NEWSNOTES | October 4, 2023
News Notes

Thanks to Jay Leno there’s an update on the Tesla semi. A few highlights included that the Tesla trucks have replaced diesel truck on its route to bring battery packs from Nevada to the Fremont factory which is a 260- mile trip.  Tesla has built several dozen production units and Leno was reportedly pleased with the smooth and quick acceleration of the big rig which navigated traffic more like a car. The story comes complete with a video.

The viability of hydrogen trucks has moved closer to reality with Nikola’s Tre fuel cell electric vehicle which was launched last week in their production facility in Coolidge, Arizona. The truck has an estimated range of 500 miles and an 82,000 GVWR and it can refuel in 20 minutes. Fleet customers J.B. Hunt, Biagi Brothers, and TTSI have all placed non-binding orders.

The Environmental Protection Agency is recognizing Navistar as a SmartWay program high performer in their shipping category. SmartWay has a system for tracking fuel use and freight emissions across supply chains. According to Navistar, they are the only heavy-duty OEM recognized in the shipper category through the SmartWay program. 

Rivian, manufacturer of pickup trucks and SUVs is reporting third-quarter deliveries above market expectations. The company reports that they produced 16,304 vehicles at its facility in Normal, Illinois, up from 13,992 in the second quarter. They are on track to produce 52,000 vehicles this year.

As electrification continues to shape the future of trucking Henrik Holland with Prologis shares a few observations from fleet operators looking at EV adoption. He observed that upfront costs and the complexity of charging infrastructure are big hurdles. Prologis is simplifying things by offering fleets the ability to charge their trucks at both Prologis and non-Prologis warehouses and hubs across the country without having to pay upfront fees.

Trillium and Air Liquide have signed an MOU to focus on the development of heavy-duty hydrogen fueling in the U.S. Hydrogen supply and refueling infrastructure is the focus as they aim to achieve broad adoption of heavy-duty hydrogen truck applications. EVgo is doing their part to expand infrastructure access through a shift in its pricing model which expands kilowatt-hour charging rates to every U.S. state that allows it. EVgo has over 3,200 fast chargers across more than 850 locations in 30+ states.

Starting November 29^th, New York state will make available $100 million for zero-emission school buses. A webinar will be held on October 11 to share the goals, guidelines, process and timelines. Registration is available here. You can find more details about the announcement here.

Several of us from CALSTART will be joining our member company Workhorse in Dayton, Ohio and Union City, Indiana on October 18 for our Charge Into the Future Forum. Workhorse is an original equipment manufacturer that makes electric delivery trucks, drones, and telematics software designed for last-mile delivery. They will open their doors for presentations, conversation and a tour of their manufacturing facility. Guest speakers include Workhorse CEO Richard Dauch and  Cynthia Williams, CALSTART’s Board of Directors Chair and the Global Director, Sustainability, Homologation and Compliance for Ford. CALSTART members are encouraged to join us and you can sign up here.

RESOURCES

Jay Leno Hauls Tesla Semi, CarScoops | https://tinyurl.com/3cn96frs

Nikola to Start Delivery of Hydrogen Trucks, TESLARATI | https://tinyurl.com/sf6napwt

Navistar Recognized by EPA as SmartWay High Performer, Truck Parts & Service | https://tinyurl.com/36ndddzk

EV Maker Rivian Beats Quarterly Delivery Estimates, Reuters | https://tinyurl.com/bdhm5p5v

Prologis Launches Accessible EV Charging Infrastructure, FreightWaves | https://tinyurl.com/ydpftjpf

Trillium, Air Liquide Sign MOU for Hydrogen Fueling, NGT News | https://tinyurl.com/7axm47ay

EVgo Transitions to kWh Pricing Model, EV World | https://tinyurl.com/5n6pfkv5

NY $100 Million for Zero-Emission School Buses, New York State | https://tinyurl.com/3s6etnsj

CALSTART and Workhorse Manufacturing Program and Tour | https://tinyurl.com/yscx4pv3