NEWSNOTES | August 30, 2023
News Notes

Ford Pro has announced new charging hardware by way of facilitating the transition of commercial fleets to electric vehicles (EVs). The Series 2 Charger, designed for commercial vehicle use, offers a fully integrated charging solution that simplifies charging for both Ford and non-Ford EVs. As Rivian’s awareness grows of a need to target cost-conscious next generation EV buyers, the company has produced a new dual-motor EV that’s $14,000 less than the cheapest quad-motor version. Rivian slightly increased their production estimate to 52,000 vehicles in 2023.

Kudos to Ree Automotive for completing a series of joint tests with a recognized testing organization and has confirmed the feasibility of their x-by-wire control system to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Ree has developed the next generation EV platform providing customers with solutions that include last mile delivery, mobility as a service, light-to medium-duty EV logistics and robo taxis.

Hyundai has announced that it will produce its own fast charger called Blue Plug. The company, recognizing the slow rollout and expense of sourcing these devices from suppliers, will start production later this year and expects to put out 350 kilowatts. It’s expected to launch in South Korea.

Hyzon Motors has completed its first commercial demonstration of a liquid hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (LH2 FCEV). The trial started in Temple, TX and covered 540 miles during a 16-hour continuous run. Liquid hydrogen offers higher energy density and no added weight to the vehicle.  Xos manufacturers fully electric, medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, powertrain components and charging infrastructure. They’ve just hired two new vice presidents to oversee the teams who will be in their Byrdstown, TN manufacturing facility.

A great partnership has emerged as Winnebago and Ricardo joined forces to develop and launch the first all-electric, zero-emission recreational vehicle (RV). The Winnebago eRV2 prototype reflects the projected growth of global recreational vehicle market size and demand.

For those seeking funding in the heavy-duty off-road space, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has opened its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). Since it opened on July 18, $75.7 million of the initial $179 million has been claimed. CALSTART administers the project for CARB.

On a completely different topic, a recent graduate set out to address the problem of discarded vape batteries. Recent college graduate Tobiasz Stanford has powered a 30 pound scooter he bought off eBay with 80 of the lithium ion batteries salvaged from so-called disposable vapes to make a statement about waste.

RESOURCES

Ford Unveils New Tesla Challenge, The Street | https://tinyurl.com/bdhy3jyd

How Rivian Cooked Up a New Motors for Its EVs, WGLT.org | https://tinyurl.com/jf3e3pac

Ree Confirms FMVSS Certification, Green Car Congress | https://tinyurl.com/296yjscw

Hyundai to Develop High-Speed EV Chargers, TechTimes | https://tinyurl.com/yz38c2vv

Hyzon Completes Deliveries Using a Fuel Cell EV in Texas, StreetInsider.com | https://tinyurl.com/mwxhyvu3

XOS Bolsters Leadership Team, GlobeNewswire | https://tinyurl.com/2rkcwsa9

Ricardo Supports Winnebago in All Electric EV, Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Technology | https://tinyurl.com/3p8pbafr

CARB Off-road Equipment Incentives, American Journal of Transportation | https://tinyurl.com/mrx4tjep

How Vape Batteries Powered an e-Scooter, National World | https://tinyurl.com/bdh9r9sd