In this Article
EVgo Autocharge+
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO), one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), announced that more than 50 EV models are eligible for its seamless Autocharge+ feature. Once enrolled, Autocharge+ showcases a best-in-class customer experience for EV drivers by eliminating the need to open an app, swipe a credit card, or tap an EVgo program (RFID) card to initiate a fast charging session on the EVgo network.
Since its launch in September 2022, Autocharge+ has steadily grown across the EVgo network – and in 2023 alone, the percentage of charging sessions initiated using Autocharge+ nearly doubled, reaching approximately 17% of all charging sessions initiated in the fourth quarter. Most EVs with CCS connectors support this feature as well as Tesla models that are compatible with the CCS Combo 1 Adapter.1 Additionally, EVgo plans to support Autocharge+ through its integrated NACS connectors once implemented across the network.
“The key to achieving widespread EV adoption in the U.S. is giving EV drivers a convenient, streamlined charging experience, and Autocharge+ does just that,” said Stacey Stewart, SVP of Charging at EVgo. “Through our collaboration with automakers and ongoing interoperability testing with new and existing EV models, EVgo continues to enhance the customer experience across the network for everyone – no matter which EV model they choose to drive.”
Autocharge+ contributes to EVgo’s “One & Done” success rate, a measure of a driver’s ability to successfully initiate a charging session on their first attempt, by combining payment and session initiation methods into one simple step: plugging in. In addition to the testing and diagnostic work performed at the EVgo Innovation Lab and other efforts included in EVgo’s ReNew program, Autocharge+ contributed to the Company’s achievements in increasing the One & Done success rate by six percentage points over the course of 2023.
Carrar Funding
Carrar, a provider of battery modules and thermal management systems for electric vehicles (EVs), today announced the closing of its $5.3 million Series A funding round to deliver commercial automotive-grade battery modules for electric vehicles with novel internal thermal management based on two-phase immersion technology.
The round included new investors Salida B.V., OurCrowd, and NextGear, and current investors Gentherm, Next Leap Ventures, Dive Digital, and others.
Carrar is transforming e-mobility with battery modules and thermal management systems that dissipate twice the amount of heat of existing solutions, increasing battery lifespan three-fold.
Carrar also improves EV safety by preventing the temperature spirals caused by battery exothermic processes, which lead to thermal runaway and battery fire.
Top Places to Live with EVs— San Jose, Salt Lake, SF, Boston & Seattle
– In 2023, 1.2 million U.S. vehicle buyers chose to go electric according to Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive company. For electric vehicle (EV) owners certain factors, like home-charging ability and easy access to charging facilities are necessary for smooth EV ownership. A new report from Realtor.com® and Cox Automotive has uncovered the top housing markets for EV owners. These markets include; San Jose, Calif.; Salt Lake City, Utah; San Francisco; Boston; Seattle, Wash.; Durham, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Denver, Colo.
“A mix of accessibility to charging facilities and a high share of EV-friendly homes listed on Realtor.com® made these places the most EV-friendly housing markets,” said Danielle Hale, Chief Economist of Realtor.com®. “The data shows that home sellers are very aware of the trend toward electrification. Mirroring the rise in the number of electric vehicles, the share of homes marketing EV-friendly characteristics on Realtor.com® is growing over time. Similarly, rates of EV adoption vary by market, and rates of EV-friendly homes in different areas reflect this. As the number of EV owners grows, I expect to see more demand for at-home charging and EV friendly characteristics from both buyers and renters. Sellers and property managers who can meet this demand–which can be found in newer and older homes– will undoubtedly have an edge.”
Top EV-Friendly Housing Markets
|
Rank |
Top Markets |
Share of EV-Friendly Listing |
# EV per Public Charging Port |
|
1 |
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA |
4.9 % |
24 |
|
2 |
Salt Lake City, UT |
1.6 % |
17 |
|
3 |
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA |
3.8 % |
29 |
|
4 |
Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH |
1.3 % |
13 |
|
5 |
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA |
3.3 % |
29 |
|
6 |
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC |
1.7 % |
21 |
|
7 |
Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX |
2.0 % |
24 |
|
8 |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA |
3.1 % |
29 |
|
9 |
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV |
1.6 % |
19 |
|
10 |
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO |
1.6 % |
20 |
|
11 |
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA |
2.6 % |
30 |
|
12 |
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA |
1.9 % |
26 |
|
13 |
Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA |
1.3 % |
19 |
|
14 |
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA |
2.9 % |
40 |
|
15 |
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA |
2.6 % |
33 |
|
16 |
Urban Honolulu, HI |
2.1 % |
36 |
|
17 |
Portland-South Portland, ME |
0.8 % |
13 |
|
18 |
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA |
1.7 % |
32 |
|
19 |
Fresno, CA |
0.7 % |
14 |
|
20 |
Las Vegas-Henderson-Paradise, NV |
1.1 % |
28 |
The analysis of most EV-friendly housing markets looked at markets on Realtor.com® with a great combination of EV-friendly listings and congestion index, measured as the ratio of EVs and Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) to public charging ports to uncover the best housing markets for electrified-vehicle owners.
The Rise in EV ownership Means More Demand EV-Friendly Homes
As EV ownership grows, so does the share of home listings being described as EV-friendly. In 2023, 0.9% of for-sale homes listed on Realtor.com® were described as EV-friendly. While the share was slightly below 1%, it has been growing rapidly. Five years ago, it was only 0.1%.
In the number one EV-friendly housing market, San Jose, Calif., one in five households has an electric vehicle. The metro area, consequently, also saw the highest share of EV-friendly homes listed (4.9%) among all the metros in 2023. Additionally, Boulder, Colo. (3.4%), Seattle, Wash. (3.3%), Bloomington, Ill. (2.2%), Urban Honolulu, Hawaii (2.1%), Bend, Ore. (2.1%), Trenton, N.J. (2.0%) and Austin, Texas (2.0%) all saw a higher-than-average share of EV-friendly homes listed for sale.
“We have found a clear and positive synergy between the housing market and EV adoption,” remarked Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive. “While we remain in the early innings in the electrification of the auto market with dramatic variation in adoption thus far, EV-friendly homes are proving to be key. Having access to a charger is fundamental to the ease of use for an EV, and when that charger is in a home it is both convenient and economical. This in turn makes EV-friendly homes stand out in markets with more EV owners.”
Opportunity for EV-Friendly Home Growth
There’s a growing demand for more EV-friendly homes to accommodate the increasing number of EV owners. Even in EV-friendly markets like Oxnard, Calif., Riverside, Calif., Urban Honolulu, Hawaii and Portland, Ore, where there’s already a high concentration of EV-friendly listings, the crowded public charging facilities indicate a potential for even greater demand for EV-compatible homes.
– Outdated and insufficient infrastructure, alongside environmental regulatory programs, risk undermining the continued expansion of electric vehicles and EV battery manufacturing in the U.S., according to a new industry report.
In Driving Change: Scaling up EVs in the U.S., U.S. law firm Troutman Pepper has been joined by a variety of market actors to reflect on recent growth in the sector and the impediments to continuing this expansion.
Federal incentives, growing consumer demand, and supportive policies are driving efforts by the automotive industry to scale up production and uptake of electric vehicles. Consumer demand has led to a record number of EVs on the road. Businesses, consumers, and policymakers are increasingly aligning their efforts to support that growth. However, scaling further requires transformative change to infrastructure and environmental regulatory programs – as one report participant put it, “everything has to change.”
The report argues that the continued advancement of EVs requires a fundamental and dynamic upgrade and expansion of charging station infrastructure, along with a supportive regulatory framework for the establishment of new manufacturing facilities in the U.S. to produce EV batteries and vehicles.
Although the federal government has offered significant incentives to accelerate production, auto manufacturers have been left scrambling to unpick complex infrastructure permitting rules. This is further complicated by individual interpretations and implementation by states of federal policies and guidelines.
Andrea Wortzel, Troutman Pepper’s Environmental and Natural Resources Practice Group Leader comments: “While the federal government is pushing out new policies and regulatory guidance to aid in the permitting of battery manufacturing, it is the states that implement those programs. Some states are more cautious than others, and the application of environmental regulatory programs to the various aspects of EV battery manufacturing can vary significantly from state to state.”
Additionally, the report highlights the urgent need for faster permitting for scaled up battery manufacturing facilities, and concerns around the workforce skills, technology, machinery, and raw materials necessary to support the desired growth in this industry.
Dan Anziska, Partner at Troutman Pepper explains: “A lot needs to happen for EVs by 2026 to be widely adopted. That includes speeding up the permitting process for battery gigafactories and speeding up manufacturing facilities. It is expensive and time-consuming to build a massive gigafactory, as well as being reliant on many suppliers, and there are so many that have been announced. There’s competition for everything from labor to equipment and resources.”
Having spoken with EV industry experts who shared their insights about the biggest infrastructure and regulatory challenges facing the industry, the report focuses on the following four recommendations:
1) Continue to expand the public charging station network.
States must clarify the charging station functions that should be performed by electric utilities. In states encouraging non-utility firms to own and operate charging stations, regulators must confirm that operators will not be required to be permitted as public utilities, but be viewed instead as service providers operating in a competitive environment.
2) Provide clarity on environmental rules for battery factories.
Automotive companies and battery makers are driving innovation. However, a lack of regulatory clarity can delay permits and investments in new battery plants in the U.S. Troutman Pepper encourages policymakers to seek and deliver clarity, particularly related to the import or manufacture of chemical components for EV batteries, as well as recycling processes. These rules will help advance innovation in the manufacturing, recycling, and management of battery waste.
3) Streamlined approval processes for key battery chemicals.
The EPA should streamline approvals for chemicals used in EV battery production that are similar to ones already approved. Applicants may not have access to all available information due to trade secret protections. But the EPA does, and could use it to make more informed and streamlined decisions.
Similarly, the EPA could issue additional policies or guidance to outline how wastewater from EV battery production is handled under the 1986 categorical pretreatment standard for battery manufacturing. Minimally, the EPA could outline the information and process for determining whether the standards apply to the technology used in EV battery manufacturing.
4) Encourage innovation and collaboration in battery recycling and disposal.
The industry would benefit from collaboration regarding best management practices associated with EV battery recycling, including management of shredding operations. This includes the development of uniform, certain, and protective environmental permitting programs for EV battery recycling.
Addressing these bottlenecks is essential for the expansion of EV adoption, and the report shares additional proposals from Troutman Pepper’s environmental and energy teams on how this can happen.
Momentum is building for the transition to electric and there is a tremendous push to supercharge EV sales. The report concludes that the right mixture of public policy, investment, and innovation will enable the EV sector to achieve its full potential.
Driving Change: Scaling Up EVs in the U.S. can be downloaded here.
J+ BOOSTER 2
J+ Americas Inc. continues to redefine the future of electric mobility by providing cutting-edge charging solutions such as the groundbreaking J+ BOOSTER 2. The extremely robust, highly flexible and totally safe portable charger for electric vehicles (EVs) sets new benchmarks in terms of convenience and durability. The U.S. subsidiary of a Swiss-based pioneer and market leader in portable EV chargers, J+ Americas – has set a benchmark in terms of safety with the patented J+ CELSIUS temperature sensor, which is installed directly at the plug pins and protects the sockets from overheating.
If a defined temperature value is exceeded, the plug sends a signal to the control unit, which then pauses the charging process in a controlled manner. Once the temperature has normalized, the charging process is resumed with reduced power. If overheating persists, the charging cycle is completely interrupted after the third attempt for safety reasons.
The early detection of overheating problems not only guarantees the integrity of the domestic installation, but also ensures that the battery is fully charged. It has proven to be an effective solution in practice to avoid the risk of fire and thus significantly increase the level of safety.
Only recently, two major car manufacturers had to recall their 220V/240V compact chargers because they can overheat and damage the charging cable and socket if they are connected to an improper or overburdened socket.
Boehm concludes: “We are constantly improving our products. More mainly requested adapters such as the NEMA 6-50 and NEMA 14-50 will be launched soon with J+ CELSIUS temperature monitoring.”
Greenland Tech’s HEVI GEL-5000
Greenland Technologies Holding Corporation (Nasdaq: GTEC) (“Greenland” or the “Company”), a technology developer and manufacturer of electric industrial vehicles and drivetrain systems for material handling machineries and vehicles, today announced completion of its initial sales delivery to Maryland’s Port of Baltimore of the Company’s HEVI GEL-5000 all-electric front loader. The sales are part of a bid Greenland won in 2023, under which Greenland will help facilitate the Port of Baltimore’s ambitious plan to electrify port equipment.
The HEVI GEL-5000 was purpose-designed to not only improve working conditions for operators but also significantly reduce the cost of ownership. The HEVI GEL-5000 is a 5.0 ton rated load all-electric lithium wheeled front loader that boasts strong power, approximately 40,000 pounds operating weight and increased payload options, making it a clean, green front loader with 9 hours of operation time per charge.
The all electric front loader sets new standards, offering operators numerous advantages, such as simplicity in maintenance, zero operating emissions, and an enhanced overall experience, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor usage, including construction, mining, agriculture, industrial, urban construction, waste management, property management and more. Customers can learn more about the HEVI GEL-5000 Electric Wheel Front Loader or schedule a demo at www.gethevi.com.
EV Efficency Can Reduce Electricity Infrastructure
– In a joint study issued today, EPRI and NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) found that electric vehicle (EV) efficiency improvements have the potential to significantly reduce future electric infrastructure buildout, energy usage, and consumer costs over the next three decades as the U.S. works toward meeting net-zero targets by 2050.
According to the study, by 2050, continued advances in EV efficiencies could:
- Reduce electricity consumption per mile in half;
- Lower electricity demand by hundreds of terawatt-hours annually and decrease associated grid buildout, reducing peak demand by nearly 300 gigawatts; and,
- Provide consumer energy cost savings of more than $200 billion annually if accomplished without raising vehicle costs.
Key vehicle energy efficiency measures evaluated include reduced weight without sacrificing size or safety, reduced aerodynamic drag, improved battery and powertrain efficiency, and higher battery energy density. According to the study, efficiency gains create opportunities for lower vehicle ownership costs and better performance. Also, more efficient battery technology could lessen supply chain concerns by reducing the quantity of raw materials needed to produce batteries.
“Transportation energy efficiency gains can provide many benefits to society,” said Rob Chapman, EPRI senior vice president of Energy Delivery and Customer Solutions. “This study demonstrates that continued advances in EV efficiency have the potential to substantially reduce physical grid and charger buildout, which could further decrease consumer energy bills and help electric companies keep better pace with accelerating customer demand. Lower cost of vehicle ownership and less need for home charging electrical upgrades can make electric mobility more accessible to all communities.”
The study applied EPRI’s U.S. REGEN model to assess consumer energy choices and energy system buildout under four scenarios that varied the efficiency characteristics of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty on-road vehicles. The four scenarios, developed by a team of experts including EPRI, NRDC, and RMI cofounder Amory Lovins, include a case in which today’s technology doesn’t improve over time, an intermediate scenario with improved technology at a rate roughly consistent with historic efficiency trends, and two scenarios reflecting accelerated trends toward advanced efficiency gains.
“Vehicle electrification is a critical strategy for meeting clean air and safe climate goals,” said Luke Tonachel, senior strategist for transportation at NRDC. “If we do it most effectively and efficiently, we can add to the environmental benefits by minimizing power demand from electric vehicles, right sizing the electrical grid and charging infrastructure, and minimizing battery materials. Technologies to improve electric vehicle efficiency are known, and it is now time for the electric and vehicle industries, policymakers, and other stakeholders to come together on solutions to promote their use.”
Invisible Charging for CBRE
Invisible Urban Charging (IUC), a pioneer in charging-as-a-service solutions, announced that it has entered into an agreement with CBRE Group, Inc., the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment company, to support a nationwide rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Working with CBRE, IUC is targeting the deployment of one million EV chargers over the next five years – the largest EV commitment made by a company to date.
“We’re honored to partner with CBRE to accelerate the transition to electric transport,” said Nigel Broomhall, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of IUC. “This collaboration, which is the largest EV charging-as-a-service deal worldwide, sets a new standard in property development and revolutionizes the EV charging landscape. We’re not only enhancing property values, but also shaping a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.”
Under the terms of the agreement, CBRE will provide site selection, project management, installation, and ongoing maintenance services. In turn, IUC will provide the funding and the charging hardware and software as well as manage operations through its charging-as-a-service platform. Sites for EV charger deployment include, but are not limited to properties currently serviced by CBRE.
“We are excited to help IUC accelerate transport electrification,” said John Belbusti, Global President, Project Management & Electric Vehicle Solutions at CBRE. “CBRE’s EV solution enables clients like IUC to deliver on audacious goals by leveraging our expertise in site selection, project and construction management, and facilities maintenance, as well as our strong relationships with utilities and permitting agencies. Our ability to deliver these solutions at scale will create competitive advantage for IUC.”
Eileen Murray, senior advisor to IUC, added, “Working with CBRE increases our ability to deliver an immense positive change to the EV charging space, providing critical infrastructure that the country desperately needs. This kind of partnership gets parties working together to support the transition to more sustainable operations through innovation and can serve as a model for tackling the large-scale challenges we face.”
IUC’s comprehensive EV solution offers facilities operators a seamless charging experience, from hardware deployment at parking lots to a user-friendly mobile app for drivers. Through the IUC connected platform, clients gain centralized access to monitor, optimize, and report on all aspects of their EV infrastructure. Real-time insights into charger status, charging patterns, and energy consumption empower locations to deliver an optimized EV charging experience and enhanced satisfaction for both clients and tenants.
////
Workhorse Group Inc. (Nasdaq: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, today announced it has added Ziegler Truck Group to its network of dealers, bringing the Company’s total dealer count to 11 partners nationwide.
Ziegler Truck Group has locations in Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, expanding Workhorse’s dealer network across the Midwest region. With a 110-year legacy of selling and servicing the premier brands in construction, energy, and agriculture equipment, Ziegler Truck Group brings vast knowledge, advanced infrastructure, and expertise to the zero-emission vehicle space.
Amprius Tech Centrotherm Tool Qualifies
Amprius Technologies, Inc. (“Amprius” or the “Company”) (NYSE: AMPX), a leader in next-generation lithium-ion batteries with its Silicon Anode Platform, announced that it has completed its qualification process for its centrotherm mass production deposition tool (the “centrotherm tool”) to manufacture silicon nanowire anodes. This milestone marks a pivotal step in ramping production capacity to meet the growing demand for its ultra-high-energy SiMaxx™ cells in electric mobility applications.
Throughout its capacity expansion in Fremont, Amprius has been working on its anode fabrication process for the centrotherm tool to achieve the targeted silicon anode performance necessary for Amprius to begin shipping commercial cells. Amprius’ demand pipeline is robust with current SiMaxx capacity sold out through 2024. With this qualification process complete, Amprius is able to complement the Company’s existing roll-to-roll systems with the centrotherm tool. This enables an increase in SiMaxx shipments as Amprius advances its Fremont, California, production ramp to 2 MWh, representing approximately a 10X increase in capacity online exiting 2024.
“This achievement signifies a crucial advancement in scaling up production capacity to address the increasing need for our ultra-high-energy cells in electric mobility applications,” said Jon Bornstein, President of Amprius Labs. “Our primary focus in Fremont is to supply high-energy cells to meet this demand. The successful qualification of our production solution not only accelerates our ramp-up in Fremont this year but also prepares us to manufacture SiMaxx at our gigawatt-hour-scale factory in Brighton, CO.”
In addition to internal validation, Amprius has garnered support from industry partners such as BAE Systems. Robert Davidson from BAE Systems emphasized the importance of Amprius’ qualification progress, stating, “The availability of ultra-high-energy cells is paramount to extend the operating capability of our PHASA-35 High-Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) vehicle. We are excited that Amprius is increasing the production capacity of its most advanced cells, aligning with our goal of establishing aircraft capable of addressing next-generation applications in long endurance, high altitude, and communications.”
Green Li-on 1st Commercial Grade Install
Green Li-ion, a lithium-ion battery recycling technology company, announced the launch of its first commercial-scale installation to produce sustainable, battery-grade materials, the first of its kind in North America. The plant, located within an existing recycling facility, will produce valuable battery-grade cathode and anode materials from concentrated components of spent batteries using Green Li-ion’s patented multi-cathode-producing Green-hydrorejuvenation™ technology.
The current recycling process for spent lithium-ion batteries in North America includes sorting batteries before shredding, which are then processed into “black mass” and further into sulfates. The material is then exported overseas, most often to China and South Korea, for further processing. Green Li-ion’s patented technology utilizes a novel and advanced hydrometallurgical approach that closes the recycling loop by directly converting recycling scrap into battery-grade precursor cathode active material (pCAM) without being exported for further processing. In contrast to legacy processes, Green Li-ion’s process significantly reduces production time, yielding pCAM in around 12 hours. It also boasts environmental benefits, emitting up to 90 percent fewer GHG emissions than virgin materials processing. The Green Li-ion installation is the first plant on the continent capable of processing unsorted black mass of different Li-ion battery chemistries into pCAM at commercial scale, ensuring 99 percent purity. The Atoka plant and all other Green Li-ion installations are fully customizable, capable of producing materials meeting the specifications battery cell producers require, and based on customers’ desired material output from the plant.
“Green Li-ion’s installation closes a critical gap in the North American battery recycling supply chain,” said Leon Farrant, CEO and Co-Founder of Green Li-ion. “Electrification will require manufacturers to exert greater control over their critical mineral supplies. We aim to show American companies the benefits of a customizable and fully vertically integrated battery recycling solution when operating as part of an existing manufacturing process.”
Green Li-ion offers flexible options for manufacturers and recyclers to utilize its technology either through a licensing agreement that allows the plant to be installed in their own facilities or through a tolling agreement where they can send their black mass to Green Li-ion-owned plants for processing directly into battery materials. This flexibility allows customers to integrate Green Li-ion’s technology seamlessly into their production process, allowing for greater control over critical mineral supply. Alternatively, customers can adjust their supply chains and associated costs via tolling. In addition, the modular nature of Green Li-ion systems allows for rapid deployment and setup that enables operations to begin in a few months instead of building dedicated infrastructure over several years.
By on-shoring black mass and battery waste processing with cathode and anode material production, battery manufacturers and recyclers can significantly reduce the cost and CO2 emissions impacts of their operations and supply chains. Provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have made domestic battery recycling even more attractive, thanks to tax credits for companies that manufacture batteries in the U.S. and credits for companies using recycled battery materials.
“Our plant in Atoka is a glimpse into the future of the battery recycling industry in North America,” said Stephen Hayward, Vice President of Operations at Green Li-ion. “The Inflation Reduction Act and business-friendly policies in Oklahoma have spurred innovation, and the state is proving to be the center of the re-growing manufacturing industry in the U.S. We aim to show original equipment manufacturers, diversified industrials with a battery recycling business unit, and pure-play recyclers how working with Green Li-ion technology can help them capitalize on the trend toward electrification.”
Carol Ervin said, “The Atoka City Industrial Development Authority is excited to include Green Li-ion as a valued community partner situated within our Atoka Heavy Industrial Park.” The ACIDA Director continued, “By using local suppliers and vendors and working with the Technology Center, they have made a substantial contribution to the expansion of the private sector and job opportunities in Atoka.”
The Green Li-ion plant in Atoka is expected to create two metric tons of pCAM at battery grade, or the equivalent of 72,000 smartphone batteries per day, with plans to quadruple this capacity within the coming year.
Green Li-ion has developed technology to process lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries to extract battery-grade iron phosphate plus lithium and graphite. Currently, there are a limited number of lab/pilot-stage LFP battery recycling projects. LFP batteries are expected to outgrow other battery chemistries and represent a significant portion of the market by the next decade.
Voltpost EV Charging on Lamposts in NYC, Chicago & Detroit
Voltpost, the lamppost electric vehicle (EV) charging company, announced the commercial availability of an innovative, award-winning curbside EV charging solution. The company is developing and deploying EV charging projects in major U.S. metro areas, including New York, Chicago, Detroit and others, this spring.
Voltpost decarbonizes mobility by democratizing charging access. The company retrofits lampposts into a modular and upgradable Level 2 EV charging platform powered by a mobile app. This first-of-a-kind platform provides people convenient and affordable charging while reducing the install cost and time, maintenance and footprint of chargers for communities.
While Voltpost can serve any EV, the lamppost charging platform proves particularly valuable for urban EV drivers living in multi-unit housing who lack dedicated parking spaces and have nowhere to charge an EV near their home. Unlike other curbside charging solutions, Voltpost can install a charger in one-to-two hours for a fraction of the cost with no construction, trenching or extensive permitting processes. The ease of installation helps bring more EV charging to underserved communities, high-density areas and other “charging deserts.”
“Voltpost is striving to make EV chargers as common as the traditional lamppost. We are empowering people with convenient and affordable charging access that fits into the fabric of the built environment,” said Jeff Prosserman, Co-Founder and CEO of Voltpost. “As we bring our differentiated curbside and parking lot charging solution to market, we are confident that Voltpost will build more sustainable and resilient communities by decarbonizing mobility.”
The Voltpost curbside EV charging solution features:
- Integrated retractable cable management system in the charger that maximizes uptime and lowers operating and maintenance cost. This system has 20 feet of cable for convenient access to any part of the vehicle.
- Flexible and adaptive design for various use cases and environments, accommodating either 2 or 4 charging ports.
- Safety features exceeding the industry standard specifications for environmental exposure and vandalism.
- Proprietary ChargePlug with a pulsing light which routes the cable at a 90˚ angle to the car socket. This ensures that the cable does not present a hazard to adjacent traffic and pedestrians.
- Modular platform design allowing for quick and easy exchanges and upgrades. The design maximizes uptime, reduces operating and maintenance costs and supports smart city services including connectivity and grid services.
- Mobile application enabling drivers to manage charging events. Drivers have access to a map of available and in-use Voltpost chargers with the power to make reservations, track charging events, pay based on electricity consumed and gain insights on financial and environmental savings.
- Charge Station Management System (CSMS) that provides charging analytics for public and private stakeholders. The CSMS enables site hosts to set charger features including pricing and remotely monitor chargers.
“Many people hesitate to buy an EV due to range anxiety and lack of charging options—imagine what that’s like for people living in cities in multi-unit dwellings and no dedicated parking,” said Voltpost advisor Laura Fox, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Streetlife Ventures and former General Manager of Citi Bike. “Voltpost’s solution is a no-brainer for urban curbside charging—it uses and upgrades existing urban infrastructure (lampposts) for a fraction of the cost of traditional approaches, while enabling future urban use cases for that infrastructure—from 5G installs to air quality monitoring, e-bike charging and more. The Voltpost team has the vision and experience to provide urban EV users across all economic backgrounds with access to charging and accelerate the electric mobility transition.”
Last year, Voltpost participated in the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Studio program, a collaboration between the NYC DOT and Newlab. During this time, Voltpost piloted the installation of charging stations on lampposts in New York, contributing to the city’s goal of installing 10,000 curbside chargers.
Voltpost installed chargers on lampposts at Newlab and in a DOT parking lot, gaining insights into cost-effective and efficient deployment strategies and informing the commercial launch. Voltpost’s chargers were quickly installed in one hour, operated with the highest uptime of any service in the pilot program and elicited positive feedback from New York drivers.
Voltpost enables cities and businesses to meet the growing demand for EV charging with a modern, elegant design while creating new revenue streams. Voltpost was founded in New York City and San Francisco and builds its chargers in the U.S. To learn more about how Voltpost can bring lamppost EV charging to your community, please visit https://www.voltpost.com/contact.