EV, Battery & Charging News: Blink, XCharge, Ascentium Capital, Greenlane, Sila, Kia, GM, Zūm, Long Beach, Pioneer, Clean Energy, Foothill Transit & Acura

In EV, battery and charging news are Blink Charging, XCharge, Ascentium Capital, Greenlane, Sila, Kia, GM, Zūm, Long Beach, Pioneer, Clean Energy, Foothill Transit, Acura, Perseus and SODA.

Blink Charging Joins Hubject’s eRoaming Platform

Blink Charging announced a strategic collaboration with Hubject to integrate its charging network into Hubject’s intercharge eRoaming platform, enhancing access for EV drivers across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. As a new Charge Point Operator (CPO) on the platform, Blink will provide its Level 2 and DC fast-charging infrastructure to Hubject’s network of eMobility Service Providers (eMSPs), expanding coverage and utilization.

The agreement strengthens Hubject’s North American market position while offering Blink exposure to new customers through interoperable charging. Benefits include expanded market reach, streamlined billing via OCPI protocols, and stronger infrastructure for eMSPs. The phased integration is set to roll out through 2025, with full completion targeted by year-end. Both companies emphasized their shared mission of reducing charging barriers, accelerating EV adoption, and creating more seamless experiences for drivers.

XCharge & Ascentium Capital  Finance EV Charging

XCharge North America and Ascentium Capital have introduced a groundbreaking financing initiative aimed at accelerating the deployment of EV charging infrastructure across the United States. The program is designed to make high-power charging equipment more affordable and profitable for small-business owners, offering them a new revenue stream as demand for public DC fast charging—projected to grow 14% annually through 2040—continues to rise.

Unlike Charging-as-a-Service models where operators only receive a portion of revenue, this structure allows lessees to retain full earnings from their charging stations. Modeled after financing approaches in the automotive sector, the program offers low-risk, flexible terms with the ability to relocate chargers as needed. Key benefits include reduced upfront costs, faster installation, simplified asset management, and bundled warranties and maintenance. By lowering barriers to entry, the initiative aims to empower small businesses to participate in the rapidly expanding EV charging market without relying on federal subsidies.

Greenlane Launches “Charge On Us” Dealer Program

Greenlane, a leader in public charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles, has introduced its “Charge On Us” dealer program to help lower costs and simplify the transition to electric trucks. The initiative provides \$500 in charging credits and six months of complimentary Greenlane Edge™ subscription access with every qualifying light-, medium-, and heavy-duty electric truck sold. Velocity Truck Centers is the first dealer partner to join the program.

By leveraging Greenlane’s growing public charging network, participating dealers and their customers avoid the expense and complexity of building private charging infrastructure. Dealers also receive sales and marketing support, subscriptions to the network, and access to pilot programs at Greenlane facilities, including its flagship Colton, Calif., site. The Greenlane Edge™ subscription offers discounted charging, reservation tools, real-time data, and integrated billing to reduce total cost of ownership and streamline operations.

Executives from both companies highlighted the program’s role in addressing one of the top barriers to electrification—charging accessibility and cost. With over 40 high-speed chargers at its Colton location and additional corridors under development, Greenlane aims to make fleet electrification more practical and scalable for commercial operators nationwide.

Sila Opens Silicon Anode Plant in Washington

Sila has officially begun operations at Sila Moses Lake, a 600,000-square-foot silicon anode plant in Washington state designed to scale next-generation battery technology for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, drones, and more. The facility, more than one million times larger than the company’s first R\&D line, will initially provide 2–5 GWh of capacity with potential expansion up to 250 GWh, positioning it to become the world’s largest anode production site.

The plant will produce Titan Silicon™, Sila’s silicon-carbon anode material that delivers higher energy density and faster charging than traditional graphite. By manufacturing domestically with clean hydropower, Sila aims to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign graphite—largely sourced from China—and strengthen supply chain resilience.

The project is also a major economic investment, with up to 500 local jobs expected within five years. Governor Bob Ferguson and U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse praised the plant as both a job creator and a step toward U.S. energy independence. CEO Gene Berdichevsky emphasized the importance of bridging innovation and large-scale domestic manufacturing to keep next-generation battery advancements in the U.S.

With production now underway, Sila is advancing a decade of research into commercial-scale manufacturing, reinforcing America’s leadership in clean energy technology and the transition to electrified mobility.

EV Buyers Rush to Beat Expiring Fed Tax Credits

Car shoppers are moving quickly to purchase electric vehicles and hybrids ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline for federal tax credits. According to CARFAX, EVs and hybrids are selling about 30% faster than they were earlier this summer, even as prices remain steady. The surge comes as $7,500 credits for new models and $4,000 credits for used ones — created under the Inflation Reduction Act — are set to expire after Congress voted to end the program.

Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief at CARFAX, noted that demand has spiked despite stable pricing, breaking from the usual trend where EV and hybrid sales track overall auto sales. CARFAX advises buyers to research vehicle history, set a clear budget, test drive, ask detailed questions about battery health and service records, and secure a trusted mechanic inspection before committing.

For shoppers hoping to take advantage of the incentives, experts stress that time is running out.

Kia to Launch Plug & Charge

Kia America announced the rollout of Plug & Charge, a new feature that simplifies public EV charging by enabling automatic vehicle authentication and payment at compatible stations. Integrated into Kia’s connected vehicle platform and part of the Kia Connect suite, the technology eliminates the need for apps, cards, or extra steps at the charger.

Plug & Charge will debut by late September for eligible 2025 Kia EV6 models and expand to 2026 EV9 vehicles in the fourth quarter. Once activated through the Kia Access app, the system allows drivers to simply plug in, with charging and billing handled automatically in the background.

Kia says the technology delivers a more secure, intuitive, and convenient charging experience, reinforcing its broader goal of making electrified mobility effortless and connected.

GM Donates 59 BrightDrop EVs fro Red Cross Disaster Relief

The American Red Cross is honoring General Motors for its longstanding disaster preparedness support, highlighted by the donation of 59 BrightDrop electric vans to enhance the Red Cross Community Adaptation Program (CAP). These vehicles will empower local nonprofit partners, such as Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota, FL, to deliver critical health, housing, and hunger services before and after disasters.

GM has supported Red Cross efforts for over two decades, joining the Annual Disaster Giving Program in 2010 and pledging resources to ensure rapid response capabilities nationwide. The company’s contributions include vehicles, auction proceeds from a Corvette ZR1, OnStar fundraising, blood drives, and international aid.

With BrightDrop vans offering up to 296 miles of range, large cargo capacity, and robust payload capability, GM’s donation strengthens disaster response infrastructure and community resilience at a time when severe wildfires, hurricanes, and other emergencies are becoming increasingly frequent.

Zūm Wins 2025Innovation Award for V2G School Buses

Zūm, a leader in modern student transportation, has received the 2025 Electric Innovation Award in the “Power for All” category for its pioneering use of vehicle-to-grid and bidirectional charging technology in electric school buses. The award, presented during Climate Week NYC, recognizes Zūm’s efforts to modernize a $50 billion industry that has remained largely unchanged for decades.

The company’s fully electrified school bus fleet in Oakland, CA, launched in 2024, can return stored energy to the grid, strengthening resilience during peak demand. Zūm’s platform also unifies parents, students, drivers, and administrators with real-time visibility and data-driven accountability.

Serving more than 4,000 schools in 14 states, Zūm is being recognized as a trailblazer in electrification for its scalable, high-impact solutions that reduce pollution, lower costs, and support a cleaner energy future.

Long Beach Orders Pioneer’s e-Boost Mobile EV Charging

Pioneer Power Solutions has received an order from the City of Long Beach, CA, for a 250kW e-Boost Mobile “Stretch” EV charging system through its partner AssetWorks. The mobile charger will support the city’s Battle Motors EV sanitation trucks as well as medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles in its public works fleet.

Designed to provide flexible, high-capacity charging without requiring costly grid infrastructure upgrades, the e-Boost system combines ChargePoint chargers and power modules to mimic permanent installations while offering mobility and scalability.

Long Beach leaders say the investment advances their sustainability goals, reduces emissions, and enhances community mobility. Pioneer CEO Nathan Mazurek emphasized that the order demonstrates the growing demand for versatile EV charging solutions for municipal and critical fleet applications. Delivery is expected in Q4 2025.

Clean Energy 2nd Hydrogen Fueling Station for Foothill Transit

Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has been awarded an $11.3 million contract to design, build, and maintain a second hydrogen fueling station for Foothill Transit at its Arcadia bus yard. The project, partially funded by federal and state grants, will support 19 new hydrogen fuel cell buses, complementing Foothill’s existing fleet of 33 hydrogen buses at its Pomona station, which Clean Energy also built and operates.

Foothill Transit, serving over 11 million riders annually across the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys and downtown Los Angeles, is California’s largest operator of hydrogen fuel cell buses. The new Arcadia facility will store liquid hydrogen and dispense it in gaseous form, with construction set to begin in mid-2026.

The project extends Clean Energy’s two-decade partnership with Foothill Transit and underscores the agency’s leadership in sustainable transportation as it transitions toward a fully zero-emission fleet.

Acura Pulls the Plug on the ZDX

In a move that signals a strategic shift within Honda’s premium division, Acura has officially discontinued the ZDX model, ending production and sales of the futuristic SUV that once aimed to bridge the gap between electric ambition and luxury styling. Though the ZDX courted attention with its bold design and EV-forward aspirations, Acura’s decision reflects a broader recalibration: focusing efforts on more commercially viable models, refining its core strengths, and realigning resources toward next-generation electrification under a clearer and more sustainable roadmap for future performance and luxury vehicles.

Perseus & SODA—AI-Powered Human–Machine Interface

Perseus Motor Corporation, Europe’s first AI-native EV brand, has entered a strategic partnership with SODA.Auto to co-develop what they call the world’s most advanced AI-powered Human–Machine Interface. The collaboration aims to redefine the driver–vehicle relationship by embedding AI at the core of vehicle design, enabling cars that learn from, adapt to, and evolve with their owners. Joint R&D centers in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City and Bicester, UK, will accelerate development of vehicles that can adjust to drivers’ emotional states, routines, and preferences, creating a highly personalized and intuitive driving experience. The alliance positions Europe at the forefront of AI-driven mobility, shifting industry focus from electrification and autonomy toward intelligent, human-centric interaction.