In electric vehicle, battery and charging news are Solid Power, ChargePoint, Mercedes Benz, Ford, Elctrciphi, BrightDrop, Volta, Tritium, Wabtec, GM, Xcharge, Power Integrations, Lincoln, iSun, IVECO, FPT and Nikola.
Solid Power Goes Public
Solid Power, Inc., an industry-leading producer of all-solid-state batteries for electric vehicles, and Decarbonization Plus Acquisition Corporation III (“DCRC”) today announced a definitive agreement for a business combination that would result in Solid Power becoming a publicly listed company. Upon closing of the transaction, the combined company will be named “Solid Power, Inc.” and its common stock and warrants are expected to trade on NASDAQ under the new ticker symbol “SLDP” and “SLDP WS,” respectively. Upon closing, Solid Power is expected to have a nine-person board composed of a majority of independent directors and will continue to be led by Solid Power’s existing management team, which brings deep technological and manufacturing experience.
ChargePoint Partners with MBZ
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. a leading electric vehicle (“EV”) charging network, along with Mercedes-Benz USA, announced the new benchmark in EV charging in North America, Mercedes me Charge, to be launched with the all-new EQS all-electric luxury sedan and available in all EQ future mobility products from Mercedes-EQ.
The collaboration has produced an industry-leading charging experience that empowers drivers to charge when, where and how they want, with seamless access to EV charging from ChargePoint and other networks. ChargePoint’s integration of multiple charging network operators offers Mercedes me Charge drivers a frictionless cross-charging network experience without the need for multiple charging network accounts, subscriptions or charging cards. These drivers will be able to find, use and pay for a charging session, either from inside the vehicle or from the Mercedes me Charge mobile app.
Drivers with a Mercedes me Charge account will have access to the largest collection of places to charge in North America, spanning public and semi-public settings. This includes nearly 60,000 public places to charge on both ChargePoint and other EV charging networks, as well as more than 60,000 additional semi-public places to charge on the ChargePoint network, such as those located at workplaces, shopping malls, hotels, and multifamily residences.
Drivers will have the option to use Plug & Charge on DC stations on the ChargePoint network and others. Mercedes me Charge drivers will also enjoy hassle-free payment, with transparent pricing upfront and automatic payment capabilities also enabled by ChargePoint. The driver is only required to choose the preferred payment method once. Thereafter future charging sessions are automatically debited and listed in a monthly invoice.
“As the world transitions to electric mobility, software plays an important role in fueling and ChargePoint is proud to power seamless access to EV charging in-vehicle and in-app for Mercedes-EQ drivers,” said Bill Loewenthal, Senior Vice President, Product, ChargePoint. “Mercedes is redefining the automobile once again, delivering a superior driver experience that includes seamless charging. ChargePoint will continue to power experiences that make the transition to electric mobility easy.”
ChargePoint’s growing network offers drivers the choice to charge using level 2 or DC fast charging. With ChargePoint, whether it’s a workday or getaway weekend, EV drivers can easily find, use and pay for charging where they spend their time – at the office, favorite retailer, city parking or along the highway – all from inside the vehicle or mobile app.
The transition to electric mobility is well underway and is proving to be more efficient, easier and more connected than ever. This expanded relationship with Mercedes-Benz USA affirms ChargePoint’s commitment to ensuring a seamless driver experience to those making the shift to electric.
Ford Acquires Electriphi
Ford today announced it is acquiring Electriphi, a California-based provider of charging management and fleet monitoring software for electric vehicles. Electriphi’s team and services will be integrated into Ford Pro – a new global business within Ford committed to commercial customer productivity and to developing the most advanced charging and energy management experiences.
While more commercial vehicle customers are considering all-electric vehicles, charging management remains a hurdle to mass adoption. Ford Pro plans on leveraging its leadership position in the commercial vehicle market, its vehicle offerings and Electriphi’s technology to help customers with this transition.
“As commercial customers add electric vehicles to their fleets, they want depot charging options to make sure they’re powered up and ready to go to work every day,” said Ford Pro CEO Ted Cannis. “With Electriphi’s existing advanced technology IP in the Ford Pro electric vehicles and services portfolio, we will enhance the experience for commercial customers and be a single-source solution for fleet-depot charging.”
Ford Pro estimates that the depot charging industry will grow to over 600,000 full-size trucks and vans by 2030. This acquisition supports Pro’s target to capture over $1 billion of revenue from charging by 2030.
The Electriphi acquisition comes as Ford prepares for the launch of all-electric versions of two of the world’s most popular, high-volume commercial vehicles – the Transit van and F-150 pickup. Ford will start shipping E-Transit to customers later this year; F-150 Lightning Pro will be available in spring 2022.
Based in Silicon Valley, Electriphi’s team of more than 30 employees has developed and deployed a purpose-built electric vehicle fleet and charging management platform that simplifies fleet electrification, saves energy costs, and tracks key operational metrics like real-time status of vehicles, chargers and maintenance services. The team brings deep expertise in charging infrastructure, commercial electric vehicles and enterprise software, with a proven record of reliably providing services to government, commercial businesses, energy utilities and OEMs.
Electriphi’s charging platform will complete the purpose-built, charging ecosystem services for commercial customers, including employee home charging, public charging and e-telematics solutions. From charging installation to operations, Ford has customers covered end to end. Customers in North America can sign up for Electriphi charge management services now at electriphi.ai. Ford Pro plans on making these services available in Europe at a later date.
The Electriphi acquisition is expected to close this month. Terms are not being disclosed. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is serving as Ford’s financial advisor in connection with this transaction.
Clean Delivery Hub in Seattle
BrightDrop has collaborated with the University of Washington’s Urban Freight Lab (UFL), The City of Seattle, and tech and delivery companies, AxleHire, Coaster Cycles and REEF, to launch one of the nation’s first zero operating-emissions, last-mile neighborhood delivery hubs.
The delivery hub in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood is a pilot program using zero operating-emissions technology to test new vehicles, delivery models and other technologies to help accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable last-mile solutions. These technologies are critical to the City of Seattle meeting the goals outlined in its Transportation Electrification Blueprint, including transitioning 30 percent of goods delivery to zero emissions by 2030.
The neighborhood delivery hub includes:
- A neighborhood kitchen, bringing the local area quick and low-emissions access to some of their favorite delivery restaurants.
- A common-carrier parcel locker, providing neighbors secure and contactless package delivery from all major package carriers in an energy-efficient model.
- A cargo-bike delivery service, leveraging BrightDrop’s propulsion-assisted electric pallets, or EP1s, enabling zero operating-emissions last-mile goods delivery.
Volta Complimentary Charging in MD
Volta Industries, Inc. (“Volta Charging”), an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, today announced that it has reached a joint milestone of 100 brand-sponsored, complimentary charging stations located in prime locations across Maryland.
Tritium Partners with Loop
To meet growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure throughout the U.S., Tritium, a global leader in direct current (DC) fast charging hardware and software, announced it has entered into a collaboration agreement with EV charging network operator Loop. The partnership includes the recent installation of Tritium DC fast chargers in Los Angeles, at 6404 Wilshire Blvd., a centerpiece commercial office building along the famous Miracle Mile neighborhood. With many additional projects in the pipeline, Tritium looks to expand its partnership with Loop to Arizona, New York, and New Jersey, along with further installations in California.
Tritium’s partnership with Loop comes as demand increases for faster EV charging options across the U.S. Los Angeles has seen high growth in EV adoption but remains underserved in terms of the availability of fast charging infrastructure. Through this partnership, Tritium and Loop hope to fill existing EV charging gaps in California and across the country, targeting workplace and retail center charger installations with convenient and accessible fast-charging solutions.
Wabtec and GM Partner for Hydrogen Fuel Cell
Wabtec Corporation and General Motors announced they will collaborate to develop and commercialize GM’s Ultium battery technology and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell systems for Wabtec locomotives.
“The rail industry is on the cusp of a sustainable transformation with the introduction of batteries and hydrogen to power locomotive fleets,” said Rafael Santana, CEO and president of Wabtec. “Our FLXdrive locomotive, the world’s first 100-percent battery powered locomotive, has proven its potential to slash carbon emissions by up to 30 percent when operating at 6 MWh. But we can’t stop there. By working with GM on Ultium battery and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell technologies, we can accelerate the rail industry’s path to decarbonization and pathway to zero-emission locomotives by leveraging these two important propulsion technologies.”
Wabtec and GM signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding to advance the two companies’ shared vision of a zero-emissions future in transportation. Wabtec will bring its expertise in energy management and systems optimization to develop a solution for heavy haul locomotives that takes full advantage of GM’s advanced technologies.
“Rail networks are critical to transportation and to GM’s ability to serve our customers across North America, and Wabtec’s bold plan to de-carbonize heavy haul and other locomotive applications helps advance our vision of a world with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion,” said Mark Reuss, GM president. “Wabtec’s decision to deploy GM’s Ultium battery and HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell systems further validates our advanced technology and demonstrates its versatility.”
GM’s Ultium battery technology is anticipated to provide the flexibility, efficiency, power and reliability needed for rail. Ultium Cells LLC, GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution, is currently constructing battery cell plants in Ohio and Tennessee.
GM’s HYDROTEC hydrogen fuel cell power cubes are compact and easy to package and can be used in a wide range of applications, including locomotives. HYDROTEC fuel cell systems will be assembled from globally sourced parts by Fuel Cell Systems Manufacturing, LLC in Brownstown, Michigan, the manufacturing joint venture between General Motors and Honda.
XCharge Gets Series B Funding
XCharge, the leading electric vehicle (EV) charging solution in Asia-Pacific and Europe, announced the closure of their Series B funding round with participation from Shell Ventures and other investors. XCharge aims to scale up to meet the accelerated demand in charging services in fast-expanding markets.
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the global mobility transition has not slowed down and the demand for charging solutions continues to rise significantly.
Power Integrations Qspeed Diode
Power Integrations the leader in high-voltage integrated circuits for energy-efficient power conversion, announced its 600 V 12 A Qspeed diode, delivering the industry’s lowest reverse recovery charge (Qrr) for a silicon diode. With a Qrr of just 14 nC at 25 °C, it improves efficiency of the PFC stage of on-board chargers and significantly reduces the thermals of the PFC MOSFETs. The AEC-Q101-qualified QH12TZ600Q offers the same low-switching loss performance of a silicon carbide (SiC) device without the disadvantages of moving to more expensive technology.
Edward Ong, senior product marketing manager at Power Integrations said: “The Qrr of these new Qspeed diodes is half that of the next best ultra-fast silicon diodes, resulting in very high system efficiency. This is particularly important for automotive on-board charger applications that require higher switching frequency to reduce volume and weight, and enables the Qspeed diodes to replace SiC devices.”
The QH12TZ600Q uses merged PiN and Schottky diode technology to achieve high performance. Its smooth reverse recovery current transition characteristics not only increase efficiency, but also reduce EMI and peak reverse voltage stress, eliminating the need for snubbers when used as output rectifiers in on-board chargers. Devices are available in the compact, 2.5 kV isolated TO-220 package which enables direct mounting to metal heat sinking, facilitating excellent thermal performance.
Availability & Resources
The new 600 V 12 A Qspeed diodes are priced at $1.17 in 10,000-piece quantities. For further inquiries contact a Power Integrations sales representative or one of the company’s authorized worldwide distributors: Digikey, Farnell, Mouser, and RS Components.
ChargePoint Charging for Fleets
ChargePoint Holdings, Inc. a leading electric vehicle (“EV”) charging network, today announced the most comprehensive EV charging solution portfolio available for fleets of all types and sizes.
From concept to scale, ChargePoint’s global fleet solution portfolio includes everything fleets need to electrify and optimize fueling as they grow. Fleet management software combined with ChargePoint’s AC and DC fast charging solutions balance charging costs with operational readiness for light- to heavy-duty vehicles across depot, on-route and at-home charging. Expert design/build services ensure a smooth transition to electrification. Ongoing support and maintenance guarantee maximum uptime for essential fueling.
ChargePoint® Express Plus, a scalable DC fast charging platform based on a software-defined DC hardware architecture, minimizes power conversion equipment costs needed per site. Its modular design enables compliance with stringent uptime requirements. ChargePoint’s holistic approach optimizes the fuel cost per vehicle and is designed to meet the needs of fleet operators, now and in the future.
Robust Software Keeps Vehicles Charged and Ready Anywhere and Optimizes Fuel Cost Per Vehicle
ChargePoint Fleet Depot, Mobility and Home software solutions keep vehicles charged and ready with optimized fueling through dynamic depot charging optimization, easy public charging access and payment and comprehensive take-home vehicle charging management.
- Depot software manages energy to minimize infrastructure and fuel costs while ensuring operational readiness through telematics, scheduling, utility and vehicle integrations.
- Mobility software ensures fleet drivers never get stranded on route by making it easy to find and pay for public charging using a variety of payment options including fuel cards.
- Home software enables fleets to offer home charging to drivers with take-home vehicles, managing the entire workflow of procurement, installation and fuel reimbursement.
- Application programming interfaces (APIs) and global partnerships across telematics, fuel cards, fleet and asset management systems complement ChargePoint solutions and ensure seamless integration with existing fleet operations.
Modular Architecture of the ChargePoint Express Plus Platform Delivers High Reliability and Serviceability
The ChargePoint Express Plus (EXPP) DC fast charging platform consists of modular components (EXPP Power Block, EXPP Power Module and EXPP Power Link) that can be easily configured to meet depot requirements and scale as fleets grow and the demand for charging increases.
- Each EXPP Power Block houses up to five self-contained EXPP Power Modules that can flexibly distribute up to 200 kW.
- EXPP Power Link dispenses power to EVs and supports up to two flexible cables compatible with all standard connector types.
- Connecting multiple EXPP Power Blocks optimizes power sharing flexibility and scalability.
- Multiple EXPP Power Links enable a mix of sequential and simultaneous charging.
- Cable management ensures EXPP Power Link stations can support various vehicle sizes and parking configurations while keeping cables safely off the ground. Mounting options include Wall, Pedestal and Gantry.
- The ChargePoint Express Plus solution features native support for the Open ChargePoint Protocol (OCPP).
In addition to the Express Plus DC fast charging platform and existing CPF50 50-amp AC fleet charging solution, ChargePoint offers an 80-amp AC charging solution for fleets in North America. The Express Plus DC fast charging platform will be available for early access fleet customers in summer 2021 and the 80-amp AC charging solution will be available to early access customers in the fall of 2021.
Expert Services and Support Ensure Fleet Electrification Success
ChargePoint makes successful fleet electrification a reality with expert design/build services and industry-leading service and support, from site analysis and planning through permitting and construction. The ChargePoint Assure® Pro maintenance and management package is designed for essential fueling operations and includes:
- Technical support around the clock in local languages
- Proactive station monitoring and role-based alerts and notifications
- One-hour response, same-day dispatch and 24-hour resolution commitments
- Extended parts warranty, including labor and spares management
Lincoln Will Premier First EV Next Year
Lincoln will debut its first global fully electric vehicle next year, the first step toward electrifying its entire portfolio of vehicles by the end of the decade. The new electric vehicle will debut as the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary next year and accelerates growth in North America and China.
By mid-decade, Lincoln expects half of its global volume will be zero-emissions vehicles and plans to electrify its portfolio of vehicles by 2030. This is part of the company’s Ford+ plan and Ford Motor Company’s planned investment of more than $30 billion.
MBZ Partners for Charging
Mercedes-Benz USA, together with its charging partners, is committed to raising the bar on EV charging with Mercedes me Charge – the official charging ecosystem of the EQS and other future electric mobility products. Mercedes me Charge offers important innovations and convenient charge management services for the groundbreaking new all-electric EQS Luxury Sedan including:
- An industry leading charging ecosystem, enabled by ChargePoint, that simplifies the process of finding, using and paying for charging sessions on all major networks in North America. The MBUX headunit and Mercedes Me app seamlessly handle trip-planning, locating stations and initiating payment for all charging sessions.
- More charging points: Through a strategic partnership with ChargePoint, Mercedes me Charge enables seamless access to a public network of almost 60,000 places to charge nationwide through ChargePoint and other major charging networks like Electrify America.
- As an industry first, the additional integration of more than 60,000 semi-public chargers at shopping malls, hotels and workplaces makes the Mercedes me Charge network the largest integrated charging network in the US1.
- Free and easy: Through collaboration with Electrify America, Mercedes me Charge enables complimentary 30-minute charging per session for the first two years from
Liquid Piston Runs on Hydrogen Gas
LiquidPiston, Inc., developer of advanced rotary diesel and multi-fuel internal combustion engines, today released a video with Warped Perception announcing its innovative X-Engine’s ability to run on hydrogen gas. The successful use of hydrogen gas to power the X-Engine, a next-generation rotary engine, demonstrates that fuels created using renewable energy are a possible pathway forward to enable engines to become zero emission power generation technologies. This is the sixth fuel variation that has been shown to power the X-Engine along with gasoline, propane, kerosene, diesel, and jet A fuel.
iSun for Off-Gird Charging
iSun, Inc. a purpose-driven, leading solar energy and clean mobility infrastructure company with 50-years of construction experience in solar, electrical and data services, announced that it has been selected by competitive bid by two of the most important entities in the municipal EV fleet and off-grid charging networks. iSun will design and deploy several and grid-tied and off-grid solar powered electric-vehicle charging stations across America.
Jeffrey Peck, iSun’s Chief Executive Officer, commented, “We are very proud that the iSun ROAM off-grid solution and the iSun PALM grid-tied system have been selected through a competitive bid process by such an esteemed group of e-mobility infrastructure partners. We look forward to growing these new relationships and to supporting the transition from dirty energy to clean energy across America. These recent wins also demonstrate the accretive value of the iSun Energy LLC acquisition in January 2021. We believe the iSun systems are the most advanced and reliable solar EV charging solutions in the world, due to the system scalability and modular design, on- or off-grid capability, high-quality aircraft grade aluminum materials, and intelligent software. iSun wants to create the best experience with reliable charging solutions, so electric vehicle drivers can go anywhere and do anything in their EVs.”
iSun platform unique qualities include:
- Off-grid or grid-tied configuration flexibility
- Easy installation with minimal site disruption
- High-quality aircraft grade structure, rustproof protection
- Intelligent iSunOS operating system to monitor/manage the battery, EV chargers and solar power produced
- Ground-level energy storage for ease of maintenance and installation
- Emergency power outlets for mobile phone or other electronics
- Modular and scalable to any size.
IVECO and FPT Colaborate with Nikola
IVECO and FPT Industrial, the commercial vehicle and powertrain brands of CNH Industrial N.V., began their collaboration with Nikola at the end of 2019 with the aim of developing and deploying zero-emission Class 8 heavy-duty trucks, powered by both battery and hydrogen fuel-cell, in North America and Europe. By leveraging the partners’ respective expertise and technological know-how, the project has very quickly moved from the drawing board to the trial stages with the prototypes already built.
The film follows the first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) prototype on its journey beginning at the IVECO manufacturing facility in Ulm, Germany, the production hub for European Manufacturing Joint Venture between CNH Industrial and Nikola. On arrival by ship in Baltimore, the truck is transported across the U.S. turning heads and garnering admiring comments along the way for its original and innovative design finally arriving at the Nikola headquarters prior to continuing on to proving grounds in Phoenix, Arizona. Here the validation and commissioning testing begins and the truck is put through its paces in a series of increasingly demanding trials designed to test powertrain performance and durability. The film contains an in-depth interview with Pablo Cebrian Robles, VP of Engineering, Heavy and Medium Trucks for IVECO, with additional comments from the Nikola team, as they receive the prototype for the first time on U.S. soil.
Find out more about CNH Industrial’s and Nikola’s partnership to achieve zero-emission transport at: cnhindustrial.com/AnElectrifyingPartnership