Nikola Delivers BEVs to TTSI
Nikola Corporation (Nasdaq: NKLA), a global leader in zero-emission transportation and energy infrastructure solutions, delivered the first Nikola Tre battery-electric vehicle (BEV) pilot trucks to Total Transportation Services Inc. (TTSI), one of Southern California’s prominent port trucking companies, to expedite zero-emission transportation solutions at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach..
Following the program, guests had the opportunity to experience the Tre BEV first-hand during demonstrations and as truck passengers.
As previously announced, TTSI’s LOI is for 100 zero-emission trucks beginning with a four-truck pilot of two BEVs and two FCEVs. Based on satisfactory completion of the vehicle trials and subject to TTSI obtaining certain government funding, thirty BEVs are projected to follow later in 2022, and 70 FCEVs are anticipated to start in 2023.
The Nikola Tre BEV is designed for local deliveries up to 350 miles. The Nikola Tre FCEV truck is targeted for distances up to 500 miles and is expected to address the North American regional market, especially when additional hauling capacity or quick fueling are required by fleet operators.
According to TTSI, in any given month 13,000 to 14,000 trucks call at the port of Los Angeles/Long Beach, emitting roughly 2,600 tons per year of smog-causing nitrogen-oxide emissions. This location and transportation use case represent one of the largest opportunities in California to make a significant impact for the transition to sustainable transportation. TTSI has been on the forefront of this transition with early adopter status and will partner with Nikola to transition both BEVs and FCEVs into operation on a trial basis.
European ports are also planning to utilize Nikola’s trucks. In September 2021, Nikola and IVECO signed an MoU with the Hamburg Port Authority to deliver up to 25 Nikola Tre BEVs for delivery to that Port throughout 2022.
Polestar New Retail Center in Corte Madera
Polestar has opened a new retail location in Corte Madera, California. Polestar Marin will offer sales, service, and test drives of the Polestar 1 electric performance hybrid GT and the Polestar 2 electric performance fastback. It will also service customers living within a 150-mile radius via a free pickup and delivery service program. Polestar Marin is located at The Village at Corte Madera, 1700 Redwood Highway, Corte Madera, CA 94925.
“We continue to rapidly expand our Polestar Space network across North America,” says Gregor Hembrough, Head of Polestar North America. “With the addition of Polestar Marin, we continue to redefine the premium experience within the San Francisco market.”
In partnership with Price Simms Family Dealerships, the newest Polestar Space in the San Francisco Bay Area will give customers the opportunity to experience Polestar vehicles first-hand and ask questions in a non-traditional retail environment. Test drives of the brand’s first all-electric vehicle – Polestar 2 – can be coordinated on-site or at home via Polestar.om/test-drive.
###Volkswagen Invests $20 Million for Electric Partners
Volkswagen of America, Inc., (VWoA) unveiled the first major results of its nationwide Network Readiness Co-Op Program, an investment of $20 million to support its more than 600 dealership partners to transform into regional hubs of EV experience. With sales and reservations for the all-electric ID.4 SUV climbing, Volkswagen’s program seeks to enhance consumer access by helping its 50-state dealership network establish the underlying EV infrastructure, such as upgraded service centers and high-capacity chargers. As a direct result of the program − which will continue through June 2022 − Volkswagen dealers have added 23,490 kWh of charging capacity, trained more than 1,260 EV service technicians, and implemented dedicated EV Specialists tocreate e-mobility centric consumer experiences across the country.
“It’s the consumer who will lead America’s electric vehicle revolution”, said Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “And it’s our dealership partners who bring their communities into electric vehicles, providing unmatched service and expertise. We’re dedicated to fully support them in this journey. With nine out of ten Volkswagen ID.4 buyers identifying as first-time EV buyers, I’ve never been more confident that the electric future is driven by Volkswagen.”
In addition, Volkswagen has launched a dedicated EV Technician Retention Program to support dealers to boost training, incentivize their highly skilled technicians, and recruit new talent equipped at addressing the EV shift. The program enables Volkswagen and participating dealers to financially reward dealership technicians with a retention bonus of $2,000 per year, empowering them to gain new individual certifications to enhance their skillsets and build up comprehensive expertise for the ID.4 and all Volkswagen electric models in the years to come.
“I believe with the commitment Volkswagen has put forth to electrification along with the service and support the dealer body will offer, Volkswagen will be the top choice on consumers shopping list when looking to go electric”, said Tom McMenamin, Volkswagen National Dealer Chairman and Dealer Principal of Toms River Volkswagen, Toms River NJ. “I am very excited for the electric future with Volkswagen”.
To date, the ID.4 is among the fastest-selling vehicles in Volkswagen of America’s current product portfolio. With more than 15,000 cars sold and more than 40,000 ID.4 gross reservations since its introduction in March 2021, consumer interest keeps climbing. More than 85 percent of all ID.4 buyers have enrolled for 3 years of unlimited charging at Electrify America DC Fast Chargers across the country¹ − and drivers have already charged more than 22 million miles for their ID.4s at Electrify America stations.
EPA Rates Kia EV6 at 226 Miles
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has certified a maximum all-electric range (AER) of 310 miles for the 2022 Kia EV6 when equipped with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. The all-electric range (AER) for the entire EV6 lineup was announced ahead of the EV6 going on sale in the first quarter of 2022. More information about the certification is available at Fueleconomy.gov
The top rating of 310 miles AER applies to EV6 when configured with a 77.4 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, including EV6 GT-Line RWD and EV6 EX+ RWD. This rating represents an impressive overall efficiency of 4.0 miles/kWh. EV6 models fitted with all-wheel drive are EPA-certified at 274 miles AER, and the 58.0-kWh EV6 EX is rated at 232 miles AER. These range figures are a testament to the efficiency of EV6 in motor performance and aerodynamics.
For occasional instances when a fast charge is desired, the EV6 can be charged quickly, thanks to a patented multi-charging system that supports 400v and 800v DC charging, which works on DC chargers with speeds ranging from 50kW to 350kW1.
“Offering EV6 customers over 300 miles of all-electric range per charge, combined with the ability to recharge quickly and efficiently, is foundational to the rollout of our Plan S Strategy that positions Kia as an EV leader,” said Sean Yoon, president & CEO, Kia North America, Kia America.
The Kia EV6 delivers jaw-dropping performance, available AWD capability, ultra-fast DC charging, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, and a flat-floor interior that utilizes sustainable-friendly materials throughout the cabin. The EV6 also offers a wide array of advanced driver assistance systems, adding an unprecedented level of connectivity and safety. The first EV6 (EX, EX+ and GT-Line) models are expected to go on sale in early 2022 in all 50 states.
EVgo Offers New Mobile App
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO), the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs) and first powered by 100% renewable electricity, today unveiled the all-new EVgo mobile app. The app’s modern design, convenient new features and enhanced performance provide a streamlined driver experience, giving customers more reliable and personalized charging services while on the go. Customers can charge with EVgo and our roaming partners in just three easy steps: plug in, tap to start, and charge up.
The new app supports EVgo’s goal to make charging simple, delivering an industry-leading user experience that makes switching to an EV more inviting. EV drivers utilizing EVgo’s charging network, comprised of more than 1500 public fast chargers and 1,200+ L2 chargers across 68 metropolitan areas and 35 states, can enjoy a highly personalized experience through the app. Built with the EV driver in mind and to help quickly identify what stations are best for their vehicle, the app allows drivers to add their vehicles to their “garage” by easily scanning their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), creating a customized vehicle profile that can be used to filter the map based on the vehicle’s specific connector types. The app also seamlessly integrates the EVgo Rewards™ loyalty program so drivers can save money the more they charge with EVgo.
In addition to increased options for personalization, the new app boasts enhanced search capabilities, enabling drivers to search by business or location name, charger name, points of interest, location, and more, as well as view key charging site details such as parking information, pricing, and power levels. Featuring a redesigned map – with real-time station level availability per charger – EVgo app users can also get turn-by-turn directions to available EV chargers nearby.
Nuvve Deploys 1ST V2G School Bus in Colorado
– Nuvve Holding Corp. (Nuvve) (Nasdaq: NVVE), a global cleantech company electrifying the planet at the intersection of energy and transportation through its intelligent energy platform, and Colorado/West Equipment, Inc. (Colorado/West), a Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird) (Nasdaq: BLBD) dealership, announced the deployment of the first vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capable electric school bus in the state of Colorado at Durango School District 9-R. La Plata Energy Association (LPEA), a forward-thinking, member-owned cooperative (co-op) serving over 34,000 members, co-wrote the grant and donated funds towards the Blue Bird bus and Nuvve V2G DC 60kW charging station.
Colorado/West was able to deliver the first V2G-capable electric bus in the state through an Alt Fuels Colorado grant allocating funds from the $68.7 million Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Settlement to be used to reduce air pollution.
Nuvve’s V2G technology has been integrated into all Blue Bird Vision Type C and All American Type D buses to enable bidirectional charging and utilization of stored energy in the bus batteries to provide power back to the grid. By combining Blue Bird’s All American electric bus and Nuvve’s V2G 60kW DC fast charging station into one package, Colorado/West was able to offer a turnkey solution to the school district and LPEA.
Mareli Electric Powertrain Awarded Contracti with OEM
Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg, the joint venture between MARELLI and PUNCH Motive International established in May 2021, has announced the successful award of its first important contract with a major worldwide OEM for the production of e-axles.
The awarded e-axle will be developed, tested and manufactured by Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg and the start of production is planned for 2024.
Combining the proven expertise of the two partners, the JV company – which is majority owned by Marelli – develops and assembles optimized integrated e-axle systems for BEVs or Plug-in Hybrid cars, for Europe and the Americas. The acquisition of this first order since the JV became operational is recognition within the market for its advanced technological capabilities.
The e-axle system will be compatible with the strictest of functional safety requirements, such as ASIL–D (Automotive Safety Integrity Level D). It will be one of the most compact, efficient and high-performance solutions in the market. Another unique feature lies in the ability to ensure an optimal drivability to BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles), through functions such as the active torque vectoring, that brings agility to the driving.
Hannes Prenn, President of Marelli’s Vehicle Electrification division said, “This JV was created to address a gap in the EV portfolio of the Marelli Vehicle Electrification Division. To achieve such a significant award so soon after its formation demonstrates perfectly the rationale for establishing the business. The focus on e-axles for full electrification systems is a key element in the Marelli Vehicle Electrification strategy. Coupled with our established track record in electric powertrain and thermal management, it frames a comprehensive approach that enables the efficient control of the energy flow in vehicles of today and tomorrow.”
As a key system for electric vehicles, the e-axle is a core technology within Marelli’s e-mobility growth strategy. With the accelerating shift toward e-mobility, Marelli´s goal is to expand its unique integrated offering as a full system provider for vehicle electrification, including e-Motors, inverters and software, battery management solutions. Thermal management also plays a major role in this. Reducing power dissipation and optimizing cooling are of paramount importance for lifespan and efficiency gains.
The Marelli Electric Powertrain Strasbourg joint venture benefits from the expertise and know-how within the Marelli Vehicle Electrification Division, as well as from the strong technological competence of PUNCH group, with reference in particular to the centers of expertise in Strasbourg, focused on gearbox engineering and manufacturing, and in Turin, the specialist focused on system management and software expertise.
Proterra New EV Battery Factory in South Carolina
As demand for commercial electric vehicles continues to grow across the United States and around the world, Proterra Inc, a leading innovator in commercial vehicle electrification technology, announced plans to open a new EV battery system manufacturing plant in South Carolina to produce the company’s industry-leading battery systems for Proterra Powered customers’ commercial electric vehicles, including delivery and work trucks, industrial equipment, buses, and more.
Proterra has committed to a minimum investment of at least $76 million, with additional investments planned over the next several years, and expects to create more than 200 new jobs over the next several years at the 327,000 square foot battery system production plant. The factory is expected to launch in the second half of 2022 with multiple gigawatt hours of annual production capacity for Proterra’s battery systems. By 2025, the factory is expected to support additional battery system production capacity, as well as the production of ancillary systems incorporated into electric medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles and equipment.
Proterra’s new battery system manufacturing facility will be located at the 42.76-acre Carolina Commerce Center in Greer, South Carolina near Proterra’s electric bus manufacturing facility in Greenville, South Carolina and adjacent to the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. By opening the company’s first EV battery system factory on the East Coast of the United States, Proterra will bring battery production closer to its Proterra Powered customers and its own Proterra Transit electric bus manufacturing operations.
BorgWarner Partners with PolyCharge
– BorgWarner is strengthening its inverter capabilities and offerings through an exclusive licensing agreement with PolyCharge America, Inc., a startup company formed to deliver disruptive capacitor products. With this agreement, BorgWarner secures exclusive rights to bring the PolyCharge NanoLamTM capacitors in-house for use in the company’s extensive selection of inverters. The capacitors enable high-power inverters to be smaller, lighter and more tolerant to high temperatures.
PolyCharge’s NanoLam capacitor technology utilizes super-thin polymer dielectric layers, making them ideal for applications in which weight savings, high temperature tolerance and packaging space are critically important. NanoLam™ capacitors are self-healing, prismatic in shape, and offer a 50% reduction in capacitor size and weight, which makes them ideal for applications with challenging packaging requirements across a broad voltage range. Compared to traditional polypropylene DC-link capacitors, PolyCharge NanoLam™ products offer significantly higher energy density, higher ripple current ratings, and lower inductance resulting in improved efficiency and higher power density inverter systems.
Ansys Partners with Synelion
Ansys solutions are helping Synhelion steer toward cleaner transportation and net-zero emissions by helping to enable the development of solar fuels to replace fossil fuels. Synhelion became a member of the Ansys Startup Program in the beginning of 2020 when cooperation with the Swiss Elite Channel Partner CADFEM started. As global pioneer in the field of sustainable solar fuels, Synhelion uses Ansys’ multiphysics simulation solutions and high-temperature solar heat to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into synthetic fuels — such as solar gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel — that are compatible with conventional internal combustion engines and aircraft turbines.
To perform this conversion, mirrors reflect the sunlight and concentrate it directly onto a solar receiver where a heat-transfer fluid is heated to temperatures up to 1,500 degrees Celsius, or 2,732 degrees Fahrenheit. This solar heat is then used to drive the thermochemical reactor that produces sustainable fuel. Synhelion leverages Ansys’ computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) software entrusting Ansys® Fluent® and Ansys® Mechanical™ to understand the complex flow and replicate thermo-fluid dynamics to design and validate capable equipment, despite scorching temperatures. With Ansys’ best-in-class simulation tools, Synhelion can overcome design challenges, predict future outcomes, and reduce prototyping time. The resulting solar fuel solves various challenges, including being cleaner, more economic, easier to transport, and able to be stored indefinitely.
Lightning eMotors Partners with CATL
Lightning eMotors (NYSE: ZEV), a leading provider of medium- and heavy-duty specialty commercial electric vehicles for fleets, has reached an agreement to supply battery products produced by Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (“CATL”), a global leader of new energy innovative technologies.
The two-year agreement with CATL distributor Coulomb Solutions, Inc. (CSI) provides Lightning eMotors with additional optionality around form factor. Having several battery size and shape options enables Lightning to address a variety of use cases and better meet customer requirements, which is critical to their goal of providing highly customized zero-emission commercial vehicles.
“CATL has a proven lineup of battery pack configurations that will provide us with additional flexibility for our wide range of medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission commercial electric vehicles,” said Chelsea Ramm, Lightning eMotors’ vice president of global supply chain. “CATL’s mature product portfolio, combined with our existing and ongoing partnerships, provides us with several efficient battery pack options as we work with customers to configure the right vehicles to fit their needs.”
CATL battery products will be available to Lightning in two pack options – a 30 kWh battery and 35 kWh battery – for a total of more than 175 megawatt-hours of battery capacity.
Additionally, Lightning eMotors is working with CATL and CSI to design and install contactor safety switch systems on CATL C- and G-battery packs that will be exclusive to Lightning-eMotors. These switch systems will allow first responders to easily disable the vehicle’s entire EV powertrain in the event of an accident.
Production of vehicles using CATL battery packs is expected to begin in March and will help Lightning eMotors fulfill a wide range of customer orders in 2022.
“This new partnership with CSI providing CATL’s advanced battery systems represents a significant step forward with our battery sourcing plan and provides us with an even greater ability to quickly provide our customers with zero-emission vehicles that meet their expectations,” said Lightning eMotors CEO Tim Reeser. “CATL has established itself as a respected industry leader, and our exclusive safety feature innovations mean Lightning eMotors customers are getting unique and best-in-class vehicles.”
Hitachi Partners with REE
Hitachi America, Ltd. (“Hitachi”) and REE Automotive (NASDAQ: REE, “REE”) announced a newly formed strategic agreement to ease and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EV) across the entire EV value chain, including enabling EV manufacturing at scale, delivering commercial vehicle charging infrastructure and energy management, and providing comprehensive digital fleet management and operations for full visibility across EV fleets as organizations transition over the next decade.
Hitachi and REE will accelerate the development of advanced digital solutions for REE customers by co-creating a highly scalable Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) and Analytics-as-a-Service (AaaS) platform, which will enable next-generation connected commercial EVs. Leveraging Hitachi’s Lumada data platform and REE’s platform modularity and horizontal business strategy, the companies aim to bring to market a truly modular, smart EV solution to serve all segments, including delivery, logistics, and mobility-as-a-service.
REV Group Agreements for Medical Transport
REV Group, Inc. (NYSE: REVG) which includes companies that manufacture Horton®, AEV®, Road Rescue®, Wheeled Coach® and Leader® brand ambulances, announces several recent agreements that expand the prospects of alternative fuel-powered ambulances in the U.S. and abroad. The agreements include sales to the nation’s largest private medical transport company, American Medical Response (AMR); Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar’s premier not-for-profit health care provider; and an expansion of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) contract to provide electric ambulances to federal agencies.
Tritium Agreement with Shell
Tritium Holdings Pty Ltd (“Tritium”), a global developer and manufacturer of direct current (“DC”) fast chargers for electric vehicles (“EVs”), announced that the company has executed a global framework agreement with Shell (NYSE: RDS-A), the world’s largest mobility retailer with over 46,000 retail sites, to provide fast charging technology and services.
This agreement is expected to help accelerate the supply of Tritium DC fast chargers to their business operations in Europe, South Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America, in pursuit of Shell’s ambition to operate 500,000 charge points by 2025 and 2,500,000 by 2030.
AMR Awards Electric Ambulance Order to a REV Group Company
American Medical Response (AMR), the nation’s leading provider of medical transportation, and its parent company, Global Medical Response (GMR), have purchased five state-of-the-art electric ambulances from a REV Ambulance Group company, with an option to purchase 25 more electric ambulances under the arrangement. The first vehicles for AMR are expected to be completed in April 2022 and will be delivered to five communities in California. This purchase represents one of the first Battery Electric ambulance orders from a major EMS provider in the U.S.
Ted Van Horne, Chief Operating Officer of GMR, said the company actively supports sustainable technology, and looks forward to getting these units into operation. “As sustainable technology for the transportation industry expands, we are excited to work with REV Group companies to bring that to our ambulance operations in the U.S.”
A REV Group Company Delivers Electric Ambulance to Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar
Additionally, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Qatar’s premier not-for-profit health care provider, which operates the national ambulance service, is conducting an operational trial of a state-of-the-art, zero-emissions Battery Electric Type II ambulance. The ambulance was completed at Leader’s facility in South El Monte, California in partnership with ACETECH and Lightning eMotors.
“Hamad Medical Corporation operates one of the most advanced ambulance services in the world. We are excited to bring ground-breaking technologies to their fleet in support of the Qatar 2030 vision for a sustainable society”, said Prakash.
GSA Modifies Contract with a REV Group Company to Include Electric Ambulances
In addition, REV Ambulance Group Orlando, Inc, a subsidiary of REV Group, Inc., announces its contract with the GSA has been amended to include zero-emissions Battery Electric ambulances from Wheeled Coach® and Leader®.
The addition of zero-emissions ambulances to the GSA contract is well-timed, with the recent passing of the federal infrastructure bill that contained significant investments in support of electric vehicles. GSA is the only source for non-tactical vehicles purchased by federal agencies in the United States. Agencies with access to this contract include the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Veterans Health Administration, the National Park Service, and the Indian Health Services.
The ambulances for the above agreements are High Roof Ford T350 Transits, powered by Lightning eMotors, with 86kWh of battery capacity that can be charged via Level 2 AC charging or DC fast charging. The high roof and added length of the T350 increases the patient care space.
“We’re thrilled to partner with REV Group, combining their best-in-class ambulances with our best-in-class zero emissions powertrains,” said Tim Reeser, CEO and Co-Founder of Lightning eMotors. “We share REV’s vision that electric vehicles which transport our first responders and patients are a vital part of the future of pre-hospital care.”
StoreDot Produces XFC Cells
StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles, has achieved a major landmark by being the first company to produce silicon dominant XFC cells that are capable of charging in 10 minutes and maintain 80% energy retention, or more, after 850 consecutive fast charge cycles with an outstanding energy density of 300Wh/kg and 680 Wh/l. The breakthrough milestone of 1000 consecutive XFC cycles is expected early in 2022.
Lion Electric Purchase Order for 200 Buses
– The Lion Electric Company (NYSE: LEV) (TSX: LEV) (“Lion” or the “Company”), a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, announced that it has received a conditional purchase order for 200 all-electric LionC school buses from Langs Bus Lines, with deliveries to begin gradually in 2022, through 2026.
The purchase order is conditional upon the satisfactory grant of non-repayable contributions to Langs Bus Lines under Infrastructure Canada’s Zero-Emission Transit Fund (“ZETF”), for which Langs Bus Lines has filed a formal application. Under the ZETF program, the Government of Canada aims to invest $2.75 billion over five years to support public transit and school bus operators in the transition to electrification.
Catalyze Investment by Microgrid
Catalyze, a leading clean energy transition company that builds, owns and operates solar, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging systems for commercial and industrial customers, announced a minority investment in and strategic relationship with Microgrid Labs (MGL), a software and consulting company that helps enable commercial fleet electrification and microgrids. As part of the relationship, the two companies will combine their offerings in order to provide comprehensive fleet electrification services to companies and municipalities across the U.S. With this strategic relationship, Catalyze and MGL will collaborate to work with fleet owners throughout the life cycle of the electrification process from detailed planning to implementation, financing, and operations.
Catalyze and MGL will provide a turnkey solution that includes planning, development, and installation of integrated fleet electrification solutions, as well as the associated vehicles, chargers and renewable power generation and storage infrastructure for commercial, industrial and municipal customers across the U.S. This consolidated and streamlined offering manages the complexities of EV loads, routes, temperatures and electricity costs, as well as the financial, technical and regulatory hurdles associated with procuring and managing the necessary renewable energy assets, in order to provide a complete fleet-as-a-service offering.
Companies and municipalities who operate fleets face significant technical and marketplace obstacles, including a fragmented electrification process that is spread across consultants, software vendors and equipment manufacturers. A mismanaged fleet electrification transition can lead to service disruptions, lost revenue, and wasted resources.
Thank you. We need to know. “Know thy enviroment” is crucial for good, safe service.