Colorado Looking To Write it's Clean Truck Strategy, Aiming at All EV's for Vehicles Over 8,500 Lbs by 2050

Colorado's clean truck strategy calls for replacing truck fleets with electric trucks by 2050 3/31/22

As Colorado is creating it's clean truck strategy, they released the Colorado Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Study and the Governor's Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Roadmap. These plans aim towards the goal of transitioning all ICE vehicles over 8,501 lbs to EVs by 2050. This includes crew and full-size pickups, minivans, mini buses, and utility vans.

Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Ineligible for California EV Rebate Program After Price Increases

Tesla Cut From California EV Rebate Program After Price Hikes 3/28/22

California's Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, a project which seeks to make electric vehicles more accessible despite their high up front cost, updated its list of battery-powered vehicles that are eligible for direct rebates up to $2,000 and Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y were notably off the list. Rebates are for cars up to $65,000 and crossovers up to $65,000 which with Tesla's new price hikes they are now ineligible for.

ChargePoint and Gatik Partner On Electric Ecosystem for Autonomous Electric MD Trucks

ChargePoint and Gatik Partner to Develop an Electric Ecosystem for Autonomous Electric Medium-Duty Trucks 3/28/22

ChargePoint, a leader in EV charging network space, announced a new partnership with Gatik, a leader in autonomous middle mile logistics, where ChargePoint will develop an electric ecosystem for autonomous vehicles across North America. This ecosystem will work through infrastructure and integrated services. Rich Mohr, VP of Fleets at ChargePoint said “Our partnership with Gatik will help more fleets to realize their e-mobility and decarbonization goals."

NHTSA Reinstates Fines on Automakers Failing to Meeting Corporate Average Fuel Economy Requirements

US NHTSA reinstates billions in fines on gas-guzzling automakers 3/28/22

In a win for EV makers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reinstated heightened fines on automakers that fail to meet the Corporate Average Fuel Economy requirements on vehicles MY2019 and later. The policy was initially adapted in 2016 under President Obama, it increases the fines for mission fuel economy targets from $5.50 to $14 per .1 mpg per vehicle.

Gov. Inslee Has Signed Off on a Washington State Bill to Ban Most Non-EVs by 2030

Washington state plans to ban most non-electric vehicles by 2030 Washington state plans to ban most non-electric vehicles by 2030 3/26/22

Washington state has passed a bill through its legislature and Gov. Inslee has signed off on it to ban most non-EVs by 2030. This bill says that vehicles MY2030 and later that sold, purchased, or registered in Washington must be EVs. The interagency EV coordinating council will complete a scoping plan for achieving this goal by the end of 2023.

Outlining Business Case for Electric-Powered Fleets

Making the business case for transitioning to electric-powered fleets 3/25/22

On top of the clear environmental benefits that can come from the EV transition, there is a business case built on lowering total cost of ownership (TCO) particularly with fuel savings being seen around $5,000 per vehicle over seven years. They highlight the three key steps in prepping for fleet electrification as adding intelligence to charging system, thinking holistically about total power needs, collaborating with local utilities and other stakeholders.

Battery Swapping as a Supplement to Charging? It's Happening in China

Inside China's electric drive for swappable car batteries 3/25/22

While the concept of EV battery swapping has been pushed against by industry leaders like Tesla, Chinese automakers disagree and are pushing ahead and investing in swappable batteries to supplement vehicle charging. Battery swapping, the ability to allow drivers to replace depleted packs with fully charged ones, is being looked at as a way to protect power grids. Automakers Nio and Geely, battery swap developer Aulton and state-owned oil producer Sinopec have said they plan to establish 24,000 swap stations across China by 2025, there are 1,400 today.

Electric delivery vans set to take off in the US

Among the latest contenders vying to clean up fleets is Arrival.

The British startup is partnering with UPS, which has placed an order for 10,000 of the company’s electric delivery vans. Arrival plans to start producing the vehicles later this year in the United Kingdom and the United States. The two companies are collaborating to design vans for drivers making dozens of daily stops, who are hauling ever-growing volumes of goods, said Avinash Rugoobur, Arrival’s president.

BrightDrop, a division of GM in Detroit, is building battery-powered commercial vans for customers including FedEx and Walmart. Los Angeles–based Xos Trucks is building larger electric trucks for both UPS and FedEx. Rivian, another California startup, is designing and engineering delivery vans, especially for Amazon. The e-commerce giant, which holds an ownership interest of approximately 20 percent in Rivian, has ordered 100,000 electric vans to be delivered through 2024.

https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-fleets/electric-delivery-vans-set-to-surge-in-the-us

Electric school buses are reaching cost parity with diesel, and a California district will deploy one of the largest e-bus fleets in the state

 Lots of news in the segment of electric school buses this week, as Highland Electric Fleets signed an agreement with Thomas Built Buses to provide lower upfront costs to customers and expedite EV adoption; their letter of intent will put the price of an electric bus at cost parity with the traditional diesel option. On the opposite US coast, InCharge Energy and its partners announced a project in Southern California to deploy 42 electric school buses, calling it the largest fleet in the state…

This EV adoption has begun to snowball thanks to federal and state legislation, as well as blossoming technologies like vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities. Last fall, Highland Electric Fleets and Thomas Built Buses helped supply electricity back to the grid for the first time in Massachusetts.

https://electrek.co/2022/03/18/electric-school-buses-are-reaching-cost-parity-with-diesel-and-a-california-district-will-deploy-one-of-the-largest-e-bus-fleets-in-the-state/

USPS Doubling Initial Order of EV Trucks, Now Ordering 10,019 Vehicles

USPS is doubling its initial order of electric mail delivery trucks 3/24/22

USPS, which came under fire for its plan to purchase new trucks for its fleet that would be 90% ICE, has adjusted its plan. They were originally only ordering 5,000 EVs but now they say they will order 10,019. The decision came after pushback from the Administration and congressional Democrats. Postmaster General DeJoy said “We owe it to our carriers and the communities we serve to provide safer, more efficient vehicles to fulfill our universal service obligation to deliver to 161 million addresses in all climates and topographies six days per-week."

California Startup, WattEV, Offering "Truck-as-a-Service" Model

How the Truck-as-a-Service Model Solves Electric Truck Growing Pains 3/23/22

The upfront purchase costs associated with electric vehicles, particularly in the MD/HD sector can serve as a barrier to adoption. WattEV is combatting this by offering battery-electric trucks, "Truck-as-a-Service," to clients to pay for at a per-mile or per-route rate that is nearly on par with diesel costs when looking at charging costs, installation, and maintenance.

What Federal Policy Can Do for Opportunity in Heavy Duty Electrification

We Can Electrify 1 In 3 Heavy-Duty Trucks By 2030 — Here’s How 3/23/22

With over 100 models of electric heavy-duty trucks and buses on the market, the HD electrification market is on the rise. Operating costs are between 14 and 54% lower for HD EVs than ICE counterparts. State policy like the California Advanced Clean Trucks regulation which has been adopted in WA, OR, NY, NJ, and MA will propel HD electrification. If the federal government adopted this regulation on electric trucks than EVs could be about 1 in 3 of heavy-duty truck sales in 2030.

“Global Electric Heavy Vehicle Market Insights, to 2027” Report Highlights Daimler and Portland General Electric's (PGE) Work on "First-of-its-Kind Charging Station"

Electric Heavy Vehicle Market is Booming Worldwide | Daimler Trucks, Proterra, Tesla 3/23/22

Advance Market Analytics has published a report titled “Global Electric Heavy Vehicle Market Insights, to 2027” which found that compared with diesel trucks, electric trucks don't require multi-speed gearboxes, have lower maintenance cost and lower noise pollution. Damler and Portland General Electric (PGE) work on a "first-of-its-kind charging station" for electric trucks in Portland was highlighted. This growth in heavy duty EVs is also seen in the HD fuel cell truck collaboaration with Toyota and Hino Motors, and GM's 2022 announcement to accelerate its EV trucks and SUVs by six-fold.

ChargePoint and Toyota Teaming Up on EV Charging

ChargePoint (CHPT)-Toyota Collaborate to Ramp Up EV Charging 3/23/22

ChargePoint and Toyota Motor North America have entered an agreement to work together to provide "accessible and convenient public and home electric vehicle charging" for Toyota's new battery-electric bZ4X SUV model. This agreement will have ChargePoint providing charging facilities for Toyota drivers, and to enhance charging access ChargePoint will provide access to 80%+ of charging locations in North America.

ChargePoint, Lucid and GM Called Out as Top EV Stocks to Watch

3 Top Electric Vehicle Stocks To Watch Ahead Of April 2022 3/23/22

ChargePoint, a developer and marketer for cloud-based services and networked EV charging system infrastructure, was named one of three top EV stocks for 2022 citing its partnership building most notably with Toyota on charging for their new battery electric models. Another stock pointed to was Lucid, who specialize in EVs, EV powertrains, and in-house battery systems, who are building out production in Saudi Arabia and building out their software platform further. The third stock was General Motors, the legacy automaker who has been accelerating electrification efforts, who have recently made a deal to have full ownership of a self-driving startup Cruise.

From Batteries to Charging to Energy Storage, Startups Are Propelling the EV Transition

The companies leading the race for new electric vehicle technology 3/23/22

Startups are playing a huge role in accelerating the EV transition, leading companies over the past decade include Dyson acquired battery company Sakti3 (69 patents granted), industrial/commercial electric motor manufacturer NovaTorque (37 patents), electric drive train developer Visedo (35 patents), and wireless charging solution provider for HD EVs Wireless Advanced Vehicle Electrification (WAVE) (25 patents since 2011). Leaders in the past five years include battery providers Polyplus Battery, Terrawatt Technology, and Soteria Battery Innovation with 84 combined patents. Energy storage leaders include Nucurrent and Solarlytics with a combined 115 patents.

National Electric Vehicle Formula Program Guidance Issued, Minimum Standards Coming in May

 Top 8 Takeaways from the Federal NEVI Guidance 3/22/22

There is $7.5B in funding within the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) towards EV Chargers, $2.5B for discretionary grants and $5B for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI). On 2/10/22 FHWA issued program guidance on NEVI that placed a deadline of 5/13/22 for minimum standards on NEVI-funded EV chargers to be established.

The 'Humble and Hidden' Auto Suppliers Pushing the EV Transition Forward

EV revolution driven by 'humble and hidden' auto suppliers 3/22/22

The EV revolution has opened a window for small 'humble and hidden' auto suppliers to break into the new market where legacy automakers are still learning the environment as well. Companies like TE Connectivity, Sensata Technologies, Amphenol Corp, and Molex are all smaller companies in the connectors or sensors businesses that are looking to serve as key suppliers in this EV transition. These parts suppliers are making huge money, TE had $15B in revenue and $43B in market value, far larger than Nissan and Renault combined.

EVs are Here, Class 4-6 Trucks Leading Way

The truth is EVs are already here 3/21/22

The EV transition is not in the future, but in progress right now. The fastest-growing EV segments are Class 4-6 trucks and terminal tractors. This segments rapid growth is likely correlated with the fact that EVs can work well on dedicated routes where charging planning is simplimied. Encourage fleet operators to consider wearher, terrain, route design, battery size, incentives and more when adopting their EV fleet.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District Will Be Emission Free By 2030 With Help of New Zeus All-Electric Trucks

California Utility Service Company Will Be the First to Put Zeus All-electric Trucks to Work 3/21/22

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) has set the goal to remove all carbon emissions from its power supply by 2030. This means 100% zero-emission vehicles and equipment by 2030, so SMUD has been amping up its electrification initiatives and no longer has any gasoline-only sedans in its fleet of 1,000+ transportation assets. They will become Zeus Electric Chassis' first customer by purchasing 5 vehicles from the company currently building specs. Zeus' offerings include a "BEV cab and chassis platform that enables fleets to use their existing, trusted OEM body partners, system integrators, and upfitters for Class 4, 5, and 6 applications, such as bucket trucks, cranes, dump, and service bodies."

Nickel Shortages and the EV Supply Chain

How a global nickel shortage could disrupt the electric vehicle industry 3/19/22

As the global supply chain for nickel is facing immense challenges, in part due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the EV supply chain is being impacted heavily. The shift to mine and refine nickel in the US and neighbor countries like Canada is being discussed, Tesla has even made a supply deal with Taton Metals that is starting the permitting process for a nickel mine in Minnesota.

Cost Savings from EVs on the Refueling Side

These charts show how much it costs to charge an EV vs. refueling a gas vehicle 3/19/21

Looking at the cost to add 100 miles of range to an average EV or ICE, researchers found that looking at nationwide figures as well as data specific to San Francisco and Boston that there are large savings in refueling an EV versus an ICE. The average cost to refill an ICE with gas on 2/1/22 was $14.00, versus $5.00 to charge an EV. 

Highland Electric and Thomas Built Announce Plan to Offer EV School Bus Subscriptions to Put at Cost Parity With Diesel

US schools can subscribe to an electric school bus fleet at prices that beat diesel 3/18/22

Highland Electric and Thomas Built announced their plan to offer “electric school bus subscriptions through 2025 at prices that put them at cost parity with diesel.” Initiatives like this, as well as work from Lion Electric, Blue Bird Corp, and Nuuve who are all in the EV bus space will accelerate the EV school bus transition propelled by federal dollars.

Cincinnati Fleet to be all EVs by 2035

Cincinnati to purchase only electric vehicles with goal of having 100% electric fleet by 2035 3/18/22

Cincinnati joins the ranks of US cities like Seattle, NYC, DC, and more than have committed to electrifying their fleets. Going forward in line with the '2023 Green Cincinnati Plan' the city will only purchase electric vehicles with the goal of having their fleet fully transitioned to EVs by 2035.

Estimating That Diesel and EV Trucks Will Hit Cost Parity By 2035-2040

Electric Vehicles in North America: Overcoming Adoption Hurdles 3/14/22

It is estimated that by the 2035-2040 timeframe the cost of an EV and diesel truck will merge closely together as a result of improvements to the efficiencies of electric motors, inverters and batteries. Commercial vehicle electrification will happen overtime, starting in key segments like transit and school buses because of the known nature of their duty cycles. Additionally package pick-up and delivery opeerations with low mileage routes are likely to be early adopters.

Washington State Lawmakers Pass Bill to Mandate 100% EV Sales by 2030, Headed to Governor's Desk

Washington legislators again mandate 100% electric new car sales by 2030 3/14/22

Lawmakers in Washington state passed legislation to adopt a target of 100% new car sales to be EVs by 2030. This deadline would make the most ambitious goal in the country for EV sales, California has a target set at 2035. This legislation was a part of a $17B transportation package targetted at infrastructure, transportation, and GHG emissions. This legislation comes roughly a year after lawmakers in the state initially passed the same 2030 new EV sales target, however that bill was vetoed by Gov. Inslee because it was tied to the implementation of a road usage charge unlike this bill.

Panasonic Will Begin Producing Tesla 4680 Batteries in FY April 2023

 Panasonic To Begin Mass Production Of Tesla 4680 Batteries In Fiscal Year April 2023 3/12/22

In April FY23 Panasonic has said it plans to start mass producing Tesla’s 4680 battery cells. They have spoken of plan to create two more product lines/facilities within the Wakayama factory where the Tesla batteries will be. This comes on top of rising rumors about a potential Panasonic gigafactory in the United States coming soon.

New RMI Report Details Emissions Savings of Optimized Charging

Electric Vehicles Cut CO2 Emissions — Huge Emissions Reductions Possible With Smart EV Charging 3/10/22

Rocky Mountain Institute released a report that found that the use of optimized charging (automatically and strategically shifting EV charging schedules) can lead to transport sector emission reductions. They say that optimized charging has the potential to save 800 lbs of CO2 saved per vehicle per year. This savings would be equal to mitigating 900 miles of driving a gas vehicle.

gridX signs four new partnerships in the e-mobility sector

The smart grid company gridX, which was recently acquired by E.ON, continues to expand and today announces partnerships with four companies that are actively shaping the energy market in Europe.


For the time being, the focus of the collaborations is on expanding their offerings in the area of electric mobility. The power grid was not built with today's demand for e-mobility in mind – but with gridX's AI-based charging management, seamless charging can become a reality.

https://www.gridx.ai/press-releases/on-expansion-course-gridx-signs-four-new-partnerships-in-the-e-mobility-sector?utm_campaign=PR&utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_content=Neue%20Kunden%20Alert

Rivian is Following in Tesla's Footsteps of Changing Too LFP Battery Cells

Rivian will follow Tesla and change the type of battery cells it uses in standard packs 3/10/22

Citing large-scale supply chain struggles and the added burden to the supply chain that has come from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe explained that his company was “looking at one of the most challenging supply chain environments the automotive industry had ever seen.” Because of this, Rivian is planning to use new types of battery cells in its electric trucks, delivery vans, and SUVs. These battery cells will be made of high nickel, and lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistries, following in Tesla's footsteps.

NOTE: See Panasonic article stating they are not developing LFP based batteries

https://www.reuters.com/technology/panasonic-unveils-prototype-battery-tesla-2021-10-25/#:~:text=LFP%20batteries%2C%2095%25%20of%20which,cobalt%2Daluminum%20(NCA).

The US's Southeast Region is Moving Full Speed with the EV Transition

Year-End Data Shows Electric Transportation is Full Speed Ahead in the Southeast 3/9/22

While national auto sales dropped 3% last year, EV sales in the Southeast jumped 49%. On top of increasing EV purchasing, the Southeast is leading on new EV sector related job creation. While the region makes up 18% of the national population, they have 43% of announced EV investment and 33% of the announced jobs. The region has added over 15,000 manufacturing jobs in the EV sector and over $12B in investments coming from Rivian's business in GA, Toyota's in NC, and Ford's in TN. Florida is leading in EV sales for the region per capita and Georgia is leading charger deployment per capita.

New Bill Introduced to Require New USPS Vehicles Be 75% Electric

New bill would require USPS to transition to more electric cars 3/9/22

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), the co-Chair of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, introduced the Green Postal Service Fleet Act which will stop the USPS from buying new delivery trucks unless at least 75% of them are EVs. This comes after the USPS finalized a contract with Oshkosh Defense to purchase new gas-powered delivery vehicles.

Electrification on the Rise in the Rental Car Space Globally

Electric Car Rentals and Shares Gain Momentum With Business Travelers 3/9/22

Electric cars are moving into the rental space, most notably from Hertz's October 2021 deal with Tesla to buy 100,000 EVs. This transition is happening globally Sixt is now giving travelers hybrid or fully EV options in Europe, aiming for a 12-18% share of EVs and hybrids for its global fleet by 2022. Additionally TravelPerk, a Spanish corporate travel agency, has seen a 227% increase in EV bookings during 2021, and a 505% increase since 2020.

Spiking of Gas Prices Leading Consumers to Consider EVs, However Supply Chain Issues Will Inhibit This

Gas prices are spiking — don’t expect sales of electric vehicles to follow 3/9/22

While gas prices are currently surging in the aftermath of Russia invading Ukraine, switching to an EV might not be the easy solution it appears. EVs only represent about 2.4% of the total US vehicle fleet and due to the large supply chain issues and long wait times, EVs will likely not be the solution to the surge in gas prices.

Michigan's Governor Whitmer and President Advocate for $52B in Funding for Domestic Semiconductor Chip Production

Whitmer joins White House meeting on chips funding, warns auto-related jobs are 'at risk' 3/9/22

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended a meeting with the President, Indiana's Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and more to advocate for legislation that would provide $52 billion for domestic semiconductor chip production. This bill, which is stalled in Congress after each chamber passed their own version and have yet to reconcile them, is aimed at enhancing US competitiveness with China and protecting American auto-industry workers.

Stellantis Building Capacity With Battery Suppliers

 Stellantis builds EV capacity with battery supplier partnerships 3/8/22

Stellantis has a goal of five million battery-electric vehicle sales by 2030. To meet this goal Stellantis has announced that it has entered into joint partnerships with Korean battery manufacturers, and they are doing this to reach the goal of a battery supply that yields at least 64 gigawatt hours for the North American market by 2025.

Ford Pro Has Launched Suite of EV Charger Options

 Ford Pro Launches Comprehensive Suite Of Commercial EV Chargers 3/8/22

Ford Pro announced that they have launched six different commercial charging solutions, including a 48-amp (11.5 kW) to the 180 kW Ford Pro Commercial DC Fast Charge Dispenser. This array of charging solutions is being launched to compliment Ford's growing EV business, it is looking to simplify the charging process for its users.

Amerit Fleet Solutions Launches New EV Maintenance Program

Amerit Fleet Solutions Rolls Out EV Maintenance Programs 3/8/22

Amerit, a commercial vehicle maintenance company, has announced that it is partnered with major EV manufacturers to introduce the Amerit EV Anywhere national service program and the EV Ready technician training program. The EV Ready technicians will provide repairs for EVs and charging hardware. Amerit is looking to provide EV consulting services in the future for transitioning fleets.

GM and PG&E Launch Pilot in CA to See How V2G Technology Can Help Support the Power Grid

GM is working with PG&E to turn electric vehicles into a virtual power grid in California 3/8/22

In a pilot looking at "vehicle-to-grid" technology, GM is teaming up with utility provider Pacific Gas and Electric to look at how EVs in California can be used as a resource during blackouts for powering homes or for feeding power back into the grid during peak demand times.

Chicago Transit Authority Receives $118M In American Rescue Plan Grants

Nice: CTA gets $118M in operations funds, opportunity to apply for electrification cash 3/8/22

Chicago Transit Authority received $118M in the form of American Rescue Plan Grants that will go towards "operating expenses and prevent layoffs and service cuts." They are committed to electrify the whole bus fleet by 2040. They highlight bus electrification funding opportunities through the Low-No Emissions Program ($5.5B) and the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program ($2B) which they are considering submitting for.

Kia Partners With Charging Company "Currently" to Provide EV Charging Service

Kia Partners With Currently For On-Demand EV Charging Service 3/7/22

Kia is partnering with Currently, a company created by SparkChange that created the portable Roadie Charging System, to create On-Demand EV Charging Services. The partnership begun on March 1st in LA, San Fran, San Jose, and Dallas. Currently will provide two months of complimentary service to Kia EV owners.

Impacts of War in Ukraine on Tesla Vision for Cheaper EVs

 Analysis: Ukraine invasion sets back Musk's dream for cheaper EVs, for now 3/7/22

As a result of the war in Ukraine, existing raw materials shortages are being further exasperated by the disruption of raw material exports from Russia like aluminum. Nornickel, Russia’s largest miner, is responsible for producing roughly 20% of the world’s supplies of high purity class 1 nickel, which is key to the production of EV batteries, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence.

The Race To Create EV Batteries That Are Cheaper, Charge Faster, and Less Vulnerable to Raw Materials

Carmakers Race to Control Next-Generation Battery Technology 3/7/22
The US industry race to create EV batteries that are cheaper, charge faster, and less vulnerable to raw material shortages is intensifying, the player to get this first will have a strong market advantage. The chemical makeup of batteries is one of the most discussed elements related to these batteries, industry giants like Ford, GM, VW, and Toyota are teaming up with start-ups to figure out this ecosystem. This US race is so important because the battery race will determine the pricing of EVs to come.

Importance of Electrifying Pick-Up Trucks

Pickup Truck Electrification Reduces More Greenhouse Gas 3/7/22

Automakers are recognizing through their vehicle electrification initiatives that when electrifying light duty vehicles (totaling 58% of US GHG emissions in transportation sector) electrifying pick-up trucks can have outsized influence. They made up 14% of LDV sales in the US in 2020 and they are growing in market share.

EPA Takes First Step In "Clean Trucks Plan" By Proposing Stronger Standards for HD Vehicles

EPA Proposes Stronger Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles to Promote Clean Air, Protect Communities, and Support Transition to Zero-Emissions Future 3/7/22

The EPA took their first step in the "Clean Trucks Plan", a series of clean air/climate regulations they will develop over the next 3 years to reduce pollution from trucks and buses. EPA proposed standards that called for:
1. Setting stronger nitrogen oxide (NOx) standards for heavy duty trucks beginning in model year (MY) 2027 and tightening the “Phase 2” greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for MY 2027 and beyond.
2. Setting stronger emissions standards for medium-duty commercial vehicles for MY 2027 and later.
3. Setting “Phase 3” GHG standards for heavy-duty vehicles beginning as soon as MY 2030 that are significantly stronger than the MY 2027 GHG standards

The Role of EVs in Protecting the Electric-Power Grid

Can the EV Help Save the Electric-Power Grid? 3/5/22

Much of the conversation around EVs and the power grid emphasizes the burden they will put onto the grid, but WSJ explores what can happen if "vehicle-to-grid" technology can enable these EVs to act as batteries able to be tapped into to be charged. Exploring the idea that a fleet of EVs can be used as a "fleet of batteries" to be tapped into to power the grid around them.

Low or No Emission Grant Program Releases NOFOs

FTA Releases Competitive Program NOFOs for Low or No Emission Buses and Bus Facilities 3/4/22

FTA announced that applications are now open for $1.1B in competitive grants for the Low or No Emission Grant Program, aka Low-No Program. There is an additional $372M in the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program now available. These programs finance the replacement of diesel buses with low or zero-emission buses.

Panasonic Planning New Massive Battery Plant in US to Supply Tesla

Panasonic plans new massive battery plant in U.S. to supply Tesla -NHK 3/4/22

Panasonic is reportedly looking to purchase land in the US to use for a mega-factory to produce EV batteries for Tesla. Panasonic is looking at factories in Oklahoma and Kansas, both near Texas where Tesla's new EV plant will be located. Panasonic has already said that it will be producing lithium-ion batteries for Tesla prior to March 2024 in western Japanese plants. The reports did not provide a timeline for this project.

Sony and Honda are Creating a New Company to Create EVs Together

Sony and Honda are starting a new company to make electric vehicles 3/4/22

Sony and Honda, both Japanese companies, are creating a new company set to launch later this year to work together on creating electric vehicles. Sony will be "tasked with creating a platform that will provide mobility services, it said, without elaborating further." They are set to begin delivering vehicles in 2025.

President of Charge Enterprises Reflects on the "Unglamorous Work" in the EV Transition

 When Electric Cars Rule the Road, They’ll Need Spots to Power Up 3/3/22

President of Charge Enterprises reflects on a career spent in the Detroit 'Big-Three' auto-industry and how he has now shifted to working in the EV Charging space. At Charge Enterprise they recognize the new business that will come from the EV transition, the business of creating the infrastructure. They want to do the "unglamorous work" of engineering infrastructure, working with the power grid, managing charging.

Rivian Stock Falling and EV Prices are Rising, Creating Unhappy Investors

Rivian Stock Is Falling Because EV Prices Are Rising. Investors Aren’t Happy. 3/2/22

Rivian stock dropped nearly 11% to $55.18 a share on 3/2. These stock drops come amidst continued price risings in the EV market, supply chain struggles, difficulties obtaining semiconductors, and investors in Rivian are growing frustrated.

Ford is Officially Dividing business Into 2 Distinct Units for EVs and ICEs

Ford Accelerating Transformation: Forming Distinct Auto Units To Scale EVs, Strengthen Operations, Unlock Value 3/2/22

Ford has announced that they are officially dividing their business into two distinct units, one side for electric vehicles and one for internal combustion engines. The EV business, Ford Model E Division, will advance EV production and build out connected vehicle services. The ICE business, Ford Blue, will continue to build the current "iconic" vehicles to compliment the growing EV business.

Working to Take Away the Adoption Barrier for Small Fleets Seeking EVs

Small fleets, meet used EVs 3/1/22

The startup Spring Free EV is working to make EVs more affordable for small fleets. His company does this by purchasing EVs and then offering them up to drivers on a monthly basis, basically creating an EV subscription service. They charge a per mile free on top of the monthly fee based on usage to make up their cost. This mitigates the adoption barrier of purchasing EVs for smaller fleets.