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NYSEG RG&E Help Electrify 285 Fleet Vehicles
New York fleet managers presented plans to electrify 285 fleet vehicles last month during the final workshop of a unique pilot program led by CLEAResult, New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG), and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E). In the program’s first year, fleet managers of school buses, higher education, city and county planners, as well as private businesses participated in a series of interactive workshops with experts, plus one-on-one coaching and hands-on technical support to build actionable roadmaps for fleet electrification.
“We showed each organization how to transition to EVs step-by-step,” said James Russell, CLEAResult’s Director of Transportation Electrification, “so that when it came time to present, every participant had done amazing work tailoring a plan to their specific needs. They own the plans, and that’s the real success of this program.”
The program follows an approach supported by the various energy transition and engineering experts involved. First, the teams set goals and engage stakeholders. They then gather data and identify vehicle replacements, which provides the preliminary plan needed to scope out charging infrastructure. Finally, the participants compare the total cost of ownership and build their financial case to begin securing funding. The process is iterative by design to allow for flexibility at any time. When new information comes to light, organizations are encouraged to revisit their plans as needed.
Collectively, the 12 groups plan to transition 285 fleet vehicles to low-emission electric options. This combined effort will reduce CO2 emissions by over 7,000 tons per year, which is equivalent to the emissions from consuming over 14,700 barrels of oil.
NYSEG and RG&E will help the teams accelerate their plans moving forward through various vehicle and infrastructure incentives in addition to the state and federal funding available. “The results were far better than we imagined,” said Richard Rosa, Avangrid Manager of Electric Vehicle Programs and Products. “The participating organizations now have clear plans to decarbonize, reduce emissions and improve our climate. We’re thrilled to be a part of their success.” For more information on NYSEG and RG&E’s electric vehicle programs visit nyseg.com and rge.com.
Energy transition programs like these play a crucial role in simplifying the process for fleet managers who want to transition to EVs but don’t know where to start. If your fleet wants to become more sustainable, contact CLEAResult’s transportation electrification team to get started.
Xeal Partners with Stoneweg
Xeal, a leading provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and smarter technology for the multifamily industry, today announced a partnership with Stoneweg U.S., LLC (Stoneweg US), a real estate investment firm specializing in multifamily acquisitions and developments, to install more than 100 charging stations at 10 of Stoneweg US’ properties. The deal will add 40 chargers at two properties in Florida, more than 40 at four properties in Kentucky and over 19 at one property in North Carolina.
Stoneweg US believes Xeal’s vanguard all-in-one solution aligns with Stoneweg US’ Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy and commitment to enhancing the resident experience at the properties it owns. The partnership with Xeal will enable Stoneweg US to meet its goals while future-proofing its properties to meet current and upcoming charging demands, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to the most intelligent charging technology available.
Toyota Motor NA Partners with DOE NREL for PEM Fuel Cell Power Generation
Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to build, install and evaluate a 1-megawatt (MW) proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power generation system at NREL’s Flatirons Campus in Arvada, Colorado.
This 3-year, $6.5 million collaboration is funded in part by DOE’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office in the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and supports DOE’s H2@Scale vision for clean hydrogen across multiple applications and economic sectors.
The 1-MW fuel cell system integrates multiple Toyota fuel cell modules into a larger system to provide responsive stationary power. Through a previous collaboration, NREL has demonstrated the use of an automotive fuel cell system to provide carbon-free power for a data center. This new system is at a significantly larger scale, generating about 15 times more power and capable of direct current and alternating current output.
Toyota leveraged its over 25 years of fuel cell development experience as it designed the 1-MW system, expanding on expertise from the light duty fuel cell electric vehicle market. Toyota is providing the fuel cell modules and is working with systems integrator, Telios, for the design, balance-of-plant and build of the system for delivery to NREL. Toyota has developed an integrated control system to manage operation of the fuel cell modules to maximize efficiency and system life. The system demonstrates a simplified design as a drop-in replacement to a conventional generator.
“Achieving carbon neutrality requires all of us to explore new applications of zero-emission technology, including how that technology will integrate with other systems, which the project with NREL will identify,” said Christopher Yang, group vice president, Business Development, Fuel Cell Solutions, Toyota. “The application of our modules in deployments of this magnitude shows the scalability of Toyota’s fuel cell technology, whether it is a single fuel cell module for one passenger vehicle or multiple systems combined to power heavy-duty equipment.”
NREL researchers will push the operational boundaries of the fuel cell system design to identify performance limitations and degradation over time, generating valuable real-world data to aid with development of future applications. Research and development will also include assessing how the system performs when integrated with energy storage and renewable energy generation systems, such as solar photovoltaic and wind.
“We will study the scaling of PEM fuel cell systems for stationary power generation to understand what the performance, durability and system integration challenges are,” said Daniel Leighton, an NREL research engineer and principal investigator on the project. “This fuel cell generator system also creates a new megawatt-scale fuel cell research capability at NREL.”
The fuel cell generator is part of the Advanced Research on Integrated Energy Systems (ARIES) megawatt-scale hydrogen system being designed and commissioned at NREL’s Flatirons Campus. The flexible system — which includes a 1.25-MW PEM electrolyzer, 600-kg hydrogen storage system and 1-MW fuel cell generator — provides a platform to demonstrate direct renewable hydrogen production, energy storage, power production and grid integration at the megawatt scale.
The fuel cell generator system will be installed this summer, and the full system will be commissioned later in 2022.
GreenPower Sells BEAST Type D
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) (TSXV: GPV) (“GreenPower”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of zero-emission, electric-powered, medium and heavy-duty vehicles, announced the sale and delivery of three BEAST Type D all-electric school buses to the West Virginia Department of Education and the appointment of an independent dealer with locations across the state of West Virginia for GreenPower’s BEAST Type D and Nano BEAST Type A all-electric school buses.
“We are excited to be working with Monica Matheny and her experienced bus team who are a full-service dealer covering the state of West Virginia,” said Michael Perez, Vice President School Bus, Contracts and Grants for GreenPower. “The Matheny family has been selling and servicing commercial vehicles in West Virginia for more than 100 years. This relationship will help ensure that GreenPower school buses, manufactured in West Virginia, will be the school bus of choice across the state. It’s a partnership that further provides for economic development in West Virginia and puts an emphasis on kids’ health and well-being.”
The dealer, headquartered in Parkersburg, West Virginia, will be the exclusive dealer for sales, parts and service for GreenPower school buses in the state of West Virginia and has initially agreed to purchase one BEAST and one Nano BEAST school bus from GreenPower for customers and demonstrations.
“I am pleased to learn of the new relationship between GreenPower and Monica Matheny and her team,” said West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael. “Having these electric vehicles manufactured in West Virginia and on the road transporting our most precious commodity, school kids, means a healthier school day, a stronger West Virginia economy and future job markets for these same children.”
In addition to the buses to be purchased by the dealer, the West Virginia Department of Education has purchased and taken delivery of the three BEAST Type D school buses which will be used for the pilot project announced by Gov. Jim Justice in June. The pilot will commence in September as the school year begins. One Nano BEAST will also be purchased by the state later in the school year to expand the pilot to include a Type A all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emissions school bus.
GreenPower’s BEAST is a 40-foot Type D school bus seating up to 90 passengers and the Nano BEAST is a 25-foot Type A school bus which is available with standard seating or with ADA. Both the BEAST and Nano BEAST have a class-leading range of up to 150 miles with a monocoque chassis design and built from the ground up to be battery-electric. The vehicles can charge up to 20 KW on a standard J1772 protocol or DC fast charge.
Strategy Analytics Reports Electric Vehicle Production Will Grow
The push to electric vehicles is being dictated by consumer awareness and government regulations and mandates related to climate change and the need to reduce emissions and reverse the impacts of global warming. The latest Strategy Analytics Electric Vehicles Service (EVS) report, “xEV Systems Demand Outlook 2021-2029” forecasts that electric vehicle production will grow at a CAAGR (compound annual average growth rate) of 26% over 2021 to 2026, with volumes approaching 54.1 million units by 2029. This in turn will drive demand for corresponding xEV powertrain electronics systems which is forecast to grow at a CAAGR of 37% and reach $107.0 billion by 2029.
xEV powertrain systems covered in this analysis include the key systems necessary for operation of mild hybrid, full hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery electric powertrain. This includes the battery management systems, DC/DC converters, main traction inverter, electric motor, and onboard charger. The main traction inverter and electric motor will drive overall demand, from over 50% in 2021 to 57% by 2029, reflecting the push towards battery electric vehicle powertrains as well premium and super-premium vehicle segments incorporating multiple systems per vehicle.
“Several trends are shaping powertrain technologies, but the underlying goal is to reduce size and weight while maximizing performance and efficiency,” noted Asif Anwar, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics. “Integration, cloud-based analytics, wide bandgap semiconductors such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, as well as novel materials for electric motors and 800V architectures are all being utilized to achieve these aims. This will drive the market and maintain momentum towards the electrification of the automotive industry.”
Fisker Ocean @Miliken Hamptons Dialogues
Fisker Inc. (NYSE: FSR) (“Fisker”) – passionate creator of the world’s most sustainable electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions – is bringing the Fisker Ocean to the Milken Institute’s 2022 Hamptons Dialogues. The non-partisan think tank will auction off a limited edition Fisker Ocean ONE to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) at the Gala Reception Saturday night in Southampton.
The 8th annual Milken Institute Hamptons Dialogues features four thought-provoking days of discussion and learning among the brightest minds and most influential people in finance, medicine, technology, politics, and beyond. With more than 100 speakers ranging from C-Suite executives to politicians to global leaders, topics include the business of sports to understanding the energy landscape and climate-resilient infrastructure. The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world’s leading philanthropic organization dedicated to researching and eradicating prostate cancer.
The limited edition five-passenger, all-electric Fisker Ocean ONE features signature cues available only on the first 5,000 vehicles, along with 350 miles1 of range on a single charge, with dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, three driving modes, a 17.1″ rotating screen featuring gaming in HMI, SolarSky roof, California Mode, Smart Traction, and many first-to-market safety features, including the world’s first digital radar, all for $68,9992.
In July 2022, the Fisker Ocean ONE sold out in 30 days, each secured by a $5,0003 deposit representing $350 million in potential revenue for Fisker once all the vehicles are delivered. Fisker is on schedule to start production of the all-electric SUV on November 17, 2022, with the first deliveries on track before the end of the year.
After the PCF Gala Saturday night, the Fisker Ocean heads to Brooklyn’s Domino Park on Sunday, August 28, 2022, from 10:30AM-6:30PM ET for a free to the public featuring the production-intent Big Sur Blue matte Fisker Ocean Extreme. Keen-eyed New Yorkers will also see the Blue Planet Fisker Ocean Extreme test vehicle driving in and around New York City.
Vehya EVTIP
“Vehya wants to ensure that our electric vehicle and EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) partners, receive the highest level of service in the industry. For this reason, we are excited to announce that Vehya is committed to having 95% EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) certified electricians on our platform by 2025,” states William McCoy CEO and founder of Vehya.
Vehya is a platform designed to connect qualified electrical contractors and electricians with consumers for installation and service of products like EV chargers, solar, and battery storage. EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) is a brand agnostic, non-profit providing an industry standard 20-hour training course and exam for qualified electricians throughout the U.S. To be eligible to take EVITP, electricians must have a state electrical license in states with licensing or 8,000 of proven electrical experience in states without license requirements.
Electrical contractors, known as service providers, entering Vehya’s platform across the U.S. will be provided a link to the EVITP online training platform during onboarding to encourage completion of both the 18-hour course and its two-hour certification test. “We will also be offering reimbursement of the EVITP training, certification and exam fee to those electricians who maintain at least a 9.0 service rating on Vehya’s platform, relates Marissa McCoy, president, and co-founder of Vehya.///
Allison Transmission Contracted for US Army Ground Vehicle
Allison Transmission, a leading designer and manufacturer of conventional and electrified vehicle propulsion solutions for tactical wheeled and tracked defense vehicles, and medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, has been awarded a $6.55 million contract by the U.S. Army’s Ground Vehicle Systems Center to design, develop and test an electric hybrid sub-system in Allison’s Next Generation Electrified Transmission for armored combat vehicles.
The Next Generation Electrified Transmission is the newest product in Allison’s tactical ground combat vehicle portfolio. It features a 220 kilowatt electric motor and associated inverter for on-board vehicle power and parallel electric hybrid operation. Beyond power generation for auxiliary system capability development, the propulsion solution provides benefits realized in enhanced mobility performance and efficiency with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and reduced thermal and acoustic signatures.
“The Next Generation Electrified Transmission will provide far more than power generation. Our technology will deliver electric hybrid propulsion using blended torque that provides edge-of-the box performance or true engine-off silent mobility,” said Dana Pittard, Vice President Defense Programs at Allison Transmission. “Allison has two decades of expertise with electric hybrid propulsion technology. We’re committed to continuing to lead the way in developing innovative technology that will help the U.S. military to successfully accomplish the mission.”
With the Next Generation Electrified Transmission, Allison anticipates meeting requirements across a wide spectrum of applications, including the U.S. Army’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) and Main Battle Tank markets in the United States and around the world. The OMFV program will replace nearly 3,000 aging legacy Bradley vehicles, which will be the Army’s largest armored vehicle procurement since the 1980s.
Specifically, the Next Generation Electrified Transmission has been selected by American Rheinmetall Vehicles (ARV) for integration into its OMFV offering. The ARV vehicle delivers best-in-class mobility and unmatched power in a highly maneuverable and modern chassis designed to meet the U.S. Army’s combat vehicle modernization priorities.
“Since 1946, Allison has partnered with the Department of Defense to develop propulsion solutions that deliver in the toughest conditions. For fleets that are developing new wheeled or tracked vehicles, Allison can tailor a transmission, electric hybrid or electric propulsion solution specifically for that application,” said Pittard. “Allison engineers and manufactures reliable and fully customizable propulsion solutions, so customers experience reduced downtime and increased ability to accomplish mission objectives.”