Ranges are getting longer, battery capacities are getting larger, and the pressure is on to find ways to make charging faster. Unfortunately, reducing charging time by increasing charging current can have a negative effect on battery lifetime and safety. One reason for this is a phenomenon called lithium plating. “The rate at which lithium ions… Read more »
As transit agencies around the country are going electric, North America’s largest bus manufacturer is gearing up for the new market. New Flyer’s (TSX: NFI) Anniston, Alabama facility has successfully completed its first full build of an Xcelsior Charge battery-electric transit bus. All New Flyer manufacturing locations, including Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Crookston and St. Cloud,… Read more »
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has handed over the first e-Crafter electric vans to customers from Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and Sweden, who will be testing the new vans in everyday use until mid-2018. The customers include package delivery services, energy suppliers, trade businesses and individual retailers whose vehicles cover between 70 and 100 km per… Read more »
Québec Minister of Sustainable Development Isabelle Melançon has issued the final regulations in support of Bill 104, a new law designed to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles in the province. Québec is the first Canadian province to adopt a ZEV mandate. As of today, close to half the Canadian ZEV fleet is located in… Read more »
Electrify America has announced it will install more than 2,800 workplace and residential charging stations by June 2019 in 17 of the biggest US metropolitan areas, part of a $2-billion investment in EV infrastructure and education in the US over the next 10 years. Electrify America is the Volkswagen subsidiary established to fulfill Volkswagen’s commitments… Read more »
WABCO Holdings (NYSE: WBC), a global supplier of technologies and services for commercial vehicles, has made a $10-million strategic investment in Nikola Motor Company, developer of a Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck. The two companies also agreed to work together to develop safety technologies specifically designed for electric commercial vehicles, including electronic braking systems… Read more »
Automotive aftermarket equipment manufacturer Webasto presented a range of Level 2 charging stations designed for the North American, European and Chinese markets at the recent CES. Webasto’s wall-mount chargers are designed for home, business and multi-unit dwelling applications. Each unit provides up to 50 amps (12 kW) of charging power, and is customizable to meet… Read more »
A new project to promote the installation of EV charging stations has made its debut in Fresno County, California. The $4-million Fresno County Incentive Project (FCIP), part of the statewide CALeVIP program, will provide cash incentives for the purchase and installation of Level 2 chargers to owners of commercial properties, apartments, condominiums, workplaces and public… Read more »
Toyota Tsusho, a member of the Toyota Group, announced that it has signed a Share Subscription Agreement with Orocobre Limited to become a 15% shareholder. The total investment amount will be about AUS $292 million. The company believes that lithium demand is expected to continue growing with the shift to EV, in addition to the… Read more »
In November, Southern California Edison (SCE) released a white paper which the utility called its “integrated blueprint for California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutants.” Transportation electrification is a big component of the blueprint which presents an analysis of three pathways, each with the potential to lead to a clean energy future. Briefly,… Read more »
