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Wallbox Completes 1st Home Installations of Quasar 2
Wallbox has successfully installed its Quasar 2 bidirectional charger in six California homes, enabling Kia EV9 owners to power their homes directly from their vehicles. The pilot project in Menifee, California—conducted with Kia America and UC Irvine—demonstrates vehicle-to-home (V2H) technology that allows EVs to discharge stored energy back into homes, helping homeowners reduce electricity costs during peak rates and support grid stability. This marks a significant step toward treating EVs as energy assets rather than just transportation, with broader U.S. availability planned as Wallbox aims to scale the technology for a more resilient and sustainable energy grid.
SES AI & Hisun AI-Discovered Battery Electrolyte
SES AI Corporation (NYSE: SES), a global leader in AI-enhanced high-performance Li-Metal and Li-ion batteries, has signed a term sheet to establish a joint venture with Hisun New Energy Materials Ltd. Co., a Texas-based electrolyte manufacturer, to commercially produce electrolyte materials discovered through SES AI’s Molecular Universe platform. The joint venture will be 90% owned by SES AI and is pending a binding definitive agreement expected by month’s end.
In six months since launching Molecular Universe, SES AI has discovered several novel electrolyte materials for various applications including EVs, drones, robotics, eVTOL aircraft, and energy storage systems. The joint venture will leverage Hisun’s existing manufacturing capacity to produce and supply these AI-discovered materials commercially, creating a new recurring revenue stream for SES AI beyond its existing software subscriptions and development services, while maintaining a capital-light business model.
Chicago Drives Electric 2025 Success
The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA) wrapped up its fourth annual Chicago Drives Electric event in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, with record participation from automakers and consumers. Held October 2–5, the event featured 16 automotive brands and 44 electrified vehicles, marking its largest showcase since launching in 2022.
Designed to help consumers overcome barriers to electric vehicle ownership, the program offered test drives, expert guidance, and educational sessions on charging, incentives, and EV technology. More than 855 registered drivers participated, generating 4,546 total in-vehicle experiences—a sign of the growing enthusiasm around electric mobility.
Backed by presenting sponsor ComEd and premier sponsor Cars.com, the event emphasized collaboration among industry leaders to make EV ownership more accessible. A post-event survey revealed that 79 percent of attendees were more likely to buy an EV after attending, and 92 percent left with a more positive view of EV ownership. For many, it was their first time behind the wheel of an electric vehicle.
Building on that success, Chicago Drives Electric will return February 7–16, 2026, as part of the Chicago Auto Show at McCormick Place, featuring an expanded indoor EV test track and hands-on learning opportunities for visitors.
Electric Era’s Retail-Integrated EV Fast Charging
Electric Era, the U.S. leader in retail-first EV charging, debuted RetailEdge, a next-generation fast-charging platform designed to turn parking lots into profit centers for retailers. Introduced at the NACS Show in Chicago, RetailEdge combines advanced charging technology, artificial intelligence and a sleek, modern design to create an immersive retail experience for EV drivers.
The system’s two standout features—RetailEdge Experiences and HaloAI—transform charging kiosks into digital storefronts. RetailEdge Experiences allows retailers to run loyalty campaigns, memberships, and retail media directly on the charger’s touchscreen, while HaloAI serves as an on-site digital assistant that troubleshoots issues, engages customers in multiple languages, and delivers personalized promotions. Together, they turn charging downtime into active shopping time.
Built for speed and reliability, RetailEdge delivers up to 400 kW charging power, supported by Electric Era’s patented battery-backed system that reduces installation costs and eliminates many utility upgrades. With 99.8 percent uptime, predictive diagnostics, and optional Starlink connectivity, RetailEdge sets a new standard for charger dependability.
Designed as a visually striking, front-of-store centerpiece, RetailEdge represents Electric Era’s vision for EV charging as a seamless extension of the retail environment—merging convenience, commerce, and clean energy in one unified experience.
Electrify America Real-Time Charger Data on Google Maps
Electrify America announced the integration of its real-time charging station data into Google Maps, giving EV drivers instant access to live information about charger availability, connector types, charging speeds, and station status directly within the app.
The collaboration builds on Google’s real-time charger availability feature, allowing drivers to make faster, better-informed decisions about where and when to charge. Electrify America President and CEO Robert Barrosa said the update supports the growing expectation for a seamless, confident charging experience as EV adoption continues to rise.
As the largest open hyper-fast charging network in the U.S., Electrify America operates in 47 states and the District of Columbia, investing more than $2 billion in Zero Emission Vehicle infrastructure to support the transition to electric mobility nationwide.
XCharge & Wildhorse Solar-Plus-Storage Fast-Charging
XCharge North America has partnered with Wildhorse Resort & Casino’s Arrowhead Travel Plaza in Pendleton, Oregon, to deploy four dual-dispenser GridLink DC fast chargers—marking the state’s first solar-powered and battery-integrated charging station. Enabled by NetZero Energy, the installation combines 215kWh GridLinks with a 40kW solar array, capable of delivering up to 194kW per unit to serve the 1.7 million vehicles passing through Interstate 84 each year.
The project, located on tribal lands of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, supports sustainable travel and grid resilience. “Our Arrowhead Travel Plaza installation goes beyond ultra-fast charging—it’s a model for clean, grid-friendly infrastructure,” said XCharge NA President Aatish Patel.
Equipped with advanced safety systems, bidirectional charging, and renewable energy integration, the GridLink units can operate independently during outages and return power to the grid—strengthening Oregon’s energy network while promoting sustainable mobility.
45 All-Electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter Vans for DHL Express
DHL Express announced the addition of 45 new all-electric Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans to its U.S. pickup and delivery fleet, marking the first American expansion of its global partnership with Mercedes-Benz. With more than 10,000 eSprinters already in operation worldwide, the new vans will be deployed by the end of October 2025 across major metropolitan markets including Chicago, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, and northern New Jersey.
Delivering a range of up to 240 miles—exceeding their rated 206-mile capacity—the eSprinters are now the longest-range electric vehicles in DHL’s U.S. fleet. Each van offers substantial cargo space suited for efficient last-mile and extended delivery routes. DHL has also installed new charging infrastructure at key facilities to support seamless integration and future fleet expansion.
The rollout aligns with DHL’s Sustainability Roadmap, which targets 66% electrification of last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030. According to DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt, the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to zero-emission logistics and sustainable operations while maintaining reliability and service quality.
Stellantis’ & Niron Magnetics’ Rare-Earth-Free Electric Motors
Niron Magnetics has partnered with Stellantis to develop next-generation electric motors using Iron Nitride magnets that eliminate the need for rare-earth elements. The collaboration, supported by a $2.7 million U.S. Department of Energy grant, builds on Stellantis Ventures’ 2023 investment in Niron and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains while enhancing EV motor performance and efficiency.
Niron’s Iron Nitride magnets, made from abundant iron and nitrogen, offer a sustainable alternative to traditional rare-earth-based materials largely sourced from China. The joint project—titled “Variable Flux Field Intensifying Motors Using Iron Nitride Permanent Magnets”—will explore applications across all vehicle types, improving powertrain efficiency and resilience.
The announcement coincides with the groundbreaking of Niron’s first commercial-scale production facility in Sartell, Minnesota, which will produce 1,500 tons of magnets annually and create 175 jobs. Stellantis and Niron will also collaborate with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Illinois Institute of Technology on advanced motor system testing and analysis.