Notable Developments in Electric Vehicle, Battery, and Charging Sector: Stellantis, ChargePoint, ChargeHub, Sitetracker, Current, Hyzon, Exide, and Era are making headlines in the industry.
In the ever-evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), several significant advancements are being made to enhance performance, safety, and efficiency. Here's a roundup of the latest developments in solid-state battery technology, aerodynamic efficiency, and charging infrastructure.
Solid-State Batteries: The Future of EV Power
Major players in the automotive and battery technology industries are actively developing solid-state EV batteries, which promise a revolution in performance via longer range, ultrafast charging, enhanced safety, and extended battery lifespans. Notable companies include Toyota, Gotion High-tech, and Dragonfly Energy. 145
Toyota, for instance, is targeting EVs with solid-state batteries that can charge in about 10 minutes, deliver around 1,200 km (750 miles) of range, and have an improved life expectancy. Gotion High-tech has developed the "Jinshi" all-solid-state battery, achieving energy densities up to 350 Wh/kg and cycle lives over 3,000 cycles. 4
Aerodynamic Efficiency: Smaller Batteries, Longer Range
Improved aerodynamics can lead to smaller batteries, cost savings, and increased driving range for EVs. The MGP technology aims to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and reduce airflow resistance from wheels and tires in electric vehicles. Stellantis has introduced its new MGP technology, with a $29.5 million investment, and plans to launch a demonstration fleet of Dodge Charger Daytona vehicles equipped with Factorial's solid-state batteries by 2026. 6
Charging Infrastructure: Expedited Installation and Collaboration
As the demand for EV charging infrastructure grows, companies like Electric Era are focusing on expedited installation while maintaining high quality and reliability. Electric Era has partnered with Costco to deploy fast-charging EV stations, achieving a rapid installation time of just seven weeks from contract signing to launch. 7
Sitetracker has also partnered with Current, a provider of commercial EV solutions, to manage the planning, rollout, operations, and maintenance of its EV projects more effectively. This partnership aims to enhance collaboration and speed up project delivery, making a significant impact as Current navigates the growing demand for EV infrastructure. 8
Hydrogen Power: Meeting the Growing Demand
Hyzon has signed a purchase agreement with GreenWaste for North America's first 12 hydrogen-powered refuse Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). GreenWaste is set to become the first company in North America to operate these hydrogen-powered vehicles, supporting its goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030. 9
The hydrogen-powered FCEVs, developed in partnership with New Way Trucks, will help meet the growing demand for hydrogen-powered vehicles. This announcement coincides with Hyzon's launch of its standardized 200kW Fuel Cell System, aimed at accelerating decarbonization in heavy-duty sectors. 10
Conclusion
From solid-state batteries to aerodynamic efficiency and hydrogen power, the EV industry is witnessing a surge of innovative technologies designed to address the challenges of range, charging time, safety, and cost. With major players actively developing these advancements and pilot lines operational, mass-market introduction is expected between 2027 and 2030 as production challenges are addressed. 145
