Blink EV Charging Fee Added
Blink EV charging stations are adding an extra charge. The company adding $0.49 “access fee” at select locations, with plans to expand to more stations over time. This fee will apply to every charging session. Some stations, which are owned by hosts, may add on their own additional charges. Despite this new fee, Blink reassures users that its membership program will still come with no monthly subscription costs.
10 Green Power Vans Ordered
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 an order for 10 EV Star Passenger Vans to be delivered to Washington University in St. Louis for on-campus student transportation.
Blue Bird Support US EPA Funding of School Buses
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, commends the announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide $965 million in additional funding for clean school buses to reduce pollution and enhance student and community health. The fourth round of funding builds on nearly $3 billion already awarded through the EPA’s landmark Clean School Bus Rebate Program. The program to date will enable approximately 1,300 school districts across the U.S. to replace old diesel buses with nearly 8,700 electric and ultra-low emission vehicles.
The EPA’s Clean School Bus Rebate Program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which provides an unprecedented $5 billion of funding to transform the nation’s fleet of school buses. The Clean School Bus Program funds zero- and low-emission buses, including electric and propane buses, which produce lower tailpipe emissions than their diesel predecessors.
“The EPA announced nearly $1 billion of funding from the fourth round of the widely popular and highly effective Clean School Bus Rebate Program,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The program continues to be instrumental in accelerating the adoption of clean student transportation. The funds will enable even more school districts nationwide to acquire electric school buses to protect student health and air quality in our communities. Blue Bird’s growth plans meet the increasing demand for zero-emission school buses. As the leader in zero- and low-emission school buses, Blue Bird continues to invest in technology innovation, electric school bus manufacturing expansion, and good-paying jobs in the U.S.”
Blue Bird has over 2,000 electric, zero-emission school buses in operation today – more than any other school bus manufacturer in North America. To date, the company’s electric school buses have covered more than five million miles. Replacing 2,000 diesel-powered school buses with an equal number of zero-emission vehicles reduces harmful carbon emissions by more than 21,000 metric tons annually. In addition, nearly 150,000 students a day are no longer exposed to diesel tailpipe emissions.
Blue Bird continues to significantly expand its electric school bus production to meet the rising demand for clean student transportation nationwide. In 2023, the company opened a 40,000 square foot Electric Vehicle (EV) Build-up Center. In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently selected Blue Bird to receive an $80 million grant to convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes into an approximately 600,000 square foot, electric and low-emissions vehicle manufacturing facility. The grant represents 50 percent of the total $160 million investment required to complete the conversion project. The conversion will add more than 400 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs.
Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company manufactures its school buses in Fort Valley, Georgia. The shift to clean student transportation helps Blue Bird sustain approximately 2,000 good-paying jobs.
1,000 Mile W56 Workhorse Step Van Journey
Workhorse Group Inc. (Nasdaq: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, announced the successful completion of a 1,000-mile journey in its W56 step van. Starting with a drive from the Workhorse Ranch in Union City, Indiana to the company’s headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, the W56 then continued 940 miles to Orlando, Florida, covering a total of 1,028 miles. This real-world demonstration highlights the W56’s performance, reliability and durability as it arrives at the FedEx Forward Service Provider Summit after the three-day journey from Cincinnati.
The vehicle successfully navigated through various terrains and difficult weather conditions. Hurricane Helene brought strong winds and heavy rain during portions of the journey, and the W56 performed reliably, maintaining steady performance and durability. With a 150+ mile range and an average efficiency of 27 MPGe during this trip, supported by regenerative braking and fast charging at public Level 3 charging stations, the W56 showcased its ability to handle the demands of long-distance travel. The vehicle excelled in every situation, from traversing mountain passes to covering over 900 miles of long highway stretches, despite the limited regenerative assistance opportunities on highways.
Workhorse’s participation in the FedEx Forward Service Provider Summit in Orlando represents a key opportunity to showcase how the W56 seamlessly integrates into last-mile parcel and package delivery fleets. This invitation-only event brings together FedEx executives, service providers, and vendors, providing Workhorse with a platform to demonstrate the W56’s on-road performance, best-in-class service, and comprehensive support network. As an exhibitor, the W56 that completed the journey will also participate in demonstrations for three days in the event’s Ride & Drive, highlighting how Workhorse is leading innovation and performance in the electric vehicle market.
Nuvve Shows AC V2G to Exelon
Nuvve Holding Corp a global leader in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, showcased a major breakthrough in AC V2G solutions at an exclusive event hosted by Exelon at the Delmarva Power New Castle Regional Office. This event demonstrated Nuvve’s ability to provide scalable and practical solutions that meet the growing demand for grid-stabilizing technologies, a critical component for the global transition to clean energy.
Nuvve deployed its 3-phase Nuvve PowerPort3 Ultra chargers, allowing Ford Mach-E EVs to deliver grid services while parked, highlighting the practical benefits of AC bi-directional power flow as defined by SAE J3068/2. These innovations align with stringent safety and regulatory requirements, setting Nuvve ahead of industry peers in terms of technological capability and compliance.
“The ability to harness EVs for grid support provides both i revenue opportunities through energy markets and positions Nuvve as a key player in transforming the global energy landscape,” said Gregory Poilasne, CEO of Nuvve. “Our leadership in this space continues to unlock new value for Nuvve as we pave the way for scalable V2G deployments worldwide.”
The project highlights Nuvve’s ability to scale, with significant opportunities for Nuvve and its customers to generate recurring revenue streams while contributing to grid stability. As grid stabilization and energy storage become critical in the modern energy landscape, stakeholders stand to benefit from the broad deployment of V2G technologies and additional revenue streams through services like grid balancing and resource flexibility.
Nuvve’s involvement in this project reaffirms its leadership in advancing EV infrastructure, while also creating a sustainable, resilient energy future. Over the coming year, the performance of these V2G-enabled Ford Mach-E vehicles will be closely monitored to assess their dual roles as fleet vehicles and grid assets, providing long-term value creation for the company and customers.
Pando NEMA 14-50 Charger
Pando Electric is introducing a new standard in EV charging for multi-family properties: a cost-effective solution to leverage existing NEMA 14-50 electrical sockets that minimize upfront set-up costs; compact, easy-to-install hardware to deliver high-speed Level 2 charging; and smart adaptive load management software that optimizes electricity usage. All combined, Pando Electric enables property owners to address today’s EV charging demands while ensuring their infrastructure is prepared for future growth.
Installing high-speed charging at significant savings.
Pando Electric’s approach is rooted in simplicity, starting with a readily available power source; the company’s hardware utilizes NEMA 14-50 electrical sockets, already standard in most buildings. By leveraging existing electrical infrastructure, Pando Electric substantially cuts the need for expensive upfront upgrades.
While installation costs are reduced, Pando Electric delivers a high-speed, Level 2 charging experience without the bulky, intrusive hardware typical of public chargers. Rather, Pando Electric hardware is compact, much easier to install and substantially more affordable.
Optimizing power consumption across the grid.
Adaptive load management is another cornerstone for Pando Electric. Guided by pre-set priorities, this smart system dynamically allocates electricity demand across various Pando Electric outlets, expertly balancing energy consumption with driver needs.
Pando Electric’s software offers additional benefits: preventing capacity overload; enabling smart metering; and automatically scaling back charging during peak electricity demand.
Providing near zero maintenance operation.
Through rigorous testing, Pando Electric chargers have demonstrated durability equivalent to 40 years of average daily usage. Coupled with Pando Electric’s bring-your-own-cable connection, eliminating the broken cord issue that plagues many public chargers, building managers are assured that adding more chargers does not equate to new maintenance workloads.
Maxell to Develop All-Solid-State Batteries
Maxell, Ltd. (TOKYO:6810) has announced in its new medium-term management plan “MEX26” (Maximum Excellence 2026) to accelerate the development of all-solid-state batteries as core of new business.
Maxell, whose name derives from the phrase “Maximum Capacity Dry Cell”, started business as a manufacturer of battery and magnetic tape in 1961 and is today renowned not only for its high-quality electronics products but company to contribute to society through the use of its groundbreaking, original technologies. These technologies include the Maxell’s unique Analog Core Technologies, including mixing and dispersion; fine coating; and high precision molding and forming, all of which are driving technological innovation in a range of fields.
The new medium-term management plan, MEX26, is an ambitious program which aims to improve profitability and capital efficiency while achieving sales and profit growth through proactive investments in growth areas.
Maxell, which achieved mass production of the world’s first small-sized sulfide based all-solid-state battery in June 2023, is considering mass production of a medium-sized all-solid-state battery by the end of fiscal 2027. Maxell’s all-solid-state batteries are not only highly reliable – with a battery life of up to 20 years – but also capable of performing at a wide range of temperatures without risk of leakage. By commercializing all-solid-state batteries with these features and a large capacity of medium size, it aims to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society by commercializing permanent power sources that can meet a wide range of market needs, including sensing and monitoring in harsh environments, automotive devices. Maxell aims for sales of around 30 billion yen with the all-solid-state battery business in fiscal 2030. Maxell looks for sequential investment toward the development of next-generation technologies as well as to commercialize medium-sized all-solid-state batteries.
Maxell aims to be recognized as an indispensable company by stakeholders by accelerating technology development in key areas as a leading company.
[Outline of MEX26]
Maxell will strengthen products that have advantages in the 3 focus areas of “Mobility”, “ICT/AI” and “Human/Social Infrastructure”. Growth businesses within these areas include heat-resistant coin-type lithium batteries, coated separators and primary batteries for medical devices. Maxell will also strengthen technical sales team to enhance relationships with global customers in the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
IONNA Charging in North Carolina
IONNA, the charging network founded by eight of the world’s top automakers: BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Stellantis and Toyota, announced they have broken ground on the first IONNA ‘Rechargery.’
In the thriving heart of Apex, North Carolina, just a few miles from its previously announced headquarters and customer experience lab, IONNA breaks ground on its first charging site, transforming a historic district gas station into a new Rechargery. A first of many for IONNA and a first of its kind for North Carolina.
This metro site is perfectly situated to serve local and traveling customers within the Triangle. Providing 10 covered parking bays, protected from the elements and accessible to both CCS and NACS, the charging ports will be capable of up to 400kW and 800+ Volts.
The site will host an indoor driver’s lounge, offering secure access to bathrooms, coffee service, food/beverage, and WIFI to relax or work while your vehicle charges. Additionally, outdoor and pet-friendly amenities will be just a few steps away.
A symbolic first, IONNA’s initial Rechargery will be in the historic district of a quintessential American town built around a railroad steam engine refill pond, which the workers called Apex. A name that lives on to this day. In keeping with the town’s evolving transportation roots, and almost 100 years after one of Apex’s first gas stations opened to the community, IONNA will restore the building and its land to bring the ‘Apex of charging’ to the “Peak of Good Living”, the town’s present-day motto.
Republic Service Order 100 Oshkosh Corp Electric Refuse Trucks
Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE: OSK), a leading innovator of purpose-built vehicles and equipment, announced today that Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, has placed an order for 100 McNeilus® Volterra™ ZSL™ electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles. This second order follows the successful operation of initial units into Republic Services’ residential collection fleet. This significant order reinforces Republic Services’ commitment to sustainability and the transition to a more efficient fleet.
Building on a longstanding partnership, Republic Services first ordered 50 Volterra ZSL electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles from Oshkosh in 2023. As the operator of one of the nation’s largest fleets of vocational trucks, Republic Services is a leader in fleet electrification with plans for electric vehicles to comprise half of its new truck purchases over the next five years. The McNeilus Volterra eRCV, the industry’s first fully integrated electric refuse and recycling collection vehicle, is designed to meet the rigorous demands of waste and recycling collection while managing carbon emissions and providing exceptional total cost of ownership.
The 100 McNeilus Volterra electric vehicles will be deployed across multiple states, contributing to Republic Services’ ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030. Each vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features, including 360-degree cameras, lane-departure sensors and automated braking systems, ensuring both driver and community safety. The Volterra eRCV can operate a full day’s route on a single charge, offering unparalleled reliability and efficiency in refuse and recycling collection.
The McNeilus Volterra electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles feature a purpose-built chassis and body, integrated as a single unit to maximize interior space and streamline operations. The vehicle’s zero emission certifications from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) help customers meet stringent environmental regulations and clean fleet goals.
For more information about McNeilus’ Volterra electric refuse and recycling collection vehicles, visit mcneilusgarbagetrucks.com.
To learn more about Oshkosh Corporation, its long and successful history of developing fully electric and hybrid vehicles across a wide variety of industries please visit Oshkoshcorp.com.
EVgo Gets Loan from U.S. DOE
–EVgo Inc. one of the nation’s largest public fast charging networks for electric vehicles (EVs), announced today that it has received a conditional commitment for a loan guarantee of up to $1.05 billion of debt financing, from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) Loan Programs Office (“LPO”) under its Title 17 program to accelerate expansion of its fast charging network in community locations across the U.S.
The financing would accelerate EVgo’s efforts to scale its charging footprint and increase nationwide access to convenient, reliable public charging stations. Access to this low-cost financing will facilitate the build out of approximately 7,500 additional fast charging stalls across the U.S., with the top state markets anticipated to be Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas. If finalized, EVgo expects to complete the deployment of the new stalls by 2030.
The network expansion will complement the corridor charging being deployed through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program by creating localized, community charging stations with an emphasis on increased access and availability in areas that serve multifamily housing residents and others who rely primarily on public charging for their needs.
In alignment with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 initiative, over 40% of stalls to be built pursuant to the financing, if finalized, are anticipated to be in marginalized areas that have been overburdened by environmental impacts. EVgo also plans to leverage the 30C tax credit, which was expanded as part of the Inflation Reduction Act and supports the buildout of public EV charging infrastructure with a focus on driving investment to rural and lower-income communities.
The proposed financing will be provided directly by the Federal Financing Bank as a loan, guaranteed by DOE, and structured as a limited recourse project financing. EVgo will not need to raise any third-party equity—public or private—to reach financial close and begin drawdown. The financing structure provides EVgo flexibility to continue scaling its network both within and outside of the Project, to meet growing demand and support the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of building a nationwide network of public chargers.
EVgo and DOE are committed to a superior customer experience for EV drivers and will collaborate on long-term solutions to maximize charging convenience and reliability to bolster consumer confidence and support broader EV adoption across the country. EVgo continues to invest in developing next-generation charging infrastructure that will enhance customer experience and expects to begin rolling out this new infrastructure in the second half of 2026. If finalized, the landmark partnership between EVgo and DOE will enable EVgo to build the fast charging network of the future and deliver a seamless charging experience for all EV drivers.
Nissan Adds 2 Second-Life Battery Systems
-Nissan Americas Headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee, is adding two second-life battery systems to help offset building power consumption and extend the use of electric vehicle batteries. The project is a core part of Nissan’s sustainability goals, contributing to the company’s mission of maximizing the use of repurposed and recycled materials while minimizing the amount of waste generated.
Managed in partnership with Middle Tennessee Electric, 7 States Power Corp., and the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, the Battery Energy Storage Solution (BESS) project repurposes Nissan LEAF batteries to supply energy to the building during “peak demand” times and charge during “off-peak” times.
The process, called “energy peak shaving,” is like storing rainwater after a downpour to use on your garden during a drought.
The project consists of two shipping container-like housings. One uses LEAF 40kWh packs and has a capacity of 500 kilowatt-hours (kWh), while the other uses LEAF modules and is rated for one megawatt-hour of energy capacity. In total, batteries from about 50-60 LEAF vehicles are used for the two assemblies.
These batteries come from within the Nissan network and are collected after a service replacement.