Wallbox’s Quasar 2 1st UL-Certified Bidirectional EV Charger in the U.S.
Wallbox, a global leader in EV charging and energy management, announced that its Quasar 2 bidirectional charger has received UL certification, marking it as the first bidirectional charger with a CCS1 connector to meet key safety standards for DC EV chargers in the U.S. This milestone highlights Wallbox’s commitment to innovation and safety in EV technology.
Quasar 2 enables advanced V2X functionalities, such as powering homes during outages, and features a compact design suited for residential use. Compatible with ISO 15118-20 standards, the charger is expected to launch soon, positioning Wallbox at the forefront of EV charging and home energy management solutions.
Enric Asunción, CEO of Wallbox, emphasized the charger’s potential to revolutionize home energy management, while UL Solutions’ Jeff Smidt praised the collaboration in advancing EV market reliability and safety. Quasar 2 complies with UL 9741, UL 2231-2, and UL 1741 standards, ensuring top-tier performance and protection.
FLO Ultra EV Charger Wins 2024 Good Design® Award for Innovation and Excellence
FLO, a prominent North American EV charging company, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 Good Design® Award for its FLO Ultra fast charger. Recognized as a standout in new transportation design, the FLO Ultra impressed judges with its innovative features, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.
The award, granted by the Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design, celebrates exceptional achievements across various design disciplines. FLO Ultra’s user-centric design includes versatile charging options, a motorized cable management system, high-speed 160kW ports, and a durable, weather-resistant aluminum enclosure. Integrated into the FLO network, the charger offers seamless monitoring and maintenance for site owners.
Selected from over 4,500 entries, FLO Ultra exemplifies industry-leading standards in innovation, accessibility, and sustainable design, solidifying FLO’s commitment to advancing EV charging experiences in Canada and the U.S.
Schneider Electric and The Mobility House Partner to Advance Fleet Electrification and Smart Charging
Schneider Electric and The Mobility House Solutions have joined forces to accelerate the global transition to electric mobility. This collaboration aims to deliver innovative EV load management, smart charging, and energy solutions to advance fleet electrification, a critical component of decarbonizing transportation.
The partnership leverages Schneider Electric’s expertise in energy management and scalable charging infrastructure with The Mobility House’s ChargePilot®, a leading energy management platform. Together, they offer cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable solutions tailored to businesses, municipalities, and grid operators.
Fleet electrification, such as municipal buses, electric trucks, and logistics vehicles, plays a vital role in reducing transportation-related CO2 emissions. Real-world applications, like the Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot in Maryland, showcase the collaboration’s potential, delivering integrated charging systems that optimize energy use and cut costs.
This partnership emphasizes shared goals: providing accessible, efficient charging technology and fostering a sustainable energy landscape.
Nuvve Unveils Advanced Charging Solutions for Electrified Transportation
Nuvve Holding Corp. has launched a new line of bidirectional and unidirectional chargers, ranging from 20 kW to 360 kW, to meet the diverse needs of fleets, public infrastructure, and microgrid applications. Designed for seamless integration and operational efficiency, these chargers support heavy- and medium-duty vehicles like school buses and trucks, empowering communities to embrace electrification.
The chargers feature advanced capabilities, including Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) integration, remote monitoring, over-the-air updates, and flexible form factors. Integrated with Nuvve’s GIVe™ and FLEETBOX™ platforms, they enhance energy resilience and sustainability while meeting Buy America Build America (BABA) standards for domestically sourced parts.
This product line marks a significant step in Nuvve’s mission to drive the global transition to electrified transportation and support a cleaner, more resilient energy grid.
Moment Energy Secures $15M Series A to Advance EV Battery Repurposing and Build U.S. Gigafactory
Moment Energy, a North American leader in repurposing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, announced the completion of a $15 million Series A funding round co-led by the Amazon Climate Pledge Fund and Voyager Ventures.
The funding will support the construction of the world’s first gigafactory dedicated to second-life EV batteries in the United States, bolstered by a $20.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This initiative is expected to create over 250 clean technology jobs and enhance North America’s lithium security, addressing rising demand for energy storage and EV charging infrastructure.
Moment Energy’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) target commercial, industrial, and renewable energy markets, offering cost-effective solutions that are up to 30% cheaper than traditional battery systems. The company aims to scale manufacturing to meet a projected $150 billion battery energy storage market by 2030.
“This funding is a pivotal milestone that allows us to transform retired EV batteries into valuable storage solutions while advancing grid stability and renewable energy integration,” said Edward Chiang, CEO of Moment Energy.
The Series A round saw participation from notable investors, including In-Q-Tel, Version One Ventures, and Climate Capital, positioning Moment Energy as a key player in the clean energy transition.
AmpUp and Tritium Partner to Modernize DC Fast-Charging Infrastructure
AmpUp, an EV charging solutions provider based in Santa Clara, California, has partnered with Tritium to modernize DC fast-charging infrastructure across North America. The initiative offers Tritium RT50 owners two upgrade phases: seamless integration into AmpUp’s charging network and an optional upgrade to a new 50kW DC fast charger with advanced features.
Phase one allows RT50 owners to join the AmpUp network with minimal effort, providing streamlined integration and free network transfers, with minor costs for necessary hardware adjustments. Phase two offers a trade-in program for the RT50, enabling owners to upgrade to chargers with dual charging capabilities, universal EV compatibility, a robust warranty, and scalable power options.
The program underscores AmpUp’s mission to simplify EV charging and Tritium’s commitment to advancing the EV ecosystem by providing flexible, future-proof solutions.
Rivian Secures $6.6 Billion Loan from U.S. Department of Energy for Georgia Manufacturing Facility
Rivian has successfully closed a $6.6 billion loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) to support the construction of its new manufacturing facility in Stanton Springs North, Georgia. This funding will facilitate the creation of 7,500 jobs and accelerate the production of Rivian’s new R2 SUV and R3 crossover. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with vehicle production expected to start in 2028.
The loan will be issued in two phases, with the first phase up to $3.4 billion and the second up to $2.6 billion. Rivian’s new facility aims to contribute to the U.S.’s leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing while employing advanced environmental and construction techniques. Rivian has already begun recruitment for the site, with hiring expected to increase as construction progresses.
ChargePoint Cut-Resistant Cable & Alarm System Combats Vandalism
ChargePoint has announced two new solutions aimed at addressing charger vandalism: the industry’s first cut-resistant charging cable and ChargePoint® Protect, an integrated alarm system for enhanced security. The cut-resistant cable is designed to prevent cable theft and vandalism while remaining flexible for easy use. ChargePoint intends to make this cable available for all commercial and fleet stations by mid-2025.
Additionally, ChargePoint Protect utilizes existing charger components to detect tampering in real-time, triggering alarms to deter vandalism. The system will be available as a free cloud-based software update for select models, with notifications sent to station owners. These innovations aim to improve charger reliability and reduce repair costs, boosting confidence in EV infrastructure and supporting wider EV adoption.