Phoenix Motorcars and Fermata Energy partner to test V2X bidirectional charging


Phoenix Motorcars (Nasdaq: PEV), a manufacturer of medium-duty EVs, has signed an equipment testing agreement with bidirectional charging innovator Fermata Energy. Fermata’s platform allows EVs to send energy stored in EV batteries to the local grid (V2G) or to a building (V2B). Under the agreement, Phoenix’s customers will be able to use Fermata’s bidirectional chargers… Read more »

Phoenix Motorcars and Fermata Energy partner to test V2X bidirectional charging


Phoenix Motorcars (Nasdaq: PEV), a manufacturer of medium-duty EVs, has signed an equipment testing agreement with bidirectional charging innovator Fermata Energy. Fermata’s platform allows EVs to send energy stored in EV batteries to the local grid (V2G) or to a building (V2B). Under the agreement, Phoenix’s customers will be able to use Fermata’s bidirectional chargers… Read more »

TravelCenters of America to deploy 1,000 Electrify America fast EV chargers at 200 locations


TravelCenters of America (Nasdaq: TA), which operates a network of 281 travel centers (truck stops, to use the old-fashioned term) in 44 states under the TA, Petro and TA Express brands, is working with Electrify America to deploy DC fast charging at select TA/Petro locations. TA aims to install some 1,000 chargers at 200 locations… Read more »

Retailers fear Minnesota legislation would allow utilities to corner EV charging market


Should electric utilities be allowed to own EV charging stations? In a free-market economy, it’s generally considered unhealthy for companies that produce a product or service to also own the distribution channels—that’s why liquor companies don’t own bars (in the US), and airlines don’t own airports. For an example of the evils that can result… Read more »

Eaton to collaborate with Rewiring America to promote residential electrification


Power management company Eaton is partnering with electrification nonprofit Rewiring America “to advance electrification education, awareness and action.” Brian Brickhouse, President of Eaton’s Americas Region, Electrical Sector, has joined Rewiring America’s CEOs for Electrification coalition of US business leaders, which aims to further sustainability through electrification, beginning with the American household. The collaboration, says Eaton,… Read more »

Rheinmetall receives 250-million-euro order for 900-volt EV contactors


German automotive and arms manufacturer Rheinmetall has received an order for contactors worth over a quarter-billion euros from an undisclosed German automaker.  Rheinmetall will be equipping the new 900-volt generation of EVs with a new type of contactor, starting in 2025. Contactors ensure the EVs can be safely switched on and off, especially in emergencies… Read more »

Pegasus to sell vehicles on Zeus Electric Chassis through Creative Bus Sales network


School and transit bus manufacturer Pegasus Specialty Vehicles has signed an agreement with bus dealership Creative Bus Sales to sell its Type A school buses and electric shuttle and paratransit buses through Creative Bus Sales’s network. Pegasus will build the electric buses using the Zeus Electric Chassis Z-19 cab-chassis platform. A Pegasus Bus on a… Read more »

Dürr provides CATL with solvent recovery technology for electrode production


The Dürr Group, a global mechanical and plant engineering firm, is expanding into battery production. Now the company is delivering a technology for sustainable battery manufacturing to CATL, which the Chinese battery manufacturer will use at a new plant currently being built in Arnstadt, Germany. The order comprises several systems based on an eco-friendly process… Read more »

Wolfspeed and ZF partner to develop silicon carbide semiconductors


Some European feathers have recently been ruffled by the “Buy American” provisions of the US Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Some say the EU needs to respond by increasing its own support of the EV industry in order to meet the threat from Chinese automakers. So it’s encouraging to see two high-tech companies… Read more »

New Zealand firm offers improved LFP battery packs for Nissan Leaf


The Nissan Leaf is a historic and much-loved vehicle. First-generation (2011-2016) Leafs lack the range that current EV buyers expect, but thousands of owners (including your correspondent) still find them to be delightful daily drivers. One of the many nifty things about EVs is that it’s possible to replace a degraded or damaged battery pack… Read more »