The California Energy Commission (CEC) has approved a $95-million plan to expedite the adoption of zero-emission vehicles. The plan focuses on closing an anticipated gap in EV charging infrastructure and increasing benefits to disadvantaged communities. The 2019-2020 Investment Plan Update for the CEC’s Clean Transportation Program (formerly known as the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and… Read more »
The municipal transit operator Miejski Zakład Komunikacyjnycity (MZK) in Konin, Poland has ordered six Solaris Urbino 12 electric buses and three chargers, which are scheduled for delivery by the end of May 2020. The six 12-meter buses will each feature two 110 kW electric motors and a 200 kWh battery. The three free-standing dual charging… Read more »
ChargePoint has launched a charging station called the Home Flex, which includes the following features: Adjustable amperage from 16 to 50 amps J1772 connector Charge scheduling and reminders WiFi-enabled upgrades Alexa integration Connection to the ChargePoint app The Home Flex can be installed either indoors or outdoors and is available as a plug-in station with… Read more »
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos has announced a far-reaching plan to reduce his company’s environmental footprint. Amazon’s “Climate Pledge” calls for the retail behemoth to zero out its carbon emissions by 2030. Bezos also challenged other companies to join Amazon in meeting the goals of the Paris climate agreement 10 years ahead of schedule. As part… Read more »
Colorado-based Lightning Systems, a developer of zero-emission drivetrains for commercial fleets, has launched a range of charging stations called Lightning on Tap. The stations range from 7.2 kW AC chargers to 100 kW DC fast chargers. Lightning Systems CEO Tim Reeser said, “With more fleet operators making the switch to electric trucks and buses, planning and installing… Read more »
The Formula E electric racing championship has announced its calendar for the 2019-2020 season: 14 races in 12 cities on 4 continents, beginning in November in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia and winding up in July 2020 in London. However, the big news is that Porsche will be fielding an electric racing team. The TAG Heuer… Read more »
Florida Power & Light (FPL), which serves some five million customers on the east coast of Florida, has announced a new initiative to install over 1,000 charging stations at 100 sites. The company has also begun a pilot of V2G technology. “Along with our plan to install more than 30 million solar panels by 2030,… Read more »
Volkswagen has set the first speed record on China’s Tianmen Mountain with its ID.R electric motorsports vehicle. VW staged the record attempt to support its upcoming introduction of EVs to the Chinese market. The ID.R is the motorsport ambassador for Volkswagen’s ID. family, its new range of EVs. It currently holds records on Pikes Peak… Read more »
The Trump administration launched another salvo in its war on environmental regulations this week by formally revoking California’s authority to set its own auto emissions rules. The administration previously announced that it would pursue anti-trust investigations against four automakers that forged a compromise with California on fuel economy standards. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Republican former governor… Read more »
Smart charging company NewMotion, which is a member of the Shell Group, will partner with Ford to provide charging technology and infrastructure for the car maker’s PHEVs in Europe. Starting this fall, Ford customers will have access to NewMotion’s phone app, charge card, and charging network, including over 118,000 charge points in 30 countries. “Teaming… Read more »