EV, Battery & Charging News: , Lyten, Research, Tex Power, StoreDot, Schneider Electric, Blink WEX, Workhorse Group, FedEx, Flux, National Car Charging & Tom’s Truck Center

In EV, battery and charging news are Factorial Inc., Lyten, Research, Tex Power, StoreDot, Schneider Electric, Blink WEX, Workhorse Group, FedEx, National Car Charging and Tom’s Truck Center.

Factorial Solid-state Solstice

Factorial Inc. (Factorial), an industry leader in solid-state battery technology, announced the introduction of Solstice™, an all-solid-state battery that can revolutionize the safety, performance, and sustainability of the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs). Solstice™ is set to achieve a breakthrough energy density of up to 450Wh/kg and incorporates a novel dry cathode design for more efficient and sustainable production. Solstice™ compliments Factorial’s industry-leading FEST® (Factorial Electrolyte System Technology) for automotive and other electric mobility applications while expanding Factorial’s total addressable market to include consumer electronics. Solstice™ was developed in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz as part of their ongoing partnership, demonstrating a shared commitment to continuous innovation.

Solstice™ enables industry-leading performance and safety for electric mobility and Factorial expects the technology to be introduced by OEMs before the end of the decade. Solstice™’s high energy density can extend EV range up to 80% while significantly reducing vehicle weight and increasing vehicle efficiency. Its sulfide-based all-solid-state electrolyte system addresses safety concerns associated with more flammable and volatile liquid electrolyte designs, targeting a EUCAR safety rating of 2 and maintaining stability at operating temperatures over 90°C. This also has the potential to reduce the cooling system requirements within the battery pack to lower overall vehicle cost.

“Solstice™ embodies our team’s technology leadership and the potential of solid-state batteries to address the most significant hurdles for electric vehicle adoption,” said Siyu Huang, CEO and Co-Founder of Factorial. “Solstice™ not only will enhance the range and performance of electric vehicles but also aligns with our vision for a more sustainable future. We’re grateful to have Mercedes-Benz’s continued support, which underscores our ability to meet the needs of global automakers now and in the future.”

Solstice™ is poised to revolutionize battery manufacturing by significantly enhancing sustainability. Through a novel dry coating process, Solstice™ eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and energy-intensive steps commonly used in traditional cathode production. The technology also bypasses the formation process, the most energy-consuming stage of lithium-ion battery manufacturing. By combining these innovations, Solstice™ reduces operating costs, energy consumption, and environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future for battery production.

“The Solstice™ solid-state battery technology represents another landmark milestone in our partnership with Factorial, which is a cornerstone of Mercedes-Benz’s strategy and commitment to leading the charge in battery development,” said Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Solstice™ offers further improvements in energy density and safety features that will help us develop electric vehicles that set new standards in range, cost, and performance.”

This announcement follows Factorial’s delivery of B-samples of its solid-state battery cells utilizing its FEST® platform to Mercedes-Benz, an instrumental step in the development and deployment of Factorial’s solid-state batteries utilizing FEST®, paving the way for Solstice™ and the next generation of EVs. Mercedes-Benz entered into a joint development agreement with Factorial in 2021 and led a $200MM investment round for Factorial in 2022.

Lyten Lithium-Sulfur Cells Demoed on Space Station

Lyten, the supermaterial applications company and global leader in Lithium-Sulfur battery technology, today announced that its rechargeable lithium-sulfur battery cells have been selected to be demonstrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The Department of Defense’s innovation hub, the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), is funding the work scope as part of its ongoing lithium-sulfur development and production-focused relationship with Lyten.

Under the terms of the agreement, the DIU is providing the funding for Lyten and its integration partner, Spacebilt/Skycorp, to test rechargeable lithium-sulfur cells for use in satellites, space suits, and extravehicular activities, among other applications. The batteries will be tested under launch, orbital, and recovery conditions. At the conclusion, Lyten targets to have its cells flight-certified and verified as space-compatible, allowing for inclusion in a wide range of space applications.

The project intends to launch to the space station under ISS National Lab sponsorship, and through a NASA-funded commercial resupply services mission to the orbiting outpost. Lyten plans to qualify three different cell formats on the ISS, including pouch and two-sizes of cylindrical cells.

Lyten recently announced a partnership with AEVEX to demonstrate unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) powered by Lyten lithium-sulfur batteries, the first aerospace application for lithium-sulfur technology. Lyten’s cells feature high energy density, enabling up to 40% lower weight than lithium-ion and 60% lower weight than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. This performance advantage makes Lyten’s battery cells ideal for a wide range of industries, including automotive, space, aerospace, UAVs, micromobility, defense, and consumer electronics.

Lyten’s batteries are currently manufactured in San Jose, CA in both pouch and cylindrical formats. The cells are designed to use locally sourced materials and are fully manufactured in the US, making them compliant with the Inflation Reduction Act, the 2024 National Defense Appropriations Act, and not subject to tariffs on electric vehicles, batteries, and critical minerals imported from China.

Earlier this year Lyten was selected by Fast Company as the #8 most innovative energy company in the world and Lyten was included on the Silicon Valley Defense Group’s NATSEC100, for the second year, as the only battery company on the list of top national security technologies.

Drivers Willing to Pay Extra for Fast Chargers

Just like gas stations, EV charging infrastructure requires additional sources of revenue to be profitable. Whether it’s a gas station or an EV charging station, co-located services and amenities are needed to improve return on investment, according to a new report and EV driver survey released today by Next 10 and authored by the Institute for Transportation Studies at UC Davis.

A survey from the same report finds that California EV drivers, whether or not they can charge at home, are willing to pay a premium for more accessible fast public charging, especially if one can charge near other services with little to no wait. Based on these insights, the report, Analyzing the Business Case & Consumer Preferences for Fast Chargers in California, includes recommendations on where to place EV charging stations to maximize use and revenue.

“We already know that the next generation of EV owners want more public chargers,” said Noel Perry, founder of the non-partisan, non-profit Next 10. “This report shows that building chargers where people are and where they want to be, especially for longer trips, is what’s best for both California drivers and charging station investors.”

This analysis shows public chargers are frequented more when located within 500 meters of both dining services (with an average increase of 2.7 times more charging events per month per nearby restaurant) and grocery stores (with an average increase of 5.2 times more charging events per month per nearby grocery store). Chargers could therefore bring more customers to businesses (improving business revenue) or fast chargers could be located with amenities co-owned by charging providers to provide a viable alternative revenue source and help break even on EV charger costs.

The survey data reinforces the findings on charging behavior:

• Rest stops (74%), malls (71%), parking garages (65%), and restaurants (59%) were the most commonly selected public charging locations, indicating that California EV drivers also prefer charging at destinations they frequently travel to or where they have opportunities to do other activities while they charge.
• California EV drivers are 37% more likely to choose a charger with additional amenities (for example, restrooms and convenience stores).
• Drivers are also more likely to choose chargers that are closer to travel routes, have shorter wait times, and have faster chargers.

“Our research shows us what electric vehicle drivers want: fueling infrastructure located with additional amenities that can also help stations become profitable,” said Dr. Scott Hardman, Associate Research Faculty for the Electric Vehicle Research Center at UC Davis. “Whether it’s a gas station or an EV charging station, co-located services and amenities are needed to improve ROI and are what people want.”

The survey found that EV drivers are willing to pay a premium for chargers with no wait time, and access to other services along with charging is especially attractive for California EV drivers. This added cost for convenience is offset by the savings of fueling with electricity instead of gasoline.

• California EV drivers would be willing to pay almost a dollar more per hundred miles of charge if no wait time is required.
• The cost to go 100 miles in an EV falls between $8 to $13 while the average gasoline car costs approximately $18.50 to go the same distance.
• Wait times for chargers deter drivers. If a charger requires a wait, the odds that a driver will choose that charging station decrease by 13% (0.87).
• Every minute of extra wait time reduces the willingness to use a charger by 6%.
• A California EV driver is 37% more likely to choose a charging station within close proximity to other services (like a restaurant or playground) than one located in isolation.
• Making fast chargers available at frequently visited public locations like grocery stores, green spaces and restaurants is likely to address the concerns of EV drivers while adding potential revenue to adjacent businesses.

“EV drivers are telling us that they want chargers co-located with amenities like cafes and restaurants, and they are willing to pay more to charge at locations with the amenities,” said Alan Jenn, Assistant Professor at the Electric Vehicle group of the Institute of Transportation Studies at UC Davis. “This symbiotic relationship between businesses and EV chargers may benefit both EV chargers and local businesses.”

Subsidies allow for faster recouping of costs regardless of whether services and amenities are co-located to drive additional revenue. Subsidies are important for creating greater access where co-locating with services isn’t possible or not profitable. Without subsidies, it would take more than 10 years to break even on charging infrastructure investments based on average use. Other options for reducing the payback period include leveraging symbiotic business relationships between convenience stores or restaurants and EV chargers, changes in the charging model, increases in electricity prices, or reductions in charging installation costs beyond subsidies.

Historically, new technology adoption requires subsidies to get infrastructure where it’s needed most. For example, this year’s federal budget set aside more than $40 billion for states to build broadband internet infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invested $2.5 billion in the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Discretionary Grant Program with a 10% set-aside from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program. Globally, fossil fuel subsidies reached a record high of $7 trillion in 2022.

“California is leading the nation in EV charging infrastructure investment,” continued Perry. “We hope our research will help fill a gap in understanding so we can continue to be strategic about where and how EV charging gets built to best serve drivers and our communities. For now, subsidies remain critical to meeting that goal.”

While the demand for public charging is strong, the report survey reiterates the importance of home charging, finding that, without access to home charging, 35% of EV owners would replace their EV with a traditional gas car, while 38% and 41% would replace their EV with a plug-in EV or a hybrid, respectively.

• 84% of California EV drivers are worried about the lack of charging options outside their homes.
• 70% of California EV drivers surveyed reported having used public charging stations.
• 66% of California EV drivers said they were concerned about the cost of publicly available chargers.
• 84% of California EV drivers are worried that public chargers would take them too far out of their way.

“EV sales continue to rise so we must do what we can to speed the build-out of charging infrastructure to meet growing demand,” concluded Perry. “We can’t lose sight of where the market is headed and meet these challenges head-on.”

Many California utility providers and air districts offer rebates for home charging stations. Governor Newsom’s Executive Order requires the installation of 250,000 publicly available EV chargers by 2025. For every 1,000 EVs in the United States, there are approximately 20 publicly available fast chargers — half of those are in California. Overall, the report recommends that California continue to support charging access at home and in the community while balancing subsidies with strategies for improving the profitability of charging stations. Key recommendations of the report include:

• Increase the availability of public chargers at places where Californians do or want to visit, while upping the efficiency with DC fast chargers.
• Increase public support for home charger installation while using consumer preferences as a guide post.
• Balance public subsidies with strategies for encouraging the profitability of EV charging stations independent of outside intervention.

TexPower EV Tech Intros LFP Cathode

TexPower EV Technologies Inc., a fast-growing company specializing in lithium-ion battery cathode development, is excited to announce the addition of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) cathode active material to our portfolio of chemistries.

LFP manufacturing will be covered with a license of process technology developed and proposed to TexPower by Guangzhou Tinci Materials Technology Co. (Tinci). This collaboration will allow rapid scale-up of proven LFP materials with performance and quality guaranteed by Tinci.

“We are pleased to collaborate with TexPower as they would develop our licensed LFP technology for the North American market. We feel good to work with a dynamic partner to bring our existing LFP technology to the rapidly evolving market,” said Litao Shi, CTO for Tinci.

This new material will be manufactured by TexPower in Houston, TX where TexPower has a 15 ton/year pilot line currently operating. This site is being evaluated for up to 20 GWh of cathode production by 2027 with production beginning in 2026. The material will be compliant with the requirements of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Flux V2G V2H

Flux, a start-up that is leading the adoption of subscriptions that allows EV owners to power their homes with their cars, has successfully connected its first customer to its Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) platform that utilizes the battery in the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning to power a home in Portland, OR. Flux utilizes a two-way charger and its software platform to charge the EV during off-peak hours and discharge the EV during peak hours, to help lower the customers electricity bill by up to 80%.

StoreDot XFC Prismatic Fast Charging

StoreDot, the pioneer in extreme fast charging (XFC) silicon battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs), announces that its prismatic battery cell charges from 10 to 80 percent in just 10 minutes without compromising on the battery’s health and range, solving the charging speed challenge. StoreDot’s battery addresses the main barrier to mass EV adoption by eliminating charging anxiety and is available for immediate integration by OEMs.

StoreDot announced it had successfully assembled its first-ever prismatic cells earlier this year, and now thanks to the ongoing agreement with leading automotive manufacturer Flex|N|Gate, it has proven its XFC battery technology is production-ready at a scale to satisfy global demand. The sample cells tested had an 80Ah (amp hour) capacity, demonstrating the ability to charge 10-80 percent in 10 minutes without overheating, paving the way for developing 160Ah cells that align with customer requirements.

Powered by its detailed cell design and an experienced engineering team, StoreDot’s XFC cells enable 100 miles of charge in five minutes, and its team is working to reduce the charge time to four minutes by 2026. Despite halving the charging time compared to other premium fast-charging models, StoreDot’s batteries uniquely show no accelerated degradation due to fast charge.

StoreDot has partnered with 15 OEMs to extensively test its production-ready silicon XFC battery cells, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing EV architectures to fit any manufacturer strategy. StoreDot’s unique design combines high energy density, which is critical for high-performing EV batteries, robust reliability, and the same price trajectory as standard battery solutions, enabling manufacturers to build more affordable EVs.

Schneider Electric  Charge Pro Level 2 Commercial

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced the new Schneider Charge Pro Level 2 AC Commercial Electric Vehicle Charger, a groundbreaking addition to the EV charging market. Engineered to deliver energy-efficient and sustainable charging for commercial fleets, workplaces, multifamily residences, and destination venues, Schneider Charge Pro offers durability, fast setup, and integrated support for commercial EV charging.

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption surges, the demand for reliable and efficient commercial EV charging infrastructure is set to grow exponentially. Regulatory measures, incentives and subsidies, infrastructure investment, and R&D funding are all accelerating the transition to EVs. With projections indicating a 15-fold market expansion by 2040, Schneider Electric is poised to meet the increasing needs of this rapidly evolving sector. The Schneider Charge Pro addresses key challenges such as market fragmentation and unreliable installations by providing a robust, dependable, and user-friendly solution to support the future of electric transportation.

More than just a charging station, Schneider Charge Pro is part of a fully integrated, turnkey solution providing installation, hardware, software, and operations and maintenance (O&M) that only Schneider can provide. Designed to bolster Schneider’s portfolio of EV infrastructure solutions – together with its portfolio companies – Schneider’s Charge Pro, for the first time, brings a complete eMobility solution to the market that simplifies the entire transition to EV charging with seamless integration with EV Connect charging management software for remote management and analytics across station access, pricing, and performance, along with comprehensive installation and maintenance services from Qmerit.

With this, Schneider offers its customers everything they need to develop and deploy a customized EV charging infrastructure program. From assessment and procurement, to installation, maintenance and support, Schneider provides convenience and comprehensive offerings from a single manufacturer.

“As the world’s most sustainable company with 15+ years of experience in developing and deploying EV charging solutions, we are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this new energy landscape,” said Jaser Faruq, SVP Prosumer Innovation, Schneider Electric. “Our commitment to being a clean energy partner solving critical industry challenges has led us to develop a solution that encompasses everything needed to develop and deploy customized EV infrastructure. With a focus on reliability and ease of use, we are confident the Schneider Charge Pro will set a new standard in commercial EV charging.”

For fleet operators, multifamily property managers, and commercial venue owners, the Schneider Charge Pro offers a hassle-free, efficient way to meet the increasing demand for EV charging infrastructure. Key features of this eMobility solution include:

• Feature Rich: Built with an aluminum back enclosure for enhanced durability, plug-and-charge capability, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular connection options, and configurable with OCPP1.6. It is plug-and-charge hardware ready with ISO 15118-2 communication and supports smart charging via the OCPP backend. Additionally, a 25 ft cable provides easier access to vehicles.
• Faster, Easier Installation: Designed for quick setup, reducing installation costs, equipment costs, and labor costs. Includes a pre-configured EV Connect network management system, easy mount bracket, 48A or 80A derateable options, and back/bottom conduit entry for simpler installation.
• Integrated and Simplified Support: Offering remote station monitoring to detect and triage issues before they become service calls, and 24/7 technical support for businesses and EV drivers for faster issue resolution and greater charger uptime.

“As vehicle electrification moves beyond early adopters into the mainstream, millions of public level 2 chargers will be required to support vehicle owners that don’t have access to dedicated off-street parking at home,” said Sam Abuelsamid, Principal Analyst with Guidehouse Insights. “DC fast charging is important to support longer distance trips and vehicles that require minimal downtime. However, AC charging is far more cost effective for both site hosts and drivers and puts far less strain on the electrical grid making it the preferred solution for most EV drivers.”

As the EV market continues to expand, Schneider Electric remains committed to providing innovative solutions that drive the transition to a more sustainable future.

Blink & WEX Partner

Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK), a leading global manufacturer, owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and services, announces its collaboration with WEX to enhance the integration of EV charging into mixed energy fleets. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our joint efforts to streamline fleet management and drive forward the global electrification of transportation.

“For the estimated 19.4 million commercial vehicles that WEX services worldwide, we continue to integrate EV functionality and ease into existing offerings – empowering organizations to manage EVs alongside traditional internal combustion engine vehicles fueled with gasoline as part of a mixed-energy fleet,” said Jay Collins, SVP & GM, EV & Mobility at WEX.

With Blink Charging now part of WEX’s network, commercial drivers will benefit from even greater access to reliable and convenient EV charging solutions. WEX’s network, which includes other leading EV charging brands, is expected to continue growing, further enhancing support for mixed energy fleets. Additionally, WEX’s services are accepted at 95 percent of retail fuel locations nationwide.

“WEX’s innovation aligns with our own mission at Blink,” said Michael Battaglia, COO of Blink Charging. “By integrating our services with WEX’s network, we reinforce our commitment to driving the global electrification of transportation and ensuring energy independence for all. Together, we are advancing towards a more balanced and sustainable future in transportation.”

Commercial drivers can easily initiate EV charging sessions via WEX’s DriverDash mobile app or the WEX EV RFID card, with secure transactions and detailed reporting through WEX’s closed-loop payments network.

For more information about WEX’s offerings for mixed energy fleets, visit https://evfleet.wexinc.com/.

FedEX Purchase Order for Workhorse W56 Step Vans

Workhorse Group Inc. (Nasdaq: WKHS) (“Workhorse” or “the Company”), an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles,  announced that FedEx (NYSE: FDX) has issued a purchase order for 15 W56 step vans to be delivered in 2024. This milestone order follows a successful demonstration in which the Workhorse W56 step van met FedEx operation duty cycle requirements.

The addition of these 15 W56 step vans will support the FedEx goal to achieve carbon neutral global operations by 2040—underscoring the company’s phased approach to replacing older vehicle technologies with new, zero tailpipe-emission solutions. During real-world delivery route testing, the W56 achieved an impressive 31 MPGe. Compared to the national average fuel economy of 7 MPG for delivery trucks, this demonstrates significantly lower energy consumption per mile. Based on an average of 31,875 miles driven per vehicle per year, the purchase enables the avoidance of an estimated 607 metric tons of tailpipe emissions annually.¹

“FedEx is cultivating a strong roster of electric vehicle models that can meet the demands of our network,” said Pat Donlon, Vice President, Global Vehicles, FedEx. “In joining our fleet, the electric Workhorse W56 will be part of our story as we aim to transition our global parcel pickup and delivery fleet to all zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles by 2040.”

Rick Dauch, Workhorse CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We are thrilled to be selected by FedEx and support their sustainability goals. This milestone demonstrates our highly efficient and high-quality EV chassis and body along with our excellent engineering, field support, upfit and operational capabilities. Our ability to build complete vehicles differentiates us from our competitors and enables us to quickly fulfill orders. We look forward to working with FedEx as they transition to electric last-mile delivery vehicles.”

The Workhorse W56 step van is meticulously engineered to meet the demanding needs of commercial last-mile delivery operations. With its efficient eAxle electric drivetrain and extended range aided by highly efficient regenerative braking, the W56 delivers superior efficiency, lower operational costs, and a reduced environmental footprint. This makes it perfectly suited for stop-and-go delivery routes and an ideal choice for last-mile delivery.

For more information about the W56 step van and Workhorse’s portfolio of Class 4-6 battery-electric vehicles, visit www.workhorse.com.

/ — The nation’s largest and most experienced independent electric vehicle (EV) charging station reseller and installer, National Car Charging (NCC), announced today they won a multi-year charging procurement contract for Level-2 and DC fast charging infrastructure with E&I Cooperative Services, the only member-owned, non-profit sourcing cooperative exclusively focused on serving the education community. The contract goes into effect immediately allowing E&I’s member audience to take full advantage of the highly competitive EV infrastructure rates right away.

“We’re thrilled to announce National Car Charging has been selected by E&I Cooperative Services to bring electric vehicle charging to our schools nationwide,” stated Jim Burness, National Car Charging’s CEO and founder. “We believe education is the cornerstone of America’s electrification movement, and this partnership will benefit our children’s health and also reinforce the importance of alternative energy options for our communities.”

National Car Charging will be supplying both networked and non-networked fast charging solutions from a wide range of manufacturers including ChargePoint, Kempower, and Webasto. They will also be presenting several different networking software options including EV Connect, and maintenance services from ChargerHelp!.

The wide selection of hardware and software will meet the varied demands within the educational space from parking to a wide array of fleet vehicles to school buses and watercraft. Prior to offering hardware and software recommendations, NCC provides consulting and planning services to ensure the right solution for school districts.

“Not only is NCC providing competitive pricing and significant industry expertise to our members across the country, but their strong commitment to the environment and the educational community aligns seamlessly with E&I’s values,” shared Eric Frank, CEO and president of E&I Cooperative Services. “As the only member-owned, non-profit cooperative exclusively focused on education, we’re excited to provide members with access to an industry leader in this area.”

National Car Charging, whose business started in 2011 to exclusively focus on the country’s EV charging infrastructure build out, will be fulfilling the contract with their full portfolio of EV charging hardware and software solutions. The company prides itself on only sourcing products designed to deliver the best driver experience citing that all their products must be UL listed and come from innovative and financially healthy companies committed to building stronger communities.

“No two installations are alike. That’s why we’re all about a tailored approach, picking the product that’s the perfect fit for an organization’s unique use case. We don’t just push one product because it’s all we have,” Burness shared. “We’ve spent a decade curating the most reliable EV charging options on the market, and we offer them at prices that won’t break the bank.”

Having installed more than 11,000 EV charging ports across 48 states, including 1,100 clients, NCC brings a wealth of expertise to E&I’s membership and the public sector.

Tom’s Truck Center Hydrogen Station in Santa Fe Springs

Tom’s Truck Center, an industry leader in commercial truck sales and service and an important part of the Nikola sales and service dealer network, opened the first hydrogen refueling station onsite at a commercial truck dealership. The Nikola HYLA modular hydrogen refueling station for the heavy-duty transportation sector is located onsite at Tom’s Truck Center’s Santa Fe Springs location in Los Angeles County, a strategic location along Highway 5, one of the busiest highways in the nation.

The high-pressure (700-bar) dispensing equipment allows for reliable turnaround times, refueling up to 30 trucks daily. The station will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. with dedicated HYLA Ambassadors/Operations Technicians ensuring efficient service. Conveniently located along the highway, this setup minimizes downtime for heavy-duty trucks needing refueling, such as the Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle.

“California is laying the foundation for a hydrogen-powered future, and we are proud to help drive this transition,” said Tom’s Truck Center President and CEO KC Heidler. “This station allows us to support our customers who choose hydrogen units by offering the necessary infrastructure. By partnering with HYLA and making hydrogen refueling accessible, we’re significantly reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and setting new standards in clean transportation.”

Notable guests in attendance at a special unveiling event included State Senator Josh Newman, State Senator Bob Archuleta, Santa Fe Springs City Manager Rene Bobadilla, GO-Biz Deputy Director of ZEV Market Development Gia Brazil Vacin, California Air Resources Board (CARB) Representative Isaac Lino, Tom’s Truck Center President KC Heidler, and Nikola Corporation President and CEO Stephen Girsky.

Hydrogen and fuel technology offer a promising pathway toward replacing diesel with green, renewable sources of energy at scale and affordability,” said Senator Josh Newman. “Today’s opening of the HYLA station at Tom’s Truck Center in Santa Fe Springs in Los Angeles County is an important milestone for zero-emission heavy goods movement in California and represents a critical next step as California makes progress on its ambitious goals to decarbonize our transportation systems in the service of cleaner air and a healthy sustainable environment for all.”

Other current HYLA hydrogen refueling locations in Calif. include Long Beach and Ontario. It is anticipated that 14 hydrogen refueling solutions will be operational by the end of 2024.

Tom’s also offers new and used sales, rental and leasing option, and service, for EV and hydrogen trucks of all sizes. Tom’s dedicated zero-emission transportation experts help customers navigate government incentive programs, provide charging options, educate on available products, and more. This new HYLA modular refueling station is only the beginning. The long-term plan incorporates a Tom’s Truck Center permanent hydrogen refueling station, which is projected to be completed by the end of 2026.