Newswire

GeniePoint Network will soon have 150 DC fast chargers in the UK

The UK’s ChargePoint Services (not to be confused with the US’s Chargepoint) and the Motor Fuel Group have been working together to install fast charging stations in forecourt (gas station) locations across the UK.  The GeniePoint Network now has over 120 charger sites installed or under construction, and plans to have around 150 50 kW+… Read more »

Sensata Technologies acquires GIGAVAC for $233 million

Industrial sensor specialist Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST) has reached an agreement to acquire privately-held electrification solution provider GIGAVAC for $233 million. Sensata is expanding its positions in electrical protection, thermal management and regenerative braking. The addition of GIGAVAC’s portfolio will enable Sensata to tap into the market for high-voltage contactors, which are critical components of both… Read more »

Allego launches contactless credit and debit card payments for charging in the UK

Public charging stations are proliferating, but some operators still make it inconvenient for drivers, requiring them to join a network in advance and carry around a special card. European charging network operator Allego has taken a major step towards eliminating this unnecessary bottleneck with the launch of a contactless payment solution that supports Visa, Mastercard… Read more »

MIT wins $1.89-million DOE research grant for one-step electrochemical copper extraction from sulfur-based minerals

MIT Associate Professor of Metallurgy Antoine Allanore’s lab has received a nearly $2-million dollar grant to further develop copper collection methods from molten sulfur-based minerals using electricity. The resultant high-purity copper could be used in the production of high-quality wire used in growing markets like renewable energy and EVs. Current pyrometallurgy methods are tedious: sulfide… Read more »

European automakers fear EVs will eat into auto industry profits

Several new electric models made their debut at the recent Paris Motor Show, including PSA’s DS3 Crossback and the Mercedes EQC, but off the noisy show floor, away from the turntables, hors d’oeuvres and booth bunnies, executives are ruefully acknowledging that the transition to EVs will mean an end to the record profits of recent… Read more »

Fastned tests fast chargers at German supermarkets

European fast charging network operator Fastned has partnered with German supermarket chain REWE for a pilot that will test the interest of EV drivers in fast charging while shopping for groceries. The partnership will start with a pilot at four REWE Region Mitte supermarkets around Frankfurt, and the companies intend to expand it to additional… Read more »

Electrify America announces second $200-million EV infrastructure investment plan for California

Electrify America has a $2-billion pot of money from naughty Volkswagen to invest in EV infrastructure, education and access programs. $800 of that is to be spent in California. In order to future-proof the program, EA is wisely dividing its investment into four phases. Now the company has announced its second $200-million round of investment… Read more »

SolarEdge to acquire battery-maker Kokam

Photovoltaic inverter manufacturer SolarEdge Technologies (NASDAQ: SEDG) has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Kokam, a South Korean provider of battery cells and energy storage solutions. SolarEdge will invest approximately $88 million to acquire 75% of outstanding equity shares of Kokam. Over time, SolarEdge intends to purchase the remaining shares of Kokam, making it… Read more »