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Evolectric, AFLC & CALSTART Deliver First CircularEV Truck
Evolectric, Alternative Fuel Leasing Company (AFLC), and CALSTART—administrator of CARB’s Innovative Small E-Fleet (ISEF) program—have achieved a major milestone in expanding zero-emission vehicle access for small businesses. Through ISEF’s incentives and AFLC’s flexible financing, Circular Fashion LA has received its first Evolectric CircularEV™ truck, a retrofitted electric vehicle that transforms existing trucks into smart, fully electric models.
The collaboration showcases a scalable model that lowers costs and barriers for small fleets through retrofit innovation, leasing, and truck-as-a-service options. Supported by the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), the initiative aligns clean mobility with circular economy goals. Circular Fashion LA will use the truck as a Mobile Circular Fashion Lab, providing clothing repair, upcycling, and sustainability workshops throughout Los Angeles—demonstrating how clean transportation and circular fashion can work together to build a more sustainable future.
OneD Battery Sciences & Putailai Silicon-Graphite Anode Production
OneD Battery Sciences and Shanghai Putailai New Energy Technology Co. have entered a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to co-develop and scale next-generation silicon-graphite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The collaboration combines OneD’s SINANODE® technology with Putailai’s large-scale graphite manufacturing expertise to accelerate commercialization of high-energy-density, low-cost anode materials.
Through joint technology transfer, product optimization, and scalable production plans, the partnership aims to supply leading battery manufacturers across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. By leveraging Putailai’s established supply chain and OneD’s innovation, the companies intend to make silicon-enhanced anodes widely available—enabling more efficient, higher-performing batteries for the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
Asahi Kasei Licenses Electrolyte Tech to EAS Batteries
Asahi Kasei has licensed its acetonitrile-based electrolyte technology to Germany’s EAS Batteries for use in a new ultra-high-power lithium-ion cell featuring a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode. Scheduled for launch by March 2026, the 22 Ah cylindrical cell delivers 2,550 W/kg continuous power—about 60% higher than conventional designs—and up to 3,760 W/kg in short bursts.
Developed under Germany’s federally funded HEADLINE project, the collaboration targets demanding applications in marine, rail, and construction sectors. Both companies plan to sublicense the jointly developed technologies to OEMs and other manufacturers, with Asahi Kasei expecting at least 10 new license agreements by 2027 and cumulative profits exceeding ¥10 billion by 2030.
PowerFlex & LA County: “Charge Up Carmelitos!”
PowerFlex, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Internal Services Department (ISD) and the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA), unveiled 20 new Level 2 electric vehicle charging ports at the Carmelitos community in Long Beach. The project supports the County’s goal of installing 15,000 EV chargers on public properties by 2035, with a strong focus on equitable access for residents in underserved areas.
At the “Charge Up Carmelitos!” event, officials highlighted how the installation—ten chargers for residents and the public, and ten for LACDA fleet operations—advances both clean transportation and community resilience. Additional sustainable features, including a solar-powered carport and DC fast charging for a community shuttle, are planned to expand the site’s green infrastructure.
PowerFlex CEO Raphael Declercq emphasized the project’s success as “a powerful example of public–private partnership delivering real, local benefits,” while ISD Director Michael Owh noted its importance in aligning the County’s decarbonization strategy with social equity. LACDA Executive Director Emilio Salas added that the initiative reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to sustainability across public housing developments.
Funded in part through Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program, the Carmelitos project showcases how collaboration among local agencies, utilities, and private innovators can accelerate the transition to clean mobility. ISD and LACDA plan to replicate the model across additional County properties to expand affordable, reliable EV charging access for all residents.
Schaeffler to Supply Dual Inverters for NA PHEV Pickups
Summary: Schaeffler has secured a contract to provide dual inverters for a plug-in hybrid pickup truck platform in North America, covering nearly one million units with production starting by the end of 2027. The inverters, designed at Schaeffler’s Deer Park, Illinois facility, serve both as traction inverters for electric motors over 200 kW and for auxiliary systems, incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) technology from partner onsemi to improve all-electric range. Executives from Schaeffler and onsemi highlighted that the collaboration sets a new benchmark for PHEV pickups, combining high performance, extended electric driving capability, and advanced power electronics technology.
Title: Schaeffler to Supply Dual Inverters for Nearly One Million North American PHEV Pickups
Summary: Schaeffler has secured a contract to provide dual inverters for a plug-in hybrid pickup truck platform in North America, covering nearly one million units with production starting by the end of 2027. The inverters, designed at Schaeffler’s Deer Park, Illinois facility, serve both as traction inverters for electric motors over 200 kW and for auxiliary systems, incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) technology from partner onsemi to improve all-electric range. Executives from Schaeffler and onsemi highlighted that the collaboration sets a new benchmark for PHEV pickups, combining high performance, extended electric driving capability, and advanced power electronics technology.
Blink Charging Shifts to Contract Manufacturing
Summary: Blink Charging announced it is transitioning to contract manufacturing for its EV charging hardware as part of its BlinkForward strategy, with the shift expected to be completed by early 2026. Production will be outsourced to multiple partners in the U.S. and India, while Blink retains ownership of intellectual property and control over design, quality, and technology integration. The move aims to reduce costs, increase operational efficiency, and provide supply chain resilience, allowing the company to focus on expanding its charging network and service offerings globally.
ChargePoint Secures Sourcewell Contract
Summary: ChargePoint has been awarded a Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, allowing public agencies in the U.S. and Canada—including municipalities, schools, and transit authorities—to deploy its EV charging infrastructure, software, and services with preferred pricing. This marks ChargePoint’s third consecutive Sourcewell agreement since 2017, following a competitive request-for-proposal process. David Vice, ChargePoint’s Chief Revenue Officer, emphasized that the partnership streamlines EV adoption for public agencies and supports sustainability and ESG goals across more than 50,000 Sourcewell member organizations.