Seat, a Spanish brand owned by the Volkswagen Group, has unveiled the production version of a new electric “hot hatch,” and car guys are salivating. The Cupra el-Born, first shown as a concept last year, is built on VW’s MEB platform. It boasts an aggressive design, and a sporty and minimalist interior. “Besides the attention… Read more »
Author: Charles Morris
New report analyzes real-world performance of 100 e-buses in hot and cold weather
How does the weather affect the performance of electric buses in real-world operation? Telematics specialist ViriCiti looked into that question, analyzing over 100 e-buses in the Netherlands over the course of several seasons and months. ViriCiti gathered, anonymized and analyzed data from 79 12-meter buses and 27 18-meter buses active across 7 cities in the… Read more »
Nikola receives order for 2,500 electric refuse trucks
Zero-emission truck startup Nikola has secured an order for at least 2,500 electric refuse trucks (expandable up to 5,000) from Republic Services, the second-largest solid waste hauler in the US. Nikola says on-road testing is “likely to begin in early 2022,” and deliveries will begin in 2023. The new trucks will use Nikola’s Tre powertrain…. Read more »
Lightning Systems’ new energy division offers turnkey fleet charging solutions
Lightning Systems, a Colorado-based manufacturer of commercial EVs, has launched a new division that will offer charging technologies and services to commercial and government fleets. The new Lightning Energy division designs, installs, services and manages charging solutions, providing fleet operators with turnkey options to make electrification easier. Lightning Energy offers a range of purchased or… Read more »
Easelink tests its automated conductive charging system with Austrian car-share service
One of the challenges of urban charging is a simple lack of space on streets and sidewalks. Some see wireless charging as the solution, but the Austrian firm Easelink has developed a cable-free physical charging system. “The competition between parking spaces and walkways as well as the lack of surfaces for installing cable-based charging systems… Read more »
New guidebook describes best practices for transit agencies deploying zero-emission buses
The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE), a non-profit transportation advocacy group, has released a new Guidebook for Deploying Zero-Emission Transit Buses. The guide, authored by CTE staff members Meredith Linscott and Amy Posner, highlights key considerations for deployments of zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure. The guidebook is designed to educate transit agencies on… Read more »
Optimal Electric Vehicles introduces the S1LF Low-Floor Shuttle Bus, featuring batteries from Proterra
Indiana-based Optimal has been providing engineering services to automotive OEMs for over 33 years. The company’s Engineering group has focused on EV system design since 2015. Now Optimal Electric Vehicles, a derivative firm, has joined the EV manufacturing game with its new electric S1LF Low-Floor Shuttle Bus. The S1LF integrates a quasi-purpose-built Ford E450 chassis… Read more »
Japanese utilities partner to install 250 ABB fast chargers
Japan’s e-Mobility Power, a joint venture between Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) and Chubu Electric Power, two of the country’s biggest utility companies, has chosen ABB’s new Terra 184 DC fast charger to modernize its existing charging infrastructure. eMP will replace obsolete chargers along highways and in other public locations with more than 250… Read more »
GM releases a little more info about its electric Hummer pickup
Love it or hate it, the electric Hummer is coming. GM recently released some more information about the battery-powered behemoth, including photos of the prototype vehicle being assembled, along with its battery pack. The Hummer EV will use GM’s new Ultium modular battery architecture, which is to be manufactured in a joint venture with Korean… Read more »
LEVC’s new PHEV van shares styling with the iconic London taxi
London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) has launched a new plug-in hybrid light commercial van that shares its distinctive styling with the iconic London black cab. LEVC’s VN5 van features a front end that’s similar to the company’s electric TX taxi, launched in 2018. The driver cabin, which is also shared with the TX, features an… Read more »
