GM is methodically moving forward with its plans for electrification. The automaker’s latest initiative is Ultium Charge 360, “a holistic charging approach that integrates charging networks, GM vehicle mobile apps, and other products and services to simplify the overall charging experience for GM electric vehicle owners.” Ultium Charge 360 is basically a consolidation and expansion… Read more »
Author: Charles Morris
Mercedes unveils new EQS electric luxury sedan
After months of teasers, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled full details of its upcoming EQS electric luxury sedan, the latest of several models from Mercedes’s EQ electric sub-brand. There will be two battery pack options: 107.8 kWh usable (12 modules) and 90 kWh usable (10 modules). The cells are in either pouch or hard-case/prismatic format, and are… Read more »
Lightning eMotors and REV Group partner to produce electric ambulances
Commercial vehicle manufacturers Lightning eMotors and Leader Emergency Vehicles, a subsidiary of REV Group, are co-developing zero-emission, all-electric ambulances. The new Leader ambulance will be based on the fourth-generation Lightning Electric Transit Van. It will be equipped with dual rear wheels, providing a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating, and will offer up to 105 kWh… Read more »
Honda hopes to go electric in North America by 2040, will develop solid-state batteries
Have the last two holdouts among major automakers just hopped on the electric bandwagon, or are they just indulging in some fast-follower greenwashing? Following Toyota’s announcement of a new line of battery-electric vehicles, Honda now says it plans to make battery-electric and fuel cell vehicles 100% of its North American sales by 2040. There are… Read more »
Circontrol’s new 25 kW compact fast chargers
EVSE provider Circontrol has launched a new range of 25 kW fast chargers. The company’s eVolve Rapid wallboxes and posts are designed to offer a DC fast charging solution within the compact, space-saving enclosure of a typical Level 2 charger. “The eVolve Rapid range will bring fast charging to smaller private sites lacking the space… Read more »
GM and LG to build second US battery plant in Tennessee
Ultium Cells, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution and General Motors, have announced plans to build a second US battery cell manufacturing plant, in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The companies will invest some $2.3 billion in the new facility, which will supply battery cells to GM’s Spring Hill assembly plant. Construction on the 2.8 million-square-foot… Read more »
GM unveils production version of Cadillac Lyriq EV
GM has taken another step toward its vaunted all-electric future, unveiling what it says is a production version of the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq EV. Its design and specs appear to be pretty close to those of the original prototype that GM unveiled last year. The Lyriq will be the first vehicle to use GM’s new… Read more »
ABB unveils third-gen Terra HP charger
ABB is an EVSE powerhouse—it claims to have some 400,000 EV chargers installed in 85 global markets. The newest version of its Terra HP fast charger adds several new features and customization options. ABB’s new 350 kW Terra HP Generation III is “ideal for highway corridor charging and EV fleets.” It’s designed to deliver high… Read more »
Tesla’s new Materials Applications Team will speed adoption of new materials
Record 0-60 times and useful features such as Fart Mode get most of the press, but behind all of the innovation is materials science. Tesla has long recognized the importance of new materials—in 2016 Elon Musk hired Charles Kuehmann, an expert on metal alloys to lead materials engineering at both Tesla and SpaceX. The most… Read more »
Lion Electric to build battery manufacturing plant in Quebec
Commercial vehicle OEM Lion Electric has announced plans to build a battery manufacturing plant and innovation center in Quebec. The factory will produce both battery packs and modules, and is expected to begin operations in early 2023. The planned yearly production capacity is 5 GWh of battery storage, enough to electrify approximately 14,000 medium and… Read more »
