Nikola HYLA Refueling @LAX
Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emissions transportation and energy supply and infrastructure solutions, via the HYLA brand, celebrated the grand opening of its inaugural HYLA high-pressure modular refueling station and facility in Southern Calif. The celebration welcomed fleet customers, dealers from Nikola’s sales and service network, government officials, industry press and members of the Nikola leadership and engineering teams, each playing an integral role in the realization of this achievement.
Highlights of the event included remarks from Nikola executives, as well as Joe Biagi, Biagi Bros. Fleet Director, and representatives from both the City of Ontario and the office of Congresswoman Norma Torres, who presented Certificates of Recognition. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to take part in truck and hydrogen refueling demonstrations, facility and equipment tours and technology Q&A sessions with Nikola engineers focusing on hydrogen safety and the HYLA ecosystem. Attendees also had the opportunity to take rides in the Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, further showcasing Nikola’s advanced technology that is available and driving on the roads today.
The Ontario station, which opened for operation last month, will be capable of fueling up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily. This station is integral to Nikola’s strategic initiative to develop up to nine refueling solutions set to be completed by mid-2024, with 14 total refueling solutions to be operational by the end of the year.
Nikola will provide 24/7 support with on-site HYLA Ambassadors and Operation Technicians, ensuring a seamless and efficient fueling experience for its customers.
Working alongside industry leaders, Nikola is securing a robust hydrogen supply chain and expanding its HYLA refueling infrastructure to support growing demand. The continued development of the refueling ecosystem is anticipated to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks and drive the decarbonization of transportation.
The HYLA refueling solutions network is expected to offer Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles and other Class 8 customers a variety of flexible refueling options, including modular and permanent HYLA stations, customer-owned facilities, and partnerships with public truck stops. This network includes the recent 10-year agreement with FirstElement Fuel for a hydrogen refueling station in Oakland, Calif.
StoreDot Opens in CA
StoreDot, the pioneer and world leader in extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles, today announced the official opening of its new Advanced Technology Campus in Irvine, California.
The 5,800 square foot state-of-the-art facility will serve as StoreDot’s North American research and development hub, strengthening its presence in the region and bringing it closer to major automotive customers and manufacturing partners.
The campus’ location provides access to a pool of top technical and engineering talent from prestigious West Coast universities and innovative battery companies. Additionally, the North American robust electric vehicle and energy storage supply chain enables StoreDot to source alternative materials and suppliers for its XFC battery technology.
The official opening of this center represents another tangible step towards StoreDot’s XFC technology commercialization with the US team playing a vital role in supporting its R&D and its globalization focus.
The new facility is fully operated by StoreDot’s team who collaborates closely with its 130+ professionals at its headquarters in Herzliya, Israel.
Wallbox & Bidirectional Energy Project Funding by CEC
Wallbox (NYSE:WBX), a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) charging and energy management solutions, and Bidirectional Energy, a bidirectional EV energy management startup, announced Phase 1 of their Bidirectional Residential V2X Demonstration Project had been awarded $2.2M in funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) REDWDS grant. The project will install and operate Wallbox’s bidirectional charger, Quasar 2, in 120 residential locations across California.
The bidirectional chargers will be managed by Bidirectional Energy’s virtual power plant (VPP) platform to provide home energy backup, utility bill reduction, and additional financial rewards. Bidirectional Energy and Wallbox estimate that Quasar 2 together with the Bidirectional Energy VPP platform can potentially earn users over $1,000* every year when combined with utility Demand Response programs and time-of-use utility rates. By taking advantage of time-of-use utility rates in the U.S., users can enhance the impact of V2X technology by scheduling charging sessions when energy prices are low and discharging their cars to power their homes when prices are high. Users with solar panel installations can also store excess solar energy in their EV during low usage periods and then harness this energy at another time, including usage peak periods, to reduce their reliance on the grid and accelerate the uptake of renewable energy.
These bidirectional chargers will be installed by COIL, a Wallbox company and leading electric vehicle charging infrastructure installer targeting metropolitan areas with high EV adoption rates such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
“Vehicle-to-grid innovations can play a critical role in helping California reach its clean energy goals, while also reducing emissions from transportation. The CEC is proud to fund projects and companies like Wallbox and Bidirectional Energy that are using vehicle-to-grid technology to provide long-term benefits to the grid while also helping customers save money by scheduling vehicle charging during off-peak hours when energy prices are low,” said Patty Monahan, CEC’s Lead Commissioner for Transportation.
Quasar 2 is a next-generation 11.5kW bidirectional charger that will enable EV owners to charge and discharge their electric vehicle to power their home, vehicle-to-home (“V2H”) or send energy back to the grid, vehicle-to-grid (“V2G”). On average EVs can hold between 76 and 100kWh of energy, over 5x the amount of energy of a standard 13.5kWh home storage system, and power a typical household’s energy consumption for up to four days, removing the need for expensive home energy storage systems.
Quasar 2’s cutting edge innovation extends to its Power Recovery feature, which was designed specifically for the acute need for backup power, allowing users to transform their EV into a powerful generator in the event of a power outage or blackout. With the use of the Power Recovery Unit, Quasar 2 automatically switches the user’s power source from the grid to their vehicle, providing a critical load to a home during a potential emergency.
Quasar 2 uses ISO 15118-20, making it compatible with all bidirectional EVs that utilize this protocol, including the Kia EV9. Wallbox is currently undergoing the certification process for UL 1741 SB and UL 9741 at Underwriter Laboratories.
*Any estimates of potential savings provided within this document are subject to variations based on geographical locations, local utility rates, and energy consumption rates. Actual savings may vary and are influenced by specific regional factors. Please note that the estimates are provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as guaranteed outcomes.
Einride Smartcharger in Lynwood
Einride, a freight mobility company that provides digital, electric and autonomous technology, announced today the opening of its first U.S. Einride Smartcharger Station in Lynwood, California in Los Angeles County. With 65 chargers and capacity to charge up to 200 vehicles a day, the site is the largest operational charging site for electric heavy duty freight in North America and represents a landmark step for charging infrastructure in the U.S. The site was built in collaboration with Voltera, a developer and owner of charging infrastructure for zero-emission vehicle fleets.
Strategically located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach along the I-710, which handles 29% of all containerized international waterborne trade in the U.S., the site will ensure electric fleets are able to seamlessly integrate into day-to-day shipping operations, while reducing congestion and driver wait times. The charging station currently serves Einride’s connected electric fleets, including routes for global shipping giant A.P. Moller – Maersk. Einride will make the station available for future customers in order to bolster the freight ecosystem in Los Angeles County. A grand opening event will be held in April to mark the official public opening of the site.
“The launch of Einride’s first Smartcharger Station in the U.S. marks a momentous stride in establishing digital, electric freight as an important enabler to a more resilient U.S. freight system. This facility will enable a key region to fast track to electric, given its proximity to the Port of LA, one of the world’s busiest container ports and a driver of the U.S. economy,” says Robert Falck, CEO and Founder of Einride.
“Our team was able to get Einride’s Lynwood site permitted, built, energized and operational in under 18 months—in the world of charging infrastructure, that’s pretty remarkable,” says Matt Horton, CEO of Voltera. “Our team learned a lot from this project that will help inform and guide our continued build-out of zero-emission vehicle infrastructure nationwide.”
Beyond enabling trucks to recharge in between shipments, Einride’s Smartcharger Station offers truck drivers a lounge complete with key amenities as well as providing information such as charge status, remaining time, power output and performance. The station is integrated with Einride Saga, the intelligent freight operating system that provides AI-powered data insights and powers the full Einride ecosystem. This integration allows Einride to provide customers with real-time updates on demand, location, timing, and utilization of charging infrastructure thus unlocking scalable efficiencies.
The unveiling of the Lynwood Smartcharger Station marks a significant milestone in Einride’s mission to revolutionize freight transportation by making it sustainable, efficient, and scalable. This location is the first of many the company plans to build throughout the country and will serve a critical function in installing capacity to service the region connecting the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Einride charging approach is designed to enable higher fleet productivity, cleaner air quality, and shorter wait times for drivers. Future stations are being pursued on both the West and East coasts, with construction to begin on new sites later this year.
Allison Transmission & New Flyer Hybrid Buses for New Orleans RTA
Allison Transmission, in partnership with New Flyer, a leading bus manufacturer in North America, is proud to announce the selection of Allison-equipped electric hybrid buses by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The New Flyer buses equipped with the Allison eGen Flex® electric hybrid propulsion system will provide a more sustainable transportation solution to the city of New Orleans.
“Incorporating buses equipped with Allison’s electric hybrid system directly supports RTA’s mission to provide safe, dependable, efficient transit services to the residents of and visitors to greater New Orleans,” said Lona Edwards Hankins, CEO, New Orleans Regional Transit Authority. “In our region, emergency preparedness is critical. If we’re faced with a natural disaster, the eGen Flex’s rechargeable energy storage capabilities will allow RTA buses to operate without the need to stop often for fuel, or at a charging station.”
eGen Flex is capable of operating up to 50% of a bus’s typical route in engine-off mode. The system’s electric-only mode is activated through geofencing technology and eliminates engine emissions and noise while loading and unloading passengers and when operating in pre-defined dense pedestrian areas and zero-emission zones. In addition, the electric hybrid solution allows buses to operate accessories, such as air conditioning and heat, at optimal efficiency with clean and quiet electric power.
“Allison is committed to working closely with OEMs and our transit partners as they evaluate technology that helps them reduce their carbon footprint and dependence on fossil fuels,” said Rohan Barua, Vice President, North America Sales, Global Channel and Aftermarket at Allison Transmission. “eGen Flex is the solution that can be implemented now to reduce emissions and achieve sustainability goals as the industry continues to evaluate fully electric technology.”
BMW Neu Klasse Bidirectional
BMW Neue Klasse models scheduled for launch in 2025 will be able to store electricity and function as a power outlet. They are equipped with technology for bidirectional charging – i.e. the ability to both accept and supply electricity.
With the latest design studies, the BMW Vision Neue Klasse sedan and the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X SAV, the BMW Group is showing what the next generation of core vehicles from the BMW brand will look like. They represent the range of technological innovations with which the company is showcasing its future viability.
With the world premiere of the BMW Vision Neue Klasse X, BMW is now announcing another innovation set to enter production: the ability to charge bidirectionally. This technology makes it possible to use the high-voltage battery of an all-electric vehicle as an energy storage device and to return the cached electricity to either your own household supply or the power grid at a later stage.
This makes it even easier for BMW customers to actively contribute to the energy transition and promotes the sustainable generation and use of renewable energy. Functions such as “Vehicle to Home”, “Vehicle to Grid” and “Vehicle to Load” will therefore be available to BMW customers for the first time. This move also underlines the ongoing expansion of the BMW Group Charging offer.
“We are constantly improving our range of charging products and services in order to maximise the benefit to the customer,” says Frank Weber, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Development. “Starting this summer, we will be offering cost-optimised charging together with our partner E.ON in a number of markets. And with the Neue Klasse we will be taking the next step: bidirectional charging. Vehicle to Home and Vehicle to Grid, all fully integrated into our comprehensive charging ecosystem – BMW Connected Home Charging. Using the vehicle, the My BMW App, the BMW backend – plus a BMW DC Wallbox Professional and their photovoltaic system, customers will be able to control the energy flow in such a way that home charging is possible off grid at times. And, of course, they will also be able to lower their charging costs by feeding the electricity stored in their BMW back into the power grid.”
Vehicle to Home: electricity for your household
In the technology’s initial stage, bidirectional charging will enable customers to essentially use their vehicle’s high-voltage battery as a stationary energy storage device. Here, the carbon-neutral electricity generated by the customer’s photovoltaic system is temporarily stored in the vehicle’s battery with the help of the BMW DC Wallbox Professional and then subsequently fed back to power other consumers in the home, making the customer independent from the external power grid for a time and reducing their energy costs.
Vehicle to Grid: feeding into the network
The second stage of bidirectional charging will allow customers to make a portion of their battery’s capacity available externally. This energy capacity can be used for both charging from the grid and discharging electricity into it at appropriate times. Access to the energy market is provided by BMW cooperation partner E.ON. To do this, customers will need the dynamic electricity tariff from E.ON, who will manage the charging process together with the BMW backend to enable revenue generation from the energy exchange.
This function will only become available in the various markets once the necessary regulatory measures have been adopted.
Vehicle to Load: the car as a power bank
The vehicle to Load function allows energy stored in the vehicle to be used for powering external electrical equipment. This means the Neue Klasse can double as a form of mobile power bank for charging an e-bike, for example, or supplying energy to electrical equipment while camping.
Regardless of which type of bidirectional charging is used, the customer’s desire for mobility always comes first. This is ensured by intuitive and easy operation in the My BMW App, which can be used to control the entire BMW Connected Home Charging ecosystem.
Accelerating the energy transition
Bidirectional charging not only ensures greater supply security. By both accepting and supplying electricity, electric vehicles can make a significant contribution to the share of electricity consumption coming from renewable sources. Using the storage capacities provided by high-voltage batteries allows supply and demand in the area of green electricity to be better coordinated. For example, electric vehicle storage systems can selectively absorb peak wind and solar energy generation and release the electricity again during periods of low generation (night, lulls) in supply. This makes it possible to reduce the start-up of fossil power plants and their emissions during such periods. In this way, electric mobility is becoming an ever more integral part of the energy revolution. With bidirectional charging, CO2 emissions can be reduced both in the area of mobility and in power generation overall.
ADS-TECH ChargeBox EV Platform
EV Charging Summit & Expo– ADS-TEC Energy plc (NASDAQ: ADSE), a global leader in battery-buffered, ultra-fast charging technology, unveiled its innovative ChargeBox EV charging platform at the EV Charging Summit & Expo in Las Vegas, March 20-22, 2024.
The ChargeBox has a charging capacity of up to 320 kW, even on power-limited grid connections. It currently supports CCSI charging plus and will soon support NACS charging plugs. This ultra-fast charging solution offers maximum setup flexibility and, compared to conventional DC chargers, can be deployed more quickly with lower cost as it requires no extensive construction or upgrades to high-powered electrical infrastructure.
This week ADS-TEC Energy unveiled the first U.S. deployment of the ChargeBox at a multi-family residential complex in North Miami Beach. This deployment allows drivers at the 470-unit complex to charge their EVs in just minutes and requires only two parking spaces. The complex managers decided against equipping parking spaces at great expense with slower Level 2 chargers which would block the spaces for many hours and are destined to become obsolete in a couple of years. For comparison, 100 Level 2 chargers of 11 kW each have a connected load of 1.1 MW and yet would not charge quickly. Instead, they decided to install the ChargeBox and are demonstrating how quickly and easily ChargeBox can be used without requiring expensive grid expansion.
A compact and efficient solution, ChargeBox is the ideal charging system for apartment buildings and hotels, supermarkets, filling stations, companies, car dealerships and fleet operators, who are increasingly switching to EVs.
The founder and CEO of ADS-TEC Energy, Thomas Speidel, spoke at the EV Charging Summit & Expo conference about the importance of sustainable infrastructure. He noted ChargeBox’s unique business models will make an important contribution to the nationwide adoption of EVs.
“Our aim is to make ultra-fast charging accessible to as many EV drivers as possible,” said Thomas Speidel. “For residents of large apartment buildings, charging in just a few minutes with ChargeBox will become as common as air conditioning, valet parking or elevators. In city centers with limited space and in supermarket and office parking lots, ChargeBox will deliver ultra-fast charging even on power-limited networks. With this solution, we are boosting the U.S.’s EV charging infrastructure and doing our bit to encourage more people to opt for an electric vehicle.”