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Electrify America 20-Stall Hyper-Fast EV Charging Hub in Santa Monica
Electrify America has launched its first charging station in Santa Monica, California, featuring 20 Hyper-Fast chargers capable of delivering up to 350 kW—enough to add about 20 miles of range per minute for compatible EVs. Located near the I-10 freeway, the site reflects the company’s strategy to build larger, high-capacity hubs in high-demand areas. With over 1,000 stations and 5,000 chargers nationwide, Electrify America continues expanding its open, high-voltage network, which has offered 350 kW charging since 2018 and Plug&Charge capability since 2020. The company is also testing new technologies to support future EVs and improve reliability.
Toyota Material Handling Launches 5/35 Lithium-Ion Batteries
Toyota Material Handling has expanded its energy solutions lineup with the introduction of the 5/35 Lithium-ion Battery series, designed for improved productivity and reduced maintenance in material handling operations. Available in 24V, 36V, and 48V configurations, the IP69-rated batteries feature integrated thermal management, dual A320 charge ports, and a dedicated truck connector with drive-away protection, ensuring reliable operation from -22°F to 122°F across industries such as cold storage, food and beverage, and manufacturing.
The new batteries, built using the Toyota Production System, promise fast charging—up to one hour with dual-cable fast chargers—and a cycle life of up to 5,000 cycles, offering long-term dependability and cost efficiency. Fully compatible with Toyota’s lithium-ion chargers and backed by a six-year limited warranty, the 5/35 series underscores Toyota’s commitment to innovative, environmentally responsible, and performance-driven material handling solutions.
Electric Era Launches Charging Network
Electric Era has officially launched its branded Charging Station Network to make its highly rated DC fast chargers easier to locate on platforms like PlugShare, Google Maps, and soon Hubject and WEX. While the chargers have often been hidden under retail partners’ names such as Costco and Plaid Pantry, the new network ensures visibility on major mapping systems, including Tesla’s third-party charging program.
With a 96% positive PlugShare score, 90% session reliability, and 98% per-port uptime, Electric Era has become one of the most reliable providers in the industry. Nearly 70% of users are repeat customers, citing fast 200 kW charging speeds, dual CCS/NACS compatibility, and seamless tap-and-pay as standout features. The company, founded by former SpaceX engineer Quincy Lee, has applied aerospace-grade remote diagnostics and over-the-air repair methods to keep chargers operational, aiming to attract more retail and OEM partners like Ford, Rivian, and GM.
Fuel Retailers Urge DOT to Strengthen NEVI Guidance
NATSO, SIGMA, and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) praised the U.S. Department of Transportation for addressing key challenges in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant program while urging further refinements to ensure a consumer-focused, nationwide charging network. The groups commended the Interim Final Guidance for prioritizing sites that pair EV chargers with essential amenities—such as restrooms and foodservice—and for supporting site-host ownership models, which they argue will improve reliability and pricing.
The organizations recommended that states expedite funding for projects aligned with these priorities and reassess those that are not, establish clear criteria for when alternative fuel corridors are considered complete, allow for expansion at existing high-demand charging locations, and maintain the prohibition on commercial EV charging at interstate rest areas. They also cautioned against rate-of-return caps or revenue-sharing mandates, arguing these would deter private investment in a robust and competitive EV charging infrastructure.
ZM Trucks Opens U.S. Headquarters in Fontana
ZM Trucks, a manufacturer of zero-emission commercial vehicles, officially opened its new U.S. headquarters and assembly facility in Fontana, California, on August 28, 2025. The 9.67-acre site includes a 210,000-square-foot factory and marks the relocation of its regional headquarters to the region. The event featured the U.S. debut of the ZM8 commercial truck, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable, cost-effective solutions for American fleets.
The grand opening follows key milestones this year, including the launch of the T75 fully electric terminal tractor and partnerships with logistics leaders such as Merlin Group and FleetNet. Despite policy uncertainty surrounding federal EV tax credits, emissions standards rollbacks, and shifting trade policies, ZM Trucks remains confident in its mission to help reduce transportation’s 28% share of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by delivering trucks with lower ownership costs and higher performance than diesel alternatives.
Title: Eaton and ChargePoint Unveil Ultrafast V2X Charging Architecture for Public and Fleet EVs
Summary:
Eaton and ChargePoint have introduced a new ultrafast DC charging platform—ChargePoint Express Grid, powered by Eaton—designed to deliver up to 600kW for passenger EVs and megawatt-level charging for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The system integrates ChargePoint’s fast chargers with Eaton’s end-to-end power infrastructure, featuring vehicle-to-everything (V2X) capabilities to manage energy storage, onsite renewables, and grid interactions.
The architecture is engineered to reduce fueling costs for fleets, overcome grid constraints, and support large-scale electrification by enabling cost-effective deployment of high-power charging. Site-ready configurations, including skid-mounted options, aim to simplify installation and speed up deployment. Launching for select customers in North America and Europe in early 2026, the solution will be showcased at the RE+ trade show in Las Vegas, where Eaton will also highlight its upcoming solid-state transformer technology for next-generation DC applications.
BASF & WeLion Mass-Produced Cathode Materials for Semi-Solid-State Batteries
BASF Battery Materials, through its joint venture BASF Shanshan Battery Materials (BSBM), has achieved a major milestone by delivering the first mass-produced Cathode Active Materials (CAM) for Semi-Solid-State batteries in collaboration with Beijing WeLion New Energy Technology. This marks a significant step toward industrializing next-generation Solid-State batteries, which promise higher energy density and enhanced safety for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other applications.
The project, launched in August 2024, moved from concept to mass production within a year. BSBM developed an ultra-high Nickel NCM cathode with a unique composite coating to reduce resistance, suppress side reactions, and extend battery life. Both companies view this achievement as a foundation for future breakthroughs and global collaboration in Solid-State battery technology.