteries commonly found in use today.
“Range anxiety is at the forefront of of everyone’s mind. We know that our EV partners need their vehicles to stay on the road longer with cargo fleets that reach final destinations every time. This is why, safety and energy density are the dual-driving forces that push our R&D teams forward,” said Dr. Yong Che, CTO and Co-founder at Enpower Greentech.
The 72kWh Swift EV pack was delivered to Ann Arbor, MI in December 2023. The class-1 EV in focus had previously utilized other commonly used batteries for a 110-mile estimated range. The Swift EV pack increased that estimate to 190-miles under the same dimensional constraint while passing multiple tests that will lead to B-Samples. The Swift battery has been in full commercial production since early November 2023.
Dr. Yong continued, “Commercial and passenger EV companies can increase vehicle range significantly, as the Swift platform has shown. We are excited about this promising solution for electric vehicles. A 73% range boost should encourage OEM manufacturers to consider how they can provide an energy/safety matrix to their end-users and help speed the adoption of e-mobility.”
Enpower Greentech, Inc. is a global leader in solid-state battery development and commercialization with American-Made batteries and packs to be manufactured in Ann Arbor, Michigan in late 2024. They produce many advanced batteries for e-mobility companies and OEM partners. Their American manufacturing is committed to meet all Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requirements for US partners.
North Shore Safety Intros LineGard Charging
North Shore Safety is proud to introduce its LineGard® EVSE2 Home Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station. This cutting-edge charging station delivers a formidable 32 amps, translating to an impressive charge rate of approximately 25 miles per hour.
The USA made LineGard® EVSE2 incorporates North Shore Safety’s GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) Class C industrial level GFCI protection technology. It is designed to meet and exceed the rigorous requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and provides homeowners with a safe, efficient way to charge electric vehicles that is compatible with all popular EVs. The use of a J1772 to NACS adapter is required for Tesla vehicles.
Encased in a robust NEMA 3R rated enclosure, the LineGard® EVSE2 is designed to withstand diverse environmental elements, ensuring reliability and longevity. Its sleek and modern design facilitates a straightforward and swift installation process, utilizing a standard NEMA 6-50 plug, commonly found in dryer outlets.
The new home charging station is engineered with delivering the most advanced safeguard against electrical shocks—a paramount feature, especially in damp locations such as garages and outdoor carports. This protection is critical since the integration of a GFCI has been a NEC Code requirement under Article 625 (protection against shock of personnel) for safe EV charging since 1996.
A GFCI helps prevent electric shock by cutting off power if it detects a ground fault, which is a potential risk in moist environments like garages. As EV charging involves high currents for extended periods, a GFCI ensures protection against electrical hazards, thereby safeguarding homeowners, their property, and the EV’s battery system. This critical safety device also provides peace of mind by preventing costly damages and contributes to the long-term reliability of the charging infrastructure.
North Shore Safety was instrumental in the design and manufacturing process of Tesla’s initial Level 2 charging station for its first production EV, the Roadster, to make it comply with US safety standards. Since then, over the last decade, the company has produced numerous private labeled level 2 charging stations throughout the US, Europe, and Japan. Building on this legacy, North Shore Safety has developed its own Level 2 EVSE charging station, the LineGard® EVSE2 for residential use.
Sean Swick, North Shore Safety’s President, notes the LineGard® EVSE2 is vital for alleviating range anxiety and providing a reliable, cost-effective charging option at home. “Our commitment to safety and efficiency standards in the USA, including UL certification, sets new industry benchmarks, ensuring that our customers have peace of mind when charging their EVs, particularly in moisture-prone areas like garages,” said Swick.
North Shore Safety stands as a leading authority in numerous industrial and commercial spheres. With over 25 years in the electrical safety industry, North Shore Safety, located in Mentor, Ohio, is a trusted name for USA made, UL Listed electrical protection products.
For more details on North Shore Safety’s innovations, visit https://www.nssltd.com/.
Accelera by Cummings, Daimler & PACCAR Battery Cells Made in Missississippi
Accelera™ by Cummins, Daimler Trucks & Buses US Holding LLC and PACCAR have selected Marshall County, Mississippi, as the future site of advanced battery cell manufacturing for their planned joint venture. The joint venture will localize battery cell production for commercial electric vehicles and is expected to create more than 2,000 U.S. manufacturing jobs, with the option for further expansion as demand grows. The 21-gigawatt hour (GWh) factory is expected to begin producing battery cells in 2027.
The planned joint venture between Accelera, Daimler Truck and PACCAR was announced in September 2023 and will create scale to deliver cost effective and differentiated battery cell technology that supports the adoption of electric vehicles for medium- and heavy-duty commercial transportation. Accelera, Daimler Truck and PACCAR will each own 30% of, and jointly control, the business, which will focus on lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery technology for commercial battery-electric trucks. EVE Energy will serve as the technology partner in the joint venture with 10% ownership and will contribute its industry-leading battery cell design and manufacturing expertise to the future cell manufacturing plant. EVE Energy is a global technology leader in the manufacture of LFP battery cells for the vehicle industry.
“This site selection represents an exciting and tangible step toward advancing our Destination Zero strategy and our vision to lead the industry toward a decarbonized future,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Cummins Chair and Chief Executive Officer. “We are excited to join the Marshall County community to drive economic growth and job creation in Mississippi, while continuing to expand our strong partnerships and serve the diverse needs of our customers.”
“Localized battery cell production is an important component of delivering our customers – the fleets that keep America and the world moving – cost effective options for decarbonizing their operations,” said John O’Leary, president and CEO, Daimler Truck North America. “We’re grateful to the State of Mississippi and the Marshall County community for joining us in achieving this goal and helping to realize our shared climate goals.”
“The state, the communities and the people of Mississippi are wonderful business partners for PACCAR. We look forward to expanding that partnership in northern Mississippi with this new battery cell factory that will provide industry-leading cost effective zero-emissions solutions for our customers,” said Preston Feight, PACCAR Chief Executive Officer.
Accelera, Daimler Truck and PACCAR are leading the commercial vehicle sector’s transition to zero-emissions technologies. The partners are committed to reducing carbon emissions consistent with the Paris Climate Agreement.
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and receipt of applicable merger control and regulatory approvals, including the submission of a voluntary notice to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
EV Connect for GM Apps
Expanding its collaboration with General Motors (NYSE: GM), EV Connect today announced the availability of Plug and Charge on the EV Connect network through GM vehicle brand apps. GM drivers can now simply plug in and charge their vehicles on the EV Connect network without swiping a payment card or scanning an RFID tag at nearly 200 compatible DC fast chargers nationwide. More Plug and Charge capable charging stations are expected to be added regularly for GM drivers throughout 2024.
“EV Connect and GM share a mission to simplify the EV ownership experience, and this agreement is another important step in that direction. I am delighted to continue our work with GM toward making EV charging hassle-free and convenient.”
By helping to simplify EV public charging, drivers access hassle-free fast charging and spend less time initiating charging sessions and avoid scanning, swiping, or inputting billing information. Plug and Charge technology allows drivers who opt-in through a one-time enrollment within a GM vehicle brand app to start charging by plugging in their vehicle at a participating station. Plug and Charge-enabled stations are identifiable through a filter in GM vehicle brand apps, allowing drivers to locate and use charging stations quickly.
“This collaboration helps to relieve GM EV drivers from one of the most common friction points of the charging process, enhancing the EV ownership experience, and holds the potential to drive EV adoption further,” said Jon Leicester, Vice President, Head of Commercial, at EV Connect. “EV Connect and GM share a mission to simplify the EV ownership experience, and this agreement is another important step in that direction. I am delighted to continue our work with GM toward making EV charging hassle-free and convenient.”
EV Connect is a preferred GM charge station operator, offering innovative EV charging management solutions, including advanced data analytics and 24/7 customer support, to charging stations at GM dealerships across North America. EV Connect is also part of GM’s holistic public charging ecosystem, which includes GM EV drivers having access to approximately 3,500 EV Connect public chargers and the ability to conveniently start a charging session and make contact-free payments after fueling.
For more information about the EV Connect charging platform or how to enroll in GM Plug and Charge, please visit the EV Connect website.
WiTricity Charging for KG Mobility
WiTricity, a global leader in wireless EV charging, announced that KG Mobility’s all-new, all-electric Torres EVX Pickup will offer WiTricity-enabled wireless charging.
“We are proud that WiTricity’s technology has been selected by KG Mobility,” said Alex Gruzen, CEO of WiTricity. “KG Mobility customers will soon discover that they will enjoy safe, reliable charging as soon as they park their car.”
Instead of hassling with a plug to charge their battery, owners who equip their Torres EVX Pickup with WiTricity’s magnetic resonance technology will charge their vehicle by simply parking over a charging pad, which draws power from a 240-volt household circuit. WiTricity’s magnetic resonance technology allows for wireless charging at the same speed and efficiency as a Level 2 plug-in charger.
This option will be available beginning with the 2025 model year Torres EVX Pickup. A Torres EVX SUV outfitted with a receiver based on WiTricity’s technology was displayed at WiTricity’s booth at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
StoreBot Concept for XFC
StoreDot has unveiled a breakthrough concept for taking extreme fast charging (XFC) capability from the cell to the vehicle level with its new I-BEAM XFC™ concept, an innovative cell-to-pack (CTP) design that will accelerate the integration of XFC into EVs.
StoreDot’s I-BEAM XFC is an innovative cell design concept that accelerates the integration of extreme fast charging (XFC) into EVs (PRNewsfoto/StoreDot)
At the core of I-BEAM XFC™ sits StoreDot’s proprietary 100in5 cell technology, which enables charging 100 miles, or 160km of range in just 5 minutes. StoreDot’s 100in5 electrodes are assembled into its new I-BEAM XFC™ cells, which are designed to be incorporated directly into the battery pack.
While standard cell-to-pack architectures aim to improve range and energy density, StoreDot is also focusing on extreme fast charging with its I-BEAM XFC™ concept. It leapfrogs the complexity and cost challenges of embedding XFC capability at the vehicle level, allowing EVs to be charged even more rapidly.
Unlike traditional cooling systems, the I-BEAM XFC™ patented Structural Cooling concept is embedded into the structure of each cell, providing enhanced thermal management. This prevents localized hot spots and maintains uniform temperatures across the battery pack, enabling it to accept the ultra-high currents required for fast charging, with minimal system overhead.
OneD & Koch Partner
OneD Battery Sciences (“OneD”), the leader in silicon anode technologies for EV batteries, and Koch Modular Process Systems, LLC (Koch Modular), a global leader in process engineering design and modular construction, announced their strategic partnership centered on enabling large-scale production of silicon-graphite anode materials for the next generation of affordable electric vehicles (EV).
“This strategic collaboration will enable the North American EV battery supply chain to reduce its dependency on overseas anode material imports and meet the urgent need for OEMs (EV producers) to compete with the next generation of more affordable EVs.”
Leveraging Koch Modular’s proven silane gas manufacturing expertise, OneD’s SINANODE technology efficiently converts silane into nano-silicon inside graphite anode materials already qualified by EV cell makers. This partnership will scale up silane anode production by placing a modular silane plant adjacent to a SINANODE factory to process and add silicon inside EV-grade graphite powders from industrial suppliers. OneD and Koch Modular are currently designing the first integrated North American plant to produce 20,000 tons of silicon-graphite anode material per year, enough for the batteries of about 1,000,000 EVs annually.
“Koch Modular is the right partner to quickly increase the production scale and reduce the costs of silicon anode materials,” said Vincent Pluvinage, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder, OneD Battery Sciences. “This strategic collaboration will enable the North American EV battery supply chain to reduce its dependency on overseas anode material imports and meet the urgent need for OEMs (EV producers) to compete with the next generation of more affordable EVs.”
OneD’s SINANODE technology platform takes a fundamentally different approach to silicon anode manufacturing. The SINANODE platform is a highly scalable low-cost manufacturing process that grows nano-silicon directly in the pores of EV-grade graphite powders selected by each customer. This removes the need to manufacture a new expensive carbon substrate to host silicon. Instead of displacing EV-grade graphite producers, the SINANODE process increases the performance and value of the graphite powders already qualified by EV cell factories. The SINANODE manufacturing process results in lower cost, smaller EV batteries with longer range and lower carbon footprint.
“OneD has a unique approach in reducing risks and costs by placing our silane modular plant adjacent to the SINANODE processing plant and co-locating these two facilities next to EV-grade graphite production and EV cell factories in North America and Europe,” said George Schlowsky, President at Koch Modular. “Together, we are excited to help scale up silicon-enhanced graphite production and help each customer achieve a more competitive global market position by combining our proven technology platforms.”
Koch Modular’s silane manufacturing expertise addresses the industry’s need for proven, scalable, and economical silane production. These globally transportable modules allow for efficient shipping and assembly, supporting sustainable scaling of production capacity for OneD’s SINANODE plants worldwide. With over 40 years of chemical plant expertise, Koch Modular has demonstrated proven success, notably with the delivery of a longstanding silane plant in Taiwan serving demanding semiconductor applications for over a decade.
“Koch Modular’s silane technology complements OneD’s SINANODE platform. The delivery of silane production modules along with the licensing of the SINANODE manufacturing process enable established industrial partners to scale up the production of cost-effective silicon anode materials at optimum locations for the EV battery supply chains,” said Jan-Marc Luchies, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer at OneD Battery Sciences.
LeapCharger Encrypted by Xotic
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, proudly announces the licensing of a groundbreaking patent for the development of an encrypted messaging platform to be integrated to its application. This innovative platform will leverage Xotic Technology, a cutting-edge cipher, to ensure unparalleled security for both customers and vendors.
Xotic Technology, the heart of this groundbreaking initiative, is a revolutionary cipher capable of encrypting and decrypting data at rest or in transit. The unique combination of the speed of an XOR cipher, free from its vulnerabilities, with the unassailable security of a One-Time Pad cipher, without its logistical complexities, sets Xotic apart from conventional encryption methods.
This cipher achieves unprecedented speed by infusing robust yet repeatable randomness into the encryption process. The integration of Xotic allows for real-time security measures during the transmission of various data forms, including video, audio, and satellite transmissions. What sets Xotic apart is its ability to provide a level of security that surpasses today’s encryption standards.
Xotic’s resistance to quantum computing threats is a significant advantage for LeapCharger. The algorithm ensures that every decryption attempt yields multiple results, with only one valid outcome. This inherent property makes it virtually impossible to determine the correct result without possessing the precise decryption values, providing quantum-resistant security.
The integration of Xotic Technology into LeapCharger’s messaging platform offers several benefits and competitive advantages:
1. **Real-Time Security:** Xotic’s speed ensures that data is secured in real-time during transmission, enhancing the overall security posture of the messaging platform.
2. **Unmatched Encryption Standards:** Xotic provides a level of security unparalleled by today’s encryption standards, giving LeapCharger a distinctive edge in safeguarding sensitive information.
3. **Quantum Resistance:** With the rising threat of quantum computing, Xotic’s quantum-resistant nature fortifies the messaging platform against evolving security challenges.
4. **Versatility:** The platform caters to a wide range of data types, including video, audio, and satellite transmissions, making it a versatile solution for diverse communication needs.
Worksport SOLIS Solar Cover for Ford RAM & GM
Worksport Ltd. (Nasdaq: WKSP; WKSPW) (“Worksport” or the “Company”) proudly announces that the SOLIS Solar Cover will be available for Ford, RAM (Stellantis) and General Motors (GM) light pickup trucks.
Simultaneous with this message, Worksport announces it has successfully placed its first substantial order of solar panels, specifically designed for the SOLIS Solar Cover. The first shipment of advanced solar panels is expected to arrive within a few months – between January and February 2024. This represents a critical step in bringing this innovative technology to market. Upon arrival, the panels will undergo final quality testing, ensuring they meet the Company’s high standards for performance and reliability.
Concurrent with the arrival and testing of the solar panels, Worksport’s manufacturing facility is diligently preparing for the full-scale production of the SOLIS Solar Cover. This preparation phase is crucial to streamline the production process, ensuring that the solar tonneau covers are manufactured to perfection and ready for production to fit vehicles from Ford, Stellantis RAM, and General Motors (GM).
The SOLIS Solar Cover is a green solution in the automotive industry, offering an eco-friendly, efficient, and innovative solution for vehicle power needs. Combined with the COR Battery System, it will produce power off grid and in remote locations. This advancement aligns with the growing global emphasis on renewable energy sources and sustainable practices in the automotive sector. Steven Rossi, Worksport’s CEO, comments, “Our team is working hard to get the SOLIS Solar Cover to market, and we are proud that our products will be available for Ford, RAM, and General Motors pickup trucks.”
Molicel Debut at CES
Molicel, a tech leader in the battery industry and a subsidiary of the TCC Group, made its debut at CES 2024, showcasing the groundbreaking innovation of ultra-high power cells that push the boundaries of performance. Teaming up with strategic partner McMurtry Automotive, Molicel are demonstrating how ultra-high power battery technology are opening up a new era for the EV Hypercar sector.
McMurtry Automotive, a new famous brand in the EV Hypercar industry, is the mastermind behind crafting one of the world’s fastest pure electric cars, the McMurtry Spéirling. This exceptional model secured the outright record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed Hillclimb in 2022, clocking an impressive time of 39.08 seconds that beat 2nd place by more than 6 seconds.
During CES, attendees were excited to be shown around the astonishing Goodwood record car which was debuting in the USA and attendees were also shown Molicel’s leading technology.
“Molicel’s leading cell technology gives McMurtry vehicles a distinct performance advantage. The combination of high power and high energy density is what sets them apart from the competition. Together we are delivering a significant shift in vehicle performance and driving experience.” Thomas Yates, Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive.
Before the show, Molicel surprised the automotive market when they launched the INR-21700-P45B one and half years ago. P45B’s leading battery specification of capacity and power was at that time unrivaled. So Molicel gained reputation rapidly within the premium car segment with those cells already featuring in production cars from leading manufacturers around the world.
This year, Molicel unveiled the INR-21700-P50B, the next generation power cell at CES 2024, to express their confidence and readiness. “We feel the urgency of introducing this new product at the beginning of 2024, not only for premium sector but also embracing more mobility clients. Consumers nowadays are demanding better efficiency, fast charge convenience, and increased cycle life performance than ever. All mentioned desires can be offered by P50B” said Casey Shiue, President of Molicel.
As a 5.0Ah 21700 form factor lithium-ion cell, the INR-21700-P50B presents Molicel’s best power-to-energy ratio with their highest ever energy density of 260Wh/kg (714Wh/l), and unbeatable power of over 400W for discharging. It was designed with an ultra-fast 5C C-rate for fast charging.
With the same focus on the US market, together Molicel and McMurtry are committed to demonstrate a new era of electric vehicle performance to their respective growing customer bases, with exciting record attempts in 2024.
Mercedes-Benz in-Charge of Charging
Mercedes-Benz consistently embraces an all-electric future, providing customers with a seamless charging and payment experience through its charging service, Mercedes me Charge. In January, a significant milestone was achieved: the Mercedes me Charge network now bundles more than 1.5 million charging points worldwide from over 1,300 charge point operators. Mercedes me Charge is currently one of the largest public charging networks globally, consistently operated under the same product name worldwide.
Mercedes-Benz offers customers in 31 countries a comprehensive charging service thanks to a close-knit, cross-border charging network. Approximately 600,000 charging points are located in Europe, more than 800,000 in Asia and around 100,000 in North America. The charging stations in the Mercedes me Charge charging network are strategically situated at key locations, including city centers, shopping malls, hotels and along highways. In Germany, for example, the Mercedes me Charge network has more than 100,000 charging points, integrating more than 90 per cent of all charging points in the country. Of the total of 1.5 million charging points, 170,000 are fast charging points delivering 150 kW of power or more.
“Mercedes me Charge is one of the fastest-growing charging networks. In 2023, an average of 40,000 charging points were integrated every month. By doing so, we provide our customers a comprehensive network featuring transparent prices and easy access. Mercedes me Charge fulfils essential customer needs for public charging.”
Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG
Mercedes-Benz is actively advancing electric mobility and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable and customer-focused mobility with Mercedes me Charge. In Europe, the US and Canada, Mercedes-Benz ensures that an equivalent amount of electricity from renewable energy sources is fed into the power grid for charging processes in Mercedes me Charge, if no electricity from renewable energy sources is provided.
Thanks to the seamless integration of Mercedes me Charge into the MBUX multimedia system, public charging is effortlessly manageable. The navigation with Electric Intelligence feature calculates a comfortable and time-efficient route, including charging stops. Authentication at the charging station is done through the MBUX multimedia display, the Mercedes me app, the Mercedes me Charge RFID card, or directly through Plug & Charge at cooperating charge point operators. Customers benefit from their charging contract via Mercedes me Charge, which makes them independent of contracts with the respective charging station operator. Each charging process is automatically debited through Mercedes me Charge. All charging transactions are automatically billed monthly.
Mercedes-Benz ensures transparent pricing for public charging stations. Users can view the specific cost per kilowatt-hour or per minute, along with an estimate of the total cost to fully charge on the MBUX display or in the Mercedes me app before starting the charging process. Customers pay the standard rate set by the operator of the charging station they use. In Europe, customers have the option to charge at an attractive fixed price, independent of the operator. They can select between three Mercedes me Charge smart charging tariffs[3] (S, M, L) and thus adjust the costs optimally to their personal driving profile and individual charging needs.
Mercedes me Charge will be expanded consistently: The 10,000 charging points of the globally planned Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, set to be established by the end of the decade, as well as the existing European joint venture IONITY and the ongoing collaborations to establish a charging infrastructure in North America and China, will also be fully integrated into Mercedes me Charge.
[1] In order to be able to use the “Mercedes me Charge” service of Mercedes me connect, a separate charging contract with a selected third-party provider is required via which payment and invoicing of the charging process takes place. The use of Mercedes me connect services requires a personal Mercedes me ID as well as agreement to the Terms of Use for Mercedes me connect services.
[2] With Plug & Charge, the vehicle communicates directly with the charging station, initiating the charging process automatically upon plugging in the charging cable. Available for the Mercedes-Benz EQA, EQB, EQE and EQS model series as well as the plug-in hybrid versions of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, S-Class and GLC with optional DC charging.
[3] A service of Digital Charging Solutions GmbH.