An increasing number of utilities are offering time-of-use rate plans and other incentives to encourage EV owners to do their charging during off-peak hours. But what if a utility had a way to single out the troublemakers, identifying individual EV drivers who often charge during peak times in order to educate them about available incentive… Read more »
Author: Charles Morris
Ford CEO talks candidly about Ford’s problems with its Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning
Automakers are in the midst of what is arguably the largest technological shift since the birth of the industry, and it’s inevitable that they’re going to have problems. Despite their deep pockets and vast expertise in manufacturing, legacy brands are still struggling to catch up with industry gadfly Tesla—but as VW’s former CEO Herbert Diess… Read more »
New FLO Ultra DC fast charger features two 320 kW charging ports and a motorized cable management system
Charging network operator and charger provider FLO has introduced the FLO Ultra, a new DC fast charger taht features two charging ports in one rugged aluminum enclosure. It provides up to 320 kW of power using dynamic power sharing. The new charger can be configured in a variety of ways, allowing for flexible parking options… Read more »
SWTCH Energy and AutoGrid to integrate multi-tenant EV chargers into demand response programs
Toronto-based SWTCH Energy specializes in EV charging solutions for multi-tenant properties. AutoGrid is a provider of virtual power plant (VPP) and distributed energy resources management systems (DERMS). The two companies have teamed up to integrate 250 EV chargers at multi-tenant properties into an active demand response program with a Canadian utility. Demand response involves incentivizing… Read more »
Are plug-in hybrids the next Dieselgate?
Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) don’t get much respect in the EV industry these days. They’re the epitome of a transitional technology, and it would be hard to argue that many of them justify their price premiums over plain hybrids. It’s widely believed that, thanks to ill-considered government incentives, many PHEVs are bought by drivers who never… Read more »
Redwood Materials to receive $2-billion DOE loan, begins production of anode foil
Redwood Materials, the battery recycling firm headed by Tesla alum JB Straubel, has received conditional commitment for a $2-billion loan from the DOE’s Loan Program Office as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program (ATVM). Redwood will draw upon this financing in tranches to support the phased construction and expansion of its battery… Read more »
New York City to require rideshare fleets to use 100 percent EVs by 2030
Electrifying rideshare vehicles has the potential to deliver outsize emissions reductions, as they log many more miles than personal vehicles. In his recent State of the City speech, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that rideshare fleets operating in the city will be required to go zero-emission by 2030. The Big Apple is one… Read more »
California bill would make EV conversions eligible for state rebates
California has several state programs, including the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program (CVRP) and the Clean Cars for All Program, to encourage drivers to buy EVs. However, EV conversion fans have been feeling left out of the party. Now the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a trade group that represents the specialty automotive industry, has sponsored… Read more »
Was Britishvolt’s collapse the beginning of the end for the UK auto industry?
When Charged spoke with execs from aspiring battery manufacturer Britishvolt back in May of 2022, we were impressed by the company’s big ambitions and innovative ideas. We were very disappointed to hear of its recent demise, but not unduly surprised. As is typically the case in nascent industries, the attrition rate among EV-related companies is… Read more »
This provision of the IRA could deliver much bigger results than the EV tax credits
The so-called Inflation Reduction Act includes a long list of measures intended to promote e-mobility and renewable energy. The one that’s gotten the most press is the revamped system of tax credits for EV purchases—and naturally so, because that’s the measure that most drivers can see benefitting them directly. However, as John Voelcker writes in… Read more »
