NEWSNOTES | April 11, 2024
News Notes

Yesterday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld the ability of California to set its own, more stringent environmental and emissions standards. There were 17 states that were plaintiffs in the case as well as petroleum-focused trade groups. While the court ruled the right of the plaintiffs to present a constitutional challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the court ruled that the Constitution does permit a waiver to be granted to a single state.
 
The EPA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program is expected to be announced this Spring. The agency encourages interested applicants to initiate discussion with utilities, school boards, and other potential project partners in advance of the release of the opportunity. 

Construction has begun as Ford Motor Co. is building a new EV battery factory in Michigan. The BlueOval Battery Park Michigan is among the most expensive EV-related projects announced for the state. BP has unveiled the first US electric vehicle (EV) charging site at their Houston headquarters. The Gigahub opened last week and offers 24 high-speed EV charge points with Tritium 150kw DC fast chargers.
 
CALSTART members Phoenix Motor and InductEV have partnered to develop software, hardware and cooling and electrical systems integration of InductEV’s wireless charging pads with Phoenix’s zero-emission drive systems. Phoenix has accepted orders for wireless charging of its Class 4 shuttles.
 
General Motors is part of a pilot project sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that will result in a fleet of hydrogen-powered medium-duty trucks. Funds for the project will come from DOE’s SuperTruck program. The trucks will be delivered to the utility Southern Company for use as shop vehicles for its worksites. Daimler has rolled out mid-sized Rizon electric trucks in California. The modular vehicles offer range up to 160 miles per charge. Some of the customers that have received the Class 4-5 battery-electric cabover trucks include LA Sanitation & Environment (LASAN) and Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. 
 
CALSTART members watch your inbox as shortly you will receive information about a webinar we’re hosting on Tuesday, April 16^th from 8-9:00 a.m. Pacific time. CALSTART staff will discuss the EPA Phase 3 regulations and the impact on the zero-emission transportation industry. Sign up will be available on the Member Portal.
 
 

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