In EV, battery and charging news are Canoo, Toyota, Nikola, ChargePoint and GM.
Canoo Sinks?
Canoo Inc. (Nasdaq: GOEV), announced the company has furloughed 82 employees, both salaried and hourly, and idling its factories in Oklahoma while it works to finalize securing the capital necessary to move forward with its operations.
The company is in advanced discussions with various capital sources.
The company regrets having to furlough employees, especially during the holidays. They are hopeful that we will be able to bring them back to work soon.
Days after furloughing dozens of employees without pay, EV startup Canoo informed its remaining staff that they would be placed on a “mandatory unpaid break” until at least the end of the year. An email stated that employees would be locked out of Canoo’s systems by the end of the day Friday, with their benefits remaining active through the end of the month.
ChargePoint and Colorado Energy Office Complete Six EV Fast Charging Corridors Across Colorado
ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT) and the Colorado Energy Office have announced the completion of six EV fast charging corridors across Colorado, adding 33 DC fast charging sites with over 80 ports. Supported by $10 million in state funding and over $2 million in private and local contributions, the initiative ensures that nearly 80% of Colorado’s highway corridors are now within 30 miles of a fast charger, doubling previous coverage since 2019.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis praised the project for making EV travel more accessible and convenient statewide, aligning with Colorado’s leadership in EV adoption. Rick Wilmer, CEO of ChargePoint, highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding robust EV infrastructure.
The chargers, located along major highways like I-70, Highway 40, and Highway 50, are strategically placed at convenience stores, visitor centers, and other accessible locations. Drivers can locate the new sites via the ChargePoint app or website.
This initiative strengthens Colorado’s position as a leader in EV adoption and supports its goal of providing reliable and fast charging options for all electric vehicle drivers.
Hyundai Mobis Develops Advanced Cooling Technology for Ultra-Fast EV Charging
Hyundai Mobis (KRX 012330) has unveiled an innovative cooling material, the “Pulsating Heat Pipe” (PHP), to enhance thermal management in electric vehicle (EV) batteries during ultra-fast charging. Designed from aluminum alloy and refrigerant, PHPs are placed between battery cells to prevent overheating and maintain stability, potentially reducing EV charging time.
PHPs, known for their high heat dissipation and resistance to gravity-induced performance degradation, transfer heat more efficiently than conventional materials. Hyundai Mobis optimized this technology by embedding PHPs into battery modules to quickly dissipate heat to external cooling blocks.
The company also streamlined production using a press process to reduce costs and achieved a PHP thickness of just 0.8 mm, making it easier to integrate into vehicle battery systems. These advancements position Hyundai Mobis to lead in EV battery cooling solutions, promoting the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Toyota Secures $4.5M ARPA-E Grant to Advance EV Battery Circularity
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA), along with its Toyota Research Institute of North America (TRINA) division, has been awarded $4.5 million by the U.S. Department of Energy’s ARPA-E CIRCULAR Program to enhance circularity in EV battery supply chains. Collaborating with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and Waygate Technologies, the initiative focuses on automating battery pack disassembly, data-driven classification, and addressing cell degradation for sustainable reuse and recycling.
The project aims to establish a 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) facility framework, incorporating tools like automated disassembly processes, diagnostic protocols, and cell refabrication methods. Innovations will extend battery life, reduce waste, and support a circular supply chain while lowering emissions per mile for EVs. The findings will be implemented in industrial settings by TMNA’s Battery Lifecycle Solutions team, aligning with Toyota’s sustainability goals.
This collaboration emphasizes industry-wide progress in battery lifecycle management, ensuring end-of-life lithium-ion batteries are efficiently reused and refurbished before recycling, paving the way for a sustainable energy transition.
Nikola Expands Hydrogen Infrastructure with New HYLA Station in Northern California
Nikola Corporation has announced the opening of a new HYLA hydrogen refueling station in West Sacramento, CA, marking another step in its mission to support zero-emission Class 8 trucks. The station, featuring a high-pressure hydrogen refueler, will serve up to 20 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell trucks daily in its initial phase. This addition strengthens Nikola’s hydrogen network in Northern California, with HYLA providing ongoing site support for efficient fueling operations.
ChargePoint and GM Join Forces to Expand Ultra-Fast EV Charging Network
ChargePoint and General Motors have announced a partnership to install hundreds of ultra-fast EV charging ports across the U.S. by the end of 2025. Featuring ChargePoint’s cutting-edge Omni Port technology, these stations will support both CCS and NACS connectors without adapters, ensuring a seamless charging experience. Many locations will include ChargePoint’s Express Plus platform, offering speeds up to 500kW to minimize downtime for drivers. The initiative also includes incentives for third-party operators to expand DC fast charging infrastructure, further accelerating EV adoption and improving accessibility.