NEWSNOTES | October 11, 2023
News Notes

If you’ve been thinking about buying a Tesla, now could be a good time as the EV models are up to $9,000 cheaper than the average new car following slowing demand in the market. At the beginning of October Tesla cut prices for its Model 3 and Model Y EVs. The upfront cost for both models is less than the average cost of a new car.

On the heavy-duty side Tesla is also moving ahead with added features and so are Daimler and New Flyer. Daimler credits a combination of an efficient drive, high battery capacity, and high-performance regen for a successful test run across the Alps with their battery electric eActros 600 long haul truck. New Flyer of America has enhanced its 60-foot zero-emission, battery electric Xcelsior CHARGE NG having added extra rows of batteries to extend the range. The additional range that comes with these new battery options means it is ideal for use in high-volume traffic routes and bus rapid transit (BRT).

One reason for all the bus talk is two major industry conferences are taking place this week. One is at Busworld Europe and the other is the American Public Transit Association’s (APTA) conference in Orlando, Florida this week. Hyundai and Iveco showcased their hydrogen fuel cell electric bus in Brussels, Belgium as part of the Busworld event. The latest vehicle has an Iveco electric motor and Hyundai’s advanced fuel cell system. The envelope please…Car and Driver is presenting their 2023 EV of the year and the winner is Korea’s Hyundai. The Ioniq 6 won in part because it is a dedicated EV that’s a sedan vs. another mid-size crossover.

Houston Metro is innovating a new bike share program that will be live in the summer of next year. It includes 140 e-bikes at 20 solar-ready stations located near transit hubs. The transit agency is focused on finding first-last mile mobility solutions. Riders will be able to find bikes, check availability, and make payments through the Houston Metro Trip App.

Electrada is a Cincinnati-based developer, owner and operator of EV charging infrastructure and related assets, and focused on fleet, workplace, residential and public installations. They’ve teamed up with Daimler Truck Financial Services to offer a new Charging-as-a Service (CaaS) for commercial electric truck and bus customers.

Inductive charging company Electreon operates around the world providing their wireless charging technology. They are now entering the China market having signed a strategic agreement with the Shandong Innovation and Entrepreneurship Community for International Science and Technology Cooperation (SITEC). Electreon will integrate its technology into vehicles of Chinese bus manufacturer Zhongtong Bus.

CALSTART’s inimitable Alyssa Haerle is spreading the word that California’s EnergIIZE funding round for EV charging will open on Thursday, October 19. There is $11.7 million available in incentives. Details are available at the EnergIIZE website.

Finally, Workhorse Group was one of the early entrants into the EV space and next week they are hosting CALSTART members at their manufacturing facility in Union City, Indiana. Members are invited to participate in the program, take a tour of the facility, test drive their trucks, and join us for a reception. Mark your calendar for October 18 and sign up here.

RESOURCES

Teslas are Cheaper Than a New Gas Powered Car, Canary Media | https://tinyurl.com/5c8sm9pb

Tesla, Daimler & New Flyer Keep the Ball Rolling on HD EVs, Clean Technica | https://tinyurl.com/hxbp8evw

New Flyer Announces Increased Range, Metro | https://tinyurl.com/3tvf74s4

Hyundai, Iveco Solidify Partnership, The Korea Economic Daily | https://tinyurl.com/s29bsmjx

Car and Driver’s 2023 EV of the Year, CARANDDRIVER | https://tinyurl.com/2uyp8rks

New Bike Share Program Coming to Houston Metro Community, Mass Transit | https://tinyurl.com/3sjx2fze

Ford, GM & Rivian Urge DOE to Invest in Clean Aluminum, Teslarati | https://tinyurl.com/yck7vmvd

Daimler and Electrada Launch EV Charging Service, The EV Report | https://tinyurl.com/2y3zbcdv

Electreon Enters China With Its Wireless Charging, electrive | https://tinyurl.com/yvnjrjz9

CA Funding Round for EV Charging Opens 10-19-23, NGT News | https://tinyurl.com/4a8cxyka