Network operator EVgo and the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) have released a report regarding the future of utility rates for DC fast chargers. The new report, “EVgo Fleet and Tariff Analysis,” finds that public fast-charging infrastructure is critical to EV deployment; however, California state legislators and regulators must make adjustments to allow for more cost-effective… Read more »
Aluminum supplier Novelis has agreed to provide aluminum for NextEV’s line of NIO EVs. NIO will use Novelis Advanz aluminum alloys to create a range of structural components and parts for its electric SUV models, which it plans to launch over the next five years. The aluminum for NIO will come from Novelis’s new $100-million… Read more »
China-based Hybrid Kinetic Group (HKG), together with its design and engineering partner Pininfarina, unveiled a plug-in sedan concept that uses a microturbine at the recent Geneva Auto Salon. The H600 concept features an aluminum chassis, all-wheel torque vectoring and vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid capabilities. It offers combined power of over 600 kW, and accelerates from 0-60… Read more »
Netherlands-based charging network operator Fastned has announced that its first two stations reached the break-even point in March. Revenues generated at the two stations outpaced operating expenses, which include the purchase of power, grid connection fees, license costs, land leasing, cleaning and maintenance. Fastned expects more stations to pass the break-even point in the coming… Read more »
Canadian graphene specialist Grafoid has introduced its GPURE Graphene Polymer nano-porous membrane, intended for next generation Li-ion battery applications. The GPURE GPM product is a chemically inert, freestanding membrane that uses graphene composites to test ion selectivity using both monovalent and divalent ions. Ion selectivity is a key requirement for a semi-permeable membrane in a… Read more »
Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) has developed an autonomous battery-electric load carrier called HX2, part of a research project that aims to electrify the transport stage in a quarry, reducing carbon emissions by up to 95% and total cost of ownership by up to 25%. Volvo CE customer Skanska Sweden will test several prototype electric and… Read more »
Ten European industry and research organizations are partnering in the EU-funded project ECO COMBAT (Ecological Composites for High-Efficient Li-Ion Batteries), which aims to develop next-generation Li-ion batteries. Better performance is not the only goal for the new battery. The project also aims to develop a battery that’s more sustainable, by reducing the need for expensive… Read more »
ClipperCreek has introduced a new cable management solution for its line of EV charging stations. The Universal Pedestal Extension Kit is for use with the company’s HCS or CS series stations, and can be added to existing pedestals in the field. This new kit adds easy cable retraction based on an adjustable spring system. It… Read more »
Car buyers’ love of SUVs continues to grow. Every third BMW car built last year was an SUV, and the market is growing so fast that the company is increasing production capacity and adding an X2 and an X7 to its lineup in 2018. With a certain poetic justice, the German automaker says it plans… Read more »
Canada-based GreenPower Motor Company has signed a contract to supply 10 of its EV350 40-foot electric transit buses to the City of Porterville, California. The e-buses will be deployed on all 9 Porterville Transit routes. The $9-million order includes 11 charging systems to be installed at the city’s maintenance facility and transit center. The first… Read more »
