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Chevy Blazer EV—Sales Cheaper with Tax Credit
GM resumed sales and reduced prices of the Chevy Blazer EV. The company reported, “made significant software updates that will improve features and functionality to deliver on the high expectations of our customers. We’re confident these improvements will address concerns heard from some early owners and as promised, we’re carrying learnings over to other products in GM’s lineup.””
Plus the vehicle qualifies for the IRA $7500 tax credit.
The Blazer EV’ LT AWD MSRP starts at $50,195, down from $56,715. The RS AWD now is $54,595, down from $60,215. And the RS RWD is reduced to $56,170 from $61,790.
GreenPower Delviers D BEAST to Phoenix Elementary SD & Launches GP Truck Body
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), 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 the delivery of the first GreenPower all-electric, purpose-built Type D BEAST school bus in the state of Arizona to the Phoenix Elementary School District.
“The launch of GP Truck Body signifies our commitment to customer satisfaction, consolidating our services into a seamless one-stop shop experience for buying and manufacturing,” said Brendan Riley, President of GreenPower. “By combining our business units under the GreenPower brand, we continue to provide unmatched expertise as an EV manufacturing company that possesses the level of know-how required for building truck bodies tailored specifically for electric vehicles. Our goal is to be the trusted partner our customers rely on to meet all their business requirements. With GP Truck Body now part of the GreenPower business unit, we can achieve this goal while strengthening our market influence.”
GP Truck Body offers a complete line of truck bodies including dry freight, refrigerated boxes, aluminum stakebeds, steel and aluminum flatbeds and service bodies that maximize cargo capacity and delivery range. With the launch of the company, GreenPower and its operating businesses, now cover every stage of the fleet experience. “Dealing with a single manufacturing entity will increase the ease of doing business and ultimately the overall ownership experience,” said Claus Tritt, Vice President of Medium-Duty and Commercial Vehicle Sales for GreenPower. “The customer has one place to go for its ordering, delivery and service and warranty needs.”
GreenPower’s announcement of the new truck body manufacturer has been part of its long-term vision to bring together its growing business under one corporate umbrella. GreenPower identified a growing demand among its customers for a one-stop shop that will provide tailored options for any number of body types, making the ordering process more seamless and drastically reducing the time from order to delivery to meet the customer’s business needs.
During a press conference at the National Truck Equipment Association’s (NTEA) Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, Indiana at booth #209 on Thursday, March 7, at 10:30 a.m. EST, GreenPower President Brendan Riley will discuss the new GP Truck Body entity.
More Dealers for Bollinger Motors
The dealership groups are:
- Nacarato Truck Centers – 10 locations in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, and Virginia
- Nuss Truck & Equipment – one location in Minneapolis, Minn.
The Bollinger B4 Chassis Cab is an all-new, all-electric class 4 commercial truck designed from the ground up with extensive fleet and upfitter input. Bollinger’s unique chassis design protects the 158 kwh battery pack and components to offer unparalleled capability and safety in the commercial market. The company anticipates deliveries of the Bollinger B4 to begin in the second half of 2024.
“We are building our national dealer network very strategically to ensure that they share Bollinger’s commitment to quality and customer service,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “These two dealership groups represent some of the busiest trucking hubs in the country and we welcome these new locations to the Bollinger family as we work to electrify fleets across the country.”
24M Liforever Direct Recycling
24M shared the latest innovation in its revolutionary 24M battery technology set — Liforever™. Unique to the 24M SemiSolid™ battery manufacturing platform, Liforever™ is a direct material recycling methodology for EV and ESS batteries. Liforever™ reduces the environmental impact of lithium-ion batteries by making it efficient and cost-effective to recover and reuse battery materials, including lithium iron phosphate or LFP, both in process and at end-of-life.
“Better battery recycling is essential for a sustainable energy future, but the use of binders in conventional cell production has made direct recycling impractical,” said 24M CEO Naoki Ota. “Liforever™ solves these challenges by enabling the reuse of nearly every part of the battery cell without requiring the expensive, inefficient and environmentally challenging processes used in conventional cell recycling. These cost savings are further optimized by our streamlined SemiSolid™ technology, which eliminates half of the steps used in conventional cell production.”
Conventional lithium-ion cells use expensive and toxic pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling processes that form black mass e-waste, which damages the structure of the anode and cathode materials. Because of this damage and the process’ high cost, less expensive materials like LFP are typically not recycled. Only more expensive metals, most commonly nickel, manganese and cobalt, are extracted from the black mass in their base metal form and reintroduced to the active material production process.
By contrast, Liforever™ keeps the active materials in their original form and does not create a black mass — something no one else in the industry can do. This enables the low-cost recycling of all active materials from the anode (graphite) and cathode (NMC, LFP, NCA, etc.). After recovery, the active materials undergo a low-cost cleaning and, as needed, re-lithiation to reclaim their original capacity.
As shown in the accompanying chart, 24M has demonstrated Liforever™ with end-of-life LFP cells, demonstrating for the first time a cost-effective approach to recycle LFP cells.
The Liforever™ recycling methodology is designed to be compatible with both current and anticipated future recycling regulations, allowing cell manufacturers, EV OEMs and ESS operators to future-proof their battery technology. And because the 24M SemiSolid™ process is chemistry agnostic, Liforever™ will support next-generation batteries of all chemistry types building in additional longevity for the technology.
ev.energy Integrates RER
ev.energy, the leading provider of smart charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs) announced the integration of Rolling Energy Resources (RER) under its US operating arm.
The deal, closed February 2024, expands ev.energy’s growing ecosystem of transport and energy partners, advancing its critical role in making EV charging cheaper for drivers while optimising the power system. The transaction follows ev.energy’s recent announcement of $41m awarded by the California Energy Commission to scale incentive-based EV programs in the region.
The integration marks a significant milestone in both the companies’ mission to revolutionize EV charging and support grid stability. Combining RER’s deep expertise in customer EV program design and evaluation with ev.energy’s world-leading driver experience, they deliver unparalleled value through a unique platform and services for their growing list of utilities, vehicle OEMs, charger manufacturers and drivers worldwide.
Lester Electrical & Eagle Eye Power
The recent signing of an exclusivity agreement with Lester Electrical has positioned Eagle Eye Power Solutions as the sole provider of the BC-Series industrial battery chargers to electric utilities in North America.
As a global leader in delivering DC Power solutions for primarily utility substations, this move allows Eagle Eye to:
- Offer unmatched and intuitive stationary battery charging technology not found anywhere else in the industry.
- Have greater influence on engineering by guiding design updates that anticipate evolving customer demands.
- Integrate with other strategic product lines to develop new comprehensive and compliant customer solutions.
- Ensure future stationary charging technology continues to increase the resilience and reliability of the grid.
“We’re extremely pleased to be able to partner with such a strong American manufacturing company that shares our vision and values. Together, we’re delivering a cutting-edge convection-cooled switch-mode charger series that can revolutionize the industry,” said Ryan Sberna, CEO, Eagle Eye Power Solutions.
The BC-2500™ is the best seller in the series, utilizing automotive-grade components to ensure reliable performance across mission-critical applications and challenging environments. Rather than having to buy a second unit to achieve redundancy, it also has multiple individual (hot-swappable) Intelligent Power Modules (iPMs) in a single chassis to maintain its portable, lightweight design.
Meeting NERC TPL-001-5 standards for compliance with its redundancy and ability to test battery integrity when taken offline, the BC-Series offers a modular solution that is ideal for both new construction and retrofit planning.
“Its lightweight, modular design makes wall mounting a nice space-saving option for meeting NERC-TPL compliance in substations. It has all the redundancy built into a single charger, eliminating the need to purchase an additional unit,” said Sberna.
About Eagle Eye Power Solutions
Headquartered in Mequon, WI, Eagle Eye Power Solutions is the global leader in combining Critical Power Education, Solutions and Services. With a team of DC Power specialists to draw upon, Eagle Eye works with Utilities and other Critical Power clients to increase reliability, decrease costs, and meet compliance.
Qmerit EV Charging Warranty Support & Maintenance
The documented unreliability of America’s networks of electric vehicle (EV) chargers remains a hindrance to mass EV adoption. Tackling this challenge head on, Qmerit, North America’s leading installer of home and business EV chargers, is introducing a unique suite of EV charging warranty support and maintenance services.
Qmerit’s services encompass on-demand repairs; warranty support; comprehensive coverage in which Qmerit assumes responsibility for all equipment parts; and preventative and predictive maintenance to enhance uptime and reduce emergency situations.
Qmerit’s new services are initially intended for EV supply equipment makers (EVSEs) and charge point operators (CPOs) who provide charging systems and related services to a range of commercial properties, including office parks, entertainment venues, manufacturing facilities, mixed-use developments and more.
Qmerit will deliver to EVSEs and CPOs the technological platform (integrated into existing CRM and/or work order management systems) and national network of certified, highly-skilled electricians and technicians as required for the work. This will help commercial properties maintain their charging systems at peak performance, thus maximizing their investment in EV charging while complying with the 97% uptime requirement for funding under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program. This will also meet electrical safety standards as defined by the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA 70E.
Recent studies, including an August report by J.D. Powers, show that a lack of confidence in public charging is holding back consumer adoption of EVs. Qmerit’s Electrification 2030 white paper offered insights into the problem, including the need to prioritize private business and residential charging as a complement to the public efforts. The paper also previewed the technologies emerging to help maintain charging equipment on a national scale, including the rise of Open Charge Point Interface (OCPI), which will enable some charging issues to be diagnosed and solved remotely.
“This is about more than maintaining equipment – it’s about building and sustaining the confidence of American consumers in EVs and charging,” said Qmerit CEO and founder Tracy K. Price. “As the leading home and business EV charger installer, our entry into the warranty and services arena will help ensure that the safe and reliable charging infrastructure that Americans want, is available when they need it, and will accelerate the electrification of transportation.”///
FLO New Cable Management System EZlift
EZLift uses a patent-pending motorized system to assist with fast charging cable extension and retraction. It helps alleviate the strain on EV drivers before, during and after EV charging.
The system will debut on FLO’s new fast charger, the FLO Ultra, which will begin being deployed by customers in the coming months.
“The EZLift system solves an inevitable issue that the charging industry faces as we accelerate and deploy fast chargers across the country – heavy cables,” said Nathan Yang, FLO Chief Product Officer. “Drivers have told us fast charger cables can be bulky and difficult to maneuver. The FLO Ultra is a fast charger for all drivers, which drove us to prioritize accessibility in the development of the EZLift cable management system. This system enables users from a wider range of ages, strengths and sizes to manage heavy fast charging cables more easily.”
Housed in the charger’s sealed canopies, the EZLift system automates cable extension and retraction by significantly reducing the amount of force required to pull the cable to the vehicle to begin charging. Fast charging cables can weigh more than 25 pounds – about the weight of a typical toddler – and be difficult, rigid and clumsy to maneuver. The EZLift system alleviates those difficulties making fast charging cables significantly easier to handle.
While charging, EZLift locks into place, reducing stress on the car’s charging port and helping prevent any damaging contact with the vehicle.
Once charging is complete and the driver disconnects the connector, smart sensors automatically retract and return the cable to the station. This prevents the charging cable from resting on the ground, thereby reducing the possibility of the cable becoming a trip hazard or being damaged by excessive force or being run over by other vehicles.
“FLO engineers designed the EZLift system to help provide the best charging experience for drivers regardless of strength or physical ability and to be low maintenance for site hosts,” said Yang. “From the maintenance-free gears to the patent-pending anti-clog reel system, we know the FLO Ultra fast charger will be highly reliable and build on FLO’s performance of 98%+ uptime.”
Unveiled last year and entering production this spring, the FLO Ultra is equipped with two high-powered charging ports housed within a rugged aluminum enclosure. Its flexible and modular design and extended cable length facilitates charging on one or on both sides, as well as parallel or pull-in parking configurations. The FLO Ultra can charge many EVs to 80% power within 15 minutes and will be available starting this year.
For more on FLO’s products and mission, please visit flo.com.
Ram Promaster Electric for Battery Workforce Challenge, US DOE, Stellantis, & Argonne
The Battery Workforce Challenge, a public-private partnership and North American collegiate engineering competition between the U.S Department of Energy (DOE), Stellantis and Argonne National Laboratory, announced that the recently introduced Ram ProMaster electric van is the vehicle that students will receive to design, build, test and integrate an advanced electric vehicle (EV) battery pack.
The 2024 Ram ProMaster EV was introduced earlier this year and is designed specifically for electrification, featuring a unibody design that efficiently incorporates the production battery pack. Perfect as a work van to perform commercial activities, this application serves as an exciting opportunity for students to design batteries for bigger vehicles.
The Battery Workforce Challenge began in 2023 and features 12 North American university teams, each partnering with a local community college. The teams were selected through a competitive process to secure a spot in the elite competition. Participating students will receive firsthand, experiential learning and will work in close partnership with industry experts to tackle one of the most relevant real-world engineering challenges facing the automotive industry today.
“Using this new Ram ProMaster EV during the competition is a critical way for the EV workforce of the future to further advance EV transportation technologies and it contributes to DOE’s efforts to improve the sustainable energy economy,” said Michael Berube, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Sustainable Transportation and Fuels in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy at DOE.
“The new Ram ProMaster EV is designed specifically for electrification and provides the students with a great proving ground to push the boundaries of technology,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis’ senior vice president and head of Global Propulsion Systems. “We look forward to seeing the students’ creative solutions for incorporating a Stellantis battery pack into the vehicle and how their work will help shape the future of mobility.”
Claus Daniel, associate laboratory director for Advanced Energy Technologies at Argonne National Laboratory, said Argonne’s management of the Battery Workforce Challenge naturally extends the laboratory’s longstanding contributions to battery and transportation R&D. “Sixty percent of EVs on the road today run at least in part on Argonne technology, and more than 30,000 students have experienced an unparalleled automotive engineering education thanks to our management of DOE Advanced Vehicle Technology Competitions. Accelerating science and developing the next-generation workforce help Argonne drive U.S. prosperity and security,” he said.
The competition culminates in 2026, with the winning teams receiving dozens of annual engineering and sponsor-related category awards; $100,000 in industry-provided prize money; and invaluable real-world experience working with industry leaders.
Additional organizations sponsoring the Battery Workforce Challenge include: AVL, Dana Corporation, MathWorks, Analog Devices, Inc., and Gamma Technologies.
Worksport New SOLIS Car Covers
Worksport Ltd. (Nasdaq: WKSP) (“Worksport” or the “Company”), a manufacturer of truck beds and solar-integrated tonneau covers for pickup trucks, is excited to announce the anticipated summer launch of its revolutionary SOLIS Solar Cover and COR Battery System. With immense popularity, Tesla Inc. (“Tesla” or “Cybertruck”) with the Tesla Cybertruck could, one day, become an ideal candidate for the Worksport SOLIS and COR bundle, as the Tesla Cybertruck reaches mass market through increased deliveries. The SOLIS Cover is expected to be available at start for major brands including the Ford Motor Company (“Ford”), the General Motors Company (“General Motors or “GM”) and the Hyundai Motor Company (“Hyundai”).
The innovative SOLIS and COR duo is on track for its scheduled release this summer, promising to deliver an unparalleled off-grid power solution perfect for pickup truck users who enjoy camping, remote work, sports, and various outdoor activities. There also is a large market opportunity for both COR and SOLIS products for light trucks and those who work within military, law enforcement, and first responders within North America and globally.
The benefits and applications for the SOLIS Solar Cover, coupled with the COR Battery System, are designed to transform the utility of pickup trucks by offering off-grid power, allowing over 60 million pickup trucks just in the USA alone to become traveling microgrids. Further, in future partnerships with EV manufacturers, the SOLIS Cover itself can provide additional electric driving range and charging capabilities directly from the sun. Worksport currently has open conversations with multiple OEM vehicle brands and has previously announced the production of prototypes for Hyundai. In addition to applications in pickup trucks such as Ford and General Motors, Worksport engineering departments are exploring new truck compatibility for future additional application coverage which could, one day, include Tesla and the Tesla Cybertruck. Fitment of the Worksport SOLIS with the Tesla Cybertruck is yet to be determined, but possible. A direct partnership between Worksport and Tesla would further integration of the SOLIS to be able to passively charge the Cybertruck. However, as an aftermarket add-on accessory, the SOLIS and the COR system would provide unparalleled utility for portable, mobile, solar energy away from the power grid.
No pickup truck necessary. The Worksport COR Portable Energy Storage System, the Company’s highly anticipated mobile battery power generator system, is also planned to be offered to the domestic and global consumer market, not just pickup truck owners. The COR System can be recharged by any wall outlet or any solar panels, allowing the COR System to be used by anyone, anywhere, to power almost anything. This plan opens Worksport’s addressable market from 60 million pickup truck owners to the coveted global market for consumer electronic devices. The COR System will be one of very few power electronic devices that will be fully designed and produced within North America (using foreign and domestically sourced components). The Company believes North American innovation paired with local manufacturing will make the Worksport COR system among the best and most innovative mobile battery power generators ever released. With exclusive features such as modular batteries, for limitless power, and hot swap features and a clever built in uninterrupted power supply. This innovative power supply is to allow batteries to be changed and recharged without losing power to appliances connected and operating from the COR device.
As the launch date approaches, Worksport is pleased to report that nearly all components for the COR Alpha Release have arrived and are currently undergoing rigorous testing. While results are pending, initial tests appear promising, indicating that the product is likely to meet and exceed expectations. Prior to full market release this summer, the COR System will first have an Alpha Release for real consumer testing to ensure a successful market release.
Concurrently, prototypes of the SOLIS Solar Cover are in development and will be tested on different truck brands, including Hyundai, Ford, General Motors, Stellantis RAM, and more. Worksport’s manufacturing facility in Buffalo, New York, is producing the Company’s state-of-the-art innovative hard-folding covers, which serve as the base for the SOLIS Solar Cover and contribute to the Company’s current revenue growth. Worksport recently announced compatibility of its hard-folding covers with a wide range of popular truck models, including RAM by Stellantis, General Motors brands GMC and Chevrolet, Ford, Jeep by Stellantis, Nissan, and Toyota.
Steven Rossi, CEO of Worksport, comments on the journey toward this landmark release: “We have faced enormous challenges, including delays caused by issues that have affected supply chains across the globe. Despite these obstacles, our team’s dedication and hard work have kept us on track to deliver, and we now feel confident about releasing the SOLIS Solar Cover and the COR Battery System this summer to consumers. The SOLIS and COR duo embody our commitment to innovation and our vision for a more sustainable future.”
The impending release of the SOLIS Solar Cover and COR Battery System marks a significant milestone for Worksport as it continues to push the boundaries of automotive accessory technology, providing customers with smart, eco-friendly solutions for their energy needs. The Company is positioning itself in renewable energy for a better tomorrow.