EV, Battery & Charging News: GM, Relyion Energy, SES AI, Workhorse, InductEV, Nissan, Octillion Power Systems, Daimler Truc NA, ChargePoint, AAA, Xaar, BTC Power & Chargie

In EV, battery and charging news are GM, Relyion Energy, SES AI, Workhorse, InductEV, Nissan, Octillion Power Systems, Daimler Truc NA, ChargePoint, AAA, Xaar, BTC Power and Chargie.

GM Drives Jobs & Innovation

GM issued a statement and video in regards to the recent EV fear mongering by the present administration.

In 2025, General Motors continues to drive jobs, innovation, and American competitiveness. As the company enters a new year, it reflects on the economic impact made in 2024 while looking ahead to further progress in the coming months and years.

GM plays a significant role in the American economy, employing approximately 90,000 assembly workers, engineers, skilled tradespeople, lawyers, tool and die makers, nurses, ergonomists, software developers, communications professionals, quality leaders, and many others. In 2023, the company paid its U.S. workforce a collective $12 billion in taxable wages.

GM’s impact extends well beyond its own operations. For every job created within the company, an additional 565,000 jobs are indirectly supported across the U.S., including those at thousands of suppliers, dealers, and other partners.

In 2024 and beyond, GM’s U.S. team remains committed to delivering a world-class portfolio of electric vehicles and the ecosystem to support them while continuing to offer a strong lineup of gas-powered vehicles.

A new video from GM provides a fresh look at the company’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Join GM on the journey as it drives America forward.

Relyion Energy: UL 9540A Certification

Relyion Energy has reached a major milestone in its mission to innovate energy storage solutions by successfully completing UL 9540A testing for second-life electric vehicle (EV) cells and modules. This certification, regarded as the gold standard for assessing thermal runaway safety in battery energy storage systems, underscores Relyion’s commitment to reliability, safety, and sustainability.

By repurposing EV cells, Relyion extends the lifecycle of valuable materials, offering cost-effective, eco-friendly solutions while meeting stringent safety standards. The testing boosts customer confidence, simplifies permitting for regulatory bodies, and strengthens product reliability across diverse applications.

Dr. Ratnesh Sharma, Chief Technology Officer, celebrated the achievement as a pivotal step in Relyion’s vision for a safer, sustainable future. This milestone solidifies Relyion’s leadership in the energy storage industry, combining innovation with a strong focus on sustainability and safety.

SES AI Secures Order from Data Blanket for Drones

SES AI Corporation, a leader in AI-enhanced Li-Metal and Li-ion battery development, has received a significant purchase order from Data Blanket, a global innovator in AI-driven drones. The advanced batteries, known for their high energy and power density, will support critical applications such as forest fire management and border patrol.

Initial shipments were delivered in December 2024, with the remaining deliveries scheduled by mid-2025. The collaboration highlights the synergy between SES’s cutting-edge battery technology and Data Blanket’s AI-driven drone systems, enabling longer flight times and reliable performance in harsh conditions.

SES AI Founder and CEO Qichao Hu emphasized the life-saving potential of these drones in firefighting efforts, while Data Blanket CEO Omer Bar-Yohay praised the durability and safety of SES’s technology as foundational to their growing product line. This partnership underscores SES’s pivotal role in advancing sustainable, high-performance energy solutions for emerging industries.

Workhorse’s E-GEN Platform Over 10 Million Miles

Workhorse Group Inc. announced that its E-GEN electric vehicle platform has surpassed 10 million cumulative miles, showcasing its durability and reliability in real-world conditions. Launched in 2015 and produced through 2018, the E-GEN platform laid the foundation for Workhorse’s advancements in zero-emission commercial vehicles. Insights from E-GEN’s performance have directly influenced the development of the W56, Workhorse’s flagship EV designed for last-mile delivery and medium-duty fleet operations.

The W56 platform features a class-leading payload capacity, advanced safety systems, and a 150-mile range, with recent expansions adding an extended wheelbase option. This milestone highlights Workhorse’s commitment to engineering sustainable, durable EV solutions for modern fleet needs.

SBD Technologies & Emobi Partner

Maine-based AI startup SBD Technologies has partnered with Emobi, North America’s leading EV charging infrastructure provider, to enhance EV fleet management through SBD’s FleetCharge solution. This integration grants fleet managers and drivers seamless access to Emobi’s network of over 120,000 public EV charging stations across 26+ networks.

By leveraging Emobi’s AI-driven Hub technology, the partnership enhances charger data reliability, enabling informed decision-making and reducing range anxiety. FleetCharge consolidates charging data and payments into a single platform, offering fleet operators comprehensive energy usage and cost reporting. This collaboration aims to accelerate EV adoption by making fleet charging more accessible, efficient, and sustainable.

InductEV Partners & ITS Wireless EV Charging at Port of Long Beach

InductEV, a leader in wireless EV charging, is partnering with International Transportation Service, LLC (ITS) to deploy high-power inductive chargers at the Port of Long Beach. Supported by a $3.3 million grant from the California Energy Commission, the project aims to demonstrate hands-free charging solutions for medium- and heavy-duty electric cargo handling equipment.

This marks InductEV’s first West Coast port installation, following a successful deployment at Port Elizabeth, NJ. The company’s wireless charging technology, offering up to 450 kW, enables more efficient, in-motion charging without requiring additional real estate. The initiative supports fleet electrification, reducing emissions and improving operational efficiency at port facilities.

Nissan Ariya EVs Tackle Extreme Conditions in Arizona

Nissan’s Arizona Testing Center (ATC) has replaced its conventional security vehicles with all-electric Nissan Ariya SUVs, proving their durability in extreme desert conditions. Operating in temperatures above 115°F and navigating rugged terrain, the Ariya’s e-4ORCE all-wheel-drive system has excelled in reliability and performance.

Since fall 2023, two modified Ariya models have logged over 30,000 miles each, handling dirt paths, gravel roads, and even post-monsoon mud bogs with ease. In line with ATC’s sustainability goals, the facility is installing solar-powered EV chargers to support its growing fleet of 10 Ariya SUVs used for security and operations. This transition highlights Nissan’s commitment to reducing emissions while demonstrating the real-world capability of EVs in demanding environments.

Octillion Power Systems Opens New Battery Plant in Reno

Octillion Power Systems has inaugurated “Nevada One,” a 40,000-square-foot battery manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada, strengthening its footprint in the North American EV and e-mobility market. The facility will serve various sectors, including electric vehicles, commercial equipment, marine, and grid storage, utilizing advanced automation and robotics in its production lines.

With a projected 1GWh production capacity by 2025, Nevada One will contribute to Octillion’s global annual output of 25GWh. The facility aims to meet growing battery system demand while acting as a model for future co-located factories with clients. Octillion plans to employ 40-50 workers and rapidly scale production within eight months. This expansion aligns with Nevada’s growing clean tech industry and supports U.S. efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enhancing domestic battery production.

Donaldson & Daimler Truck North America Hydrogen Freightliner SuperTruck III

Donaldson Company, Inc. has joined forces with Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) to provide advanced air filtration technology for the next-generation Freightliner SuperTruck III, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered demonstrator. This collaboration strengthens Donaldson’s leadership in hydrogen fuel cell innovation.

The SuperTruck program, led by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in Class 8 long-haul trucks. While previous phases focused on diesel optimization, SuperTruck III shifts toward sustainable hydrogen fuel cell technology. DTNA has secured $26 million in DOE funding for the project.

With a long-standing partnership in commercial vehicle filtration solutions, Donaldson’s involvement will help advance hydrogen fuel adoption in on-highway applications, contributing to the future of clean transportation.

ChargePoint Partners with AAA to Expand EV Charging Access for Service Providers

ChargePoint (NYSE: CHPT), a leading EV charging network provider, has announced an agreement with AAA to become a preferred supplier, offering AAA clubs and their service providers access to ChargePoint chargers and services at preferred pricing. This partnership aims to enhance EV charging infrastructure affordability and reliability.

The agreement covers over 12,000 service providers across 27 AAA clubs in the U.S. and CAA clubs in Canada, including towing and repair businesses. It also includes support packages for existing ChargePoint stations. By working together, ChargePoint and AAA seek to ensure seamless access to EV charging, reinforcing AAA’s commitment to serving its members.

Xaar’s Inkjet EV Battery Manufacturing

Xaar, a leader in industrial inkjet technology, is transforming electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing by enhancing safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Through partnerships with Shifang Intelligent Manufacturing Technology and Shenzhen Omijia Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd., Xaar’s advanced inkjet solutions are replacing traditional coating methods with its innovative eX and Nitrox eX printheads.

As EV demand grows, battery packs must endure higher voltages, necessitating effective coatings to manage heat and wear. Traditional PET film coatings have struggled to meet these requirements, limiting battery performance. Xaar’s technology offers high-precision, uniform coatings using its TF Technology for consistent ink recirculation and Sure Flow self-cleaning for reliable performance and reduced maintenance.

Shifang has leveraged Xaar’s printheads to transition from PET films to UV inkjet coatings, cutting material costs by 30% and potentially exceeding 50% savings with mass production. Additionally, its ink utilisation rate surpasses 99%, significantly improving efficiency and sustainability.

Similarly, Shenzhen Omijia has adopted Xaar’s printheads to develop UV inkjet solutions for lithium-ion battery insulation coatings, ensuring superior performance and compliance with strict safety standards.

Leaders from Shifang, Omijia, and Xaar emphasize the impact of these collaborations in advancing EV battery manufacturing, improving production efficiency, and reducing environmental impact. Xaar remains committed to driving further innovation in the rapidly evolving EV industry.

BTC POWER and Chargie 4 Government and Fleets

BTC POWER, a leading EV charging solutions manufacturer, and Chargie, a provider of EV charging infrastructure, have announced a strategic partnership to deploy large-scale charging installations for government agencies and fleets. This collaboration integrates Chargie’s advanced enterprise and fleet software solutions with BTC POWER’s Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC charging stations, ensuring a seamless and efficient charging experience for both private and government-owned vehicles.

BTC POWER’s charging stations offer a range of capabilities, including modular Level 2 AC chargers (7.2 kW to 19.2 kW) and high-power Level 3 DC fast chargers (120 kW to 360 kW). Select stations are Plug-N-Charge capable, Buy America compliant, and designed for future scalability. Additionally, government fleets benefit from WEX payment compatibility and simplified maintenance to reduce downtime.

Chargie’s software solution enhances EV charging infrastructure with FedRAMP authorization, real-time monitoring, load management, and fleet management tools. The platform provides secure and actionable analytics to optimize power distribution and support fleet operations.

Leaders from both companies emphasize that this partnership will accelerate EV adoption by providing secure, scalable, and interoperable solutions tailored to government needs. BTC POWER and Chargie will showcase their technology at FedFleet 2025 in Washington, DC, from February 3-6, 2025.