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In this Article
Nissan All-Solid-State Battery Project Revealed
On April 16, Nissan showed its in-construction all-solid-state battery pilot line to members of the media at its Yokohama Plant in Kanagawa Prefecture. The pilot line is aimed to further promote development and innovative manufacturing technologies for the batteries.
Under the Nissan Ambition 2030 long-term vision, Nissan aims to launch EVs equipped with the batteries by fiscal year 2028.
All-solid-state batteries, which will be game-changers for EVs, have the potential for energy density approximately twice that of conventional lithium-ion batteries, significantly shorter charging time due to superior charge and discharge performance, and lower costs due to less expensive materials. Nissan plans to use all-solid-state batteries in a wide range of vehicle segments, including pickup trucks, making its EVs more competitive.
Nissan is conducting wide ranging research and development, from molecular-level battery material research to electric vehicle development, and even city development using EVs as storage batteries. Utilizing this experience, Nissan is stepping up development with the goal of practical implementation.
100 Navistar Dealers
More than 100 Navistar, Inc. (Navistar) dealer locations are ready to guide fleets through their electric vehicle (EV) journey. With more than 100 EV authorized dealers and many more in process, Navistar will have more than 30% of its dealer locations ready to support the sale and service of both International® and IC Bus® EVs. These dealers cover 41 states and seven of 10 Canadian Provinces.
To be EV authorized, dealers must:
- Provide a sales plan and resources to support the customer through the planning and delivery phases of their EV journey.
- Invest in technician training to provide timely maintenance and repairs.
- Invest in service equipment including lifts, tools and chargers to ensure dealers are fully prepared to diagnose all aspects of EVs and keep customer vehicles on the road.
Collectively, this represents a significant investment for dealers and is a testament to their commitment to a seamless customer experience.
“The International and IC Bus dealer network live our customer-first value and that is no different in the transition to EVs,” said Debbie Shust, VP, Work Truck Business, Navistar. “A zero-emissions future requires collaboration from all stakeholders. For our customers to have a positive experience with EVs, our dealers must be appropriately prepared to sell and service them.”
EV authorized dealers understand that the journey to electric vehicles is filled with uncertainty. They are focused on ensuring an exceptional customer experience from the sales process through maintenance and operation.
Navistar supports dealers and customers with a dedicated Zero Emissions team, following a three-step consultative approach to help customers more easily transition to EVs.
- Consulting. Understanding concerns, motivations to adopt EVs, and discuss short- and long-term plans. This allows us to help craft an adoption roadmap for the customer which can include route and range analysis, grant funding and charging and infrastructure planning.
- Charging & Infrastructure. Understanding power needs, assisting the customer in making the appropriate charging hardware decisions based on their specific routes and application, and future-proofing operations by looking at the customer’s long term EV goals. Navistar and its partners can support customers in the design and build out of infrastructure and charging.
- Customer Onboarding. Coordination of truck and body build timing, charging and infrastructure build as well as customer, driver and other training to ensure that when the vehicle arrives, it can be woven into customers’ operations with minimal disruption.
Currently Navistar offers the all-electric International® eMV™ Series medium-duty vehicle and the Electric CE Series from the leading electric school bus manufacturer, IC Bus, LLC.
Alkegen Anti-Thermal for JLR
Alkegen, a high-performance specialty materials company pioneering innovative solutions for the battery industry, announced that JLR has selected Alkegen’s new range of anti-thermal propagation products to bring the ultimate in thermal protection to JLR’s next generation electric vehicles.
The new product line introduces a range of flexible advanced solutions that provide multiple levels of protection throughout the battery. The versatility of these products allows for seamless integration into diverse applications within battery design, showcasing its adaptability across different electric vehicle models.
“We are delighted to partner with JLR in championing its ambitious Reimagine strategy and our shared goal to create a more sustainable world,” said Alkegen’s Battery Group President Gaetan Borgers. “We look forward to collaborating with both JLR and its tiered suppliers to deliver both superior thermal protection and unmatched flexibility to its product design.”
Alkegen is set to play a vital role in supporting JLR’s design process and assisting in material selection for anti-thermal propagation management within the battery pack. Production for the new product line will begin ramping up with immediate effect, aligning with the timeline for integration into JLR’s future EV programs.
Alkegen has provided thermal management, sustainability and driver safety solutions to major car OEMs for decades. Alkegen continues to build a broad portfolio of battery material technologies to improve lithium-based battery pack safety while helping to extend battery life and accelerate charging time.
FLO Intros FLO Home X6
Born in the extreme winters of Canada and proven across North America, FLO is introducing a next generation home charger to meet the needs of EVs and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles from compact crossovers to heavy-duty pickups.
The newest FLO Home EV chargers build on 15 years of private, public and commercial charging experience along with EV drivers’ feedback on home charging needs.
“In EV driver surveys, we found that EV drivers overwhelmingly want a home charger that is durable and backed by a warranty that protects their investment,” said Louis Tremblay, FLO President and CEO. “With a multitude of home charging options, drivers want to know they have a trusted partner, like the FLO Home charger.”
The new FLO Home chargers are built for real-life:
- A highly robust, impact-resistant enclosure that withstands hot and cold temperatures and corrosive climates.
- An easy-to-manipulate 25 ft (7.62 m) cable that stays flexible and is built to withstand daily use.
- Available with a choice of a J3400 connector (also known as NACS or the Tesla connector) and the J1772 connector.
- Engineered to accommodate unique needs of various homes and garages with multiple wiring, cable management and pedestal options.
- Embedded heat sensors in both the vehicle-side connector and the dwelling-side plug help detect overheating issues, protecting the charger, vehicle and dwelling.
- An industry-leading limited warranty covering 5 years of residential use/1 year of commercial use.
- Smart charging via Wi-Fi allows owners to manage access with just a tap on the FLO app.
“Buying a house and a car are often the most significant purchases for a family,” said Nathan Yang, FLO Chief Product Officer. “We engineered the new generation of FLO Home chargers to help protect these investments and future-proof EV charging whether its today’s crossover or tomorrow’s heavy-duty electric pickup truck.”
FLO offers three smart charging flexible options to meet the needs of all EV drivers.
FLO Home X3 – This essential charger includes an industrial-grade thermoplastic enclosure and features a 50A/12kW output.
FLO Home X6 – Featuring a heavy-duty aluminum enclosure, this 50A/12kW premium charger provides additional flexibility with a detachable cable holster.
FLO Home X8 – The X8 offers the ultimate power output and ruggedness to meet the charging needs of high-performance cars and trucks. It features 80A/19.2 kW output, the most allowed by a level 2 charger in North America, along with a detachable holster.
Additionally, FLO Home chargers are supported by FLO’s app and the extended FLO network. FLO’s highly rated app allows a driver to schedule charging sessions and remotely lock or unlock their chargers. When not charging at home, FLO members have access to a network of more than 86,000 public chargers across North America.
The new FLO Home EV chargers go on sale this summer in the FLO store or via FLO’s distribution partners.
FLO® and FLO Home™️ are registered or unregistered trademarks of Services FLO Inc.
EV Connect, Flash & Qmerit Seamless Parking
EV Connect, Flash, and Qmerit—pioneers in the electric vehicle (EV) charging, parking technology, and EV implementation and maintenance fields, respectively— announced a partnership that will accelerate the expansion of EV charging solutions by uniting an integrated charging management platform by EV Connect, the scale of Flash’s North American digital infrastructure, and the installation, integration, and maintenance services offered by Qmerit. The companies are combining these services to provide a seamless, reservable parking and charging experience for drivers while simplifying management for asset owners and operators. In doing so, the partners address the issues of management, reliability, discoverability, and usability that have slowed the nation’s transition to EVs.
Each partner will contribute their specialized technology and services: Flash’s innovative cloud-based parking technology ecosystem with over 10,000 parking assets and digital demand network exceeding 100 million drivers via native partner integrations; EV Connect’s leading software platform and services for electric vehicle charging networks; and Qmerit’s leading expertise in electrification infrastructure, installation and maintenance services.
EV drivers using Flash’s network through one of its many native integrations will now be able to access chargers on the EV Connect network and vice versa. This allows users to predictably and reliably find, reserve, access, and pay for charging when they park, all via a single platform and a single payment. The integration will likewise tie together the various aspects of parking- and charging management by giving asset owners and operators one hassle-free platform supported by Qmerit’s installation and service options.
The Problem: a Charging Crisis
The rapid and accelerating adoption of EVs in the United States—EV sales in 2023 were up more than 50% from the previous year—presents a significant problem: the expansion of the nationwide EV charging network must outpace demand or become a limiting factor for electrification as a whole. Much of the focus on closing this gap is concerned with public, government-funded charging infrastructure, which must exceed a forecasted 1.2 million chargers by 2030 in order to support demand, per the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The same report calls for 28 million private chargers, including the commercial sector, which must evidently bear the vast majority of the EV charging burden. To reach those goals, the existing charger network will have to increase twenty-fold.
“The transition to EV in this decade requires all-hands-on-deck, especially as the next generation of EV adopters make the switch, and we can’t rely on public charging infrastructure alone,” said Dan Sharplin, CEO at Flash. “Facilities with private parking, from retail and hospitality to events and community venues, are a key part of the solution, and must be prepared to meet EV driver expectations.”
The EV charging crisis can be attributed to a wide range of causes, not the least of which are a lack in quality and ease-of-use. The inconvenience of finding an accessible parking spot with a well-functioning charger deters consumers, making them less likely to value or use the installed base of private-sector chargers. This, in turn, has discouraged investment by commercial operators who may be reluctant to take on the management and maintenance of a charging system.
The Solution: Streamlined Parking, Charging, and Maintenance Experience
Making the EV experience more convenient, accessible, predictable, and reliable will minimize the friction experienced by drivers and encourage the adoption of EV charging systems on commercial properties—a clear necessity for overcoming the charging crisis at large. The partnership between EV Connect, Flash, and Qmerit is designed to serve as an important part of that solution, while enhancing the return on investment for the commercial sector.
“Our state-of-the-art EV charging technology is a key component to driving this partnership forward, representing a significant leap with unmatched reliability, performance and uptime through our Network Operations Center and round-the-clock customer support,” said Daniel Bryant, VP of Customer Operations for EV Connect.
Beyond the task of connecting the driver with accessible parking-and-charging stations, fulfilled by Flash, high-quality, well-managed, and thoroughly-maintained equipment is essential for growing the charging network. EV Connect will help ensure station reliability and access with comprehensive management and customer service, while Qmerit will provide private operators with the installation and maintenance support they need.
“We’re excited to bring our top-tier implementation and maintenance services to this partnership, laying the foundation for a robust and efficient charging network. With a 26% increase in publicly available EV chargers and a 59% surge in EV sales in the first three quarters of 2023, as reported by J.D. Power, our partnership aims to expand reservable infrastructure, catering to the rising demand for combined parking and charging solutions,” said Tracy Price, founder and CEO of Qmerit.
What Comes Next?
Over the next 12 months, a series of new agreements with major operators in the hospitality, events, and mixed-use sectors will be announced, together with details about where and when the unified system of parking and charging will be made available to the public. As a result, it is expected that thousands of new ports will be installed this year.
Geotab Report for Fleets
Geotab has launched its report “Taking Charge: On the road to the EV Future” on fleet electrification, offering unique insights into the power of electric vehicles (EVs) in commercial fleets. With aggregated data sourced from over 2 million vehicles globally, this comprehensive study looks at the potential for electrification to make fleet operations more efficient, improve cost management and meet established sustainability goals. In the subset of light-duty fleet vehicles, EVs could prevent the use of 2.2 billion gallons of fuel while avoiding approximately 19 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over the next seven years.
“By leveraging real-world data insights, we can demonstrate the operational and economic viability of EVs across a wide range of fleet applications,” notes Eric Mallia, Geotab’s Vice President of Sustainability Solutions. “The opportunities for fleets to electrify will continue to grow with better data insights spotlighting challenges and solutions to accelerating adoption, ultimately improving outcomes for business and the planet.”
The report explores the feasibility of transitioning from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs in light-duty fleets, analyzing global daily vehicle usage patterns and aggregating data from Europe and North America. It expands on the electrification opportunities by characterizing today’s medium- and heavy-duty vehicle usage in US and Canada, offering high-level insights into zero-emission commercial transportation opportunities.
The report consists of three key studies on light-duty EV suitability assessment; medium/heavy duty electrification potential; and charging behavior analysis from aggregate data. Among the key findings:
- 75% of analyzed light-duty ICE vehicles could be replaced with range-capable battery electric vehicles today.
- 41% of analyzed light-duty ICE vehicles were considered cost-effective and range capable, potentially saving around $16,000 per vehicle over 7 years, on average.
- Transitioning just the cost-effective light-duty ICE vehicles to EVs could prevent the use of 2.2 billion gallons of fuel and avoid around 19 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over the next seven years.
- 81% of medium-duty ICE vehicles have a daily average distance of less than 150 miles, and 58% of heavy-duty trucks have a daily average distance of less than 200 miles, each is within the range of electric trucks on the market, indicating the opportunity for electrification today.
- Charging behavior analysis reveals missed opportunities for fully utilizing EVs, with 45% of European and 65% of North American charge sessions occurring before the battery drops to half.
“These analyses have shown that many fleet applications and fleet duty cycles could be fulfilled by an EV, reinforcing our belief that EVs are key to unlocking sustainable fleet operations today,” notes Charlotte Argue, Geotab’s Senior Manager of Sustainable Mobility. “We have uncovered a roadmap for fleet electrification that aligns with sustainability objectives, and presents a compelling case for a zero emission transition.”
Ava Expands DCFC
Ava Community Energy (Ava), one of the nation’s top clean energy providers, announced its plans to expand access to public EV charging stations across its service territory. As part of the energy provider’s new partnership with Calibrant Energy (a joint venture between Macquarie and Siemens Financial Services), Ava will deploy 86 public direct-current fast-chargers (DCFC) across 11 sites in six cities. Ava’s partnership with Calibrant comes on the heels of the provider’s 2023 partnership with EV Realty, which will build 32 additional chargers in downtown Oakland, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to driving access to electric mobility resources and infrastructure across Northern California.
“The partnership between Calibrant Energy and Ava is another step closer to making the energy transition more achievable. As demand grows, this is an exciting time for EVs, and collaborations like this will ensure success. Calibrant is proud to support Ava’s commitment to lowering the barriers consumers may face with EVs and charging stations,” says Matt Walz, CEO at Calibrant Energy.
To help expedite California’s goals for decarbonized transportation, Ava is proactively taking innovative steps to scale the adoption of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). Through a first-of-its-kind procurement approach that mirrors power purchase agreements (PPAs) traditionally used for wind, solar and battery storage projects, Ava is utilizing an energy tolling agreement structure to finance its EV charging network, paying a monthly fixed, capacity-based fee to deploy Ava charging stations across its service territory.
Ava’s partners Calibrant Energy and EV Realty will help develop up to the first 11 fast-charging hubs of Ava’s DC fast-charging network, which will be located across Hayward, Livermore, Oakland, Piedmont, Pleasanton and San Leandro. Ava’s DC fast-chargers will be powered using its Renewable 100 service – which is certified by the California Air Resource Board (CARB) as a zero carbon intensity (CI) transportation fuel – and will be available to the public twenty-four-seven. The charging partnership with Calibrant Energy is slated to come online in 2025, and Ava’s EV Realty partnership plans to see project completion by the end of 2024. Ava plans to continue building publicly available fast chargers to give residents access to affordable electric vehicle charging.
To help bridge the gap to widespread, reliable and affordable charging infrastructure for underserved communities, Ava will locate all EV fast-charging sites in publicly accessible municipal parking lots, garages and right-of-way parking spaces near “multifamily hotspots” – areas with dense concentrations of renters, who make up nearly 50 percent of Ava’s customers. Additionally, each charging station will be located in proximity to local businesses and services for increased convenience.
“It is a critical time to make sure we are supporting the adoption of EVs,” said Nick Chaset, CEO at Ava Community Energy. “While people are talking about scaling zero-emission transportation, we are putting steel in the ground to deploy the projects that will positively move the needle on our collective energy future.”
First Student Milestone Electric School Bus Program for Earth Day
First Student, the largest provider of school transportation in North America and the proven leader of electrified student transportation, will mark Earth Day by celebrating its milestones, commitments and results in delivering a cleaner future for students, families and communities. Earth Day 2024 coincides with significant new achievements for First Student’s electric school bus program. The company recently announced it has officially surpassed 3 million miles driven on electric school buses and has plans to deploy more than a dozen new electric school buses in Montana and Pennsylvania. First Student also reaffirmed its commitment to The Canopy Project after success in 2023.
The latest milestones represent major achievements for the company’s rapidly growing electric school bus fleet and point to increased adoption of zero emission student transportation across North America. In addition to the 3 million electric miles driven milestone, First Student will be deploying eight electric buses in Montana and six in Pennsylvania the week of April 22. The company also renewed its participation in The Canopy Project, planting trees on behalf of its customers to further combat climate change.
“Earth Day is a yearly reminder of what we are working toward: a better future for our kids and a more sustainable world for them to inherit,” First Student CEO John Kenning said. “We are proud that First Student is not only chasing big sustainability and electrification goals but also achieving them, too. Our more than 300 zero-emission buses and 3 million electric school bus miles are just the beginning. Helping students reach their full potential means delivering safe transportation but also protecting our planet on Earth Day and all through the year.”
First Student is actively working to transition 30,000 diesel school buses to electric by 2035. Replacing just one diesel school bus with an electric school bus can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54,000 pounds each year.
First Student has already deployed more than 330 electric buses to school districts across North America. With an additional 1,108 electric buses approved to be ordered, First Student’s fleet is expected to grow to over 1,400 total vehicles by the end of 2024. These new electric buses will reduce carbon emissions by 75,600,000 tons.