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Audi to Clean PM from Air
In a pilot project, Audi is working with supplier MANN+HUMMEL to develop a particulate filter for electric cars that collects particulate matter from the surrounding area. Both while driving and charging, it is to already help improve air quality in cities during a first pilot phase. The innovative technology will be demonstrated at the GREENTECH FESTIVAL in London.
Regardless of a vehicle’s drive system, 85% of fine dust in road traffic is caused by brake, tire, or road abrasion. The smallest dust particles, hardly noticeable to the naked eye, are only a few micrometers in size with a diameter of only 10 micrometers and can therefore be easily inhaled. In the past year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended significantly lower particulate matter limits than in the past but according to experts, it would be impossible to comply with these new values in many urban areas in Germany.
Passive filtering while driving, active filtering while charging.
Audi places sustainability at the heart of its activities and takes responsibility for the environment and society. The company strives to make production net-carbon-neutral1 and to reduce emissions where possible. Together with the supplier MANN+HUMMEL, Audi has now developed a filter for the front end that can collect particulate matter from its environment; it functions similarly to stationary systems that are already in use in some cities. The mobile version ensures not only are the car’s own particulate emissions absorbed, such as those of an Audi e-tron, but those of other vehicles can be absorbed as well – right where they are generated.
EVgo Offers BLACK ADAM $5 Fandango Codes for Charging
EVgo Inc. (NASDAQ: EVGO) (EVgo), the nation’s largest public fast charging network for electric vehicles (EVs), announced that they’re teaming up with Warner Bros. Pictures ahead of the highly anticipated theatrical release of the feature film BLACK ADAM, only in theatres beginning October 21. In partnership with BLACK ADAM, EVgo account holders will be eligible for a $5 Fandango Promotional Code* after completing a qualifying charging session** at an EVgo station. This limited time offer is exclusive to EVgo customers and available while supplies last.
Leading up to the release of the movie, BLACK ADAM characters will be featured at EVgo’s Lot 27 charging station in Santa Monica (1334 5th St.), including new charger names and station branding. Drivers in the area will be able to power up with one of their favorite DC Super Heroes from the upcoming film: BLACK ADAM, HAWKMAN, DOCTOR FATE, CYCLONE or ATOM SMASHER. BLACK ADAM decals will also be featured at select stations across the U.S. with a QR code where customers can watch the BLACK ADAM trailer while charging.
EVgo customers will have the opportunity to receive the Fandango Promotional Code* via email after completing a qualifying charging session** at an EVgo DC fast charger or L2 charger. To participate in this offer, drivers must first confirm their EVgo account email address at www.evgo.com/black-adam/ and then head to their nearest EVgo charging station to initiate a charging session via an EVgo program card (RFID) or the EVgo app, credit card transactions not applicable.
With over 850 fast charging locations and 1,000+ L2 chargers nationwide, EVgo customers across the U.S. are eligible for electric savings to see BLACK ADAM. Customers with compatible EVs can enroll in Autocharge+ to unlock a streamlined charging experience at all EVgo DC fast charging stations. With Autocharge+, EV drivers can start a charging session in lightning speed by simply plugging into one of EVgo’s high power chargers, capable of charging as much as 80% in 15-45 minutes (actual charging speed depends on vehicle’s charging capability).
EVoke & Argonne Develop Power Broker App for EV Charging
EVoke Systems, in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, announced a research project to develop and pilot Power Broker, a set of Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for managing electric vehicle (EV) charging.
To mitigate the impact EV charging growth will have on local electric power demand, the Power Broker API framework uses the concept of energy services contracts to convey energy information exchanges and financial transactions. Real-time pricing adjustments incentivize charge station operators and drivers to reduce demand during extreme weather conditions or other unanticipated grid events, which will contribute to increased reliability and resiliency of the grid.
While the electricity grid can accommodate the increased power demand for EV charging, there are times, locations and events when utilities are challenged to meet peak demand—especially during extreme weather. The expected growth of commercial EV fleets will impact local power demand which can exceed safety limits or result in deterioration of power quality. Managing EV charging in real-time can significantly reduce these risks and contribute to overall grid reliability and resiliency.
Daymak Intros Beta EV Platform for 4 Types of Vehicles
Daymak Inc., has released beta prototypes of the Modular Electric Vehicle Platforms with Wireless Power Transfer (WPT). There are four distinct platforms to cover: personal electric vehicle platform, mobility scooter platform, electric ATV platform, and electric recumbent bike platform. Each platform will include the vehicle chassis, drivetrain, steering and suspension systems.
Due to rising gas prices, increased public spending on EV development subsidies, and growing sustained global policy support, the light electric vehicle market encompassing three and four-wheeled passenger and delivery vehicles are trending upward in sales. Benefiting from a market share growth of up to 30%, these vehicles will continue to rise in market value by up to $477.27 billion USD by 20311. Light electric vehicle (LEV) developers will need to optimize manufacturing processes to meet increasing demand while minimizing production costs.
Developers, distributors and manufactures of LEVs will benefit from the advantages of modular vehicle platforms. Aside from the cost savings of the built-in vehicle underpinnings, LEV models of similar size and specification can share components, allowing for large volume production with lower costs. Development of different body types across shared platforms can potentially be built on the same assembly line, which will further reduce cost. Lastly, the addition of WPT for each platform adds value and incentivizes wireless charging to help usher in the next generation of LEVs.
“While the majority of technological development has been focused on electric cars, Daymak is focusing on another segment of the market where we can become leaders. Mobility scooters, ATVs and Ebikes are all multi-billion-dollar markets and have very little focus on them. We intend to become the leader in the space.” Continues Baiocchi.
Queensland Pacific Metals to Supply GM
General Motors Co. has secured a new source of cost-competitive nickel and cobalt for Ultium battery cells after making a strategic investment in Queensland Pacific Metals of Australia. The nickel laterite ore is expected to be processed using a new and proprietary process that helps reduce waste with no requirement of a tailings dam. As part of the agreement, GM is expected to invest up to $69 million in Queensland Pacific Metals for the development of its proposed Townsville Energy Chemicals Hub (TECH) Project in Northern Australia.
The nickel and cobalt from Queensland Pacific Metals will help power a broad portfolio of trucks, SUVs, vans and luxury vehicles from GM, including the Chevrolet Silverado EV, GMC HUMMER EV Pickup and SUV, Cadillac LYRIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV and Chevrolet Equinox EV.
“The collaboration with Queensland Pacific Metals will provide GM with a secure, cost-competitive and long-term supply of nickel and cobalt from a free-trade agreement partner to help support our fast-growing EV production needs,” said Jeff Morrison, GM vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain. “Importantly, the agreement demonstrates our commitment to building strong supplier relationships and is aligned with our approach to responsible sourcing and supply chain management.”
Queensland Pacific Metals’ proposed TECH Project is poised to become a leading supplier of high-grade, advanced battery materials. The sustainable, high-purity battery materials refinery is being developed in response to the growing demand for battery materials for electric vehicles, particularly nickel and cobalt. High-grade nickel laterite ore will be imported from nearby New Caledonia for processing at the TECH facility using a patented refining and recycling process called the DNi ProcessTM, which, according to Queensland Pacific Metals, utilizes environmentally-conscious methods for extracting nickel, cobalt and other precious metals from the laterite.
Queensland Pacific Metals has obtained the rights to use the DNi Process™ from Altilium Group. Key features of the DNi Process™ include more than 98% nitric acid recycling, no tailings dam requirements and less waste than traditional extraction processes.
GME Resources to Supply Stellantis
Stellantis N.V. and GME Resources Limited (“GME” or “the Company”) (ASX: GME) announced the signing of a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for the future sale of quantities of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate products from the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project in Western Australia (“NiWest”).
NiWest is an advanced nickel-cobalt development project and will produce approximately 90,000 tpa (tons per annum) of battery grade nickel and cobalt sulphate for the burgeoning electric vehicle market. To date, more than AU$30 million has been invested into drilling, metallurgical test work and development studies. A Definitive Feasibility Study for NiWest is due to commence this month. The proposed location of the processing facility for NiWest is within approximately 30 kilometers of Glencore-owned Murrin Murrin operation, the largest nickel-cobalt operation in Australia.
“Every day, Stellantis is working to provide our customers clean, safe affordable, cutting-edge freedom of mobility,” said Maxime Picat, Stellantis Chief Purchasing and Supply Chain Officer. “Securing the raw material sources and battery supply will strengthen Stellantis’ value chain for electric vehicle battery production and equally important, help the Company achieve its aggressive decarbonization target.”
As part of the Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, Stellantis announced plans of reaching 100% of passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and 50% passenger car and light-duty truck BEV sales mix in the United States by 2030. Stellantis will be the industry champion in climate change mitigation, becoming carbon net zero by 2038, with a 50% reduction by 2030.
“Stellantis is a partner of the highest caliber and GME is delighted to have signed this MOU in what we hope is the first step in a long-term partnership,” said GME Managing Director, Paul Kopejtka. “We’re very pleased with how our discussions have progressed and we now look forward to progressing more detailed negotiations in parallel with the start of the Definitive Feasibility Study for the NiWest Nickel-Cobalt Project. A Definitive Agreement with Stellantis would be a critical step in being able to progress the NiWest Project through to commercial operations.”
Stellantis strengthened its supply of low-carbon lithium hydroxide earlier this year, signing agreements with Vulcan Energy and Controlled Thermal Resources for Europe and North America, respectively.
The closing of the non-binding MOU is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Ascend Elements Partners with EcoPro Group
Ascend Elements, a Massachusetts-based battery recycling and engineered materials company, and EcoPro Group, a leading South Korean battery materials company, announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement to cooperate in the development, qualification, and integration of recycled battery materials into EcoPro’s cathode products.
EcoPro is a cathode active material (CAM) supplier to some of the largest EV battery manufacturers in North America while Ascend Elements recycles EV batteries and battery manufacturing scrap from many sources, including the SK Battery America (SKBA) facility in Commerce, Ga. Beyond EV battery recycling, Ascend Elements also transforms recycled batteries and manufacturing scrap into new, sustainable cathode precursor. With this agreement, Ascend Elements will supply recycled battery materials to EcoPro, which will convert the material into battery-ready, high-performance CAM for its battery manufacturing clients.
SunPower to Supply Home Energy Systems with V2G from GM Vehicles
SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ:SPWR), a leading residential solar technology and energy services provider, and General Motors (NYSE: GM) announced a collaboration to develop a new home energy system that will enable GM electric vehicles to provide backup energy to a home when properly equipped. GM also named SunPower as a preferred EV charger installation provider and its exclusive solar provider. The collaboration will bring together SunPower’s home energy expertise and installation capabilities with GM’s leadership in EV and battery technology to help provide customers with more resilient, sustainable and cost-effective energy.
The home energy system and installation services are slated to be available alongside the retail launch of the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV, expected Fall 2023. With bi-directional charging capabilities, the Silverado EV paired with a home energy system is expected to provide enough electricity to provide whole home backup1 during a grid outage.
NTT DATA & DENSO Partern for EV Dataspaces
In September 2022, NTT DATA Corporation (“NTT DATA”) and DENSO Corporation (“DENSO”) started to build an industry-wide ecosystem for electric vehicle (EV) batteries to create a global trusted dataspaces where only necessary data can be shared, while also protecting private data.
The new battery regulation currently being reviewed in Europe will require disclosure of CO2 emissions and the resource recycling rate throughout battery lifecycles to the European Commission. In the future, when Japanese companies sell EVs, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), in the European market, they will be required to meet this regulation in Europe. To make this possible, it is necessary to build a common platform for securely sharing data between suppliers in the value chain, instead of requiring respective companies to meet the regulation individually.
NTT DATA and DENSO have therefore jointly applied for the solicitation of proposals under the subsidy program of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) to create an industry-wide ecosystem for EV batteries. The two companies were officially approved as business operators in September 2022.Note 1 In the future, the platform used for the ecosystem is intended to serve as a next-generation information infrastructure, allowing for the secure use of data among companies in different industries, including EV batteries.
NTT DATA and DENSO will launch a study on a common platform for the automotive and manufacturing industries with the aim of commercializing services by the end of FY2023.
Li-Cyle’s New Spoke in Tuscaloosa
Li-cycle Corp. (NYSE: LICY) (“Li-Cycle” or the “Company”), an industry leader in lithium-ion battery resource recovery and the leading lithium-ion battery recycler in North America, is pleased to announce that its Alabama Spoke located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has started commercial operations.
The Alabama Spoke utilizes Li-Cycle’s patented and environmentally friendly technology to recycle and directly process full EV battery packs without any dismantling through a submerged shredding process that produces no wastewater. Additionally, Li-Cycle’s full pack processing capability improves efficiency and is fit to process the growing variety of EV battery architectures, including cell-to-pack formats that have limited options for dismantling, which further differentiates the Company’s value proposition.
The Alabama Spoke is strategically located to support the recycling needs of the Company’s growing battery supply customer base in the southeastern U.S. region. The development of the EV supply chain in the region continues to accelerate as battery and automotive manufacturers establish operations. This growth is expected to continue to produce a significant amount of battery production scrap and end-of life batteries that will require recycling.
“Li-Cycle’s new battery recycling facility in Tuscaloosa adds a dynamic new dimension to Alabama’s evolving auto industry,” Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said. “This facility will play an important role in the lifecycle of batteries powering electric vehicles by contributing an innovative sustainability solution.”
“We are excited to announce that our Alabama Spoke has commenced operations,” said Ajay Kochhar, co-founder and CEO of Li-Cycle. “This facility enhances our ability to support the recycling needs of our diverse and growing customer base in North America to ensure lithium-ion battery material is recycled in an environmentally friendly and safe manner. Li-Cycle is creating an essential domestic supply of recycled material to support EV production and assist automakers in meeting their domestic production content requirements.”
Li-Cycle’s Alabama Spoke is more than 100,000 square feet in size, with an additional approximately 120,000 square feet in warehousing capacity. The facility is of the same design as the Company’s Spoke in Arizona, which opened earlier this year and is currently operating near target throughput. The Alabama Spoke has created approximately 45 new jobs and will leverage the key process improvements and optimization projects implemented in Arizona to benefit operations. The Alabama Spoke has a total input processing capacity of 10,000 tonnes of lithium-ion battery materials per year, and has the flexibility to expand processing capacity in the future.
Across its four operating Spokes in North America, Li-Cycle now has a total input processing capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year, or the equivalent of batteries from approximately 60,000 EVs. The four operating Spokes, which are located in Kingston, Ontario; Rochester, New York; Gilbert, Arizona; and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ensure the Company has an established footprint in key strategic regions to maintain its first-mover advantage in the industry.
By the end of 2023, the Company expects to have a total of 65,000 tonnes per year of lithium-ion battery material processing capacity across its Spoke network in North America and Europe.
EnE X Way Partners with Sunrun
Enel X Way, the Enel Group’s global e-mobility business, announced a partnership with Sunrun (Nasdaq: RUN), the nation’s leading home solar, battery storage and clean energy service provider, to supply smart Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the company’s recently launched EV charger offering. The new co-branded home EV chargers expand Sunrun’s suite of energy management solutions and support the growing demand for electric cars and trucks nationwide.
The Edison Electric Institute projects 26.4 million EVs will be on U.S. roads by 2030 and according to BloombergNEF’s 2022 EV Charging Infrastructure Outlook report, the U.S. needs 21.7 million private chargers by 2030 to support growing demand.