NEWSNOTES | July 21, 2025
News Notes

NewZE is on summer break
Audio recordings of NewsNotes will be back at the end of July.

CALSTART Members: Register for the Members-Only Quarterly Policy Update Webinar
CALSTART members, we hope to see you at our next quarterly policy update webinar on Tuesday, July 22nd at 9:00am PT. The agenda will review updates on the federal and state levels, California executive orders, and the “Big, Beautiful Bill”. Reach out to rbaker@calstart.org for the registration link!

General Motors has announced another major step in their electrification strategy: a plant focused on low-cost lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells. Conversion of cell lines will begin later this year at a Spring Hill, TN plant, and GM aims to begin building LFP cells in late 2027. The cell plant at the Spring Hill complex is owned and operated by Ultium Cells, GM’s joint-venture battery company with LG Energy Solution. Converting the plant indicates GM’s commitment to LFP cells in the upcoming generations of their EVs.

New York City might soon welcome autonomous vehicles to their streets, as Waymo vehicles have begun testing in the Big Apple. The company has begun mapping out city streets with drivers behind the wheel, following current state restrictions. While there is legislation in the works to eventually allow AVs to operate in New York, Waymo is working to map out the terrain of Brooklyn and Manhattan in an effort to improve Waymo’s AI.

For a Limited Time Only, Get an Additional $40K in Savings on Bollinger B4
The Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit (45W) will expire on September 30th, so customers have less than 3 months to claim up to $40,000 per truck in federal tax incentives when you purchase a Bollinger B4. With a starting MSRP of $159,000, the B4 qualifies for the full credit under current IRS guidelines. But you must take delivery before the September 30 cutoff to be eligible.
About the Bollinger B4: a fully certified, purpose-built truck easy to upfit, simple to service, and tested to stand up to the task.

• Designed, engineered, and assembled in the U.S.A.
• 185 miles of range, 7,325 lbs. of payload
• Level 2 and DC fast charge capable
• Proprietary clean, flat frame design providing unmatched upfit flexibility
• Robust sales and service network
• Customer-ready fleet electrification solutions available

• A comparison of electric vehicles vs current models
• An in-person site assessment for charging capacity
• Total cost of ownership analysis
• Charging analysis
• A customized electrification report
• Technical assistance for procurement of EVs

RESOURCES

• GM’s Final EV Battery Strategy Copies China’s Playbook: Super Cheap Cells
• Waymo Begins Self-Driving Taxi Tests in NYC, Transport Topics