NEWSNOTES | July 18, 2024
News Notes

The Department of Energy (DOE) is awarding $1.7 billion to restart or expand electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing and assembly sites in eight states. In addition to job creation, it is expected to bolster school buses, hybrid powertrains, heavy-duty commercial truck batteries, and electric SUVs. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm spoke with the publication Grist to elaborate on the importance of the effort. She noted that part of the Biden administration’s focus is to ensure that there are high-speed chargers on transportation corridors every 50 miles. The goal is to have 500,000 chargers by 2030.   

The team at ZeroMission is working to accelerate zero-emission vehicle adoption through smart software solutions. The team led by Leah O’Dwyer and Kevin Christopher has announced new investments from European venture capital companies Delta Partner and Greencode, along with Vireo Ventures and angel investors.  

The University of California, Irvine (UCI) is recognized as the first university in the U.S. to convert its bus fleet entirely to electric. Phoenix Motor Inc. (PhoenixEV) has delivered five new battery-electric buses to them, expanding their fleet to 25 buses.  

Bollinger Motors, an all-electric commercial truck manufacturer has announced a sale of 70 electric trucks to Doering Fleet Management: at an estimated value of $11.5 million. Bollinger notes that the $40,000 IRS tax credit helps address initial costs and facilitates adoption.  

Fans of Rivian, an American electric vehicle manufacturer and automotive technology and outdoor recreation company, will be interested in their announcement that they are adding five new vehicle models to their product lineup beyond the R1T and R1S. The expected new models include a compact truck, a smaller SUV, a compact van, a sedan, and a wagon.  

The new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Chinese manufacturer Windrose Technology is expected to be in production and available in the U.S. in 2025. Savannah, Georgia is where the final assembly will take place for the U.S. market.  

Michigan-based Consumers Energy is expected to power 1,500 new fast-charging locations for EVs by the end of 2030. They plan to begin offering rebates to customers as early as next year for the next generation of fast chargers. They are targeting home and public charging as well ras a program to help fleets electrify. 

You don’t have to wait until 2030 for a Michigan EV road trip. Bridge Michigan is going for a ride around Lake Michigan to Wisconsin to test the reliability of EV charging networks and they will document the experience. They have targeted locations but invite feedback on what they should see and where to stop.  
 

RESOURCES

• UC, Irvine Adds 5 PhoenixEV Electric Buses, Metro 
• Bollinger to Sell 70 Electric Trucks to Doering, NGT News 
• Rivian Announces Five New Vehicles, MSN 
• Windrose Trucks Coming to US, Truckinginfo 
• Consumers Energy Plans 1500 Charging Locations Across Michigan,  EVC 
• 1,000 Mile Road Trip, Bridge Michigan