Latest Developments in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging: Nikola, StoreDot, Wallbox, Einride, Allison Transmission, BMS, and ADS-Tech Make Headlines

In a significant stride towards sustainable transportation, Einride has opened its first U.S. Smartcharger Station in Lynwood, California. The station, a collaborative effort with Voltera, boasts 65 chargers and the capacity to charge up to 200 vehicles daily. Strategically located near the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, this station plays a crucial role in handling 29% of all containerized international waterborne trade in the U.S.

The Lynwood Smartcharger Station is integrated with Einride Saga, an intelligent freight operating system that provides AI-powered data insights and powers the full Einride ecosystem. Truck drivers can enjoy a lounge with key amenities and receive real-time updates on demand, location, timing, and utilization of charging infrastructure. The station also offers 24/7 support with on-site HYLA Ambassadors and Operation Technicians.

Nikola Corporation has also joined the sustainability movement, opening a HYLA high-pressure modular refueling station in Southern California. This station is capable of fueling up to 40 Nikola hydrogen fuel cell electric Class 8 trucks daily, aligning with Nikola's strategic initiative to develop up to nine refueling solutions by mid-2024, with 14 total refueling solutions to be operational by the end of the year.

BMW is also embracing bidirectional charging technology. BMW Neue Klasse models scheduled for launch in 2025 will be able to store electricity and function as a power outlet, equipped with technology for bidirectional charging. Customers will be able to use their vehicle's high-voltage battery as a stationary energy storage device, temporarily storing carbon-neutral electricity generated by the customer's photovoltaic system and then subsequently feeding back to power other consumers in the home.

Meanwhile, ADS-TEC Energy, under the leadership of founder and CEO Thomas Speidel, has unveiled the ChargeBox charging platform. This compact and efficient solution is ideal for apartment buildings and hotels, supermarkets, filling stations, companies, car dealerships, and fleet operators who are increasingly switching to EVs. The ChargeBox EV charging platform has a charging capacity of up to 320 kW, even on power-limited grid connections, and supports CCSI charging plus and will soon support NACS charging plugs.

In another notable development, Allison Transmission, in partnership with New Flyer, has been selected by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for electric hybrid buses equipped with the Allison eGen Flex electric hybrid propulsion system. The eGen Flex is capable of operating up to 50% of a bus's typical route in engine-off mode, activated through geofencing technology. This move is expected to provide a more sustainable transportation solution to the city of New Orleans.

Lastly, Wallbox and Bidirectional Energy have been awarded $2.2M in funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC) for their Bidirectional Residential V2X Demonstration Project. The project will install and operate Wallbox's bidirectional charger, Quasar 2, in 120 residential locations across California. This initiative aims to further promote the adoption of bidirectional charging technology in residential settings.

These developments underscore the growing momentum towards sustainable transportation solutions, with companies like Einride, Nikola, BMW, ADS-TEC Energy, Allison Transmission, and Wallbox leading the charge.