Wallbox & ChargeLab Commerical EV Charger Deployments
Wallbox (NYSE: WBX), a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions, and ChargeLab, a pioneering EV charging software provider, announce a strategic partnership to streamline commercial EV charger deployments across North America. This collaboration integrates cutting-edge hardware and smart software to offer distributors a bundled solution.
Under the terms of this partnership, Wallbox’s Pulsar Pro Level 2 charger and Supernova 180 DC fast chargers sold as part of this bundled offering will come pre-configured to utilize ChargeLab software through OCPP. This integration unlocks a plethora of smart charging features, including power management (load balancing), pricing functionality for charger monetization, and access control. The combined solution is an ideal choice for charging deployments in workplaces, multi-family dwellings, and public charging networks.
“Following the successful launch of our Supernova 180 in North America, we are excited to announce our partnership with ChargeLab which will allow us to offer customers in a number of key locations across North America, a holistic commercial solution.” said Fred Turner, Senior Director at Wallbox North America. “The integration of ChargeLab’s advanced software with our state of the art chargers will simplify and enhance the overall experience for distributors, Charge Point Operators and end users, ultimately helping to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.”
“The partnership between Wallbox and ChargeLab marks a significant milestone in the evolution of EV chargers as a product line for electrical distributors,” remarked Zak Lefevre, CEO of ChargeLab. “By integrating our smart software capabilities with Wallbox’s top-of-the-line hardware, we are empowering the market with a holistic solution that not only meets current needs but also paves the way for future scale.”
Supernova 180: Supernova’s award-winning and compact design, ensures reliability and efficiency for all stakeholders. With 180 kW power, Supernova 180 can add a 100 miles of range in under ten minutes, or power two EVs simultaneously at 90 kW each. To date Wallbox has installed over 2,000 Supernova’s worldwide.
Pulsar Pro: Pulsar Pro is the latest addition to Wallbox’s Pulsar family, the company’s globally best selling product line. Designed for commercial installations and shared spaces, the Pulsar Pro includes RFID, is ISO 15118 plug and charge ready, and offers higher processing speeds for better performance.
ChargeLab CSMS: The future of EV charger management, built by EV drivers for EV drivers. ChargeLab CSMS is an OCPP-compliant, cloud-based service for connecting and managing EV chargers. It includes streamlined web apps for EV drivers, a powerful dashboard for site hosts, compliance with North American regulations, plus back-office services like 24/7 support, API access, and more.
The bundle offering will include exclusive access to specially priced software that can be bundled with all units from the Wallbox range.
For more information about the partnership and the bundled offerings, please visit www.chargelab.co and www.wallbox.com.
EVMatch Partners with Autel
Electric vehicle software and technology provider EVmatch announced a partnership today with EV charging manufacturer Autel, focused on increasing choice for multi-family and commercial building owners.
In 2023, EVs represented an all-time high of 9.5% of all new passenger vehicle sales per the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. These new drivers, as well as existing EV drivers, need access to reliable charging options that fit their budget and lifestyle.
To support this growing demand for flexible and advanced charging, EVmatch announced that its software for payment processing, reservations, and access controls is now integrated with the Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Business and AC Ultra charging stations. Autel charging stations include a number of new features that align with the most advanced industry standards – notably, California Type Evaluation Program (CTEP) certification and ISO15118 compliance. CTEP certified hardware is required for new publicly available charging stations in California and ISO15118 compliance is a growing requirement for rebate programs from utilities and governments.
“We started EVmatch to address a major barrier to EV adoption, the lack of reliable and convenient charging options for renters and apartment dwellers,” said Heather Hochrein, Founder and CEO of EVmatch. “Our newest partnership with Autel advances our efforts to make charging easy, reliable, and accessible to all by combining our reservation management software with future-proofed EV charging hardware. Together with Autel, we’re supporting the latest industry standards and enhancing choices for property owners.”
EVmatch and Autel’s combined solution help property owners future-proof their charging systems, ensuring they meet the needs of drivers and evolving technology advancements. The two companies hope that their partnership paves the way for further innovation in the EV charging industry and supports rapid charging infrastructure deployment at small and medium-sized businesses and apartment communities.
EVmatch operates a nationwide shared EV charging network, enabling apartment operators, business owners, and other private properties to seamlessly manage and monetize charging stations in shared spaces. The EVmatch app is available for download (Google Play & App Store) and online at www.evmatch.com.
Autel specializes in the R&D, production, sales and service of automotive advanced diagnostics, detection and analysis systems and electronic components. Autel products are mainly sold to more than 50 countries and regions such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
CALSTART EnergIIZE Helps fund Revolv
Today, Revolv, a leading full-service provider of electric commercial fleets, announced that it has secured funding that covers 70% of the total charging infrastructure costs from CALSTART’s EnergIIZE (Energy Infrastructure Incentives for Zero-Emission Commercial Vehicles) program to help California corporations transition from combustion to electric fleets. The grant, which Revolv managed for two of its existing clients, includes a total of $445,000 in award funding.
As an EnergIIZE-approved vendor, Revolv managed and submitted the comprehensive application to EnergIIZE to demonstrate project readiness, cost-effectiveness, and community benefits for their fleet electrification programs. And, after a rigorous application process, both Revolv’s customers – one based in Orange County and another based in Los Angeles County – were awarded $367k and $78k, respectively.
“First, we’d like to thank CALSTART for spearheading such an important program which has become critical in ensuring California fleets have the necessary funding to decarbonize their fleets,” said Quentin Cole, Director of Infrastructure, Development & Operations at Revolv. “We’re encouraged to see that two more fleet electrification projects will come to fruition as a result of California incentives and are happy to be delivering on our value proposition to our customers.”
Funded by the California Energy Commission’s Clean Transportation Program, EnergIIZE provides reimbursement grants for infrastructure projects that deploy zero-emission vehicle charging for medium-duty and heavy-duty commercial fleets. The Electric Vehicle (EV) Jump Start Funding Lane covers up to 75% of eligible equipment and software costs related to the acquisition, operation, and maintenance of chargers, management software, and electrical infrastructure (including switchgears, panels, conduit, and meters). This funding lane is intended for fleet users who are located in or who have at least 50% of fleet operations in disadvantaged communities.
The next round of EnergIIZE project funding opens today, July 16, 2024. With 20 current client sites throughout 10 counties in California, Revolv continues to partner with corporations looking to electrify their fleets by helping them through the EnergIIZE application process.
itselectric Seed Funding
itselectric, a Brooklyn-based electric vehicle curbside charging company, announced its $6.5M seed round, bringing its total funding to date to $11.8M. The raise, led by Failup Ventures and Uber Technologies, and with participation from Halogen Ventures, The Partnership Fund for NYC, Pulse Fund, Newlab, Gratitude Railroad, Tale VP, Equity Alliance Fund, LACI Impact Fund, and The Helm, will support deployments across seven cities in the United States in 2024, including Boston, Los Angeles, Detroit, Jersey City, and San Francisco. With fresh funding, itselectric’s curbside charging infrastructure will also help support Uber’s goal of helping rideshare drivers go electric.
EV sales in the U.S. have quadrupled over the past four years, with more than four million EVs on the road. Additionally, charging ports are up 70%, with an estimated 170,000 publicly available chargers across the country. However, as of March 2024, the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy predicts the U.S. will need 28 million EV charging ports to support over 30 million EV drivers by 2030. Moreover, new legislation in states like California and New York mandates that rideshare drivers transition to electric vehicles by 2030, underscoring the need for convenient and affordable curbside charging solutions.
“2023 was the hottest year on record with transportation as one of the largest contributors of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The decision to drive electric will make an impactful difference; however the lack of public charging is one of the leading barriers deterring drivers from making the transition from their current gas vehicles,” said Tiya Gordon, co-founder and COO of itselectric. “At itselectric, our mission is to make charging easy, convenient, and affordable not only for drivers, but for cities, providing the pathway for everyone to go electric.”
itselectric’s Level-2 charging posts eliminate the need for utility permitting, connection and coordination by connecting behind-the-meter to draw spare electrical supply from adjacent buildings. This allows them to be installed at zero cost to property owners or cities. itselectric then shares revenue earned at each charger with the property owners, bringing both clean transportation infrastructure and economic benefits to all communities. Additionally, itselectric offers the only UL-certified detachable cable EV charger, reflecting the company’s commitment to customer experience and innovation, with a focus on safety and product quality.
Envoy Charging at Indigo in Fort Bend, Texas
Meristem Communities, a Houston-based real estate development company committed to creating Places for People™, has announced an agreement with Envoy Technologies Inc. (“Envoy”), a Blink Charging Co. entity and leading provider of electric vehicle car-sharing services and community-based electric vehicles (EVs). Under the agreement, Envoy will deploy EV carsharing services at Indigo, a new 235-acre neighborhood in Fort Bend County, Texas.
Envoy integrates with multi-resident communities to provide turnkey EV sharing and charging stations as an amenity. Residents of Indigo will have access to Envoy’s Rivian R1T vehicle via the Envoy mobile app, (available on Android and IOS devices) and can book their vehicle by the minute, hour, or day. Residents can also charge the vehicles at dedicated ground-level stations on-site at no additional cost.
Currently in phase one of development, Indigo is being designed with a people-first approach and focused on creating resilient residential life, work, and leisure. Upon completion, the neighborhood will include approximately 800 residences, 42 acres of devoted agriculture, a 25-acre lake, and more than 70,000 square feet of mixed-use commercial development. Indigo will feature a connected village of retail, small businesses, residential living, and outdoor spaces, with a 12-acre town center that draws inspiration from traditional Main Streets where buildings are at a human-scale and encourage interaction.
Workhorse Group Contract from Sourcewell
Workhorse Group Inc. (Nasdaq: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, t announced that it has been awarded a Sourcewell contract for procurement in the category of Class 4-8 chassis and cabs with related equipment, accessories, and services. This significant achievement allows Workhorse to expand its reach to government, educational, and nonprofit sectors within all 50 states and Canada.
Sourcewell is a government agency created by the Minnesota legislature as a local unit of government (Minn. Const. art. XII, sec. 3) and serves as a service cooperative. Sourcewell is dedicated to streamlining the procurement process and combines the purchasing power of numerous agencies into a single cooperative group. Their contracts are competitively solicited to meet the public bidding requirements of participating entities. Workhorse was awarded a Sourcewell contract following a rigorous request for proposal process resulting in contracts that meet, or exceed, local procurement requirements.
As an awarded contract supplier, Workhorse has joined an elite group of vendors approved to serve Sourcewell’s network of members across the United States and Canada. Sourcewell participants now have streamlined access to Workhorse’s portfolio of all-electric medium-duty vehicles, including the W56 step van, W750 step van, and W4 CC cab chassis.
Ford Pro Charging Bundle
Ford Pro™, Ford Motor Company’s commercial division, introduces the Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle to California, one of America’s larger commercial fleet markets.
Charging operations for electric vehicle fleets can be complex. The Ford Pro Smart Charging Bundle aims to help California businesses with electric vehicles in their fleet while improving operations and reducing upfront and ongoing EV charging costs. The bundle offers a complimentary Ford Pro Level 2 48-amp charger or a Level 2 80-amp charger for depot and workplace charging to businesses subscribed to Ford Pro Charging software.
Going electric for businesses isn’t just about lowering environmental impacts, it’s about the bottom line. The all-electric E-Transit™ requires no gasoline, scheduled maintenance is estimated to be 48 percent less than a gas-powered 2024 Transit®1, and businesses can use the smart charging software to schedule charging during off-peak hours when utility costs are typically lower.
The new automated demand-to-grid response solution in Ford Pro’s Charging Software reacts to grid events in California such as high local demand by automatically pausing charging, alerting the customer, and resuming charging when the event is over. This can help reduce the burden on the grid and reduce the risk of brownouts and blackouts for a more resilient power system. Ford Pro will manage the enrollment process for customers in California grid demand response programs that manage grid capacity, energy programs, and emergency load programs as well as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) carbon credits program.
“California is an EV pioneer, and new regulations aim to accelerate businesses’ electric transition,” said Ted Cannis, Ford Pro CEO. “We’re here to do the heavy lifting and help companies navigate the complexities of electrification, helping them be more productive and efficient as they add EVs to their fleet. Our smart charging software helps businesses effectively manage their charging operations, including scheduled charging to avoid peak periods when electricity is in high demand at high rates and automated participation in grid events.”
Always-On Solutions
Ford Pro delivers an always-on, connected customer experience through a comprehensive, integrated suite of solutions including vehicles, charging, software, financing, fleet management, and service for all commercial and government customers.
Ford is the leading global commercial vehicle brand and America’s best-selling line of commercial vehicles for 39 consecutive years,2 featuring BUILT FORD TOUGH® commercial trucks and vans integrated with Ford Pro software and services.
Mercedes-Benz High Power Charging @Starbucks
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks announced a strategic collaboration to electrify over 100 Starbucks stores across the country. The vision for the first phase of the program will be to co-locate industry-leading 400 kW electric vehicle (EV) chargers at Starbucks stores located along Interstate 5 (I-5) – a critical west coast travel corridor spanning from Canada to Mexico. The two companies share an ambition to identify additional opportunities in key markets, including core urban areas, charging deserts, and other critical travel corridors.
“The collaboration between two leading brands like Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks will uplift the charging experience for all EV drivers,” said Andrew Cornelia, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging. “Together, we seek to infuse delight into this facet of EV ownership through intentional experiences that make drivers genuinely excited to plug in. We envision a future where charging your vehicle is as easy as enjoying your favorite Starbucks.”
“At Starbucks, we have a long history of bringing renewable and clean energy projects to connect communities that lack this infrastructure,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Partnering with Mercedes is the next step in expanding our EV charging network so our customers can refuel sustainably while they enjoy Starbucks.”
Sustainability is a driving strategy at both Mercedes-Benz and Starbucks. Starbucks’ renewable energy projects, including EV charging, help further its goal to reduce carbon emissions 50 percent by 2030. In the U.S., Starbucks customers can enjoy their favorite beverage while charging at over 1,000 company-operated and licensed stores with nearby access to EV charging. In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, Starbucks continues to expand its EV charging network with the goal of bringing renewable energy and clean technology to more communities while providing a customer experience designed with greater connection, ease, and sustainable impact.
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging is supporting Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s target to go electric through the development of a public charging network open to all vehicle brands. The network is powered by 100% clean energy as part of the Mercedes-Benz “Ambition 2039” to reach carbon neutrality across its entire fleet and value chain.
Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging opened its inaugural charging site in November 2023 as part of an initial $1 billion investment to build the most desirable charging network. In the months since its launch, the network has made fast progress opening a dozen locations with 400 kW speed charging across Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Kentucky. The network is expected to expand to nearly half of the US states over the next 12-18 months. With a commitment to elevate the charging experience, Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging will align with leading brands to fill gaps in quality of the charging experience, reimagine spatial design, and create market leading consumer offerings and experiences.
Range Energy & South Coast AQMD to Power Trailers
Range Energy (Range), the company bringing powered trailers to the commercial trucking market, announced a partnership with the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), the local air pollution control agency. The project will focus on building and demonstrating electric-powered trailers for the Class 8 truck market and advancing emissions reduction technologies for goods movement with commercial fleets.
Range’s electric-powered trailer system is expected to deliver substantial fuel savings and reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) pollutants, in addition to demonstrating the efficiency and decarbonization benefits of deploying electric-powered trailers. Range’s trailer system can also extend the range of future zero-emission vehicles when they scale in the market, proving to be a future-proof investment for fleets.
As part of this project, Range will build a battery electric-powered trailer equipped with standard interfaces that are compatible with both diesel and electric tractors, eliminating the need for costly retrofits. The project will undergo a comprehensive one-month demonstration period, including real-time emissions measurements to assess the environmental impact and performance of the electric-powered hybrid trailers.
Key project objectives include:
- Vehicle build and commissioning: including the build of a battery electric-powered trailer tailored for Class 8 diesel or electric tractors.
- Vehicle deployment, demonstration, and evaluation: including delivering the electric-powered trailers to end-users, data collection through telematics systems, and a performance evaluation in collaboration with the University of California, Riverside College of Engineering – Center for Environmental Research & Technology (UCR/CE-CERT).
- Vehicle maintenance and support: including the training of operators and technicians in addition to the creation of operation and maintenance manuals.
“Range was founded with a mission to make towing cleaner, safer, and more efficient while advancing economic viability for fleets,” said Ali Javidan, CEO and founder, Range Energy. “Electric-powered trailers are critical for the industry to achieve cleaner air and sustainable transportation solutions, and this partnership is an important opportunity to demonstrate the near-term efficiency and emissions reductions benefits in the South Coast region.”
“Transportation associated with goods movement, such as trucks, planes, and trains is responsible for the majority of air pollution that impacts our communities in Southern California,” said Wayne Nastri, Executive Officer, South Coast AQMD. “Projects like this one are needed to provide near- and long-term solutions to reducing emissions from the transportation sector.”
ChargePoint in Rhode Island 1st State Phase 1 NEVI
ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading provider of networked charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs), announced continued leadership in enabling DC fast charging at National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program funded locations. Two newly opened ChargePoint sites along Interstate 95 in Rhode Island make it the first state in the nation to complete Phase 1 of the NEVI program.
NEVI is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) $5 billion electric vehicle infrastructure bill, designed to make ultra-fast charging accessible and reliable across U.S. highways. ChargePoint continues to be an EV charging industry leader in receipt of NEVI awards, with 40% of U.S. states announcing their awards to date. The Company and its partners have been selected for awards at more than 125 sites. These sites total $75 million in proposed grant funding and represent nearly 600 fast charging ports across 20 U.S. states that have announced NEVI awards to date.
“ChargePoint and its partners continue to lead the industry by enabling the most NEVI-funded fast charging locations along major U.S. highways,” said Anne Smart, Vice President, Public Policy at ChargePoint. “Together with our partners, we are enabling accessible, reliable fast charging solutions across the U.S., ensuring all EV drivers can access charging when and where they need it.”
“The completion of NEVI Phase 1 marks a milestone moment in Rhode Island’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By creating the infrastructure for cleaner transportation alternatives, we’re not only working towards our Act on Climate goals but leading the charge to decrease our carbon footprint. I’m grateful to the private and public partners who came together on this project that demonstrates our state’s continued commitment to enhancing our state’s EV charging infrastructure and the green economy.”
All of the NEVI sites awarded to ChargePoint customers or partners feature ChargePoint Express Plus charging stations, a modular DC fast charging platform capable of delivering charge speeds up to 500kWh. Express Plus configurations include cable options for the most prevalent CCS connector, and the NACS connector more commonly associated with Tesla vehicles. Express Plus combines with ChargePoint’s innovative software to charge every make and model of electric vehicle available today. The charging platform can simultaneously ultra-fast charge two vehicles from the same charging station, and uses a proprietary technology to sustain peak charging speeds, enabling an EV driver to charge and go without unanticipated delays.
Panasonic & CSIRO Partner for Nickel Recovery
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, announced that it has entered into an agreement regarding joint development with Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO. The agreement covers the development of new nickel laterite processing technologies for recovering nickel, an essential raw material in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries.
Through this collaboration, Panasonic Energy and CSIRO are laying the groundwork for the future utilization of Australian nickel laterite resources and the creation of a low-cost, low-environmental- impact raw material and supply chain. The joint development leverages CSIRO’s expertise in mineral processing and Panasonic Energy’s extensive knowledge of battery materials. The goal is to strengthen Australia’s nickel industry and secure high-quality nickel resources to meet the global demands of future battery production.
CSIRO excels in industrial technology development and is engaged in a wide range of research areas including agriculture, the environment, information technology, healthcare, materials, manufacturing, minerals, and energy. Leveraging its location in resource-rich Australia, it plays a leading role in in the research and technological development related to minerals.
In the current global market, while countries like Indonesia lead in nickel production, Australia boasts the world’s second-largest reserves of the mineral. Given its significant lateritic reserves and the growing global demand for lithium-ion batteries, Australia has the potential to become a key player in producing nickel, a crucial cathode material especially for high-capacity batteries, using eco-friendly processes.
Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering collaborations like this one with CSIRO, driving advancements in the global lithium-ion battery industry, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable society.