EV, Battery & Charging News: Nissan, Faraday Future, GM, Enel X, Volta, Mullen Tech, Sion Power, Eaton, Electrify America, SKYCHARGER, VisIC, InoBat, Siemens & StoreDot

In electric vehicle, battery and charging news are Nissan, Faraday Future, GM, Enel X, Volta, Mullen Tech, Sion Power, Eaton, Electrify America, SKYCHARGER, VisIC, InoBat, Siemens and StoreDot.

Nissan Races to Zero

Nissan has announced that it has joined the Race to Zero campaign supported by the United Nations, accelerating the company’s full electrification and carbon neutrality goals. Nissan is the first Japanese automaker to join the campaign.

Nissan also signed the campaign’s Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment, aligning Nissan with the goal to keep global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Nissan has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a requirement for participation in the campaign. Nissan’s well below 2°C carbon reduction targets have been validated by the SBTi, ensuring that they are aligned to climate science.

FF Charges Up with Qmerit

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc, a California-based global shared intelligent mobility ecosystem company,announced its plans to partner with Qmerit, a leader in green energy transformation with the largest nationwide network of certified electrical installers for EV charging, to support future FF 91 drivers in need of home charging and other future energy-related installations.

Merchants Fleet Partner with Enel X

Merchants Fleet, the nation’s fastest growing fleet management company, announced today a partnership with Enel X, the Enel Group’s advanced energy services business line, to meet the infrastructure needs of the electric vehicle (EV) industry. As part of the partnership, Enel X will provide smart EV supply equipment (EVSE), installation and charging infrastructure to Merchants Fleet clients to support the electrification of fleets nationwide. The announcement follows an executive order from President Biden aimed at making half of all new vehicles sold in the US electric by 2030.

The partnership with Merchants Fleet continues to expand Enel X’s fleet electrification portfolio, including partnerships with Biogen, Uber, Vestas, Novartis and more. Enel X is also working with transit agencies, including the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to support the electrification of public bus fleets and Martha’s Vineyard on a microgrid that will power an all-electric public transportation bus.

In early 2021, Merchants launched its innovative Adopt EV program, which is designed to help clients make a seamless and cost-effective entry into EVs. The tool educates and guides clients throughout the EV and EVSE purchase process from concept to execution. The addition of Enel X to the ecosystem will give Merchants Fleet clients access to specialized engineers and advisors who will help plan, provide, and install custom fit EVSE, enabling the adoption of infrastructure and services that align with their  needs and electrification goals.

New Safety Test Mark

The independent testing organisation affirms conformity with the basic technical safety requirements in the EU and the UK with the new ukTÜVeu test mark. The ultra fast charging station with battery system from ADS-TEC Energy is the first fast charging system to be certified with the new seal.

The basis of certification represents a wide range of standards listed in the relevant directives such as those of the Low Voltage Directive, the EMC & RED Directive as well as the Machinery Directive and their UK equivalents. The basic prerequisite is the periodic monitoring of the production of the HPC charging system.

Certification requires product testing and regular factory inspections. The core of the audit by the independent expert organisation was whether ADS-TEC, as a manufacturer, is able to maintain consistent quality in large-scale production in line with requirements and has established the necessary quality system, including incoming goods inspection, material lists and final product control. Besides this, the calibration of the required measuring and monitoring equipment must be ensured. The inspection by TÜV SÜD includes the testing of safety-critical components and other materials used.

“The demands on the combination of battery system and charging station are enormous and complex. We comply with the relevant standards and have proven these extensively in accredited laboratories such as TÜV SÜD. An important point for our customers and acceptance”, declares CEO of ADS-TEC, Thomas Speidel.

The complexity results from the overlapping of different requirements on both the battery system and charging station. Although it is a complete system, both technical components have their own standards to meet.

“Electromobility needs such solutions so that e-vehicles can be charged faster and everywhere. The challenge for manufacturers is to deal with and consider all regulatory requirements during development. ADS-TEC has managed to do this with the ChargeBox and fulfilled the requirements for markets such as USA/CANADA beyond the borders of the EU. With the new euTÜVuk test mark, we are also confirming ADS-TEC’s compliance with UK requirements,” states Sami Demircan, Senior Account Manager E-Mobility at TÜV SÜD.

The ChargeBox is the heart of the fast-charging system and a highly complex construct with integrated battery, power electronics, energy management, control, and air conditioning. The certification is therefore very comprehensive and is carried out in numerous elaborate individual tests. The system works by storing low-power energy from the grid and “boosting it” to an output of up to 320 kilowatts when needed. When an e-vehicle arrives, it is charged directly with its full power in just a few minutes.

This means that the fast-charging infrastructure can also be built up to the last mile in city centres or residential areas. In many places, this saves a costly grid expansion and protects the grid – even if at some point a large number of electric vehicles want to charge quickly everywhere at the same time. As a small battery buffered ChargeBox that only takes up about 1.6 square metres of floor space, the system converts AC power into up to 320 kilowatts of DC charging power and does so completely quiet and without any noisy charging sounds. Thanks to its compactness with two separate slim charging points, it can be easily integrated in almost any location.

Volta SPACs

Volta Inc. (“Volta”), an industry leader in commerce-centric electric vehicle (“EV”) charging networks and Tortoise Acquisition Corp. II (“TortoiseCorp II”), a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company, today announced the completion of their previously announced business combination. The business combination was approved at TortoiseCorp II’s extraordinary general meeting of shareholders held on August 25, 2021 (the “Extraordinary General Meeting”). Approximately 96% of the votes cast at the Extraordinary General Meeting voted in favor of the business combination. As a result of the business combination, TortoiseCorp II was renamed “Volta Inc.”. Class A common stock and public warrants in Volta will commence trading on the New York Stock Exchange on August 27, 2021 under the ticker symbols “VLTA” and “VLTA.WS”, respectively.

Mullen Tech SPACs

Mullen Technologies Inc. (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, which previously announced a definitive agreement to merge with Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) in a stock-for-stock reverse merger in which Mullen’s stockholders will receive a majority of the outstanding stock in the post-merger company, announces today the arrival of the Mullen FIVE EV Crossover.

Starting in September, Mullen will begin the final stages of engineering and dry fit process of the Mullen FIVE in Irvine, California. The FIVE is built on an EV crossover skateboard platform that offers multiple powertrain configurations and trim levels in a svelt design that is Strikingly Different and exciting to experience in person. Mullen is excited for the world debut of the FIVE this coming November.

“I am beyond excited to showcase the Mullen FIVE. It’s amazing to see the FIVE go from vision to reality. Once you see it, you will be blown away,” said David Michery, CEO and chairman of Mullen. “We’ve researched, designed, engineered and built the FIVE in America by Americans. We are very proud for the world to see the FIVE this coming November.”/

Sion Powers Licerion

Sion Power a technology leader in high-energy, lithium-metal rechargeable batteries, is introducing their Licerion® rechargeable battery for electric vehicles at The Battery Show North America in Novi, Michigan in September. The 17 Ah Licerion Electric Vehicle (EV) cell boasts over 400 Wh/kg and 810 Wh/L in a large-format pouch cell. The company has specifically designed Licerion-EV for next-generation electric vehicle applications, focusing on high energy density, increased cycle life, safety, and fast charging capability.

Unlike many start-up companies, Sion Power is backing Licerion technology with decades of research and development in rechargeable lithium-metal battery technology. The result is a full-scale cell that meets the requirements of next-generation automotive targets. In independent testing, 6 Ah Licerion-EV cells reached over 800 cycles, demonstrated fast charge capability (80% of charge in 15 minutes), excellent power capability, and safety.

“This is a watershed moment for Sion Power’s push toward next-generation electrified vehicles,” says Mr. Tracy Kelley, CEO of Sion Power. Mr. Kelley goes on to say, “I am extremely proud of what we have accomplished. Our Licerion-EV technology has demonstrated a blend of energy, safety, and electrical performance that is unmatched. We look forward to continued work with our partners to commercialize our revolutionary battery system.”

Eaton Power Differentials

Power management company Eaton announced its Vehicle Group has launched an extensive lineup of specialized differentials for electrified vehicles with comparable performance to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. The passenger vehicle market is increasingly transitioning to electrified vehicles (EVs), and Eaton has the expertise and experience to provide the solution EV manufacturers need.

Eaton’s Traction Control family of differentials can provide improved traction in adverse conditions, such as snow and mud, and improved stability while trailering. As a global supplier, Eaton has extensive knowledge of vehicle dynamics and safety standards, as well as decades of experience working with global automotive manufacturers to integrate differentials into new vehicle platforms. Eaton has been supplying differentials to the EV market since 2015.

SKCHARGERS for Upstate NY

This year SKYCHARGER teamed with Renua Energy in the foothills of Upstate New York to prepare for the surge in demand for EV charging. With that in mind, Deric Buck, Owner of Kingsbury National and Bay Meadows Golf Clubs, took the first step and met with Dave Byrne of Renua Energy to learn more about how he could offer the amenity at both of his establishments

“It is important to us to provide our patrons with quality courses, stellar facilities, along with modern services,” said Buck. “When reviewing the viability of the project, we were concerned with the large capital expenditure and the high cost of ongoing maintenance. Once Renua Energy explained how their model bears no risk and generates revenue, we knew this was the right choice for us!”

Between the Bay Meadows Golf Club located in Queensbury, NY, and the Kingsbury National Golf Club located in Kingsbury, NY, they installed five stations totaling 10 EV charging parking spots. EV owners can stop in for a round of golf or a quick bite and charge their vehicle simultaneously.

When asked why SKYCHARGER, Byrne replied, “We realized early on that SKYCHARGER’s model was different, which is why we strategically chose to partner with them. When a customer realizes that for almost no cost they can offer EV charging to their patrons (or future patrons), you almost instantly get buy-in and an interest in participating.”

VisIC OBC Electric Totem Polls

– VisIC Technologies Ltd. is proud to announce its new reference design for Totem Pole PFC aimed at OBC for electric vehicles. This reference design is another step in the ongoing effort to support our customers and improve the power conversion systems to fit the demanding size, cost, and efficiency targets for the automotive market.

Today on-board-chargers embrace the bidirectional requirements of the V2G and G2V by using new topologies such as the Totem Pole PFC.

The new reference design from VisIC is aimed at the higher power segment of 7.2kW with increased efficiency, size, and cost structure.

Based on the VisIC V22TC65S1A 22mohm, 650V, 100A GaN device that is optimized for PFC stage, the design requires a single device per leg and achieves a power density above 130W/inchor 8kW/L, operating at 140kHz without paralleling GaN devices and giving an efficiency above 98%.

The reference design kit includes everything needed to operate the unit in both PFC and inverter modes, from the on-board firmware on MCU to the coldplate for high power operation, as well as all the design files.

InoBat Research

A leading global electric vehicle battery supplier, InoBat is pioneering extensive efforts in R&D and manufacturing across the complete battery value life cycle including energy storage, charging infrastructure and recycling. With automotive, commercial and aviation customers including Czech bus manufacturer SOR, InoBat creates high-margin EV batteries customizable in different cell formats such as pouch or cylindrical — both with faster development timelines than the industry norm.

“Our goal is to contribute to the global electrification efforts. Partnering with Group14 will enable us to bring advanced energy solutions across the whole battery value chain for a variety of markets,” said Marian Bocek, CEO and Co-Founder of InoBat. “At InoBat, sustainability lies at our core — we are thrilled that Group14 shares our vision of a zero-emission future enabled by breakthrough battery technology and materials.”

The largest manufacturer of lithium-silicon battery materials, Group14 is now capable of producing 120 tons per year of its patented anode technology, SCC55™ from its first domestic Battery Active Materials (BAM) factory in Woodinville, Washington. While the majority of the factory’s current production capacity has been earmarked for the company’s consumer electronics customers, the factory also provides EV-sized batches of materials to auto-focused customers as part of the qualification process.

“In order to truly enable the electrification of everything, successful and sustainable EV adoption will hinge on energy storage breakthroughs,” said Rick Luebbe, CEO and co-founder of Group14 Technologies. “With this partnership with InoBat, we are taking a leap to enable automotive OEMs to meet and exceed cost-parity all while delivering unparalleled performance and mitigating carbon emissions on a global scale.”

The partnership with InoBat Auto comes on the heels of a joint venture agreement with SK materials to launch a factory in South Korea to enable dual sourcing of Group14’s patented lithium-silicon technology to reach all corners of the world.

Siemens USA Expands

Siemens is announcing its commitment to invest and expand the company’s U.S. manufacturing operations to support electric vehicle infrastructure in America. The company will bolster its existing manufacturing footprint of EV infrastructure with the VersiCharge Level 2 AC series product line of commercial and residential EV chargers. With this addition, Siemens is preparing to manufacture over 1 million electric vehicle chargers for the United States over the next four years. This investment is the latest in the company’s strategic plan to meet accelerating electric vehicle charging demand, expand its manufacturing capabilities, and increase transportation electrification job opportunities at all levels in the United States. The company is currently conducting local site evaluations.

The new facility will be the company’s third U.S. eMobility® hub and is projected to support 100 jobs across the manufacturing site and regional supply chain.

“We’re incredibly encouraged by the continued commitment from the Administration and the Senate’s bipartisan approval of a historic $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, which includes a $7.5 billion investment to construct electric vehicle stations, and Siemens is answering the call to accelerate EV charging production in the U.S.,” said John DeBoer, head of Siemens eMobility solutions and Future Grid Business in North America. “This latest manufacturing investment proves Siemens will continue to support crucial improvements in America’s infrastructure, manufacturing and electrified transportation that will make our economy more resilient, competitive, and sustainable.”

Siemens plans to identify a location this year and bring a facility online to begin manufacturing AC chargers in the United States in early 2022.

“At Siemens, we are developing technologies that truly transform the everyday, and as America embraces electrified transportation, we are ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support it,” said Ruth Gratzke, President of Siemens Smart Infrastructure U.S. “To meet this moment, Siemens is enthusiastically investing in the growth of our U.S. eMobility footprint that will help advance our nation’s climate policy while adding green jobs to the American workforce.”

The plant will serve as a counterpart to Siemens’ existing operations in Wendell, North Carolina, where the company manufactures charging solutions for buses, trucks and heavy-duty electric vehicles. In 2019, Siemens expanded the 272,000-square-foot Wendell facility to manufacture DC fleet EV chargers, adding over 50 jobs. The Wendell location also works with local educational institutions including North Carolina State University and Wake Tech Community College for training and workforce development.

Siemens’ sites across Texas, California, and South Carolina develop make-ready electrical infrastructure equipment and technology that seamlessly couple with the charging solutions. And at its research and development headquarters in Peachtree Corners, Georgia, the Siemens eMobility solutions team explore cutting edge electric vehicle opportunities and develop and test charging technologies to ensure the interoperability and accessibility of its solutions.

StoreDot New Patent

StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), is underpinning its leadership in XFC technologies with a patent for revolutionary systems that will decrease EV charging times. These systems are set to significantly improve the rate of miles per minute of charging, which remains a major barrier to EV ownership for many potential buyers.

The new breakthrough technology covered by the patent will be accessible to the entire market, marking a first for an advanced automotive battery company. StoreDot is making the technology available to other organizations to help expand current charging infrastructure, speed up the global adoption of electric vehicles and create a zero-emissions world in the future.

The patent pending technology incorporates hardware and software advances that create a “booster” feature, allowing the battery to analyze the capability of the charging station in real time and to adjust the battery’s ability to carry high current rates. This communication between a vehicle’s XFC battery and charging system means that cells can be charged faster, safely accepting a higher current without overheating. It also has the ability to immediately boost existing infrastructure systems, enabling faster charging, and thus optimizing future fast-charge technologies without the need to upgrade to newer equipment in the near future.//

Lordstown Motors Corp. (Nasdaq: RIDE), (“Lordstown Motors”), a leader in electric light duty trucks focused on the commercial fleet market, demonstrated the capabilities of the Lordstown Endurance at the Northeast Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives’ (NEC/AAAE) Annual Conference this week, hosted by the Burlington Airport in Burlington, VT. The American Association of Airport Executives is the world’s largest professional organization for airport executives, representing thousands of airport management personnel at approximately 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support airports./

CarPlay and Android Auto Apps for Electrify America

Electrify America  announced support of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto products coming this week, allowing drivers to access Electrify America’s mobile app through their vehicle’s infotainment system.

With this added functionality of both platforms, customers will enjoy a ‘one stop’ solution in their electric vehicles (EVs) for all electric transportation and mobility needs, including essential information about Electrify America’s more than 650 charging stations and 2,700 individual chargers nationwide.

While using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, drivers will enjoy access to many of the same benefits of the Electrify America mobile app, just reimagined for the car. The Electrify America mobile app was recently redesigned to introduce improved functionality and convenient features that make the charging experience approachable for new and existing customers alike.

“Electrify America is constantly striving to meet customers where they are and make the transition to EV driving as seamless as possible,” said Brenna Corrigan, manager of brand & digital marketing at Electrify America. “With this expanded functionality, we are integrating essential charging station navigation information right into customers’ vehicles, helping them feel confident on the road.”

Highlighted features include:

  • Locate a Charger: Drivers can easily navigate to charging stations while on the go. Electrify America’s nationwide network allows users to plan out everything from a grocery store run to a cross-country trip – showing how many charging stations are nearby, how many of each type of chargers are at the station and which chargers are currently available.
  • Remote Start and Stop: Drivers can initiate or end a charge session through the vehicle infotainment screen.
  • View Plan Details: Access details of charging plans, including pricing and any free charging which may be included with the purchase of your vehicle.

The mobile app compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto products is one of Electrify America’s many innovative enhancements for the electric vehicle driving experience, with the goal of promoting increased adoption of electric vehicles.

The announcement follows Electrify America’s newly introduced “Boost Plan” to more than double its current EV charging infrastructure in the United States and Canada, with plans to have more than 1,800 ultra-fast charging stations and 10,000 individual chargers installed by the end of 2025. The expansion will increase the deployment of 150 and 350 kilowatt chargers – the fastest speed available today – and help pave the way for more electric vehicles in North America.

ENGIE EV School Buses

Building on ENGIE’s success enabling broad adoption of electrified transportation throughout the world, ENGIE North America, through its various subsidiaries and affiliates, announced today new K-12 fleet and transit agency customers: El Monte Union High School District (UHSD), Grossmont Union HSD and Victor Valley Transit Authority.

“Zero-emission buses are the future of American public transportation,” said Stefaan Sercu, Chief Energy Solutions Officer, Americas at ENGIE. “In fact, soon, electrification will be one of the best options. That’s good news for communities, because ultimately it will significantly reduce both the cost and environmental impact of transportation.”///

– Building on ENGIE’s success enabling broad adoption of electrified transportation throughout the world, ENGIE North America, through its various subsidiaries and affiliates, announced today new K-12 fleet and transit agency customers: El Monte Union High School District (UHSD), Grossmont Union HSD and Victor Valley Transit Authority.

“Zero-emission buses are the future of American public transportation,” said Stefaan Sercu, Chief Energy Solutions Officer, Americas at ENGIE. “In fact, soon, electrification will be one of the best options. That’s good news for communities, because ultimately it will significantly reduce both the cost and environmental impact of transportation.”

All Chevy Bots ARE Recalls Do’s and Don’ts

General Motors is voluntarily expanding the current Chevrolet Bolt EV recall to cover the remaining 2019 and all 2020-2022 model year vehicles, including the Bolt EUV. In rare circumstances, the batteries supplied to GM for these vehicles may have two manufacturing defects – a torn anode tab and folded separator – present in the same battery cell, which increases the risk of fire. Out of an abundance of caution, GM will replace defective battery modules in Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs with new modules, with an expected additional cost of approximately $1 billion.

“Our focus on safety and doing the right thing for our customers guides every decision we make at GM,” said Doug Parks, GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain. “As leaders in the transition to an all-electric future, we know that building and maintaining trust is critical. GM customers can be confident in our commitment to taking the steps to ensure the safety of these vehicles.”

After further investigation into the manufacturing processes at LG and disassembling battery packs, GM discovered manufacturing defects in certain battery cells produced at LG manufacturing facilities beyond the Ochang, Korea, plant. GM and LG are working to rectify the cause of these defects. In the meantime, GM is pursuing commitments from LG for reimbursement of this field action.

This new recall population includes:

  • 9,335 (6,989 in the U.S. and 1,212 in Canada) – 2019 model year Bolt EVs that were not included in the previous recall
  • 63,683 (52,403 in the U.S. and 9,019 in Canada) – 2020–2022 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs and EUVs

To provide customers peace of mind, batteries with these new modules will come with an 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty (or 8-year/160,000 km limited warranty in Canada).

GM is working aggressively with LG to increase production as soon as possible. GM will notify customers when replacement parts are ready.

Until customers in the new recall population receive replacement modules, they should:

1. Set their vehicle to a 90 percent state of charge limitation using Target Charge Level mode. Instructions on how to do this are available on chevy.com/boltevrecall. If customers are unable to successfully make these changes, or do not feel comfortable making these changes, GM is asking them to visit their dealer to have these adjustments completed.

2. Charge their vehicle more frequently and avoid depleting their battery below approximately 70 miles (113 kilometers) of remaining range, where possible.

3. Park their vehicles outside immediately after charging and should not leave their vehicles charging indoors overnight.