NEWSNOTES | June 16, 2021
News Notes

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is signaling a significant prioritization of electric vehicles (EVs), batteries, and connected vehicles over the next five years. DOE has announced that $200 million will be allocated to national labs, subject to appropriations. The projects will require applicants to submit a plan for diversity, equity and inclusion.

General Motors continues to go all in on manufacturing batteries. The automaker plans to announce more U.S. battery factories as their EV sales continue to grow. GM will roll out 30 new EVs globally by 2025.

New Flyer of America has just been awarded an order for 20 zero-emission, hydrogen fuel cell-electric 40 foot Xcelsior CHARGE H2 heavy-duty transit buses. San Francisco Bay area’s AC Transit. The Oakland-based transit agency previously purchased 10 hydrogen fuel-cell electric and five battery-electric buses. The special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) wave continues and this time electric bus and battery maker Proterra has collected $640 million after going public with ArcLight Clean Transition (ACTC). The company will fund growth initiatives including R&D and its next-generation battery program.

Swiftmile is all about increasing access to sustainable, electric transportation and thanks to a partnership with the Miami Parking Authority, they will be bringing a network of micromobility charging stations (aka Mobility Hubs) to the city. 25 hubs will be placed around Miami to power and organize e-scooters from the City’s shared micromobility operators.

Nidec Group has chalked up a new milestone in promoting sustainable mobility. Their Ultra-Fast Charger station will be installed in Benevento, Italy, representing an important step in achieving widespread electric mobility in the country.

Phoenix Motor Cars is a global renewable energy company that is hard at work in Ontario, California building third-generation electric products. The company claims to have the largest battery pack and the longest range currently available in class 4 vehicles. Their vehicles include shuttle buses, service trucks, utility trucks, flatbed trucks, cargo trucks and delivery options.

Xos is another California-based manufacturer and they have just announced the launch of a powertrain division. Known for their Class 5-8 commercial vehicles, Powered by Xos will offer the company’s powertrain technology as well as design and integration experience.

Ideanomics is a global company focused on technological disruption by means of capital investment. Their latest acquisition is Solectrac, an EV tractor manufacturer founded in Northern California. Four days ago they completed an agreement to acquire Southern California based US Hybrid and at the beginning of the year they acquired wireless charging specialist WAVE. 

Okay, brain, process this. If you are into bicycles, thanks to a talented engineer from China, you may soon see a bicycle rolling down the street sans a human. Check out the counterintuitive feat of the self-balancing bike.