Sodium-Ion Battery Tech from LENS
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has launched the Low-cost Earth-abundant Na-ion Storage (LENS) Consortium with a $50 million investment over five years to advance sodium-ion battery technology. Led by Argonne National Laboratory, the initiative includes collaboration with five other national laboratories and eight universities.
LENS aims to develop high-energy, durable sodium-ion batteries using safe, abundant, and affordable materials, reducing reliance on scarce and strategically critical elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. While sodium-ion batteries are less energy-dense than lithium-ion counterparts, they offer a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, enhancing U.S. supply chain resilience and diversifying battery chemistries.
The consortium will focus on improving sodium-ion battery materials, electrolytes, and cell designs while fostering industry partnerships to support a U.S.-based sodium-ion battery ecosystem. It will also train the next generation of battery scientists.
Sodium-ion technology is positioned to complement lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, driving the U.S. toward a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Standardization from InductEv & ENRX
InductEV and ENRX, leaders in wireless inductive EV charging technology, have partnered to establish global standards for this growing sector. The collaboration focuses on high-power charging systems critical for eliminating EV range anxiety and accelerating the adoption of wireless charging across commercial and passenger vehicles.
Key highlights of their agreement include:
- Standardization Support: Contributions to SAE J2954 and other industry standards for interoperability and reliability.
- Compatibility Testing: Ensuring seamless integration across various platforms and configurations.
- Industry Advocacy: Promoting universal standards to advance accessibility and innovation in wireless charging.
InductEV specializes in high-power systems for commercial EV fleets, offering wireless outputs up to 450 kW to optimize energy use and reduce charging time. ENRX, with decades of experience in wireless energy transfer, has deployed successful solutions for ferries, buses, and industrial vehicles, including a 200 kW electrified bus route in Germany and an electrified roadway pilot in Florida.
Together, the companies aim to foster a robust, open ecosystem for wireless EV charging, providing greater user choice and supporting widespread adoption in the transportation sector.
AMPECO $26M Series B Funding to Drive Global EV Charging Solutions
AMPECO, a leading provider of EV charging management platforms, has raised $26 million in Series B funding led by Revaia, with participation from BMW i Ventures, Cavalry Ventures, and LAUNCHub Ventures. This funding will support product development, market expansion, and team growth, reinforcing AMPECO’s position as a global leader in EV charging software.
Since its 2019 founding, AMPECO has grown rapidly, now serving over 160 clients in 60 markets and connecting 120,000+ charging stations. Key partners include EON Drive Infrastructure, ChargeGuru x Zeplug, Free2Move, and Nordic leaders Wattif and Elaway. The company’s customizable, scalable platform has been recognized as a leader by IDC MarketScape.
With this investment, AMPECO plans to enhance its platform capabilities, expand into markets like North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, and double its team size over two years to address the rising demand for EV infrastructure. The global EV market, projected to require $500 billion in public charging infrastructure by 2030, positions AMPECO as a critical enabler of the electric mobility transition.
Worksport Scales Workforce and Expands Production to Meet Demand
Worksport Ltd. (NASDAQ: WKSP), a U.S.-based innovator in hybrid and clean energy solutions, has increased its manufacturing workforce by 30% since the start of Q4 to meet growing sales demand. The company is targeting a doubling of monthly online sales to $1 million and has announced the addition of a second production shift to support the end-of-year launch of its AL4 tonneau cover. This strategic expansion is part of Worksport’s broader plan to enhance production capacity, improve margins, and achieve EBITDA positivity by 2025.
Q3 2024 revenue soared 581% year-over-year to $3.12 million, driven by the continued rollout of the AL3 and AL4 tonneau covers and anticipated launches of SOLIS solar covers and COR portable energy systems in 2025. CEO Steven Rossi emphasized the company’s strong growth trajectory and reiterated confidence in Worksport’s valuation and profitability goals.