NEWSNOTES | February 7, 2024
News Notes

Ford and General Motors (GM) were the first two automakers who lined up to adopt Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACs) and which is now being recognized by the automotive standards organization SAE International. Tesla’s design manager said that Ford and General Motors will be able to tap into and may be able to use the Supercharger network this month. Ford has created a skunkworks project to develop a flexible battery platform for Ford’s third generation (EVs). The project is based in Irvine, California. The project also includes second generation EVs, an electric truck and a three-row SUV. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of finalizing new rules to limit truck emissions. Manufacturers Ford, Cummins, BorgWarner, and Eaton have broken with the industry to support the upcoming “Phase 3” heavy-duty emissions rules. The group calls itself the “Heavy Duty Leadership Group” (HDLG) and you can read their 6 point statement of principles here. 

The outlook for hydrogen powered vehicles is promising. Last fall the Biden administration awarded $7 billion to create seven regional hubs for hydrogen production. And last December the Treasury Department proposed rules for robust tax credits  for clean hydrogen production under the Inflation Reduction Act. GM, Hyundai, and Nikola are bringing fuel cell trucks to market and GM is developing heavy vehicles with Autocar Industries. Nikola has also announced its first Hyla hydrogen refueling station which is in Ontario, California. The station can fuel up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks every day. 

ABC Companies has announced a new collaboration with TCI Mobility, a renowned upfitter of commercial vehicles. TCI Mobility is introducing its RamProMaster van. ABC provides full-size highway coach equipment as well as transit specialty vehicles, including battery electric vehicles. 

Calling all vehicle vendors, manufacturers, engineers, software developers and other related transportation industries. CALSTART is extending the deadline for the Connected and Automated Transportation Users Forum (CATUF) for the 2024 Purpose-Built, Transit Automated Vehicle to Friday, February 16^th at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. More information is available here. 

And, as we do every March, CALSTART, in partnership with our sponsor Electrada

is hosting a reception for our members at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis the first week of March. CALSTART members can sign up here. Also, check out the excellent Green Truck Summit while there. It takes place on Tuesday, March 5 and you can register here.

RESOURCES

GM and Ford to Access Tesla’s NACS Connector Soon, The Cool Down | http://tinyurl.com/4ctdamkk 

Ford Created a Skunkworks Lab, The Verge | http://tinyurl.com/24e5jpwe 

Ford, Cummins and Other Break with Industry over EPA Truck Rule, electrek | http://tinyurl.com/3puuxxsw 

Hydrogen Vehicles Have Their Moment, Axios | http://tinyurl.com/2s3n8vzz 

Nikola Opens Hyla Fueling in California, Trucknews.com | http://tinyurl.com/mrxjcmk2 

Hyzon Delivers FCEVs to Food Distributor, The Buzz News | http://tinyurl.com/2jkxkuvx 

ABC Companies Collaborates with TCI Mobility, Bus & Motorcoach News |  http://tinyurl.com/4h87mups 

CALSTART RFI Notification, CATUF | http://tinyurl.com/4tzrfnba 

CALSTART Member Reception, Indianapolis | http://tinyurl.com/3djrcssms