North Shore Safety & Panasonic.
In this Article
EV Connect Connects Marriott Customers to Charging
With 14 million electric vehicles (EVs) expected to be on the road by the end of 2023, providing charging infrastructure has become a priority for the hospitality industry. To serve this demand, EV Connect announced an agreement with hospitality leader Marriott International to simplify EV charging for its properties and guests. With EV Connect, Marriott properties will have a turnkey solution to easily add and manage EV charging stations through the EV Connect platform. This is the first agreement of this type for Marriott and ensures that participating locations can provide reliable charging infrastructure at locations within the U.S. and Canada.
NACS for Jaguar in 2025
Jaguar has signed an agreement with Tesla to provide access to 12,000+ Superchargers for its current and future customers using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector.
The next generation luxury electric Jaguars, launching in 2025, will incorporate the NACS connector without the need for an adapter in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Jaguar will adopt the NACS connector on vehicles and home chargers and source and supply adapters from Tesla for I-PACE drivers once available.
Agreement is part of the strategy to deliver a global EV ecosystem supporting Jaguar’s transformation into an all-electric modern luxury brand.
One Energy & Ohio Logistics Partner for Electric Semi Trucks
One Energy Enterprises Inc. (“One Energy”), a vertically integrated industrial power solutions company, and Ohio Logistics Ltd. (“Ohio Logistics”), a leading warehousing, distribution, and transportation services provider, announced an extension of a collaborative project focused on exploring commercial-ready electric semi-truck technologies.
Over recent weeks, the two companies have been testing an electric shuttle-truck and an electric semi-truck. These tests are being used to gather crucial insights into how different electric trucks compare with diesel counterparts in performance and efficiency in a range of logistics roles. One Energy supported the testing process through the installation of essential charging infrastructure and equipment, and it is providing the power required for the tests. The vehicles currently under trial include an Orange EV e-TRIEVER heavy-duty yard truck, designed for short-distance yard service, and a Freightliner eCascadia, designed for medium range service. Access to the trucks was made available with the support of Penske.
Both models are being charged on One Energy’s corporate campus in Findlay, Ohio. The Orange EV e-TRIEVER operates locally between Ohio Logistics’ distribution centers in Findlay and is being charged using a specialized 22KW charger that is exclusive to its model. In contrast, the eCascadia is being charged with an ABB Terra 180KW charger and has been operating on local and regional routes, traveling as far as 100 miles to destinations like Columbus, OH.
StoreDot Sampling Fast Faster Charging
StoreDot, the pioneer of extreme fast charging (XFC) battery technology for electric vehicles says that high-speed charging times are now just as crucial to the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, as the deployment of high power charging infrastructure.
With most drivers still naming charging anxiety as the major decision factor in transitioning from petrol to electric, infrastructure rollout is often seen as the main catalyst to mass EV adoption. However, StoreDot believes that the equilibrium has now shifted.
With the recent deployment of high-power chargers, the need for XFC battery technology in EVs on the road has increased. These two components – battery technology and high-power charging infrastructure – are now intertwined, forming a synergy that can unlock the mass adoption of EVs.
StoreDot is now shipping samples of its 100in5 silicon batteries capable of delivering 100 miles, or 160 km of charge in just five minutes. With global OEM partners testing and validating its technology, mass production readiness is now on track and the company anticipates widespread uptake of its battery cells starting in 2025.
ShockFlo Intros S1 Home Charger
ShockFlo, a leading innovator of high-performance and efficient electric vehicle (EV) chargers, announced the release of its S1 EV Home Charger. This breakthrough product offers faster charging, smarter control through a dedicated app, flexible installation choices, and comprehensive safety features, making it a convenient, efficient, and secure option for electric vehicle charging.
ShockFlo presents two models of the S1 EV Charger (40 amps and 48 amps), both designed to provide rapid charging and integrate with the ShockFlo app for customized charging sessions. With a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader for security, versatile installation options, and comprehensive safety features, including an IP65 waterproof rating, the S1 prioritizes both speed and safety in EV charging.
Among the offerings of the S1 EV Charger are several cutting-edge features, including:
- Faster Charging – Supporting level 2 charging with adaptable current, it achieves a charging rate of 36 miles per hour when paired with the 40 amp model and accelerates further to an impressive 44 miles per hour when paired with the 48 amp model.
- Smarter Charging – Utilize the ShockFlo app to schedule charging times during non-peak hours, monitor and adjust the charging current, and remotely control charging. It also has an RFID card reader for secure charging.
- Installation Options – Provided NEMA 14-50 plug or hardwired installation options. The NEMA 14-50 plug is perfect for portable charging in different places. Hardwired installation ensures a reliable and safe connection.
- Safety First – Protects against lightning, current leakage, grounding, low-voltage, over-voltage, over-charge, over-heat, and over-current. It has an IP65 waterproof rating for safe use in any weather condition.
“In the evolving landscape of electric vehicle charging, ShockFlo’s S1 EV Charger stands as a beacon of innovation. Melding unprecedented speed with utmost safety, we’ve bridged the gap between today’s needs and tomorrow’s possibilities. Whether you prioritize swiftness, security, or the sheer joy of intelligent technology, the S1 promises to supercharge your EV experience,” said Jack Lee, founder of ShockFlo.
UL Solutions Shows HOMER Grid Software
UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, unveiled the powerful new 1.10 version of HOMER Grid modeling software, developed to assist with speeding up and simplifying designing and optimizing renewable distributed energy-plus-storage powered electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which may allow for the maximizing of their potential revenue and return on investment (ROI).
With the rapid rise of EVs, energy project developers, engineering firms and EV charging station providers increasingly need to evaluate a proposed charging station’s costs, revenue and performance in the project feasibility stage. HOMER Grid 1.10 enables users to rapidly calculate potential EV charging revenue based on user-defined charging prices and the costs of supplying electricity from the grid or using on-site renewable generation and storage. These new features join HOMER Grid’s robust modeling of on-demand fast charging and managed or deferrable “smart” mode charging when time-of-use energy rates are lowest. The software enables project developers to reduce the time and uncertainty of evaluating the ROI of a proposed, site-specific, renewable energy-plus-storage powered charging station, maximize the project’s value, and demonstrate that value to customers. Modeling results can also help speed the permitting process, reduce the time from quote to construction, and provide cost-savings and revenue generation data that mitigates project risk nd may result in better financing terms.
Extensive databases for electric loads, utility tariffs, incentives, demand response programs, solar irradiance and other weather data are integrated into HOMER Grid, allowing developers to analyze the feasibility of a prospective location and powering system configuration and compare multiple sites quickly.
To perform the analysis, HOMER Grid runs thousands of simulations, optimizing scenarios for multiple complex variables within minutes — including electric loads, utility tariffs, time-of-use charges, incentive programs, grid-power outages, local generation and battery storage, capital expenditures, operating costs and payback periods for solar — and determines the least-cost solution. With HOMER Grid’s technical and economic modeling, designers can:
- Perform robust forecast analysis.
- Maximize the revenue and return on investment.
- Minimize the impact on the power grid.
- Minimize risks by identifying high-probability scenarios and explicitly modeling worst-case scenarios.
- Confidently provide their customers with EV charging revenue projections.
“Ultimately, information is power. HOMER Grid helps minimize uncertainty with simulation results and thus may help increase stakeholders’ confidence in the feasibility of a proposed EV charging station. Homer GRID may assist with projects being developed faster and more efficiently, with potentially more predictable outcomes,” Bhaskar said.
EV sales are projected to rise steeply, and the federal government and private sector are investing in building EV charging infrastructure. However, the successful adoption of EVs on the expected scale will require access to reliable charging stations nationwide — a challenging task.
Other updates to HOMER Grid 1.10 include the addition of California’s new Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 tariffs, which strengthen incentives for solar-plus-storage systems in that state. Additionally, HOMER Grid allows users to import project production data from other design software. A new enhancement enables users to import multiple data files — from multiple solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays, for example — to be combined into a single energy modeling project in HOMER Grid 1.10.
With recently updated utility tariffs, HOMER Grid software integrates more than 90% of tariffs from the United States (U.S.), Mexico and Canada. The software also allows the creation of custom tariffs, enabling more accurate modeling of energy project costs as utility pricing continues to evolve.
HOMER Grid is built on the benchmark-setting HOMER platform, developed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). HOMER software has completed over 250,000 project calculations in 190+ countries, distributed across thousands of active companies that trust HOMER for their projects.
Rhythmos Platform for TVA
Rhythmos has announced the commercial deployment of its mobility and utility network management platform in East Tennessee, through a collaborative demonstration project with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and EPRI’s Incubatenergy® Labs (IEL) program. Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) will be the first utility system to implement Rhythmos’ innovative predictive analytics software solution to provide vital data such as EV detection, charging characterization, day-ahead forecasting, and transformer loading. Rhythmos’ data offers unprecedented visibility into the electric grid and will allow KUB to identify, quantify, forecast, and control EV charging needs to minimize grid impact. This data also informs operational planning, procurement and rate design. This project marks a significant step towards enhancing EV infrastructure in the state.
Ryder Deploys BrightDrop Zevo 600 EVs
Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in supply chain, dedicated transportation, and fleet management solutions, announces the deployment of its first BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans at four strategic Ryder facilities in California, Texas, and New York. The introduction of BrightDrop’s electric vans within Ryder’s rental fleet marks an important step in the company’s ongoing efforts to meet the rising demand and adoption of commercial electric vehicles (EVs) in the United States. Earlier this year, Ryder announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop electric vans to its fleet through 2025, with the first 200 ordered this year.
To introduce these new EVs into the Ryder fleet, Ryder hosted “Ride & Drive” events for customers showcasing the BrightDrop vans, as well as EV chargers from ChargePoint. Customers experienced the power, safety, and efficiency of the vehicles and learned more about the latest in Ryder’s fleet investments and strategic initiatives with EV and charging manufacturers.
The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans are now available for rent at Ryder locations in Southern California (Santa Fe Springs); Northern California (Hayward); Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas (Saginaw); and New York (Long Island City).
“Working with companies such as BrightDrop keeps Ryder at the forefront of identifying and testing advanced and emerging vehicle technology, and we’re excited to incorporate these new EVs into our fleet,” says Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions for Ryder. “Through our partnerships with technology providers and equipment manufacturers, Ryder can offer commercial fleet management solutions that drive sustainability and operational goals for our customers.”
The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric van boasts a range of up to 250 miles and can support a payload of 1,460 to 2,450 lbs. With a cargo capacity of 615 cubic feet, BrightDrop’s electric light commercial van offers the benefits of an electric powertrain with ample cargo space.
BrightDrop Zevos and other EV options are available for rent through the Ryder rental fleet, which provides flexible vehicle insurance coverage, around the clock roadside assistance, single-source maintenance, geotagging for tracking and monitoring vehicle usage, and more. The charging infrastructure at Ryder facilities is enabled by ChargePoint, a leading provider of networked hardware and software solutions for charging EVs, and public charging stations offer accessible charging options, enabling longer trips and greater flexibility.
Earlier this year, Ryder unveiled RyderElectric+™ as its new turnkey EV fleet solution. The new offering navigates the EV landscape for customers and provides electrification advisors, leased vehicles, charging, telematics, and maintenance all for one price.
“Ryder’s aim is to continue to evaluate and provide advanced vehicle technology solutions to help customers seamlessly integrate EVs into their business,” says Carlo Rodriguez, managing director for electric vehicles for Ryder.
For more information about RyderElectric+, visit Electric Vehicles (ryder.com) or call 855-RYDER-EV (793-3738). For more information about BrightDrop EVs, visit Electric Cargo Van Rentals | Rent Electric Vans | Ryder.
CARB Approval for Hyliion
Hyliion Holdings Corp. (NYSE: HYLN) (“Hyliion”), a leader in electrified solutions for Class 8 semi-trucks, and Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) (“Cummins”), a global power solutions provider, today announced the two companies together have successfully obtained the Dual Executive Order from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the Hypertruck ERX powertrain paired with the Cummins ISX12N engine.
EV Battery Quality Control from Coherix
Michigan-based Coherix is developing quality-control technology that can improve EV-battery safety, service life and quality while reducing production costs.The company has pioneered the development of 3D machine vision, artificial intelligence and proprietary process-control software to manage critically important processes to seal battery cases and covers in order to assure performance and safety.More than 3,000 Coherix systems currently are in use on battery- and automotive-assembly lines worldwide. Juergen Dennig, the company’s president, says that Coherix expects that number to nearly double over the next two years.Dennig notes that manufacturers around the world are in the race to improve battery quality, safety and performance while reducing weight and cost. He warns, however, that mass production of electric-vehicle batteries is still in its infancy and many companies continue to develop quality-control processes on a trial-and-error basis.
The application of adhesive sealant to properly close battery covers and packs is a major challenge. Coherix 3D vision systems help manage and inspect the exact amount and placement of sealant during the battery-assembly process.
The company also has developed software capable of automatically adjusting the application of adhesives at line speed for batteries and battery covers to improve quality, cut downtime and reduce labor and material costs.
Adhesives can cost up to $180 or more per gallon. The use of Coherix technology has been proven to reduce the amount of sealant used in the assembly of battery packs and covers by up to 30 percent. For an assembly line producing 300,000 batteries per year, the annual savings could total up to $4 million.
Many battery manufacturers today rely on inefficient 2D camera systems to monitor the application of adhesives for battery packs and covers. Dennig points out that 2D systems are affected by ambient light, unable to detect adhesive volume and cannot monitor other critically important sealant-application data (such as bead shape, center height or cross-section measurements).
He notes that unlike 2D and other adhesive-inspection systems, Coherix 3D quality-control systems can measure and adjust the amount of sealant used in robotic dispensing processes and ensure that critical center-height and volume specifications are met.
In addition, the use of the company’s adaptive process-control technology also helps eliminate unscheduled downtime and allows sealant-application robots to run at maximum speed.
“Adaptive process control and 3D-vision technology will be the quality-control standard for sealing battery closures in the not-to-distant future,” Dennig predicts. “Our technology is rapidly gaining acceptance not only in North America, but in the Asia Pacific region and Europe as well.”
Blink Charging for Royal Farms
Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK) (“Blink” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer, owner, operator and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, announced it has been selected to provide EV charging solutions for Royal Farms. The Baltimore-based convenience retail chain will install a total of 30 Blink state-of-the-art DC Fast Chargers (DCFC), providing 60 charging ports and bringing more accessible EV charging to a critical region of the Mid-Atlantic.///
North Shore Safety LineGard Charging Safety
North Shore Safety (NSS), a leader in electrical protection solutions for over 25 years, is proud to unveil its latest innovation: the LineGard™ EVSE2 Level 2 Charging Station. Committed to safeguarding the electrical well-being of individuals and adhering to the stringent National Electrical Code (NEC), North Shore Safety continues to be a pioneer in USA Made, UL Listed electrical protection products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
As electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly become a staple of modern life, the importance of safe and efficient charging stations cannot be overstated. Since the NEC’s introduction of Article 625 in 1996, safe EV charging standards have been mandated for EV manufacturers. One of the key requirements is the integration of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which prevents electrical shock to users.
NSS has built a strong reputation in high amperage GFCIs and was even instrumental in designing and manufacturing Tesla’s first Level 2 charging system for its Roadster EV. Building on this legacy, the company is thrilled to launch its own EVSE Level 2 charging station, the LineGard™ EVSE2.
Rated at 32 Amps, the LineGard™ EVSE2 can provide up to 25 miles per charging hour to an electric vehicle. Moreover, it incorporates Class C GFCI technology (18mA +/- 2) for the highest level of electrical protection. Housed in a NEMA 3R rated enclosure, the charging station offers a level of protection against environmental conditions. To add to the convenience of users, it comes with a NEMA 14-30 plug-in for quick and effortless installation. And the unit can be easily removed and relocated.
“The LineGard™ EVSE2 is a game-changer for electric vehicle usability. With range anxiety becoming a prime concern among EV consumers, having safe, cost effective, and reliable at-home charging solution is a must,” stated Sean Swick, President of North Shore Safety. “This is especially true for Level 2 charging, as The LineGard™ EVSE2 can charge an EV up to six times faster than conventional Level 1 charging systems. As always, our focus is on setting new benchmarks in safety and efficiency remains uncompromised,” Swick concluded.
Progress in Canada for Graphite for Panasonic
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group Company, reported progress with Nouveau Monde Graphite Inc. (“NMG”), a Canadian anode active material manufacturer, on strengthening technological and commercial collaborations regarding natural graphite to enhance the supply chain for lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) in North America. Complementing the previously announced Memorandum of Understanding concerning an offtake arrangement with NMG, Panasonic Energy is actively engaged with NMG to align the production of carbon-neutral graphite into a battery material that satisfies Panasonic Energy’s specifications for the purpose of developing an integrated production business in clean graphite for lithium-ion batteries in North America.
Such collaboration underpins efforts to establish the first Canadian production of natural graphite mined and refined locally into an anode active material for EV lithium-ion batteries.
To meet the growing global demand for EVs, Panasonic Energy has been working to expand production of EV batteries in North America, increase the percentage of materials procured in North America, and establish a sustainable supply chain. Panasonic Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NMG regarding an offtake agreement in October 2022 to cooperate toward material procurement (MOU). Technology development is well advanced to produce quality anode active material for battery materials. Panasonic Energy and NMG will further collaborate toward mass production of a highly competitive anode active material in line with the battery performance sought by Panasonic Energy, including high capacity, high reliability, and quick charging.