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LG Energy Solution and GM Deepen Partnership for Prismatic Battery Cell Technology
LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) and General Motors (GM) have announced a new definitive agreement to jointly develop prismatic battery cell technology. This marks a significant milestone in their 14-year partnership, building on the success of their Ultium Cells joint venture, which has established manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Tennessee and created thousands of jobs in the U.S.
The collaboration will enable LG Energy Solution to become the first global battery manufacturer to offer all three cell form factors: pouch-type, cylindrical, and prismatic. Prismatic cells, known for their flat, rectangular shape and space efficiency, will power future GM electric vehicles, supporting the automaker’s diverse EV portfolio.
LG Energy Solution brings advanced manufacturing expertise and a robust patent portfolio, leveraging its world-class stacking technology to deliver efficient and safe solutions. This partnership further strengthens the companies’ commitment to driving innovation in battery technology, enhancing EV performance, safety, and affordability, and accelerating global EV adoption.
Blink Charging Partners with NH Hotels & Resorts to Expand EV Charging Infrastructure
Blink Charging Co. has partnered with NH Hotels & Resorts to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at hotel properties across the United States and Europe. This collaboration aligns with the increasing demand for EV infrastructure as travel and tourism sectors adapt to a more sustainable future. The initiative aims to provide convenient charging solutions for guests and visitors, supporting the widespread adoption of EVs while enhancing the environmental credentials of participating hotels.
The partnership involves deploying Blink’s advanced charging solutions, contributing to the company’s goal of creating a global network of accessible EV chargers. This move underscores both companies’ commitments to sustainability and the evolving needs of modern travelers. The installation rollout will target high-traffic hotel locations, ensuring widespread availability for EV drivers.
For more details, visit the original announcement.
Ampere and STMicroelectronics Partner on Silicon Carbide Power Modules for Advanced EV Powertrains
Ampere, a Renault Group initiative focused on intelligent electric vehicles, has strengthened its strategic collaboration with semiconductor leader STMicroelectronics. Starting in 2026, the two companies will implement a multi-year agreement for the supply of Silicon Carbide (SiC) power modules. These modules will be integral to a jointly developed “powerbox,” optimizing the inverter in Ampere’s ultra-efficient electric powertrains.
The partnership leverages Ampere’s expertise in electric vehicle innovation and STMicroelectronics’ advanced power electronics capabilities. The SiC technology ensures high performance and competitiveness, marking a significant step in improving energy efficiency for future EVs. This collaboration aligns with the shared goal of advancing sustainable and efficient automotive technologies.
Universal “Plug & Charge” Framework Revolutionizes EV Charging
The SAE Industry Technologies Consortia (ITC) and its EVPKI Consortium, in partnership with the Joint Office of Energy and Transportation, have introduced a universal framework for “Plug & Charge” technology, enabling seamless EV charging. This system allows any electric vehicle to connect to any public charging station and begin charging automatically, with secure authentication and payment processing happening in the background.
Key advancements include:
- Interoperability: For the first time, vehicles, chargers, and networks will communicate universally, eliminating the need for proprietary apps or payment systems.
- Cybersecurity: Enhanced security protocols safeguard the entire EV charging ecosystem.
- Innovation Enablement: The framework lays the groundwork for vehicle-grid integration (VGI) technologies, including bidirectional energy flows and advanced grid services.
The system, based on the SAE EVPKI Certificate Trust List (CTL), will streamline the charging process and promote a competitive marketplace for Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) suppliers. An operational solution is anticipated by 2025, marking a transformative step toward scalable, economical, and user-friendly electric mobility.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in the evolution of EV infrastructure, simplifying the charging experience and advancing sustainable energy solutions.
Emobi Partners with Keysight to Elevate Plug & Charge EV Charging
Emobi, North America’s leading EV charging digital infrastructure provider, has partnered with Keysight Technologies, a leader in testing and emulation solutions, to enhance its Plug & Charge solution. The collaboration integrates Keysight’s advanced testing hardware into Emobi’s offerings, ensuring seamless onboarding and reliable functionality for EV manufacturers (OEMs) and charger operators.
Key highlights of the partnership:
- Streamlined Onboarding: Emobi will supply Keysight testing hardware to all new EV customers and charger operators, simplifying the Plug & Charge implementation process.
- Enhanced User Experience: The integration guarantees frictionless charging identification and secure payment for users, with no operational disruptions for adopters.
- Commitment to Quality: Keysight’s robust testing capabilities enable Emobi’s solutions to meet high standards of reliability and performance.
This partnership reinforces Emobi’s mission to provide a superior EV charging infrastructure, combining innovation and trusted testing solutions to drive the future of e-mobility.
EVgo and GM Celebrate 2,000 Public Fast Charging Stalls Milestone
EVgo Inc. and General Motors (GM) have reached a significant milestone, surpassing 2,000 public fast charging stalls as part of their ongoing collaboration to expand EV infrastructure nationwide. These charging stalls, located in over 390 sites across 45 metropolitan markets in 32 states, are designed to serve drivers without access to home or workplace charging, such as renters and those in multifamily dwellings.
The companies aim to complete 2,850 DC fast charging stalls, including 400 flagship locations in key states such as California, Florida, and New York. Their latest addition, a station in Murrieta, CA, features 350kW chargers capable of serving 10 vehicles simultaneously and offers nearby amenities, funded in part by the California Energy Commission.
EVgo President Dennis Kish highlighted the partnership’s role in accelerating EV infrastructure buildout and fostering confidence in EV adoption. GM’s Vice President of Energy, Wade Sheffer, reaffirmed GM’s commitment to enhancing charging experiences for EV drivers nationwide.
The collaboration reflects both companies’ dedication to expanding access to premium EV charging, supporting the transition to electric mobility.
Clarios Launches Connected Services to Reduce Fleet Idle Times and Emissions
Clarios, a leader in advanced battery technology, has introduced its Connected Services business unit, which recently signed its first commercial deal with a European fleet operator. The new solution, designed to reduce idle times in heavy-duty vehicles, delivers significant cost savings and environmental benefits, including up to €1,300 saved per vehicle annually and a reduction of 2,500 kg of CO₂ emissions per vehicle per year.
Following a successful pilot program in Europe, the solution is being expanded to more vehicles in the customer’s fleet. It leverages intelligent data analytics to monitor battery and vehicle performance, ensuring energy efficiency and driver comfort, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles with sleeper cabs.
Developed through collaboration between Clarios teams in the U.S. and Germany, the solution incorporates feedback from truck fleet operators and adapts to systems like solar panels and hydraulics. It is designed to maximize the performance of Clarios AGM batteries sold under the VARTA brand in EMEA.
Set to roll out widely by 2025, Clarios Connected Services aims to enhance fleet management, lower total cost of ownership, and contribute to a sustainable future in the commercial vehicle sector.
WEX Partners with Qmerit to Simplify Home EV Charger Installations for Fleet Drivers
WEX, a global commerce platform, has announced a partnership with Qmerit to streamline the installation of EV chargers at the homes of commercial fleet drivers. Qmerit will leverage its national network of 23,000 licensed electricians to provide end-to-end installation services, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
The partnership supports WEX’s EV At-Home solution, enabling fleet drivers to charge work vehicles overnight at home, reducing fuel and maintenance costs. A Florida-based construction company, Dallas 1, reported over 60% savings per vehicle by switching to home charging using WEX’s platform, which also automates reimbursements and integrates with fleet management software.
This collaboration aligns with WEX’s broader goal of supporting the energy transition by helping businesses manage mixed-energy fleets efficiently. The WEX EV At-Home system calculates reimbursements based on live utility rates, offering cost-effective solutions for fleet operators.
With over 19.7 million vehicles serviced globally, WEX continues to expand its EV capabilities, including mobile payment processing for mixed-energy fleets and advanced fleet electrification analytics through recent acquisitions and partnerships. This initiative addresses the increasing demand for fleet electrification, as a WEX-commissioned Frost & Sullivan study shows significant growth potential for mixed-energy fleets, despite only 23% of U.S. fleet drivers currently charging vehicles at home.
QuantumScape Advances Toward Solid-State Battery Commercialization with Key Milestone
QuantumScape Corporation has reached a significant milestone with the delivery, installation, and initial use of its advanced separator production equipment, Cobra, marking progress toward scaling solid-state lithium-metal batteries. This achievement ensures the company is on track to deliver higher-volume samples of its QSE-5 battery by 2025, targeting commercialization for electric vehicles. Cobra represents a breakthrough in ceramic separator production, enabling scalability and cost efficiency crucial for gigawatt-hour-level manufacturing.
In 2024, QuantumScape successfully met its annual goals:
- Prepare Cobra for 2025 Production: Initial separator processing using Cobra has begun.
- Prototype QSE-5 B Samples: Low-volume production of QSE-5 samples for customer testing, featuring 844 Wh/L energy density and 10%-80% fast charging in 12.2 minutes.
- Ramp Raptor Process: Integrated the Raptor stage of separator production into baseline processes.
- Ship Alpha-2 Samples: Delivered precursor battery samples earlier in the year.
QuantumScape’s advancements highlight its commitment to revolutionizing energy storage with faster charging, higher energy density, and greater safety, supporting a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Rivian Launches Next-Gen Adventure Charging Network for All EVs
Rivian has unveiled its first next-generation Rivian Adventure Network charging location in Joshua Tree, California, now accessible to all compatible EVs, not just Rivian models. This milestone marks the company’s expansion into supporting broader EV adoption across North America. Additional sites are slated to open in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York within the year.
Key features of the new chargers include:
- Rapid charging up to 900 volts.
- CCS connectors with future support for NACS (SAE J3400).
- Larger displays and tap-to-pay functionality for easy use with or without the Rivian app.
- Integration of 100% renewable energy matching, contributing to grid decarbonization.
These chargers are strategically sited to promote EV usage for outdoor adventures and qualify for federal and state funding, aiding in network expansion. Rivian’s investment aims to create a reliable, accessible, and sustainable charging experience, while also generating new revenue streams as the network grows.
Stellantis and Zeta Energy Partner to Develop Next-Gen Lithium-Sulfur EV Batteries
Stellantis and Zeta Energy have entered a joint development agreement to create lithium-sulfur batteries for electric vehicles, targeting improved energy density, reduced costs, and enhanced performance. These batteries promise to be significantly lighter, potentially offering the same energy capacity as current lithium-ion batteries while enabling faster charging (up to 50% quicker) and lower manufacturing costs—less than half the cost per kWh of today’s lithium-ion tech.
Key features of Zeta Energy’s lithium-sulfur batteries:
- High gravimetric energy density with comparable volumetric energy density to lithium-ion.
- Use of waste materials, methane, and unrefined sulfur, significantly lowering carbon emissions.
- Free from cobalt, nickel, manganese, and graphite, minimizing supply chain risks and costs.
The technology aligns with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 plan to introduce over 75 battery EV models and achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. The collaboration includes pre-production development and future manufacturing plans, with the first batteries expected in Stellantis vehicles by 2030.
“This groundbreaking partnership can dramatically improve EV performance and affordability while bolstering supply chain resilience,” said Tom Pilette, CEO of Zeta Energy.
This innovation not only advances Stellantis’ electrification strategy but also sets a new standard for sustainable, cost-effective EV batteries.