US nonprofit set to buy 500 electric semi trucks by 2028 in $250M deal

By

-

November 3, 2024

US nonprofit set to buy 500 electric semi trucks by 2028 in $250M deal

BEV trucks and buses at ACT Expo in Long Beach; image by the author.

Maryland-based nonprofit Climate United announced its intention to spend $250 million to buy up to 500 electric semi trucks over three years in what the group is calling “the biggest single order of zero emission Class 8 trucks in the country.”

First, we should state the obvious: as hard as it is to imagine a nonprofit with $250 million to spend on a fleet of 500 electric semi trucks – it’s even harder to imagine one that would need that many trucks. The plan, then, must be to do something else with the trucks.

And so it is. Upon taking delivery of the zero emission trucks, Climate United intends to lease those vehicles back to trucking fleets at attractive rates, encouraging truckers that haul containers to and from California seaports to electrify somewhat sooner than later by reducing or eliminating the obstacle of BEV’s higher up-front costs compared to diesel.

“High upfront costs make it difficult for independent owner-operators and small fleets to transition to all-electric,” explains Beth Bafford, CEO of Climate United.

Climate United says it plans to make initial orders in the first quarter of 2025, and that it’s prioritizing Class 8 electric semi trucks that are assembled in the United States with domestically made parts. The announcement specifically cites the makers of the Volvo VNR Electric, Kenworth T680e, and BYD 8TT tandem axle day cab as potential suppliers.

“Climate United’s announced RFP is a critical step toward a cleaner, healthier future for communities around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach,” says US Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán. “For too long, families have borne the brunt of diesel pollution from drayage trucks, facing disproportionate rates of asthma, respiratory illness, and other health challenges. This $250 million commitment will reduce pollution, address the climate crisis, and improve public health.”

The purchasing program is funded by a $6.97 billion grant from the National Clean Investment Fund, part of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund created under President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (thanks again, Joe!).

Climate United also is partnering with Forum Mobility, which is building charging depots in California ports and along common freight routes. “For so long, this has been the story of the chicken and the egg,” offers Jacqueline Torres, a vice president at Forum Mobility. “This program brings both of those together.”

Electrek’s Take

Einride orders electric truck fleet from Peterbilt — Peterbilt 579EVs line up at a warehouse, via Einride.

There’s only so many ways to say, “pollution bad, EV good,” but seeing federal tax dollars put to work in novel ways that help make cutting back on air pollution easier and more affordable for commercial fleet operators will always be good news.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Climate United, via Reuters; featured image by the author.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Jo Borrás

#nonprofit #set #buy #electric #semi #trucks #250M #deal

- Advertisement -

DFDS puts 10 Volvo electric semi trucks to work in UK, ‘only’ 115 more to go

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 3, 2024

0

DFDS puts 10 Volvo electric semi trucks to work in UK, ‘only’ 115 more to go

European logistics firm DFDS placed a massive, 100 unit order for Volvo’s long-range electric semi truck earlier this year. Last week, they put their first 10 examples on the road delivering goods in northwest England and Ireland.

Since 2022, DFDS has been continually expanded its electric semi truck fleet, operating dozens of the zero-emission tractors in countries like Sweden, Denmark, Lithuania, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands. Once the 100-unit order with Volvo Trucks is fulfilled, DFDS will have almost doubled its electric fleet to 225 electric semis in total – giving it the logistics firm the largest fleet of electric semis in Europe.

“With our extensive experience in operating electric trucks across Europe, we’re ready to bring this expertise to the UK,” says Allan Bell, Vice President and Head of DFDS Logistics in UK & Ireland. “The interest from UK companies in more sustainable road transport solutions is substantial, and we have ambitions to scale up our low-emissions transport offerings in the future.”

DFDS has deployed 115 electric trucks to date, adding more than 1.2 million all-electric miles to Volvo Truck’s massive mileage tally the first half of 2024 alone. That feat, according to the company, saved more than 2,100 tonnes of harmful carbon emissions compared to a conventionally-powered diesel ICE fleet.

DFDS’ Volvo launch party

The latest version of Volvo Trucks’ FH Electric semi offers customers up to 600 km (nearly 375 miles) of all-electric range, nearly twice as much as the previous version, thanks to Volvo’s new, compact, e-axle packaging.

That additional range is both another nail in diesel’s coffin and a game-changer for companies like DFDS, but more work is still needed. “There are still challenges ahead and we need to work together across sectors to be successful, for example in setting up charging infrastructure,” Bell adds. “DFDS is committed to do whatever we can to push the development forward.”

SOURCE | IMAGES: Volvo Trucks; DFDS, via LinkedIn.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek

Author Jo Borrás

#DFDS #puts #Volvo #electric #semi #trucks #work

- Advertisement -

Chevrolet Silverado EV gets Sidewinder feature, GMC's CrabWalk for Chevy

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 3, 2024

0

Chevrolet Silverado EV gets Sidewinder feature, GMC's CrabWalk for Chevy

The Chevrolet Silverado EV is getting its own version of the CrabWalk mode already available on its GMC Sierra EV sibling, Chevy confirmed Friday.

Chevy’s version is called Sidewinder, not CrabWalk, but it provides essentially the same functionality. It utilizes the Silverado EV’s rear-wheel steering to turn all four wheels in the same direction, allowing for diagonal driving at speeds up to 20 mph.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV Sidewinder mode

Drivers can select Sidewinder mode by going to the Rear Steering page under the Controls menu in the infotainment display. Graphics on the display, as well as a confirmation message in the instrument cluster, appear when the mode is activated.

Sidewinder mode is standard on the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST and will be added to 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV RST First Edition models via an over-the-air update. That update will be pushed to both leftover 2024 models still on dealer lots and trucks already in customer hands, Chevy confirmed.

2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV

The CrabWalk-branded version of this feature first appeared on the GMC Hummer EV, and was standard on the 2024 GMC Sierra EV Denali Edition 1. That was the main difference between the Edition 1 and the Silverado EV RST First Edition—the low-volume launch versions of each truck. The same feature will also be available on the 2025 Cadillac Escalade IQ SUV, branded as Cadillac Arrival Mode.

Other changes to the Silverado EV for 2025 include range increases to 460 miles for the RST grade and 492 miles for the base WT model, with the larger Max Range pack, plus a new LT grade slotting in between those models.

Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)

#Chevrolet #Silverado #Sidewinder #feature #GMC039s #CrabWalk #Chevy

- Advertisement -

Next-gen 240 ton CAT electric haul truck gets to work in Colorado mine

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 2, 2024

0

Next-gen 240 ton CAT electric haul truck gets to work in Colorado mine

First Early Learner Cat 793 XE battery-electric truck arrives at Newmont Cripple Creek and Victor

With a massive, 240 ton payload and a host of new features, the first of Caterpillar’s next-generation CAT 793 XE Early Learner battery electric trucks has arrived at Newmont’s Cripple Creek and Victor (CC&V) mine in Teller County, Colorado.

Just weeks after the next generation of Caterpillar’s battery electric Large Mining Truck line was announced, Newmont’s CC&V mine in Colorado was announced as one of the testing and validation sites the first seven of the all-new CAT 793 XE Early Learner haul trucks would be deployed to. The production of these trucks marks the second key development phase of the company’s Early Learner EV program following the demonstration of the company’s first battery electric 793 prototype in November 2022, and that vehicle’s deployment at Vale’s Brazilian mining operations earlier this year.

“In less than two years, we went from retrofitting an existing piece of equipment at our proving ground to designing a ruggedized solution ready for validation at our customers’ sites,” explains Caterpillar Vice President, Brian Weller. “This was not a small change. Just about everything in the powertrain has been enhanced while still leveraging proven components of our Cat 793 model. With these changes, we still have learning to do with our customers in real-world applications.”

The next phase of Caterpillar’s Early Learner program will see the company attempt to integrate multiple electrified trucks at a single site with remote operators, validating the integration of a battery electric fleet with CAT’s existing autonomous and fleet management systems.

The Newmont gold mining operation has a long-standing “strategic alliance” with Caterpillar (signed in 2021) that aims to deliver a fully connected, automated, zero carbon emitting, end-to-end mining operation by 2050 while reducing downtime and operating costs.

Electrek’s Take

Cat AD45 underground haul truck (diesel); via Caterpillar.

As I’ve said before, EVs and mining to together like peanut butter and jelly. In confined spaces, the carbon emissions and ear-splitting noise made by conventional, ICE-powered mining equipment can create dangerous circumstances that can lead to serious injuries (or worse), and that’s just going to make it even harder for a mining operation to keep people working and minerals coming out of the ground.

By working with companies like Caterpillar to prove that forward-looking electric equipment can do the job as well as well as (if not better than) their internal combustion counterparts, Newmont will go a long way towards converting what’s left of the ICE faithful.

SOURCE | IMAGES: Caterpillar, International Mining.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Jo Borrás

#Nextgen #ton #CAT #electric #haul #truck #work #Colorado

- Advertisement -

Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 2, 2024

0

Yamaha throws in the towel, pulls out of e-bike market in North America

Yamaha has announced to its dealers that it will be pulling its e-bikes out of the North American market at the end of this year. In the meantime, the brand says that it will offer sales of up to 60% off for its remaining inventory and continue to support its e-bikes already sold in the US for at least five more years.

Yamaha’s electric bikes have been well-received in global markets and have also received rave reviews in the US. However, the company’s higher prices make it harder to compete in the North American market, which is dominated by value-oriented models with significantly lower price points.

Yamaha’s various electric bikes designed for commuting, fitness, and mountain biking all feature higher-end components, which has resulted in the company competing more directly with premium bicycle shops. The company’s elaborate frames and in-house motors have added value to their models, yet have also contributed to a more premium price range.

Meanwhile, Yamaha hasn’t been immune to the same sales slowdown and overstocking issues that have plagued the e-bike industry over the last few years, as the company explained to its dealers in the letter seen below.

“Dear Yamaha eBike Dealer,

We want to thank you for your partnership and for your business in purchasing and retailing Yamaha eBikes, and for proudly representing the Yamaha brand. However, as you know, the combination of a post-COVID oversupply within the entire bicycle industry, coupled with a significant softening of the market, has resulted in a particularly challenging business environment where it is extremely difficult to achieve a sustainable business model. Given these market conditions, we regret to inform you that Yamaha has made the difficult decision to withdraw from the U.S. eBike business and cease wholesaling units effective the end of this year.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS) entered the U.S. eBike market in 2018, and we have enjoyed the opportunity to partner with you these past six years to sell exciting, high-quality, all-road, mountain, and fitness/lifestyle eBikes.

We will continue to support your dealership in the sell down of your inventory by extending the current “Fan Promotion” program where customers may receive up to 60% off their purchase of a new Yamaha eBike. This “Fan Promotion” program will be offered on all units retailed and warranty registered through June 30, 2025. YMUS will continue to provide parts, service, and customer support in the United States both now and in support of our limited 5-year warranty.

Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to you and your staff for your dedication and support of the Yamaha eBike business.

Thank you for your understanding and support.”

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Micah Toll

#Yamaha #throws #towel #pulls #ebike #market #North #America

- Advertisement -

Polestar delivers brand's first EVs not made in China

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 2, 2024

0

Polestar on Friday confirmed its first customer deliveries of U.S.-built electric vehicles.

Every Polestar model to date has been manufactured in China, but the 2025 Polestar 3 is assembled at a South Carolina plant shared with Volvo. Production started there in August following software-related delays.

First U.S. Polestar 3 deliveries

The Polestar 3 is a platform-mate of the Volvo EX90, which is built at the same South Carolina plant. But where the Volvo offers three rows of seats, the Polestar sticks to two, with total seating for five, with a sportier character. It offers up to 315 miles of range from a 111-kwh battery pack, with a standard dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain rated at 489 hp and 620 lb-ft of torque, or 517 hp and 671 lb-ft in optional Performance Pack spec.

The Polestar 3 has a base price of $74,800 that’s under the $80,000 federal tax-credit cap for electric SUVs. But even with that, and U.S. assembly, it’s unlikely to qualify for a federal tax credit for the foreseeable future. In addition to more stringent sourcing requirements, new “foreign entity of concern” language disqualifies subsidiary companies if a “parent entity” in China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea holds more than 50% in the company.

First U.S. Polestar 3 deliveries

Polestar has said it will pass on a $7,500 credit for leases, following the approach of other automakers in exploiting what’s being called the EV leasing loophole. This allows use of a provision intended for commercial vehicles by automakers with captive financing arms to claim a credit and pass the savings on to customers even if vehicles don’t otherwise qualify.

Building cars in the U.S. does at least avoid recently-hiked tariffs on Chinese EVs. In a more complex solution to the same problem, U.S.-market versions of the coupe-like Polestar 4 will be built at a Renault plant in South Korea. That’s scheduled to start in the second half of 2025.

Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)

#Polestar #delivers #brand039s #EVs #China

- Advertisement -

Ford pausing F-150 Lighting electric truck production for six weeks

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 2, 2024

0

Ford pausing F-150 Lighting electric truck production for six weeks

Ford will pause production of its F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck from Nov. 18 to Jan. 6, reports Reuters.

“We continue to adjust production for an optimal mix of sales growth and profitability,” the automaker said in a statement to Reuters regarding the six-week production pause, which overlaps with a week in December when all Ford factories are closed for the holidays.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pre-production

Ford said this month that U.S. EV sales for its namesake brand were up 45% this year, and that Lightning sales had more than doubled to 7,100 trucks in the three months ending Sept. 30, Reuters noted, adding that this means the Lightning makes up a tiny 3.6% of total F-150 sales.

The production pause comes after Ford in April cut production to just one shift. The automaker also slowed production in 2023 rather than further lowering prices as demand for pricier Lightning variants dried up. Ford initially promised that the Lightning would cost around $40,000 but, even with a few price cuts, prices remained much higher than that throughout 2023.

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning pre-production

Prices continued to fluctuate into 2024, with Ford cutting the sticker price of certain versions by up to $5,500 this past April—the same month as the most recent production cut. Those changes only affected models in the middle of the lineup, with prices for both the base F-150 Lightning Pro Standard Range and the range-topping Platinum Extended Range unchanged.

Ford has been resetting its EV plans. In August, the automaker said it was nixing a three-row electric SUV, adding an electric midsize pickup, and pushing back the launch of the Lightning’s replacement from 2025 to 2027. More hybrids are also part of this plan, particularly in bigger segments where battery costs could make all-electric models less profitable.

Source link by Green Car Reports
Author news@greencarreports.com (Stephen Edelstein)

#Ford #pausing #F150 #Lighting #electric #truck #production #weeks

- Advertisement -

The Life Cycle Of An EV Battery: From Manufacturing To Recycling

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 2, 2024

0

The Life Cycle Of An EV Battery: From Manufacturing To Recycling

As EVs continue to reshape the transportation industry, understanding the journey of an EV battery—from its creation to its eventual recycling—has never been more important. 
 
The life cycle of these batteries is a complex, multi-stage process, and every phase holds opportunities to reduce environmental impact, maximize efficiency, and extend the value of these essential components. EV Battery Solutions by Cox Automotive plays a vital role in this ecosystem, working to keep batteries in use for as long as possible and ensuring they are properly recycled when their useful life comes to an end.

1. Manufacturing: The Birth of an EV Battery

The life of an EV battery begins with the sourcing of raw materials such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. These materials are extracted, refined, and used to produce battery cells, which are then assembled into modules and packs. 
 
This initial phase is energy-intensive and relies heavily on the availability of natural resources. Reducing the environmental footprint at this stage is crucial, and innovations in sustainable sourcing and production are helping to improve this process.

2. Usage: Maximizing Performance and Longevity

The performance of a battery is affected by factors such as charging habits, driving conditions, and the climate. Over time, even with the best maintenance, a battery’s capacity to hold a charge diminishes. 
 
EVBS offers diagnostic tools and repair services that help extend battery life. Through regular maintenance and intelligent monitoring, EVBS can help EV owners and fleet operators maintain optimal battery performance, delaying the need for costly replacements. 

3. End of Life: The Importance of Recycling

Eventually, even the most well-maintained battery reaches the end of its operational life. This is where EV Battery Solutions’ recycling efforts come into play. Rather than allowing old batteries to become hazardous waste, EVBS helps ensure that valuable materials are recovered and repurposed.
 
The EVBS recycling process is designed to minimize environmental harm by recovering critical elements like lithium, cobalt, and nickel. These materials are then reintegrated into the supply chain, reducing the need for new mining operations and cutting down on the carbon footprint associated with material extraction. By promoting a circular economy, EVBS contributes to reducing the overall environmental impact of electric vehicles.

Transporting recovered recycling materials before they undergo shredding is the first step in producing Black Mass—critical for extracting valuable elements like lithium and nickel for reuse in new EV batteries.

4. Environmental Benefits: A Sustainable Future

One of the key outcomes of the recycling process is the recovery of valuable materials, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, that are essential for manufacturing new EV batteries. By recovering and reusing these materials through Black Mass processing, EVBS significantly reduces the need for additional mining of raw materials, which minimizes the environmental and social impact associated with resource extraction.
 
Dry recycling efforts, used by EVBS, also help prevent harmful chemicals from leaking into the environment, lowering the carbon footprint of EVs even further.

The author of this article, Bryce Cornet, is Senior Manager of EV Supply Chain Logistics at Spiers New Technologies Inc (SNT), a Cox Automotive Company.

Source link by Battery Tech – News and Trends | InsideEVs

Author

#Life #Cycle #Battery #Manufacturing #Recycling

- Advertisement -

NIO’s EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 1, 2024

0

NIO’s EV sales top 20,000 for the sixth straight month as new low-cost SUV shows promise

With its new electric SUV rolling out, NIO’s (NIO) sales topped the 20,000 mark again in Oct, its sixth straight month hitting the milestone.

NIO sold 20,976 vehicles last month, up 30.5% from October 2023. The NIO brand sold 16,657 vehicles, while its new “family-oriented smart vehicle brand,” Onvo, contributed 4,319 in its first full sales month.

After launching its new mid-size Onvo L60 electric SUV in September, NIO said production and deliveries are steadily ramping up.

At the end of October, NIO’s Onvo had 166 Centers and Spaces throughout 60 cities. Onvo plans to continue expanding its network to drive future growth.

NIO’s new electric SUV starts at around $21,200 (149,900) and is a direct rival to Tesla’s Model Y. The base $21K model is if you rent the battery. Even with the battery included, Onvo L60 prices still start at under $30,000 (206,900 yuan), with a CLTC range of up to 341 miles (555 km). That’s still less than the Model Y.

Tesla’s Model Y RWD starts at around $35,000 (249,900 yuan) with 344 mi (554 km) CLTC range in China.

NIO’s new Onvo brand drives higher Oct sales

NIO has often compared its new electric SUV to the Model Y, claiming it’s superior in many ways. The L60 has better consumption at 12.1 kWh/100km compared to the Model Y at 12.5 kWh/100km).

With a longer wheelbase (2,950 mm vs 2,890 mm), NIO’s electric SUV also provides slightly more interior space.

Despite the L60’s success so far, NIO believes its second Onvo model will be an even bigger hit. It could be a potential game-changer.

“If you think the L60 is good, then this new model is a much more competitive product,” NIO’s CEO William Li told CnEVPost after launching the L60. Onvo will launch a new EV every year. Following the L60, Onvo will launch a new mid-to-large-size electric SUV next year.

NIO’s leader claims the new model will be revolutionary. According to Li, it will offer even more surprises than the L60. Deliveries are planned to begin in Q3 2025.

NIO Onvo L60 vs Tesla Model Y trims	Range (CLTC)	Starting Price
NIO Onvo L60 (Battery rental)	555 km (341 mi) 730 km (454 mi)	149,900 yuan ($21,200)
NIO Onvo L60 (60 kWh)	555 km (341 mi)	206,900 yuan ($29,300)
NIO Onvo L60 (85 kWh)	730 km (454 mi)	235,900 yuan ($33,400)
NIO Onvo L60 (150 kWh)	+1,000 km (+621 mi)	TBD
Tesla Model Y RWD	554 km (344 mi)	249,900 yuan ($34,600)
Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range	688 km (427 mi)	290,900 yuan ($40,300)
Tesla Model Y AWD Performance	615 km (382 mi)	354,900 yuan ($49,100)

NIO Onvo L60 compared to Tesla Model Y prices and range in China

Local reports suggest a six-or seven-seat electric SUV could hit the market even sooner. With rumors of a launch around Q1 2025, deliveries could happen as soon as May 2025.

According to sources close to the matter, the L60 is just a “stepping stone” with even more exciting EVs on the way. The source claimed the new six-seat option will start at around $42,100 (300,000 yuan).

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Source link by Electrek
Author Peter Johnson

#NIOs #sales #top #sixth #straight #month #lowcost #SUV #shows #promise

- Advertisement -

Video: Parker’s new Global Vehicle Inverter is designed for heavy-duty EV scalability

By

Electric Vehicles Magazine

-

November 1, 2024

0

Video: Parker’s new Global Vehicle Inverter is designed for heavy-duty EV scalability

In a recent interview with Charged, Jonah Leason, the Electrification Product Manager at Parker Hannifin, described the strategy behind the design of its next-generation Global Vehicle Inverter (GVI).

The new GVI is designed to support the electrification needs of heavy-duty vehicles by integrating seamlessly with Parker’s Global Vehicle Motors (GVMs). This inverter model is built with adaptability in mind, providing manufacturers with a solution that addresses essential needs like safety, scalability, and ease of integration across a variety of vehicle types.

Available in three power levels—75 kW, 125 kW, and 250 kW—the GVI supports a range of vehicle sizes, from mid-sized loaders to large excavators, allowing manufacturers to scale production efficiently.

Safety features are central to the design of the Generation 2 GVI. With compliance to ISO 13849 and ISO 26262 standards, the inverter includes high-voltage interlock loops, active and passive discharge options, and several functional safety measures. These features are intended to meet the high-voltage safety demands of electric heavy-duty vehicles, addressing common challenges for manufacturers transitioning to electrified powertrains. By focusing on robust safety measures, Parker supports a practical approach for companies stepping into high-voltage electrification.

The GVI also simplifies integration, pairing smoothly with Parker’s GVM motors and working well with other Parker products, such as control units and sensors. This compatibility minimizes engineering efforts and provides a more streamlined development process, particularly useful for proof-of-concept vehicles. For manufacturers looking to scale from prototypes to larger production runs, Parker’s GVI offers a balanced solution that supports scalability, safety, and straightforward integration into the electrification of heavy-duty equipment.

Learn more at:

Source link by Charged EVs

Author Charged EVs

#Video #Parkers #Global #Vehicle #Inverter #designed #heavyduty #scalability

- Advertisement -

Submit EV Event

Electrek’s Take

DFDS’ Volvo launch party

Electrek’s Take

1. Manufacturing: The Birth of an EV Battery

2. Usage: Maximizing Performance and Longevity

3. End of Life: The Importance of Recycling

4. Environmental Benefits: A Sustainable Future

NIO’s new Onvo brand drives higher Oct sales

Popular EV news