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Rivian East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta
Rivian, the American electric vehicle manufacturer, announced it will establish its East Coast Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, reinforcing its growing presence in the state. The new office, located in Portman Holdings’ Junction Krog District building near the Atlanta Beltline, is set to open in late 2025. Initially employing around 100 people, Rivian expects to grow its workforce to 500 as operations expand in 2026 in tandem with ongoing construction at its new manufacturing site in nearby Social Circle.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens praised the announcement, highlighting Rivian’s alignment with the state’s strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and job creation. Governor Kemp noted the company’s continued commitment to Georgia’s talent pool and infrastructure, while Mayor Dickens emphasized Atlanta’s rising status as a hub for electric vehicle technology and community-focused economic development. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe expressed enthusiasm for Atlanta’s energy, talent, and forward-thinking culture.
Rivian’s latest move builds on its multi-billion-dollar investment in Georgia, including the planned 7,500-person EV production facility in Stanton Springs North. Beyond job creation, the company aims to forge long-term partnerships with local universities and technical colleges, further integrating itself into the regional economy and supporting workforce development across the state.
GM Expands U.S. Battery Production with $900M Investment in EV Future
General Motors is accelerating its electric vehicle battery strategy through a series of bold investments and technology advancements centered in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and Warren, Michigan. At the Ultium Cells facility in Spring Hill—GM’s joint venture with LG Energy Solution and now part of the largest OEM battery cell manufacturing footprint in the U.S.—the company is expanding beyond its current nickel cobalt manganese aluminum (NCMA) cells to include lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production, a low-cost American innovation now widely adopted globally. Commercial LFP production is targeted for late 2027, with plans to also produce lithium manganese rich (LMR) battery cells—another next-generation technology GM aims to commercialize first.
In Warren, Michigan, GM recently topped off construction of the Ancker-Johnson Battery Cell Development Center, a 500,000-square-foot facility on its Global Technical Center campus named for physicist and former GM executive Betsey Ancker-Johnson. Alongside the Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center, the two sites represent a $900 million investment to accelerate battery development. These advanced labs will support faster testing and validation of new battery concepts, reducing development timelines by up to a year and helping bring LMR cells to market ahead of competitors.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate GM’s strategic commitment to an American-led EV future, backed by vertically integrated R&D, production-ready battery innovation, and a secure U.S.-based supply chain. By diversifying its battery chemistries and investing in state-of-the-art facilities, GM is positioning itself to deliver both high-performance electric pickups and affordable EVs—and to lead the industry in the global transition to sustainable transportation.
ZM Trucks T75 Electric Terminal Tractor
At the 2025 Port Electrification Conference, ZM Trucks officially introduced the T75 Battery-Electric Terminal Tractor, a zero-emission vehicle engineered specifically for heavy-duty operations in ports, warehouses, and distribution yards across North America. Unlike retrofitted diesel models, the T75 was designed from the ground up as an all-electric platform, offering a compelling combination of industrial strength and clean energy technology. It drew strong interest from fleet operators and sustainability advocates for its ability to meet modern operational and environmental demands.
The T75 features a 75-mile range, 165,350-lb GCWR, and 80,000-lb fifth wheel lifting capacity, with dual-gun DC fast charging enabling a 20–80% recharge in just 42 minutes—matching diesel truck uptime while reducing both emissions and noise. With 415 peak horsepower and 2,802 lb-ft of torque, the T75 delivers exceptional yard performance. Safety and comfort are emphasized through features like ABS air brakes, LED lighting, a 10-inch LCD dash, 360° cameras, and ergonomic cab controls. An optional hydraulic package makes the vehicle suitable for dump trailer work, and a robust telematics suite ensures smart fleet integration.
Now in full production and available throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the T75 demonstrates ZM Trucks’ commitment to building next-generation, sustainable commercial vehicles. Backed by parent company ZO Motors’ global leadership in zero-emission transportation, ZM Trucks brings innovative powertrains—including battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology—to commercial fleets across multiple regions and sectors.
Bojangles EV Charging Stations Nationwide
Bojangles, the iconic Southern fast-food chain best known for its chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea, is launching a groundbreaking initiative to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at locations nationwide. In partnership with Smart Big Box, Alyath EV, and Energy and Environmental Design Services, this move positions Bojangles as the first major quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand to integrate EV charging directly into its customer experience.
The EV stations, which will include both Level 2 and Level 3 fast chargers, will offer over 97% uptime and a minimum of four charging spots per location. The rollout begins in Q4 of 2025, with widespread availability anticipated in 2026. Customers will be able to enjoy Bojangles’ signature menu while their vehicles recharge, creating a seamless blend of convenience and sustainability.
Bojangles CIO Richard Del Valle emphasized the initiative’s alignment with customer expectations and environmental responsibility, while Alyath CEO Cristiane Rosul highlighted how the partnership enhances the fast-food experience for EV drivers. Energy and Environmental Design Services will oversee installation and ongoing maintenance to ensure consistent, high-quality service across all participating locations.
Blink Charging Acquires Zemetric
Blink Charging Co. (NASDAQ: BLNK), a global leader in EV charging solutions, has announced the acquisition of Zemetric, a Silicon Valley-based charging infrastructure company specializing in fleet electrification and high-utilization destination sites. The deal, expected to close by July 11, 2025, will see Blink acquire 100% equity of Zemetric, bolstering its product offerings with intelligent, interoperable charging solutions.
Founded in 2022, Zemetric quickly established itself with market-leading hardware and software, surpassing initial commercial projections and earning a reputation for reliability and intelligent energy management. Blink CEO Mike Battaglia highlighted the strategic value of Zemetric’s flexible Level 2 product, which will enhance Blink’s growing, connected EV ecosystem aimed at fleets, multi-family housing, and commercial sites.
Zemetric’s founding team will join Blink, contributing their technical expertise to the leadership group as the combined company works toward scalable, customer-focused electrification and long-term profitability. CEO Harmeet Singh of Zemetric described the acquisition as a shared vision for making the transition from internal combustion to electric vehicles “an easy button” for customers.
260 Orders for Cenntro Next-Gen LS210 Electric Commercial Vehicles
Cenntro Inc., a leading electric commercial vehicle manufacturer, announced it has received 260 orders for its newly launched Logistar® 210 (LS210) during the first half of 2025. The LS210, designed to replace the earlier LS200, features significant upgrades in technology, design, and versatility. Since its release, 12 units have already been delivered to customers in Europe.
The LS210 has generated strong demand across Europe and Southeast Asia, with its multiple configuration options—including cargo van, passenger van, and cargo truck—making it suitable for a wide range of commercial uses. Cenntro describes the model as a flexible, purpose-built solution for evolving transportation needs.
“We’re pleased with the strong response from customers across multiple regions,” said Cenntro Chairman and CEO Peter Wang. “The LS210 reinforces our commitment to delivering high-quality, electric commercial vehicles tailored to global market demands.”
“Electric For All” Campaign by Veloz
As electric vehicles (EVs) gain traction across the U.S., a new national education campaign is stepping in to close the information gap for drivers still on the fence. Powered by Veloz, a nonprofit focused on accelerating EV adoption, the Electric For All campaign aims to demystify the cost, convenience, and environmental benefits of going electric—just as federal tax incentives near a critical September 30 expiration and state programs face growing uncertainty.
While millions of Americans have already switched to EVs to save on gas and maintenance, many others remain unaware of just how much they could benefit financially. The Electric For All initiative arrives at a pivotal moment, offering clear, multilingual tools to help consumers compare models, search available incentives by ZIP code, and locate charging stations. Backed by $43.5 million from Electrify America, it is the largest nonprofit-led EV education effort in the country.
“Access and education are the catalyst for accelerating EV adoption—and the gateway to cleaner air and healthier communities,” said Robert Barrosa, CEO of Electrify America and a board member at Veloz. Recent figures support that claim: EV sales in the U.S. jumped 11.4% in the first quarter of 2025, with California continuing to lead. Globally, electric vehicles are on track to make up one in four new passenger vehicle sales this year, according to Bloomberg’s Electric Vehicle Outlook.
At the center of the campaign is actor and environmental advocate Nick Offerman, who lends his voice and familiar dry wit to a series of public service announcements. Known for his role as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, Offerman delivers a grounded message about the real-world benefits of EVs—from cost savings to cleaner air. “Weaning our civilization off of fossil fuels is the obvious path forward,” Offerman said. “I’m pleased to lend my voice to this positive effort.”
The campaign’s visual style mirrors its straightforward messaging—featuring photoreal EVs in live-action settings blended with graphic illustrations to create a look that’s both classic and modern. Designed to cut through media noise, the campaign emphasizes what matters most to drivers: how much money they can save, how far they can drive, and how easy it is to charge—at home or on the go.
Featured prominently in campaign visuals are the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning, two of the country’s best-selling electric models. “We’re proud to see our vehicles featured in this campaign,” said Cynthia Williams, Global Director at Ford and a Veloz board member. “These vehicles reflect Ford’s belief in offering compelling EV options for every lifestyle.”
The Electric For All campaign isn’t limited to ads and videos—it also includes hands-on experiences. Through events and community outreach planned into 2026, the program will give drivers a chance to see and test EVs in person, ask questions, and speak with other drivers who’ve made the switch. A key focus of the initiative is reaching low-income and disadvantaged communities, with targeted multilingual media efforts and expanded tools on ElectricForAll.org, now available in 15 languages.
At its core, the campaign is about empowering consumers with facts. “Electric For All is rooted in a simple idea: when people have the facts, they’re more likely to take action,” said Josh D. Boone, Executive Director of Veloz. “Our research consistently shows that people want to learn more about EVs, but they haven’t had reliable information. This campaign fills that gap.”
As the EV landscape continues to evolve and incentives shift, Electric For All positions itself as a trusted resource for drivers navigating the change. With federal credits set to expire and state policies increasingly under review, the campaign urges drivers to act now—and take advantage of the savings and benefits EVs can provide for years to come.
IONNA Partners with Wawa for EV Charging Expansion
IONNA, the nationwide EV charging network backed by a joint venture of leading automakers, has announced its largest commitment to date through a new partnership with Wawa. The collaboration will bring high-speed “Rechargeries” to select Wawa locations, starting with Daytona Beach, FL, and expanding to sites in Bradenton, Pensacola, and Orlando. Each site will feature IONNA’s 400kW chargers, car care services, and access to Wawa’s signature amenities. The Daytona Beach launch will mark IONNA’s 212th live bay and brings the company to over 10% of its 2030 goal of 30,000 bays, just one year into its rollout.
Mangrove Lithium Expands North American Refining
Mangrove Lithium has announced a major expansion to strengthen North America’s domestic lithium supply chain with a new facility capable of producing 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium annually—enough to power over 500,000 electric vehicles. The initiative is backed by signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading U.S. battery gigafactories, securing full offtake for the facility’s output and underscoring confidence in Mangrove’s electrochemical refining technology and readiness to meet rising demand.
The upcoming plant will process spodumene concentrate and further integrate Mangrove’s upstream refining capabilities. CEO Saad Dara emphasized the urgency of reshoring lithium production amid growing global supply chain risks, particularly as China—currently dominating lithium processing—considers restricting exports of key technologies. Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer Annie Liu, a former Tesla and Ford executive, noted the facility’s strategic role in building a reliable Western lithium supply chain that meets both economic and national security needs.
Construction is also advancing on Mangrove’s first commercial-scale refinery in Delta, British Columbia, with operations expected to start by year-end. That plant will initially support lithium production for about 25,000 EVs. Backed by a recent $35 million USD funding round, Mangrove aims to deliver scalable, sustainable, and waste-free lithium refining solutions that reduce emissions and enable secure access to a critical material for the energy transition.
Sensata Contactor to Bridge 400V–800V EV Architectures
Sensata Technologies has launched its High Efficiency Contactor (HEC), a major innovation designed to enable seamless compatibility between current 400V and emerging 800V electric vehicle (EV) systems. As the EV industry moves toward higher-voltage platforms to support faster charging and greater efficiency, Sensata’s HEC provides a practical solution for backward compatibility with existing infrastructure. It supports battery reconfiguration between 400V and 800V, simplifying the transition to next-gen architectures while enhancing safety, energy efficiency, and system integration.
Beyond standard voltage switching, the HEC allows independent access to dual 400V battery packs—an essential feature for balancing battery health and enabling limp-home modes in case of pack failure. This selective control extends battery life and improves reliability in modern 800V EV platforms. The contactor’s patent-pending, mechanically synchronized design prevents incorrect switching and short-circuits caused by software or hardware failures. It also boasts ultra-low contact resistance and bi-stable operation, minimizing heat and energy loss.
Engineered for high-current, safety-critical applications, the HEC handles over 1000 A continuously and includes real-time diagnostics via an ASIL-D compliant sensor. It supports advanced applications like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Megawatt charging, and the North American Charging Standard (NACS/J3400). Sensata positions the HEC as a critical enabler for the future of EVs, reducing component count, increasing safety, and helping automakers meet the demands of evolving energy and charging ecosystems.
Toshiba High-Voltage Automotive Photorelay for EVs & ESS
Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation announced the launch of a new automotive-grade photorelay, the TLX9165T, designed to meet the growing demands of high-voltage electric vehicle (EV) battery systems and industrial energy storage systems (ESS). The device, now available for volume shipment, is packaged in a compact 10-pin SO16L-T form factor and boasts a minimum output withstand voltage of 1800 volts, positioning it for use in cutting-edge 800V EV architectures.
As global EV adoption accelerates, manufacturers are transitioning from 400V to 800V battery systems to enable faster charging and longer driving ranges. This shift has created a pressing need for components that can safely and reliably manage higher voltages. Toshiba’s TLX9165T photorelay addresses this requirement with a newly developed high-voltage MOSFET capable of withstanding voltages well above the standard thresholds—offering the electrical insulation necessary for safe and efficient operation in battery management systems (BMS).
Photorelays are a critical component in modern EV and ESS applications, where high-voltage isolation between system components is essential. In BMS applications, photorelays monitor voltage, detect mechanical relay sticking, and identify ground faults. The TLX9165T is also suited for industrial energy storage systems, which share similar high-voltage requirements.
Beyond voltage handling, the TLX9165T delivers safety and reliability enhancements aligned with global standards. The relay package uses a resin with a Comparative Tracking Index (CTI) of 600 or more—qualifying it for Material Group I under the IEC 60664-1 insulation coordination standard. It also features a creepage distance of 7.5mm and clearance distance of 8mm, supporting safe operation at voltages up to 1500V. These metrics ensure that the component remains resilient even in harsh environmental conditions, reducing the risk of electrical breakdown.
Designed as a normally open (1-Form-A) device, the TLX9165T features an avalanche current rating of 0.6 mA, high isolation voltage of 5000Vrms, and low on-state resistance. Its bi-directional switching capability and compact size simplify printed circuit board design, as it maintains pin compatibility with Toshiba’s existing SO16L-T relay products, such as the TLX9160T and TLX9152M.
Toshiba emphasizes that the TLX9165T not only supports advanced EV battery configurations but also has broader applicability in energy systems and as a reliable replacement for mechanical relays in harsh environments. The device is qualified to AEC-Q101 automotive standards and supports operating temperatures ranging from -40°C to 125°C.
The product is available now through Toshiba’s authorized distributors. More information on specifications, availability, and application support can be found at Toshiba’s official website under the Automotive Devices and Solid-State Relays sections.
With the launch of the TLX9165T, Toshiba strengthens its position as a key provider of semiconductor solutions enabling the next generation of electric vehicles and renewable energy systems—technologies central to the global transition toward decarbonization and sustainable infrastructure.
WattEV Expands Electric Truck Charging Network with $24M CA Grants
WattEV, a leader in heavy-duty freight electrification, is expanding its electric truck charging infrastructure with three new depots in California—Otay Mesa, Baker, and the Port of Long Beach—supported by over $24 million in state funding. The sites will house 29 Megawatt Charging System (MCS) units, enabling up to 100,000 annual charging sessions and reducing truck charging times to under 30 minutes. Positioned along major freight corridors, the depots align with California’s zero-emission transportation goals. WattEV’s integrated TaaS model currently supports over 200,000 zero-emission freight miles monthly.