US Cities Across the Country Outlining Plans to Electrify Fleets

Charlotte Wants To Covert To All Electric Vehicles By 2030 4/30/22

Columbus, Boston, NYC, Houston, Los Angeles, Charlotte are all cities with plans to convert their city fleets to all electric in the coming years. Charlotte announced plans to electrify its 4,200 vehicle fleet by 2030, LA plans to transition its 10,000 vehicle fleet by 2035, New York plans to transition its 30,000 vehicle fleet by 2035. Boston, Columbus, and Houston have also begun shifting operations in their city fleets to electrify.

New York Wants City and Bus Fleet To Go Electric, But Worried About Cost

New York wants its city, school bus fleets to go electric. How much could the plans cost? - 4/29/22

Outline cost difference between eBuses as key struggle, with buses in a state pilot costing $365,000 per EBus compared to $110,000 for diesel. New York has released a plan to electrify its school bus fleet of 50,000 buses by 2035 which would recieve $500M should voters approve the plan. There is expressed concern over being able to get orders on this scale filled by manufacturers, but advocates say that by making commitments it sends a market signal that there is large investment here.

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California Air Resources Board Proposed Plan To Have 100% EV Sales by 2035

 California Air Resources Board Proposed Advanced Clean Cars Regulations - 4/12/22 

CARB has proposed a plan, which will be reviewed by the board on June 9th, to have 100% EV sales by 2035, and 35% sales by 2026. This plan also calls for an 8-year battery warranty and creating required data parameters and standardization specifically on battery state of health. This plan continues the trend of California leading the nation on electrification initiatives.

Emporia Energy and Wallbox North America Working on Bidirectional Chargers for the Home Market

Are bidirectional EV chargers ready for the home market? 4/28/22

The conversation around bidirectional charging is growing, with major OEMs like Ford and GM speaking to its benefits, and it has recently become discussed as a possible addendum to at-home charging which makes up 80-85% of charging. Emporia Energy said they plan to be offering bidirectional at-home charging by 2023, Wallbox North America is also developing a solution. Incorporating bidirectional charging in the private at-home market can likely expand the expectations chargers and usher in a new bidirectional wave.

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16 States and UAW Sue USPS Over Order Of New Gas-Powered Trucks

States Sue Postal Service Over New Gas-Powered Mail Trucks 4/28/22

16 states, the UAW, and five environmental groups have launched a legal challenge against USPS because they are saying it broke the law by ordering thousands of new gasoline trucks over EVs. USPS has come under fire for the past several months because of its decision to order new gasoline trucks while only investing marginally in EVs, through Oshkosh. This lawsuit comes after pushback from Congress and Biden Admin on the USPS' decision.

California Readies Regulations for Zero-Emission Truck Fleets

 California readies regulations for zero-emission truck fleets 4/27/22 

• Following CA’s release of the Advanced Clean Car Regulations, they followed up with additional guidance for the Advanced Clean Fleets regulation.  

• This will require MD and HD truck manufacturers to sell only zero-emission vehicles by 2040.  

• The proposed regulations also call for all new trucks added to the state fleet to be zero-emission starting in 2024.

V2X and Bidirectional Charging are Entering the Conversation as Real Solutions

Is ​‘vehicle-to-everything’ charging ready for prime time? 4/27/22

V2X charging, including bidirectional charging where EVs are both taking and adding energy to the grid, has long lived as an idea but through a recent DOE MOU with large OEMs and California utilities it has shifted into the conversation as a real solution. Nissan Leaf's have been capable of bidirectional years and now other OEMs like GM, BMW, VW, and Hyundai are saying their products will be able to do bidirectional. Bidirectional offers an opportunity for EVs to add power back to the grid that they are taking from, and grid stability is a key concern within EV adoption conversations.

Ford Pro Launching Charging Solution Targeted At European Fleet Managers

Ford Pro launches end-to-end charging solution to help customers boost electrified fleet productivity 4/25/22

Ford Pro is working to launch an integrated charging solution, which delivers full control to fleet managers, to help European customers in the eFleet charging space. This solution will assist in strategizing where to install charging infrastructure, simplifying home charging for fleet vehicles, and promoting access to the over 300,000 chargers in Europe.

Blue Bird Estimates There Is a $150B Manufacturing Opportunity With Electric School Buses

The $150 Billion Road Electric School Buses Can Ride To Create American Jobs And Protect Kids’ Health 4/25/22

Blue Bird put out an estimate that transitioning the entire US school bus fleet represents a $150 billion dollar manufacturing opportunity. While only 1% of school are electric currently, the market is growing as New York passed legislation to electrify whole school bus fleet by 2035, Boston is adding 700 electric school buses, and California's Modesto Schools placed largest order of EV school buses ever.

New Bill to Transition Ohio's State Vehicle Fleet by 2030 to Electric

Lawmakers want Ohio’s state vehicle fleet to transition to electric 4/25/22

Proposed legislation in the Ohio state legislature would mandate all new vehicles for the states fleet of 12,405 be completely electric by 2030. This would be a phased plan with 25% of new vehicles by 2025, 50% by 2030, and 100% after that. Additionally, the bill would give financial incentives to EV makers who retool traditional auto production facilities along with creating a task force to provide guidance on the market and charging stations.

Hertz Partnering With AWS On Cloud Services for EV Rentals

Hertz taps Amazon for cloud services to support EV rentals & more 4/25/22

Hertz announced a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to"modernize and digitize the Hertz customer experience" including key components of the new mobility platform on enhanced data analytics and vehicle telematics capabilities. This investment in cloud services is a part of Hertz's commitment to lead in fleet electrification. With AWS they want to create an all-digital and EV-centric rental experience.

GM is Adding a Heat Pump to its Premium EV Platform

 GM Is Adding a Heat Pump to Its Ultium EV Platform. Here’s Why That Matters 4/25/22

GM's Ultium Platform, the premium EV architecture for new models like the EV Hummer and EV Chevy Silverado, announced that it will include a heat pump. Heat pumps are important because they allow the battery to better use the energy for driving and towing, rather than wasting energy on functions like heating the battery or AC. While heat pumps are not a pre-rec for EVs but in cold climates it can be really helpful in maintaining the state of charge and for heating the cabin.

Israeli Start-Up Electreon Is Turning Streets Into Charging Pads

The future of electric vehicle charging? Tech company tests roads for wireless charging 4/22/22

Israeli technology start-up Electreon is deploying their technology turning streets into charging pads in Sweden, Italy, Germany, and soon in Detroit. This technology lets the road power and charge an electric bus while it is driving completely wireless.

USDOT Announces Guidance on Carbon Reduction Program

President Biden, USDOT Announce New Guidance and $6.4 Billion to Help States Reduce Carbon Emissions Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law 4/21/22

USDOT released funding allocations (by state) for the $6.1B Carbon Reduction Program. Outlines project eligibilities as written within the IIJA and specifies that States 2022 funding should focus on developing Carbon Reduction Strategies, from their funding projects and plans will come into action.

Amerit Fleet Solutions and ZEVx Partner on Fleet Electrification

Amerit Fleet Solutions Partners with ZEVx to Electrify Fleet Vehicles 4/21/22

Amerit Fleet Solutions has partnered with ZEVx to work in fleet electrification by providing BEV fleet vehicle conversions and post conversion support in North America. Amerit Fleet Solutions is a team of fleet maintenance professionals that provide maintenance and repair services to over 165,000 fleet vehicles today. ZEVx is a company rooted in engineering working in the LD and MD fleet vehicle segment on rapid conversion turnaround of existing fleet vehicles.

Mobility House Partnering With California School District on Energy Management and Smart for Electric Bus Fleet

The Mobility House Partners with Modesto City Schools to Intelligently Manage Charging for One of U.S.’ Largest Electric School Bus Fleets 4/20/22

Modesto City Schools in California has partnered with The Mobility House for smart charging and energy management of it its 30 vehicle electric bus fleet. Modesto Schools with California's Hybrid and Zero Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project have invested $14 million into EV buses, buying all 30 from BlueBird, the largest single order in BlueBird history.

Rivian's New $5B Electric Truck Plant in Georgia Facing Local Pushback

Rivian electric car plant blasted by foes at Georgia meeting 4/20/22

Rivian has a $5B plan for an electric truck plant in Georgia, but as the state assumed oversight over the project after the county planning and zoning officials were overwhelmed there is renewed opposition to this project. Much of the opposition has come from the local community where the plant is expected to be built, they are opposed to the way this will effect their rural life but all well-water contamination, light pollution, and affecting wildlife habitats. The Rivian executive did not speak during the public hearing held on this issue.

Tesla and Panasonic Rumored to Be Behind Multibillion-Dollar Battery Factory in Oklahoma

Tesla and Panasonic are rumored to be behind a multibillion-dollar battery factory project with $700M in incentives on the line in Oklahoma 4/20/22

Tesla and Panasonic are reportedly working on a deal for a new multibillion-dollar battery factory in Oklahoma while the state legislature and Governor are pushing to approve $700M in incentives for a project they won't name. Oklahoma Gov. Stitt announced that the state is nearing in on securing a "multibillion dollar investment" but did not name the company, he did allude that this was related to the EV industry.

Encouraging Utilities to Voice Opinions on NEVI Standards to FHWA, Highlight on OCPP

An opportunity too good to pass up: Time to weigh in on federal funds for electric vehicles 4/19/22

States that "today's single greatest opportunity to help ensure your state's investment in an equitable and optimal zero-emission transportation system is to provide comments to the Federal Highway Administration, the agency developing guidance on the use of the federal funding that it will be distributing to states later this year." Discusses maximizing public access with open standards, specifically through OCPP, open payment systems, and asking for consideration of public utility commissions (PUCs).

Most of EV Industry to Shift to 800 Volts by 2025, Report Says

Most Of The EV Industry To Shift To 800 Volts By 2025, Report Says 4/19/22

Most EVs on the road today are running on 400 volts, but reports are saying that there will be a majority shift to 800 volts by 2025 because of the faster charging speeds and lower charging times. Currently only Audi, Porsche, Hyundai, and Kia sell 800 volt EVs, while Lucid Air has a 900 volt architecture.

Spotlight on Startups Gravity Mobility, Revel, and Beam Global's Work in EV Charging

Startups try to make EV charging easier in cities 4/19/22

Highlight on Gravity Mobility, Revel, and Beam Global as startups promoting city EV charging. Gravity Mobility has a fast-charging solution for parking garages that will be deployed in a 24-space, fast-charging hub in Manhattan this spring. Revel traditionally rents mopeds and has a Tesla based ride service, but they are now operating a Brooklyn based 25 plug fast charging site. Beam Global has deployed 89 off-grid renewable charging pads for municipal fleets.

Fleet Electrification Study from The Ray and Geotab Supports Interstate EV Charging Deployment

The Ray and Geotab fleet electrification study supports interstate EV infrastructure development 4/18/22

The Ray and Geotab's fleet electrification analysis shows that transportation is responsible for 29% of all GHG emissions in the US. Within this, medium and heavy duty vehicles contribute 24% of transportation GHGs. With this knowledge and accelerating fleet electrification, state DOTs are developing plans for EV charging at every 50-mile interval along the highway interstate.

BP Teaming Up With Tritium on DCFC Chargers

BP Chooses Tritium For Next Move Toward Global EV Charging Expansion 4/18/22

As oil giant bp is looking to expand its investment in EV charging networks, they have entered a multi-year agreement with Tritium DCFC Ltd. Tritium is a developer/ manufacturer of direct current fast chargers (DCFC) for EVs. This deal will require Tritium to provide an initial order of 1,000 chargers and related equipment to bp in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand markets.

Three Phases of Fleet Electrification -- 1. Fleet Segmentation 2. Road Map Development 3. Execution and Change Management

Net-zero emissions in US government fleets 4/18/22

Recommend that the government consider three phases of fleet electrification—fleet segmentation, road map development, and execution and change management. They claim that this phasing will help stakeholder support plans and give guidance for EV rollout nationwide. The first phase, fleet segmentation, will include "Assessing the current fleet profile and the evolution of charging infrastructure" as well as "identifying potential technology and infrastructure enablers." The second phases, road map development, will include "Creating an achievable plan" and "Securing funding." And the third phase will be implementation.

Tesla No Longer Providing At Home Connector For New Vehicle Sales

 Tesla Removes Home Charging Connector From New Vehicle Sales 4/18/22

Tesla announced they will no longer provide an at home charger connector for new Tesla Models 3, Y, S, or X. This includes buyers who are currently waiting for vehicle deliveries. Elon Mush addressed this saying that “Usage statistics were super low, so seemed wasteful.” 

US Senate Bill Introduced Looking at Federal EV Fleet Management

US Senate to Consider EV Fleet Management in New Legislation 4/15/22

A bipartisan group of Senators proposed legislation last week, the Strategic EV Management Act of 2022 (S.4057) that will look to address EV fleet management specifically for the federal fleet. The Act would call on the General Services Administration to develop a management strategy for the federal EV fleet on areas like battery management, optimal charging practices, and guidelines for recycling retired batteries This group includes Senators Peters (D-MI), Romney (R-UT), Burr (R-NC), and Hagert (R-TN).

Private Fleet Electrification Pushing Forward: Highlight Conversation With PepsiCo, Geotab

Private fleets charge ahead with electrification 4/14/22

Highlights PepsiCo's fleet electrification efforts, the largest North American private fleet, when asserting that private fleet electrification is advancing. Philip Saunders, the director for the City of Seattle’s Green Fleet Program, asserted that workforce training is absolutely key with electrification both private and public. Charlotte Argue, Senior Manger at Geotab for Fleet Electrification, spoke to the asset management required in private fleet electrification. She highlighted that this is no longer just about vehicles, but about facility and charging management.

Canada's EV Adoption and Implications for Auto Repair Industry

Canada's accelerated timetable for EVs brings spotlight on key bill 4/13/22

In March 2022 Trudeau's liberal government put out a new target for all new LD cars and passenger trucks to be zero-emission by 2035, the previous goal was 2040. This EV adoption goal has lead industry groups to point to the implications for the auto repair industry and 'Right to Repair' bill in the legislature. The bill would force automakers to share the parts, software, and training used to repair products with mechanics. Without this many mechanics would be at risk of closure and put over 50,000 jobs in the country in jeopardy.

Truck Companies' Electric Enthusiasm Doesn't Extend to Policy

Truck companies' electric enthusiasm doesn't extend to policy 4/12/22

Despite accelerating their own plans to electrify, truck manufacturers like Volvo, Daimler, and Navistar are all members of the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association which is arguing that "federal and state rules intended to boost numbers of zero-emission trucks are too onerous." EMA's president is asserting that while these commitments have been made on electrifying, they are not set in stone and that EMA has hesitancy on EV policy.

LA City Council Passes Motion Calling For Full City Fleet Electrification

“Electric Vehicle Master Plan” — 10,000 EVs For Los Angeles 4/12/22

The Los Angeles City Council has voted unanimously to pass a motion calling for the electrification of the city's entire vehicle fleet, being called the Electric Vehicle Master Plan. The plan includes transitioning the city fleet of over 10,000 vehicles. This would be a huge change from the current state, one with 24 electric sedans, 46 PHEVs, 2 hybrid street sweepers, and 4 light electric trucks to be delivered in late 2022. The cost of this plan is not clear currently, the councilman who proposed the motion said the effort would be coordinated with the LA100 initiative to make the city carbon free by 2035 and eliminate tailpipe emissions by 2028.

Honda Investing 5 Trillion Yen Into Electrification and Software Technology for Next Decade

Japanese car giant Honda targets EV expansion, earmarks billions for R&D 4/12/22

Honda has announced an investment of 5 trillion yen into electrification and software technology for the next decade. Honda has said they will target their EV production volume to be over 2 million units/year in 2030, with plans for a dedicated EV production line in North America. This dedicated investment will lean heavily on research and development as they shift their production to the electric transition.

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Projections for EV Manufacturing Through 2030

Here’s what’s projected for electric vehicle manufacturing through 2030 4/12/22

According to the Environmental Defense Fund's latest EV Market Update report, automakers are projected to spend over $515B globally by 2030 on developing and building EVs. In the US between 13 automakers they are expected to spend over $75B to open EV manufacturing sites. Despite supply chain disruptions global EV sales were up 40% globally in 2021 and 4% in the US.

The Last Big Obstacle to EV Adoption is In Our Mindsets

The Last Big Obstacle to Electric Cars Is All in Your Mind 4/11/22

As the EV ecosystem continues to grow with charging access and new EV models, the last hurdle is the mental shift to a world where you are recharging rather than refueling. The average American only drives 40 miles a day, well below the 200 mile standard range for EVs so range anxiety is being alleviated. There needs to be a paradigm shift to see that charging infrastructure is there, recharging overnight at home for example, and it is going to likely be cheaper than the gas refueling.

Mercedes Investing In EV Software Development With New Electric Software Hub in Germany

Mercedes brings all electric vehicle software development under one roof 4/11/22

Mercedes, who will have all new vehicles after 2025 be electric, is looking at taking "a holistic approach to vehicle software, ranging from basic research and development to the coding of software," which will include the opening of its Electric Software Hub in Germany. This hub will house all their software development as well as many hardware, system integration, and testing functions under one roof.

Highland Electric and Synop Teaming Up On EV Fleet Management

Highland Electric, One-Stop-Shop for Affordable Adoption of Electrified School Buses, Delivers Seamless Fleet Management With Synop 4/7/22

Highland Electric Fleets has teamed up with Synop on a long-term partnership for managing the complexities of EV fleet charging, grid connection, and fleet operations. Highland Electric, which is a leading provider of full-service school bus electrification subscriptions, and Synop, which is an AI-based single-platform management service for commercial EV fleets, are working together to deliver for school districts, fleet owners, and fleet management companies smart charging, operations, and V2G optimization.

PepsiCo, North America's Largest Private Fleet, Is Readying for Electrification

How PepsiCo plans to use EVs to meet sustainability goals 4/6/22

PepsiCo, classified as the largest private fleet in North America with over 70,000 fleet assets, is zeroing in on their goal of reducing direct emissions by 75% by 2030. EVs are a part of this plan. PepsiCo is embracing a plan of mixing models and drivetrains so they can meet their current business needs while also planning for the future. They are currently working on what they call a "large-scale rollout and implementation of electric vehicles." This rollout is on top of the already 11 million all-electric miles they have operated.

Biden Admin Meets With Automaker Executives Discussing Interoperability

Biden administration holds EV industry meeting with Musk, Barra 4/6/22

On 4/6 Biden Admin senior officials met with leaders from major automakers in the EV space to discuss EVs and charging infrastructure, focusing on interoperability. The Admin said "there was broad consensus that charging stations and vehicles need to be interoperable and provide a seamless user experience, no matter what car you drive or where you charge your EV." Officials from the Admin included Transportation Sec. Buttigieg, Energy Sec. Granholm, National Climate Advisor McCarthy, and Infrastructure Coordinator Landrieu. From the auto industry executives from Tesla, General Motors, Hyundai, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and Kia were present.

US Government Could Require Over 100,000 Charging Stations

 U.S. government may need more than 100,000 charging stations - testimony 4/5/22

As of March 2022, federal agencies own about 1,100 EV chargers while President Biden signed an executive order in December calling for the end of the government purchasing ICE vehicles by 2035. This gap between potential EVs in the federal fleet and charging infrastructure leads to the conclusion from a government watchdog that the government may need over 100,000 chargers. Less than .3% of the federal fleet was electric as of 2020, putting it at 1,777 of 657,000 vehicles being EVs. The GSA said that as of March 10th federal agencies have ordered 1,854 more zero-emission vehicles.

Rivian Is On Track To Produce 25,000 Vehicles in 2022

Rivian on track to meet production target of 25,000 vehicles 4/5/22

Rivian has announced that they remain on track to hit their production target of 25,000 vehicles in 2022. Rivian, which has faced production difficulties as a result of supply-chain issues, announced last month that they were cutting their 2022 production goal in half to the current goal of 25,000. So far this year they have have 2,553 vehicles and delivered 1,227 of them.

Affordability for Fleets, Range and Charging Opportunities, and Cost Savings Highlighted As Reasons to Transition to EVs

Key Reasons Why Businesses Should Transition To Electric Vehicles 4/5/22

Three key reasons businesses should transition to EVs are highlighted as affordability for fleets, range and charging opportunities, and cost savings from managed charging. Cost savings for fleets are estimated at between $6,000 and $10,000 over the lifetime of the vehicle. Public charging has increased by over 25% since 2019. With managed charging there is an expected $27B in savings expected to be generated between now and 2050.

GM and Honda Teaming Up to Deliver EVs Under $30,000

GM and Honda to develop affordable electric vehicles that cost less than $30,000 4/5/22

General Motors and Honda have announced that they will be working together to develop a new series of affordable electric vehicles, costing less than $30,000. To complete this project they will lean on GM's work with Ultium battery technology. This partnership is expected to begin delivering vehicles in 2027. The offerings will include compact crossover vehicles.

Hertz Expanding its EV Fleet with up to 65,000 EVs from Swedish Polestar

Hertz to buy up to 65,000 electric cars from Polestar 4/4/22

Hertz, who ordered 100,000 EVs from Tesla in October 2021, is further expanding it's EV fleet with a new deal to purchase up to 65,000 EVs from Swedish EV maker Polestar, associated with Volvo. This move advances Hertz plays in the EV market and moves Polestar towards their previous goal of selling 65,000 EVs for 2022. 

Smart Charging Not Taking Off As Hoped in Minnesota with Xcel Energy

Low use of EV smart charging alarms Minn. regulator 4/4/22

The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission's filings from Xcel Energy Inc. stated that only 10% of the 14,000 EVs in the utilities' service area were taking part in managed charging, aka "smart charging". This gap is alarming as smart charging allows for utilities to control the timing of charging to avoid high electricity pricing and charge on off-peak times. Xcel set the 2030 goal of having 1.5 million EVs across its service areas in the Midwest, Colorado and the Southwest.

HomeChargerHub Lets EV Owners Make Money Renting Out Their Personal Chargers

This Maryland startup is building a network for EV charging stations 4/4/22

The College Park, Maryland-based HomeChargerHub startup founded in 2021 is looking to fill the gaps in the EV charging market by offering the chance for private EV charger owners to rent out their stations to the public. HomeChargerHub allows users to make their own charger, typically in their parking spot or driveway, to be publicly accessible through the HomeChargerHub where they can them make money on an hourly basis.

Automakers Backing New Stricter EPA Rules on Emissions, While Texas and 15 Other States Pushback

Automakers Back EPA Rules, Amid Opposition From 16 States and Ethanol Interests 4/1/22

While Texas and 15 other states are pushing back against the EPA's new emissions rules, rules which will push for a 40% EV fleet by 2040, there is OEM support for the new rules. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AFAI) released a court filing saying that these new stricter rules from the EPA on emissions standards "will challenge the industry" but they will also provide automakers with "critically important flexibilities. AFAI represents most automakers operating in the United States.

Panasonic Spending $5B on EV Batteries and Software

Panasonic to Spend $5 Billion on EV Batteries, Software 4/1/22

Panasonic is investing nearly $5B on EV Batteries, supply chain software, and channels for new growth in the company with a legacy in consumer electronics. CEO Yuhi Kusumi said that when looking for Panasonic's new direction they “considered what society will look like in 2030 and back-cast from there.” This brings focus to the EV battery business, which is reportedly looking to expand to US manufacturing. This change in Panasonic is coupled with a new CEO as of April 2021 and the shift to a holding company structure.