ChargePoint, Avis and GM.
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Honda & Princeton NuEnergy Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling
Honda Motor Co. and Princeton NuEnergy have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance collaboration on next-generation lithium-ion battery recycling technologies, aiming to strengthen a circular battery materials supply chain and support U.S. energy independence. The partnership builds on joint technical validation work underway since 2022, during which PNE’s plasma-based direct recycling and upcycling technologies successfully produced rejuvenated NMC cathode active material with performance comparable to virgin materials. The MOU establishes a framework for further validation projects and potential commercial-scale applications, aligning Honda’s global electrification strategy with PNE’s closed-loop approach to cost-efficient, domestic battery materials production. The agreement comes as PNE expands its U.S. manufacturing footprint, reinforcing efforts to create a resilient, sustainable, and domestic lithium-ion battery supply chain.
Mouser Supports EV and Next-Generation Mobility Design
Mouser Electronics is helping engineers advance motor control design through its online motor control resource center, highlighting technologies that improve efficiency, performance, and range in electric vehicles and next-generation mobility systems. The platform addresses applications ranging from e-bikes and drones to robotics, light electric vehicles, and automotive EVs, where precise control of motor speed, torque, and position is critical. Mouser curates technical articles, blogs, and eBooks from leading manufacturers to guide engineers through motor selection, driver and microcontroller choices, and core design challenges. Complementing the educational content, Mouser offers a broad portfolio of motor control components, including reference design boards, advanced dual-core motor control MCUs, integrated three-phase BLDC drivers, and high-performance control microcontrollers, enabling engineers to reduce system complexity, minimize energy loss, and optimize overall system performance.
ChargePoint Avis Licensee in Wisconsin
ChargePoint announced it is enabling Midwestern Wheels, an Avis Budget Group licensee, to provide public electric vehicle charging at its airport and local rental car locations in Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin. The new deployments combine AC and DC fast charging stations and are open to both rental customers and the surrounding community, helping address growing demand for EV infrastructure in a state where registrations have risen more than 50 percent annually since 2013. By opening chargers to the public, Midwestern Wheels is increasing utilization and return on investment while boosting local visibility. The sites feature ChargePoint’s Omni Port technology, allowing any EV to charge without adapters, and are managed through ChargePoint’s latest software platform for real-time monitoring and performance management.
GM to End Bolt Production by 2027 for ICE Vehicles
General Motors has confirmed it will discontinue production of the next-generation Chevrolet Bolt EV in mid-2027, just 18 months after manufacturing began at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas. The factory will transition back to internal combustion engine production, with GM onshoring the Buick Envision from China and the Chevrolet Equinox from Mexico to mitigate tariffs and trade policy volatility. Despite strong early demand and expectations that the rebooted Bolt would drive most Chevrolet EV sales in 2026, the loss of the $7,500 federal EV tax credit and a more hostile policy environment for electrification have undermined the vehicle’s business case. The move aligns with GM’s broader $4 billion investment in expanding US ICE truck and SUV production, as the automaker prioritizes profitable models like the Suburban, Tahoe, and Yukon while scaling back near-term EV ambitions.
California Surpasses 2.5 Million ZEV Sales
California reached more than 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in 2025, underscoring the state’s continued momentum on electrification despite the elimination of federal EV tax credits in September 2025. ZEVs accounted for 18.9% of new vehicle sales in Q4, far outpacing the national average, where ZEV share fell sharply following federal policy changes. Growth has been driven by California-specific mandates, incentives, and infrastructure investment, including over 200,000 public and shared private chargers and nearly 800,000 home chargers statewide. Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a $200 million state incentive program to stabilize demand amid federal uncertainty, while regulators continue to implement Advanced Clean Cars II, which requires all new passenger vehicle sales to be zero-emission by 2035. State officials emphasize that California remains committed to leading the ZEV transition as both a climate and economic strategy.