When GM agreed to unionize its EV battery plants, we applauded the move, believing that the destructive UAW strike would end with the US Big Three legacy automakers and their unions beginning to come to terms with the EV future. We were wrong. As of this writing, the UAW has reached a tentative agreement with… Read more »
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Volta Trucks becomes the latest electric truck maker to file for bankruptcy
Electric truck makers are having a rough time these days, as rising interest rates make fundraising harder. The German company B-ON, maker of the Streetscooter, filed for insolvency in September. In the latest chapter of Lordstown Motors’ colorful history, a bankruptcy court approved the sale of the company’s assets to its founder. Arrival is undergoing… Read more »
Get an offer for any used EV battery pack on Redwood Materials new pricing portal
Redwood Materials, the EV battery recycling firm headed by Tesla alum JB Straubel, has created a new web portal that’s designed to enable auto recyclers to quickly and easily get an offer for a used EV battery pack. A registered supplier can enter the vehicle year/make/model, VIN, or Battery Part Number, and describe the battery’s… Read more »
ComEd, Millennium Garages to install 300 EV chargers at Chicago charging hub
Illinois utility ComEd is working with Millennium Garages to deploy 300 EV chargers at the downtown Chicago parking complex by 2026. ComEd recently cut the ribbon on the first 100 EV chargers, and has awarded $200,000 in energy efficiency incentives to support Millennium Garages in lowering its energy usage. “ComEd is committed to working with… Read more »
GM agrees to unionize EV battery plants. Will other US automakers follow suit?
The United Autoworkers’ strike doubtless has multiple causes, but the transition to EVs is certainly one bone of contention. EVs are simpler machines than legacy vehicles, and many expect this to translate into less demand for human labor. A wave of new battery plants will surely create new jobs, but some fear that automakers will… Read more »
Earthling Automotive is training the next generation of EV technicians
Earthling Automotive, an independent EV service and repair shop in San Francisco, has expanded its EV knowledge program in response to the urgent need to train automotive technicians in the aftermarket. As EV adoption accelerates, “aftermarket repair shops need to be prepared to service EVs safely and at competitive prices, as consumers look for service… Read more »
Five states have now awarded NEVI grants for EV charging stations
As always, the wheels of government grants grind slowly. Almost a year ago, all 50 states plus Puerto Rico and DC received approval of their National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plans from the Federal Highway Administration. To date, 5 states have announced final or conditional awards for charging infrastructure grants, and 8 more have opened… Read more »
EVgo receives first shipment of Buy America 350 kW DC fast chargers from Delta Electronics
Public fast charging network EVgo has received the first shipment of 350 kW fast chargers from Delta Electronics that are manufactured according to Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) standards. Delivered from Delta Electronics’ recently opened factory in Plano, Texas, this first shipment marks a milestone in developing the domestic supply chain needed to unlock… Read more »
Frustration with delays in implementing the Megawatt Charging System standard
The Charging Interface Initiative (CharIN), an industry alliance with over 320 members, is working to establish a new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) for heavy-duty electric vehicles. The new standard is expected to be operational as early as 2024, but some in the industry are complaining about delays, and putting pressure on CharIN to accelerate the… Read more »
How to improve EV traction motor efficiency
A look at improving motor efficiency in two main categories: electrical and mechanical. Regular readers of Charged don’t need to be told that the typical EV drivetrain is way more efficient from battery to wheels than its ICE-based equivalent, but it is perhaps less well-known that the approximate drivetrain efficiency ranges from 75-90% for the… Read more »