Lucid Gravity EPA Range 450 Miles, FPT, Denso,
Following the official start of production last week, Lucid Motors announced that the Lucid Gravity Grand Touring SUV has achieved an official EPA-estimated range of 450 miles.
From its inception, the Gravity SUV was envisioned as a vehicle without compromise. It combines an extraordinary set of attributes: the spacious interior of a full-size SUV with seating for seven passengers and ample luggage capacity, the exhilarating performance of a sports car paired with supreme comfort, and an impressive 450-mile range. Notably, this range is achieved using half the resources of certain competitors, underscoring Lucid’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability.
This milestone is a testament to Lucid’s advanced technology and dedication to redefining what is possible in the world of electric vehicles.
Sakuu Advances Dry-Process Battery Manufacturing with Kavian® Platform
Sakuu, a leading provider of battery manufacturing technologies, has achieved significant milestones with its Kavian® Platform, the first solution to dry print battery electrodes. This platform successfully prints anodes and cathodes from Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) chemistries, while offering flexibility for future materials like aluminum-ion and sodium-ion.
Key highlights include:
- Technological Breakthroughs:
- Kavian reduces CO2 emissions by 55% and eliminates toxic solvents and water use.
- The platform enables high-energy, high-power Li-Metal battery cell chemistry, achieving 1,500 cycles at 100% Depth of Discharge to 80% State of Health.
- Market Potential: McKinsey projects the battery component market to reach $250 billion by 2030. BloombergNEF recognizes Kavian as a disruptive technology.
- Sustainability Leadership: Replacing a 3 GWh/year roll-to-roll plant with Kavian reduces 91,122 metric tons of CO2 annually.
Sakuu’s innovative approach earned the Kavian platform accolades, including being named to TIME’s “Best Inventions of 2024” and receiving the FII8 Innovator 2024 award. Commercial availability is set for 2025, signaling a new era in sustainable and scalable battery manufacturing.
Nanoramic Secures $44 Million to Revolutionize Battery Technology with Neocarbonix®
Nanoramic has raised $44 million in financing, co-led by GM Ventures and Catalus Capital, with participation from Samsung Ventures, Top Material, and others. This funding supports the commercialization of Nanoramic’s Neocarbonix® technology, a breakthrough in battery manufacturing designed to improve cost, performance, and sustainability.
Key Features of Neocarbonix®:
- Eliminates PFAS and conventional NMP solvents, promoting sustainable and safer manufacturing.
- Enhances energy density, power, fast charging, and supply chain security while reducing costs and energy consumption.
- Easily integrates into existing manufacturing lines through Nanoramic’s asset-light business model.
The technology targets a wide range of applications, including electric mobility, stationary storage, and consumer electronics. Nanoramic has formed strategic partnerships with major automotive OEMs and battery manufacturers to accelerate adoption.
Investor endorsements highlight Neocarbonix® as a solution to critical challenges in battery production, positioning Nanoramic as a leader in the energy transition. CEO John Cooley emphasizes the transformative potential of the technology and the company’s commitment to driving global adoption.
EV Safe Charge Launches ZiGGY® Pilot Program in Alabama to Revolutionize EV Charging
EV Safe Charge Inc. has announced a pilot program in Birmingham and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to showcase its innovative mobile robotic EV charger, ZiGGY®. Supported by Alabama Power Company, Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator, the AMP Center at The University of Alabama, and Innovation Depot, the program will demonstrate ZiGGY’s capabilities at the AMP Center (Dec. 5) and Innovation Depot during Founder Fest (Dec. 10-11).
ZiGGY, designed to address the challenges of scalable EV charging infrastructure, autonomously delivers power to vehicles without requiring major infrastructure changes. Following a successful pilot in Barcelona, Spain, this initiative highlights Alabama’s commitment to clean energy and EV innovation.
Leaders from Alabama Power, AMP Center, and Techstars praised the collaboration and potential of ZiGGY to enhance the EV experience, drive energy solutions, and position Alabama as a leader in the EV industry. The pilot also emphasizes the role of partnerships between tech hubs and industry players in advancing mobility and energy technologies.
StoreDot Achieves Major Milestones in Extreme Fast Charging Battery Technology in 2024
StoreDot, a leader in extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles, celebrated a transformative 2024 with groundbreaking achievements advancing the commercialization of its innovative solutions.
Key highlights include:
- Polestar 5 Demonstration: StoreDot’s XFC technology charged a Polestar 5 from 10% to 80% in just 10 minutes, showcasing its potential to eliminate EV range anxiety.
- Mass Production Readiness: Successful production of 165Ah prismatic cells demonstrated scalability, while ongoing development of cylindrical cells broadened its product range for diverse automotive needs.
- Global Industry Engagement: StoreDot engaged with 15 major car brands, with six in advanced testing stages, emphasizing industry confidence in its technology.
- Exceptional Durability and Energy Density: XFC batteries achieved over 2000 fast-charge cycles with minimal degradation, and energy densities of up to 325 Wh/Kg and 835 Wh/L, ensuring performance longevity.
CEO Dr. Doron Myersdorf highlighted 2024 as a pivotal year, reinforcing StoreDot’s vision of rapid EV charging rivaling the speed of refueling traditional vehicles. These advancements position StoreDot as a frontrunner in reshaping electric mobility, targeting mass deployment by 2027.
Dixie County Public Schools Launches One of Florida’s Largest Electric School Bus Fleets
Dixie County Public Schools (DCPS) has introduced 23 new electric school buses, funded by a $9 million EPA Clean School Bus Program rebate, making it one of Florida’s largest electric school bus fleets. This initiative replaces part of the district’s 37 diesel buses, with plans to fully transition daily routes to electric vehicles.
In partnership with Thomas Built Buses, Matthews Buses, and Highland Electric Fleets, the fleet will cover 270,000 miles annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 228 metric tons while lowering fuel and maintenance costs. This milestone reflects the district’s commitment to improving air quality and prioritizing student health.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on December 10, 2024, will celebrate the launch, featuring remarks from stakeholders and a demonstration ride. Superintendent Mike Thomas expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing its benefits for students and the community. CEO Duncan McIntyre of Highland Electric Fleets praised DCPS for its innovative transportation efforts.
Kunes Auto & RV Group Partners with Treehouse to Simplify EV Home Charging
Kunes Auto & RV Group has partnered with Treehouse, an EV home charging installation specialist, to offer seamless home charging solutions for electric vehicle customers across its Midwest dealership network. The collaboration ensures customers have access to Treehouse’s efficient installation services for Level 2 home charging systems, providing a hassle-free transition to EV ownership.
Key benefits include faster charging (8x quicker than standard home chargers), significant cost savings (up to $90 per month), instant and guaranteed quotes, and professional installations by licensed electricians. Treehouse handles all aspects of the process, including permitting and compliance, accessible via their website, treehouse.pro/kunes.
Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto Group, highlighted the partnership’s goal to make EV adoption smoother and more accessible for Midwest customers. For more details, visit ShopKunes.com.
The Shyft Group Begins Shipping Blue Arc™ Class 4 EV Trucks to Customers
The Shyft Group, a leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, has announced the first shipments of its Blue Arc™ Class 4 EV trucks to multiple customers, including a major parcel delivery service. This milestone marks the transition to regular production, following three years of development, rigorous testing, and customer collaboration.
The Blue Arc Class 4 EV truck, developed using Shyft’s Work-Driven Design® process, incorporates fleet operator input to deliver reliability, comfort, and versatility. Key features include ergonomic seating, noise-reducing cabs, advanced safety systems (such as electronic parking brakes and keyless entry), and configurable cargo spaces ranging from 600 to 1,000 cubic feet. The trucks maintain high payload capacity and range, meeting the demanding needs of electrified fleet operations.
CEO John Dunn praised the milestone as a testament to the team’s dedication and the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable fleet transitions.
Sionic Energy Unveils 100% Silicon Battery with Group14’s Advanced Material
Sionic Energy has announced the development of a 100% silicon battery, leveraging Group14’s SCC55™ silicon-carbon composite to fully replace graphite in the anode. This innovation achieves a 42% energy density increase, delivering specific energy performance of at least 330 Wh/kg and energy densities of 842 Wh/L, with a cycle life of up to 1,200 full cycles in 4Ah to 10Ah cell formats. A 20Ah cell format with 370 Wh/kg and 1,000 Wh/L energy density is slated for 2025.
Sionic’s Silicon Battery Platform integrates seamlessly with existing lithium-ion manufacturing processes and supports cylindrical, pouch, and prismatic formats. This technology is set to drive advancements in transportation, consumer electronics, and aviation through its licensing model.
Group14, the world’s largest advanced silicon material producer, supports this breakthrough as part of its commitment to enhancing battery performance globally. Sionic’s collaboration with Group14 positions it at the forefront of next-generation lithium-ion battery innovation.
EVgo Secures $1.25 Billion DOE Loan to Expand U.S. Fast Charging Network
EVgo has closed a $1.25 billion guaranteed loan from the U.S. Department of Energy under the 17 Clean Energy Financing Program. The funding will support the construction of 7,500 new fast-charging stalls, tripling EVgo’s network to at least 10,000 by 2029.
Key Highlights:
- Infrastructure Expansion: The project aims to bolster public EV charging, creating range confidence for consumers and supporting the release of over 30 new EV models by 2025.
- Economic Impact: The buildout will create over 1,000 U.S. jobs, including roles in construction, engineering, and operations.
- Loan Terms: The 17-year loan features fixed interest rates tied to U.S. Treasury rates and a five-year deployment period starting in 2025. EVgo has pledged 1,594 existing stalls as collateral.
Innovative Charging Solutions:
EVgo is leveraging its Innovation Lab to enhance interoperability, develop next-generation charging architecture, and secure intellectual property rights. These advancements aim to streamline customer experience, improve energy efficiency, and reduce costs, with deployment planned for late 2026.
This public-private partnership reinforces EVgo’s position as a leading provider of EV charging infrastructure and supports the transition to widespread transportation electrification in the U.S.
Factorial Achieves Milestone with 40Ah Solstice™ Solid-State Battery Cells
Factorial Inc., a leader in solid-state battery technology, has successfully scaled its Solstice™ all-solid-state battery cells to a 40Ah capacity, marking a significant step toward commercial viability. These A-sample cells, produced using a groundbreaking dry cathode coating process, showcase high energy density and reduced environmental impact by eliminating hazardous solvents and energy-intensive manufacturing steps.
Key highlights include:
- Innovative Manufacturing: The dry cathode coating process eliminates carcinogenic solvents and energy-heavy recycling methods, while the unique all-solid-state design negates the need for the formation process. Together, these innovations lower costs and reduce the environmental footprint.
- Performance & Scalability: Lifecycle testing demonstrates over 2,000 cycles in smaller prototypes, validating the scalability and durability of the 40Ah Solstice™ cells.
- Automotive Relevance: Developed with Mercedes-Benz and leveraging Factorial’s FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology), the cells meet stringent automotive standards and are also suitable for applications in energy storage, consumer electronics, and commercial vehicles.
Factorial’s advancements in solid-state battery technology promise safer, longer-lasting, and more cost-efficient energy solutions, positioning the company as a key innovator in the shift toward sustainable electric mobility.
ProLogium Achieves Record-Breaking TÜV Rheinland Certification for Next-Gen Lithium Ceramic Batteries
ProLogium Technology, a leader in next-generation lithium ceramic batteries, has achieved a significant milestone by earning TÜV Rheinland certification on December 6, 2024. This certification highlights the exceptional energy density of its batteries, reaching 811.6 Wh/L (volumetric) and 359.2 Wh/kg (gravimetric), surpassing its earlier achievement in March 2024. These advancements underscore ProLogium’s innovation and its pivotal role in advancing global electric vehicle (EV) technology.
Founder Vincent Yang credited the company’s success to 18 years of innovation, including its separator-free ceramic layer technology and 100% composite silicon anode. ProLogium’s batteries outperform traditional LFP and NMC options, offering up to 79.6% higher energy density and a revolutionary 5-minute charging capability for a 300 km range, redefining industry standards. The company plans to showcase further innovations at CES 2025, reinforcing its leadership in battery technology.
FPT and DENSO Partner to Advance Software-Defined Vehicles
Global IT leader FPT and automotive components manufacturer DENSO have signed an MOU to collaborate on developing software for next-generation software-defined vehicles (SDVs), focusing on Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). This partnership will leverage FPT’s 5,000-strong team of automotive software experts and two decades of experience, alongside DENSO’s automotive expertise.
The collaboration includes establishing an offshore development center for AI-driven training and human resource development. FPT will provide AI engineers, while DENSO will contribute development plans and training platforms. FPT Chairman Dr. Truong Gia Binh emphasized the partnership’s goal to create smarter, safer, and more connected SDVs, reflecting a shared vision for innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.
The two companies have partnered since 2017, with notable achievements including digital transformation projects for DENSO’s factories across Asia. FPT, a leading Vietnamese tech corporation, recorded $2.17 billion in revenue in 2023, with a focus on global IT services, telecommunications, and education.
Rising Demand for Electric Three-Row SUVs Driven by Consumer Needs and Evolving Market
The electric three-row SUV/XSUV market is poised for significant growth as automakers expand EV offerings to meet consumer demand. Data from AutoPacific’s Future Vehicle Planner reveals that nearly half of three-row SUV shoppers would consider an electric model, though current options remain limited. As of December 2024, only seven models, including the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X, are available, with more affordable and mainstream models expected to launch starting in 2025.
Millennial families, especially suburban parents driving less than 30 miles daily, are the key demographic for this segment. These buyers prioritize modern technology, environmental friendliness, and features enhancing comfort and convenience, such as wireless charging, hands-free power liftgates, and heated/cooled seats. However, affordability is a challenge, with 59% of potential buyers aiming to spend under $50,000—currently below the starting price of most available models.
By 2029, sales of fully electric three-row SUVs are forecast to quadruple, reaching 400,000 annually. This growth underscores the importance of offering innovative yet practical EVs to attract new consumers transitioning from internal combustion vehicles. As brand loyalty becomes less critical, features and cutting-edge technology will play a decisive role in consumer choice.
Tips for Optimizing Ford Electric Vehicles During Cold Weather
As winter approaches, Ford offers guidance to help electric vehicle owners maximize range and performance in cold weather. Key tips include:
- Park in a Garage: Keeping the vehicle in a garage maintains warmer temperatures, improving battery and vehicle performance.
- Clear Snow Before Driving: Removing snow enhances visibility, reduces weight and air resistance, and ensures sensors and cameras function properly.
- Plug in When Parked: Plugging in for extended periods, even when not actively charging, maintains battery temperature and prevents range loss.
- Precondition the Battery and Cabin: Use Ford’s Departure Times feature to warm the battery and cabin before driving, improving range and comfort.
Ford’s Vapor Injection Heat Pump (VIHP), found in models like the 2024 F-150 Lightning and 2025 Mustang Mach-E, automatically optimizes energy consumption in cold weather. The system enhances heating efficiency, enabling confident winter driving. Additionally, navigation systems pre-warm the battery when heading to a DC fast charger.
Real-life examples, like a couple in Norway using their Mustang Mach-E SUVs in -40°F temperatures, highlight the effectiveness of Ford’s winter-ready features, including preconditioning and app-based controls.