California-based EV charging software developer WeaveGrid and Spanish EV charging equipment supplier Wallbox have partnered to expand North American Wallbox owners’ access to utility-managed charging programs, beginning with Xcel Energy’s Charging Perks Program in Colorado. The program optimizes residential EV charging times to align with low power grid demand and high availability of renewable energy… Read more »
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California’s Green Raiteros use EVs to provide free rides to low-income and elderly residents
The benefits of new technology generally flow downward from the top of the income ladder, and lower-income communities tend to be the most affected by pollution and environmental damage. However, in one California town, low-income residents are breathing a little cleaner air and enjoying the benefits of e-mobility, thanks to a local community group called… Read more »
Retailers fear Minnesota legislation would allow utilities to corner EV charging market
Should electric utilities be allowed to own EV charging stations? In a free-market economy, it’s generally considered unhealthy for companies that produce a product or service to also own the distribution channels—that’s why liquor companies don’t own bars (in the US), and airlines don’t own airports. For an example of the evils that can result… Read more »
New California rule could increase participation in time-of-use rate programs
An increasing number of utilities are offering time-of-use (TOU) rate plans, which incentivize EV owners to schedule charging at off-peak times. However, as Canary Media reports, some utilities require customers to install redundant separate electrical meters at their own expense in order to take part in TOU programs, even though many EV charging stations can… Read more »
Wisconsin regulators consider mandatory EV programs for large utilities
Wisconsin regulators are considering requiring utilities to develop pilot charging programs for residential customers. The Wisconsin State Journal reports that the state’s Public Service Commission voted to request utility feedback on a draft order that would require Wisconsin’s five largest utilities to submit plans for approval next year. For the state’s 120 or so smaller… Read more »
Minnesota utilities offer off-peak electric rates as low as 3.3 cents/kWh
Xcel Energy, Minnesota’s largest power company, has asked state regulators to approve an off-peak EV charging rate of of 3.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, a 43 percent discount to the usual residential rate. “We are trying to provide more options for customers,” said Xcel exec Chris Clark. “This is really how we’re seeing the future. We… Read more »
Study finds that drivers will charge off-peak if it saves them money
A two-year study that examined the charging behavior of 142 households with plug-in vehicles. The PHEVs averaged 68 mpg and used 27 megawatt-hours of electricity.
Dürr and GROB unveil next-generation battery cell production factory with 50% less footprint
Dürr and GROB have announced a new lithium-ion battery cell concept factory. The system targets the EV segment, featuring dry electrode coating and an advanced Z-folder cell assembly with integrated notching. According to Dürr, the concept factory reduces production space requirements by 50 percent and cuts energy consumption by 70 percent compared to traditional methods…. Read more »
Reduce battery enclosure manufacturing costs using efficient mica shield adhesives
Sponsored by H.B. Fuller. As the EV industry trends toward mass adoption, battery safety and manufacturing efficiency have become critical focal points for OEMs and battery designers. Among the most pressing concerns are thermal dissipation, electrical isolation, and the prevention of thermal runaway and propagation—issues that can compromise both performance and safety. To address these… Read more »
Advancing Cost-Efficient Thermal Dielectric Coatings In High-Performance Battery Manufacturing
Achieving widespread electrification of transportation hinges on improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing battery production costs. In response to industry needs and direct customer feedback, H.B. Fuller has developed a novel UV-curable Thermal Dielectric Coating that enhances both performance and cost-effectiveness in electric battery manufacturing. This next-generation coating delivers superior electrical insulation, excellent flame retardancy, improved… Read more »