White House

 

Biden Acknowledges Reality On BBB. According to Politico, “Biden advocated Wednesday for mining the stalled Build Back Better Act for salvageable parts, pointing to the bill’s $550 billion in climate change provisions — including electric vehicle tax credits — as a point of broad consensus among Democrats that could be passed on its own. ‘I think we can break the package up,’ Biden said in a press conference. ‘Get as much as we can now and fight for the rest later.’ Some of moderate Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-W.Va.) least favorite programs, like a child tax credit expansion, would likely be sacrificed to win his vote. This is great news for EV boosters. But the fate of other green transportation provisions, like $10 billion each for transit and high-speed rail, would be unclear in a shrunken bill like that. And that’s assuming Senate Democrats take the president’s suggestion. The upshot: As our Josh Siegel writes, ‘Manchin has signaled he can cut a deal with fellow Democrats on the climate change portion of the bill, but so far his colleagues in the Senate aren’t interested in pursuing a smaller bill that includes significant climate provisions at the expense of cutting other social policies. Biden’s endorsement of breaking the bill apart could change that calculus.’” [Politico, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

Biden Resets BBB: 'I Think We Can Break The Package Up'. According to Politico, “President Biden said yesterday he would support breaking up or paring down the ‘Build Back Better Act,’ pointing specifically to the $555 billion in climate spending as a key area of agreement. ‘I think we can break the package up, get as much as we can now and come back and fight for the rest later,’ Biden said yesterday during a news conference marking nearly one year in office. ‘I’ve been talking to a number of my colleagues on the Hill,’ Biden added. ‘I think it’s clear that we would be able to get support for the 500-plus billion dollars for energy and the environment.’ … And other congressional Democrats say those provisions, namely the $325 billion in clean energy tax credits, are largely negotiated and agreed to, save for some outstanding talks with Manchin on a methane fee and a new credit for union-made electric vehicles. Most provisions extend for 10 years and are fully paid for: two top Manchin sticking points.” [Politico, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

EPA

 

EPA Sees Opportunity To ‘Reimagine’ Next Round Of Auto GHG Rules. According to InsideEPA, “A top EPA official is suggesting that the agency’s forthcoming rulemaking setting long-term greenhouse gas standards for light-duty vehicles presents an opportunity to ‘reimagine’ the structure of the agency’s program, floating several key questions the agency is weighing as well as potentially novel policy options. ‘It’s been more than 10 years since we’ve really thought about or taken action on looking at potential improvements to the way our light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas program is structured,’ said EPA Office of Transportation & Air Quality (OTAQ) official Bill Charmley during a Jan. 19 panel discussion at SAE International’s annual Government/Industry Meeting, held in conjunction with the Washington Auto Show. The comments come as the agency is pivoting toward development of ambitious multipollutant standards that would take effect in model year 2027 -- as a follow-up to just-finalized rules for MY23-26 vehicles. Charmley, who runs OTAQ’s assessment and standards division, specifically cited ‘an opportunity not only to look at the topic of stringency,’ but also to get input from stakeholders on whether there are ‘other changes EPA should consider to the way the program is designed.’” [InsideEPA, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

DOT

 

Buttigieg Urges Senate To Confirm More DOT Nominees. According to Politico, “Buttigieg was asked specifically for an update on a new Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration nominee, after previous acting FMCSA Administrator Meera Joshi left the Biden administration in December to join New York Mayor Eric Adams as a deputy mayor of operations. He didn’t provide any specifics on a replacement for Joshi, but did say the Senate needs to move faster. ‘I don’t have a specific update on FMCSA, but what I can say is we do need to get more of our people confirmed,’ Buttigieg said. ‘We just got our federal rail administrator confirmed this week. That’s great news especially when you consider what’s going on with the supply chain, but I believe he’s only the fourth appointee to get confirmed so far. We’ve appointed a lot of people. We’ve nominated a lot of people, but so many of them are still waiting for action on Capitol Hill.’ … The unconfirmed are General Counsel John Putnam, CFO Victoria Wassmer, Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs Annie Petsonk, Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs Mohsin Syed, Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology Robert Hampshire, Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy Christopher Coes, Maritime Administration Administrator Ann Phillips and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Steven Cliff.” [Politico, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

New Chief Named For FMCSA. According to Heavy-Duty Trucking, “The U.S. Department of Transportation has named a new deputy administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to replace the departing Meera Joshi. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that Robin Hutcheson will become the deputy administrator of the agency and also will serve as acting administrator. Hutcheson will be the fourth acting chief of FMCSA since Ray Martinez stepped down more than two years ago, and one of several to have left the agency unexpectedly since it was formed more than 20 years ago. The former deputy administrator, Meera Joshi, left the role to serve as a deputy mayor in New York City. For the past year, Hutcheson has served as the deputy assistant secretary for safety policy for the U.S. Department of Transportation in the Biden-Harris administration. ‘In this role she led safety policy for the department and coordinated other critical efforts, including COVID-19 response and recovery,’ according to a DOT news release. ‘She was instrumental in the development of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, especially the new Safe Streets and Roads for All program.’ The latter is a $5 billion, one-time grant program to support local initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets, commonly referred to as ‘Vision Zero’ initiatives.” [Heavy-Duty Trucking, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

International

 

Norway: NIO Launches The First Battery Swap Station In Europe. According to Inside EVs, “NIO has officially launched the first battery swap station in Norway, where the Chinese manufacturer intends to have a total of 20 such facilities in 2022. The station opened on January 2019, 2022 close to the E-18 at Kjellstad in Lier, a few kilometers north of Drammen. The site was ready after a few months of preparations, since at least November 2021. The company recently released also its first over-the-air software update in Norway (the first outside China). It’s the second-generation Power Swap Station 2.0, introduced in April 2021, which has 14 battery slots - 13 battery packs (vs 5 in the 1.0 version) and an empty slot to pick up a discharged battery (or old/previous generation battery when upgrading). The battery swap stations will support the market launch of the NIO ES8 model, as well as the following electric cars from NIO (all are compatible with the battery swap system).” [Inside EVs, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

India, Tesla In 'Weird Stalemate' On Tax Cut Demands With No Investment Pledge-Sources. According to Reuters, “Talks between India and Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) over potential tax benefits are deadlocked as the government is not keen to give the company any breaks without a commitment to manufacture locally, people familiar with the discussions told Reuters. Tesla is desperate to import and sell its electric vehicles in India and has for nearly a year lobbied officials in New Delhi to reduce tariffs, which the company’s billionaire CEO Elon Musk says are among the highest in the world. But Indian official sources said they have been unconvinced by Tesla’s lobbying as the company has not yet shared any firm plan to invest in the country, something that would be in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ vision to boost local manufacturing and create jobs. A third person with direct knowledge of Tesla’s thinking said the discussions with the Indian government have reached a ‘weird stalemate situation’.” [Reuters, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Hero Electric And Mahindra & Mahindra Announce Strategic Partnership In Electric Mobility. According to Automotive World, “Hero Electric, India’s No.1 EV company and the Mahindra Group today announced their collaborative intent as part of Hero’s growth and expansion plans to cater to the ever-growing demand for EVs in the country. The strategic partnership will create multiple synergies to help drive adoption across the country. As part of the partnership, Mahindra Group will manufacture Hero Electric’s most popular electric bikes – Optima & NYX at their Pitampur plant to meet the growing demands of the market. With this collaboration along with the expansion of their existing Ludhiana facility, Hero will be able to meet its demand of manufacturing over 1 million EVs per year by 2022. This will further enable them to drive adoption of a cleaner mode of transport.” [Automotive World, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

States

 

California Budget Promises Climate Solutions ‘Revolution,’ Global Model. According to InsideEPA, “California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) administration says its fiscal year 2022-23 budget plan with $22.5 billion over five years for a variety of climate change programs will spark a ‘climate solutions revolution,’ allow the state to become the lithium ‘battery capital of the world,’ and create an equitable ‘global model’ others can follow. ‘This budget embeds equity and economic opportunity across all of our . . . investments, because we know that our climate agenda can and must deliver economic and social justice,’ Lauren Sanchez, Newsom’s senior policy advisor on climate, said during a Jan. 10 press call on the budget proposal. ‘This budget will deliver community resilience, affordable housing, expanded access to climate jobs and education, while fundamentally changing how we power our economy. This budget articulates a future state that all Californians can see themselves in,’ she added, noting that the current fiscal year budget included $15 billion for climate programs. In addition to $10 billion dedicated to zero-emission vehicles and clean transportation and energy programs, Newsom administration officials plan to spend an additional $12 billion on a wide variety of climate-related activities that aim to benefit communities broadly.” [InsideEPA, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

N.C. Governor’s Climate Order Marks A Turning Point On Transportation. According to Energy News Network, “A lofty climate executive order issued by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper this month shows just how quickly expectations for plug-in electric vehicles are changing — and how urgent the need to clean up the transportation sector has become. In his first term, Cooper, a Democrat, aimed to get 80,000 plug-ins on state roads by 2025, part of a wide-ranging executive order on climate change issued in 2018. Now, with the state likely to cruise past that goal, a new climate executive order signed on Jan. 7 sets the bar exponentially higher: 1.25 million zero-emission vehicles by 2030, 40 times the current number of registrations. In line with climate scientists’ recommendations, the order also pledges that North Carolinians will get around almost entirely without fossil fuels by midcentury. That’s a massive transformation for a state where single-passenger, gasoline-fueled vehicles are the norm. Clean energy advocates and experts called the transportation targets among the most aggressive in the country. ‘It’s super aggressive,’ said Steve Kalland, the director of the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University, ‘especially for a state in our region that has a lot of catching up to do.’” [Energy News Network, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

Electric Vehicle Parking Spots Bill Moving To The House. According to WVTF-Radio, “The future of the automobile industry may end up being electric cars, which means that the future of parking spots might involve charging stations. A bill under consideration in the General Assembly would address that issue. Imagine the scenario: You’re driving an electric car, and you need a charge. You find a parking space that has a charging station. But there’s a gas-powered car parked there. That’s why members of the General Assembly are considering a bill that would create a $250 penalty for drivers of non-electric cars that park in spots reserved for electric cars. Senator David Suetterlein is a Republican from Roanoke County who voted against the bill. ‘If someone happens to own an electric vehicle pulls there with no intent to charge, they cannot be fined even though they are parked there and preventing others from using it the way it’s intended,’ he says. Senator Scott Surovell is a Democrat from Fairfax County who says that’s not a persuasive argument. ‘I look forward to his bill that would allow parking in handicapped spots when every other spot is full,’ explains Surovell.” [WVTF-Radio, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Auto Manufacturers

 

BMW Group

 

BMW X3 Plug-In Hybrid Dropped, Leaves No Entry For Brand In Fast-Growing EV SUV Segment. According to Green Car Reports, “The BMW X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid has been dropped for the 2022 model year, the automaker confirmed in a press release of its updates for the new model year. With the all-electric iX3 not slated to reach the United States, that leaves BMW without a plug-in offering in the entry luxury SUV segment, which is quickly being populated with new EV models. BMW had just added the revised X3 plug-in hybrid to its lineup for the 2020 model year. The X3 xDrive30e used a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, with an electric motor crammed into the transmission housing. Total system output was 288 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The all-wheel drive X3 xDrive30e was rated at 18 miles of electric range with an efficiency rating of 60 MPGe combined. In hybrid mode, it achieved EPA-rated fuel economy of 24 mpg combined. BMW also quoted a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time.” [Green Car Reports, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Germany Courts BMW, Airbus In Bid To Speed Up Green Shift. According to Bloomberg, “German Economy Minister Robert Habeck kicked off a charm offensive targeting major industrial companies and regional leaders this week as the government tries to accelerate its plan to cut emissions and meet elusive climate change goals. Habeck visited a BMW AG factory in Munich on Thursday after touring an Airbus SE facility in Hamburg on Tuesday. The stops underscore that slashing emissions from transport will be one of the biggest challenges facing Germany’s new coalition government. The outreach comes a week after Habeck said the country needs to triple the speed of its emissions reductions to transform Europe’s biggest economy into a climate neutral state by 2045. Now, the co-leader of Germany’s pro-environment Green Party is looking to move past friction with the auto industry over the climate goals. ‘We have put a period of disagreement behind us,’ Habeck said Thursday at a press conference on a BMW factory floor in Munich, referring to the German automaker’s initial reticence to shift to electric vehicles and ditch combustion engines. ‘We’re now working toward the same goals.’” [Bloomberg, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

General Motors Co.

 

GM Plans To Broaden Electrification, Expanding Fuel Cells Beyond Vehicles . According to Automotive World, “GM continues to accelerate its growth as a platform innovator and announced today new commercial applications of its HYDROTEC fuel cell technology. HYDROTEC projects, which are currently in development, from heavy-duty trucks to aerospace and locomotives, are being planned for use beyond vehicles for power generation. GM is planning multiple HYDROTEC-based power generators, all powered by GM’s Generation 2 HYDROTEC fuel cell power cubes, including: A Mobile Power Generator (MPG) to provide fast-charge capability for EVs without installing permanent charge points The EMPOWER rapid charger to help retail fuel stations add affordable DC fast charging without expanding the grid A palletized MPG to quietly and efficiently power military camps and installations These fuel cell generators could ultimately replace gas- and diesel-burning generators with fewer emissions at worksites, buildings, movie sets, data centers, outdoor concerts and festivals. They could also back up or temporarily replace grid-sourced electricity for residential and small commercial enterprises at times of power disruption.” [Automotive World, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

GM Says Its Fuel Cell Generators Could Enable More EV Fast-Charging. According to Inside EVs, “GM takes hydrogen fuel cell technology seriously and sees it as an important part for future zero-emissions growth in bigger vehicles. But this tech has far more commercial applications, and GM highlights some of them in its latest press release. The automaker currently has several Hydrotec fuel cell technology projects in development, from heavy-duty trucks to aerospace and locomotives. Beyond those, GM is also planning multiple Hydrotec-based power generators, all powered by its Generation 2 Hydrotec fuel cell power cubes. Those include a Mobile Power Generator (MPG) that will provide fast-charge capability for EVs without installing permanent charge points, the Empower rapid charger to help retail fuel stations offer affordable DC fast charging without expanding the grid, and a palletized MPG to power military camps and installations quietly and efficiently.” [Inside EVs, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

GM Fuel-Cell Tech Could Enable More EV Fast-Charging, Help Prevent Blackouts. According to Green Car Reports, “As General Motors works to fill its lineup with battery electric passenger vehicles, it’s made clear that it sees hydrogen fuel-cell technology as an important part for future zero-emissions growth in bigger vehicles. Think heavy-duty commercial trucks, locomotives, and aerospace applications. On Wednesday, GM announced it’s adding a line of Hydrotec power generators to the plan—as well as a DC fast charger that will use fuel-cell power to provide charging at places where the grid might not allow it. These mobile generators could potentially be used by worksites, data centers, or outdoor festivals, and they’re all powered by GM’s Generation 2 Hydrotec fuel-cell ‘power cubes,’ the company said. They’ll be offered in a wide range of outputs from 60 kw to 600 kw, to fit various uses. The push into the generator business includes the Mobile Power Generator (MPG) revealed Wednesday. To be made by Utah-based Renewable Innovations, with the Hydrotec power cubes, it will be demonstrated by mid-2022. The California Energy Commission is funding the use of four MPGs to show how such systems might help offset power loss during wildfire mitigation.” [Green Car Reports, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Blink 80-Amp Chargers Will Ready GM Dealerships For Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer EV. According to Green Car Reports, “Blink Charging will supply Level 2 charging stations to General Motors dealerships in the United States and Canada, the company announced Tuesday in a press release. The Blink IQ 200 19.2-kilowatt charging stations are already shipping to dealerships, with orders placed for more to be delivered over the next several months, the company said. That means the new hardware will coincide with the rollout of the 2022 GMC Hummer EV pickup truck and 2023 Cadillac Lyriq SUV. Customer Hummer EV production started at GM’s Factory Zero in Detroit late last year, while Lyriq production at the former Saturn factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee, is expected to start this spring. Both models will be able to take advantage of the Blink stations’ full 19.2-kw capacity. GM hopes to make Cadillac an all-electric brand by the end of the decade. It has already mandated that dealers install charging stations, a move that has already lost some dealers. Presumably it will be these Blink stations that remaining dealers end up installing.” [Green Car Reports, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

This GM Team Fast-Tracked The Silverado EV. Here's How. According to The Detroit News, “It was November 2019 when Nichole Kraatz got a career-changing offer: Do you want to become the chief engineer on General Motors Co.’s coming electric Chevrolet Silverado pickup. Josh Tavel, executive chief engineer of GM’s battery electric trucks, had worked with Kraatz before and had only two people in mind for the job. Kraatz was one.” [The Detroit News, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Stellantis

 

Stellantis CEO Warns Of Dangers In EU Electric Car Policies. According to Clean Technica, “This week, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares sat down for an interview with several European newspapers, including Les Echos, Handelsblatt, Corriere della Sera, and El Mundo. During the interview, he told the press the European Commission strategy to phase out combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles is a political choice that carries environmental and social risks. ‘What is clear is that electrification is a technology chosen by politicians, not by industry,’ he said, before adding that in his opinion, there are faster and less expensive ways to reduce carbon emissions from vehicles. ‘Given the current European energy mix, an electric car needs to drive 70,000 kilometres to compensate for the carbon footprint of manufacturing the battery and to start catching up with a light hybrid vehicle, which costs half as much as an EV (electric vehicle),’ he said. According to Automotive News Europe, Tavares also said a ban on internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 in Europe means carmakers need to start transforming their plants and supply chains quickly. ‘The brutality of this change creates social risk,’ he said.” [Clean Technica, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Jeep Brand To Become 100 Percent Electrified In Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Nordics And Portugal This Year With New Hybrid Versions Of Compass And Renegade. According to Heavy-Duty Trucking, “The Jeep brand moves towards offering only an electrified SUV portfolio in Germany, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Nordics and Portugal with New Hybrid Versions of Compass and Renegade by the end of this year. The introduction of these new hybrid versions offers customers a new point of entry into the electrified Jeep range when they arrive on the market in March. These new models join the successful plug-in-hybrid 4xe versions, which currently account for more than 25 percent of the brand’s total sales in Europe. In markets such as France, Jeep 4xe models reached more than 50 percent of total sales while in Italy, the largest Jeep brand market in Europe, Jeep was the leading brand in the LEV market, including Battery Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrids. ‘Today’s announcement builds upon the success of our current 4xe plug-in-hybrid portfolio, and is another step towards the comprehensive electrification of our full product line-up in Europe’ said Antonella Bruno – Head of Jeep Brand Europe. ‘The Jeep Compass and Renegade e-Hybrid offer a new entry point into our electrified portfolio expanding our sales momentum by offering more hybrid options to more European customers. This product expansion will continue in the summer of this year with the introduction of the 4xe version of the all-new Jeep Grand Cherokee.’” [Automotive World, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Tesla

 

Musk Engineered SolarCity Purchase As A ‘Bailout,’ Tesla Investors Argue. According to Bloomberg, “The judge deciding whether Elon Musk will lose billions of dollars in a shareholder lawsuit challenging Tesla Inc.’s $2.6 billion acquisition of a solar power provider said he would rule in about three months. Delaware Chancery Court Judge Joseph Slights III offered the estimate at closing arguments Tuesday, six months after the electric car maker’s chief executive officer testified in a trial over the 2016 purchase of SolarCity. At the heart of the case is whether Musk improperly used his influence with Tesla’s board to get the transaction done. If he loses, it could cost him some $13 billion, according to calculations by the shareholders’ lawyers -- enough to put a dent in his $264 billion fortune. ‘At every turn Musk intended the acquisition to be a bailout, and Musk was the most important person to make that happen,’ Randall Baron, an attorney for the investors, told Slights on Tuesday.” [Bloomberg, 1/18/22 (=)]

 

Vertical Integration: Tesla’s Secret To Overcoming Challenges. According to Clean Technica, “Last year proved to be extremely challenging for the auto sector. Supply chain issues, a global chip shortage, and a pernicious pandemic plagued the industry. However, an unorthodox strategy at Tesla proved invaluable when facing tough times in 2021 — vertical integration. Jack Ewing reports in the New York Times, ‘Just a few years ago, analysts saw Mr. Musk’s insistence on having Tesla do more things on its own as one of the main reasons the company was struggling to increase production. Now, his strategy appears to have been vindicated.’ ‘In recent decades, the conventional auto wisdom had it that manufacturers should concentrate on design and final assembly and farm out the rest to suppliers. That strategy helped reduce how much money big players tied up in factories, but left them vulnerable to supply chain turmoil,’ writes Ewing.” [Clean Technica, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Volkswagen Group

 

Volkswagen Giving Electric Vehicles Chip Priority As Assembly To Start In Chattanooga Plant. According to Energy News Network, “Volkswagen’s electric vehicles are getting priority over conventional models in terms of the availability of semiconductor chips as the company’s Chattanooga plant soon launches a battery-powered SUV, an official said. The move comes as Volkswagen Group of America became the No. 2 seller of EVs in the United States last year with its ID.4 SUV and other electric vehicles, trailing leader Tesla, according to the German automaker. ‘The ID.4 is off to a very strong start,’ said Scott Keogh, chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America, in a conference call earlier this month with journalists about the vehicle to be built in Chattanooga. VW is spending $800 million in an expansion at the Chattanooga plant to ready for production of the ID.4 later this year. Early prototypes are already coming down the assembly line. ‘It’s the perfect investment at the perfect time,’ Keogh said. Also, more hiring is expected this year at the plant, which already employs more than 4,000, to produce the ID.4 along with the existing Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs. The battery-powered ID.4, which is now made in Germany and imported to the U.S., has created the most excitement on VW dealership floors since the Beetle was initially brought back more than two decades ago, Keogh said. ‘There are 20,000 to 25,000 reservations in the wings,’ he said.” [Energy News Network, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Audi, The First To Progress Ultra-Fast 150kw EV Charging In South Africa. According to Automotive World, “Audi South Africa is proud to announce a partnership with GridCars to install ultra-fast charging stations across the country and will become the first electric vehicle brand to invest in this technology through publicly accessible sites. The 150kW public chargers initiated by Audi will be the first for the South African market. The charge points will provide up to 150kW of direct current (DC) charge to electric vehicles; meaning that an Audi e-tron 55 (with a 95kWh battery) will charge from 10% to 90% in approximately 30 minutes. As part of this, Audi will invest in setting up 70 new EV charge connectors across 33 sites in order to expand on the existing public charging network in South Africa, for all electric vehicle drivers.” [Automotive World, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Electric Vehicles

 

Lots Of EV News! Batteries, Trucks, Charging. According to Axios, “Here are a few electric vehicle developments on our radar, Ben writes. 🔋 The solid-state battery startup Factorial Energy this morning announced it had raised $200 million in a Series D funding round led by auto giants Mercedes and Stellantis. 🚚 Isuzu and engine-maker Cummins on Thursday said they will develop a prototype medium-duty electric truck and explore commercialization opportunities. 🔋 Honda has announced a joint development agreement with the Boston-based lithium-metal battery startup SES, and also plans to buy 2% of the shares of the company that’s going public via a SPAC deal. 📺 Automakers ran 33,000 national TV ads in the U.S. for electric vehicles last year, up from 8,000 in 2019, Bloomberg reports. EVs represent a growing — but still small — share of the industry’s overall ad budget. 🔌 The EV startup Rivian and Under Canvas, which offers upscale camping locations, announced a partnership to provide open access charging at sites starting in Utah wilderness areas. It’s part of Rivian’s wider pitch to outdoor enthusiasts.” [Axios, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

An EV "Tsunami" As New Models Hit The Market. According to Axios, “Bank of America analysts see 2022 as a ‘major year of commercialization’ for the electric vehicle market amid a slew of new vehicle launches and many more on the horizon, Ben writes. Driving the news: Over 85 new models are slated to launch in model years 2022-2025 (calendar 2021-2024), they said in a note that says a ‘tsunami’ of new cars are coming. It includes models from startups and legacy automakers alike, such as Rivian’s SUV, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford’s electric F-150 and many more. By the numbers: They estimate that electric vehicles’ U.S. market share will grow from about 6% of new sales this year to 16% in 2024. Yes, but: ‘This analysis still points to cost/price parity in the mid/late 2020s, which is a limiting factor for EV demand over the next few years,’ it states. And overall, it would take a major, sustained surge to meet the Biden administration’s target of EVs growing to 50% of U.S. passenger vehicle sales by 2030. The intrigue: ‘Tesla’s dominance in this still nascent market segment may be coming to an end,’ they predict.” [Axios, 1/20/22 (=)]

 

New EV Rules Handicap Transplants, Play To Detroit Three's Strengths. According to The Detroit News, “As the most onerous federal mpg regulations in 50 years force the auto industry toward electric vehicles, domestic manufacturers are in the catbird seat. Credit the Detroit Three’s huge advantage in profitable fleet trucks and vans, say industry analysts, that are lining up corporate customers. Meanwhile, more consumer-reliant Asian automakers see a tough road for EV adoption.” [The Detroit News, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Analysts: EV Sales Slated For 2022 Surge. According to Axios, “Global sales of electric passenger vehicles are projected to surpass 10.5 million this year, about 4 million above 2021 levels, as the tech grows more mainstream, the research firm BloombergNEF said in a new report, Ben writes. Driving the news: Its 2022 outlook for battery-electric and plug-in hybrids sees a number of forces rowing in the same direction. There are more models on the market, tougher climate policies, fleet purchases, automakers pushing cars with a plug, and other factors. Why it matters: While noting policy is important, the analysis also states, ‘the passenger EV market is shifting from one driven by policy to one driven by organic consumer demand.’ Zoom in: Here are a few other takeaways from the 2022 outlook... China remains the biggest market and is projected to account for over half of global sales this year, with Europe around 30% and the U.S. the third-largest market. The market for commercial-use electric delivery vans and trucks is growing. Bloomberg sees a 75% increase in zero-emissions sales this year. Yes, but: ‘The surge in EV demand is putting unprecedented pressure on supply chains, and we expect prices for raw materials like lithium and nickel to remain high.’” [Axios, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Electric Airstream Travel Trailer Revealed: Game-Changer For EV Camping? According to Green Car Reports, “The classic Airstream trailer is going electric. Just under a year after it announced plans to pursue electric travel trailers, Airstream parent company Thor Industries unveiled a concept version Wednesday at the 2022 Florida RV SuperShow. Dubbed eStream, the concept uses built-in battery packs and an electric motor to reduce the range loss of EV tow vehicles, or improve fuel economy of gasoline or diesel vehicles, according to a Thor Industries press release. Underneath the familiar streamlined body (which helps reduce aerodynamic drag, Airstream notes) is a drive system developed by ZF—which has already shown that it can stretch the range of an Audi E-Tron tow vehicle back to about what it would be unladen. … While the eStream is officially just a concept, it could help make towing with an EV easier. As we’ve underscored, towing with an EV is an exercise in patience and planning, as you’re likely to see range drop nearly in half. So anything that could potentially boost range would be a big help to EV-driving campers.” [Green Car Reports, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Vehicle Infrastructure

 

Automakers Develop Charging Networks For Greater EV Cred. According to Bloomberg, “Frequent announcements of new electric vehicle model launches and multi-billion-dollar funding for electrification programs have pushed automakers’ commitments to roll out charging networks out of the news. It’s worth taking stock of these projects — a raft of meaty announcements in the area recently have positioned carmakers to become key owners of the future charging network. The question of who should build public charging infrastructure has long been debated in board rooms. Automakers might have been forgiven for stepping back and leaving others to build the network. Companies across the oil and gas, utility and telecommunications sectors have laid out meaningful plans to invest in charging over the next decade. And a string of private players, like Volta Charging and Fastned, have gone public to fund their expansion plans. Carmakers have realized that charging is so critical to their mission of selling vehicles that they can’t afford not to get involved. They’ve also more recently looked to this as an additional business opportunity. BP now says its fast chargers are about to become more profitable than its fuel pumps. Automakers’ approaches so far differ as they work on figuring out the technology and appropriate business model, just like everyone else. Nearly all automakers are pursuing ultra-fast chargers though slower, level 2 chargers are in the mix as well as are battery swapping stations. Some automakers are building these networks on their own, others are striking joint venture deals; a handful are giving chargers to communities to spur private activity without getting more involved.” [Bloomberg, 1/18/22 (=)]

 

Electric Vehicle Charging Company Relocates Headquarters To Houston From California. According to Houston Chronicle, “A Taiwanese electric vehicle charging company is relocating its U.S. headquarters to Houston from California. Noodoe EV, an EV charging technology company with products in 110 countries, announced Wednesday its plans to move to Houston from Irvine, Calif. The company is setting up its headquarters at 9896 Bissonnet in southwest Houston, although the size of its office and the timing of its move wasn’t immediately clear. ‘Current and anticipated demand for our EV charging stations necessitates Noodoe scaling up and expanding right now,’ said Jennifer Chang, Noodoe EV’s CEO, in a statement. ‘Logistically, we need our U.S. headquarters to be centrally located. Houston has the port and airport capacity we need to efficiently meet the unprecedented demand for EV charging stations.’ The company is relocating its U.S. headquarters nearly two years after moving to Irvine from Walnut, Calif. in April 2020, according to earlier media reports. Noodoe plans to maintain its Irvine office as a base to provide operations, support and installation services on the West Coast. ‘The Irvine office is a vital part of our operations. California and the West Coast represent a big share of our current EV installations,’ Chang added.” [Houston Chronicle, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

El Paso Electric Receives $25k In Grants For Installation Of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. According to KTSM-TV, “The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) awarded El Paso Electric (EPE) with two $12,500 grants for the installation of 10 public, Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. EPE says the grants were made possible by the Texas Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Program (TxVEMP) at TCEQ. These charging stations will be installed in a variety of optimal, high-traffic locations throughout the central areas of El Paso, Texas and are expected to be available later this year, according to officials. ‘The electrification of transportation is a key initiative at EPE, and this grant propels our commitment to drive economic growth and vibrancy in our region,’ said EPE Senior Director of Innovation and Sustainability Jessica Christianson. ‘We are optimistic that adding more charging infrastructure in our community will help support the adoption of EVs which can offer cost savings to drivers and environmental benefits to our region. EPE will continue to seek out opportunities to provide our customers with energy solutions for electrification.’” [KTSM-TV, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

City Of Pascagoula Approves Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. According to WXXV-TV, “The Pascagoula City Council approved the installation of an electric vehicle charging station downtown. The station will be mounted on a single pedestal with the capability to simultaneously charge two vehicles in adjacent parking spots. The charger will be universal, meaning all makes of electrical vehicles can use it. Mississippi Power will install the charging station in the public parking lot behind city hall on Magnolia Street. This station will be the first municipality installed charging station along the Mississippi Coast. Access to the charging will be free to the public. Pascagoula Community Relations Director Katarina Scott said, ‘Over the last couple of years, we’ve really seen an increase in people starting to drive electric vehicles, but the dilemma they get into is that they don’t have anywhere to charge them, so with the tremendous growth that we’re seeing downtown – recently over 30 million dollars of private investment being made. With that growth, it just made sense for an electric vehicle charging station to be placed downtown.’” [WXXV-TV, 1/19/22 (=)]

 

Opinions

 

For Maximum EV Efficiency, Stick To 25 Miles An Hour, Ignore Angry Drivers. According to The Wall Street Journal, “The Ford Mustang Mach-E electric car can hit 60 miles an hour from a standstill in 3.5 seconds. Fergal McGrath prefers to keep the needle stuck at a grandfatherly 40 mph. He’s after a different kind of bragging rights. Mr. McGrath is a hypermiler, someone who tries to coax as much mileage as possible from their fuel, whether gas or electric. The practice requires driving at a plodding pace to conserve energy, around 40 to 50 mph on a gas-powered vehicle. The efficiency sweet spot on an electric car can be agonizingly slow—sometimes below 30 mph. Road rage from other travelers comes with the territory, as Mr. McGrath saw when he and fellow hypermiler Kevin Booker set a Guinness World Record in July for lowest energy consumption traveling the length of Great Britain. They were able to squeeze 6.45 miles per kilowatt-hour from a Mach-E on their 27-hour, 840-mile trek, driving at an average 40 mph. ‘We had some honks and angry people behind us,’ said Mr. McGrath, an engineer for an automotive testing and certification company who lives in Swindon, England. Hypermiling has been done for years with gas- and diesel-powered cars. The expanding EV market offers new opportunities to test the limits of efficiency. It’s also a tactic to dispel range anxiety: the fear of running out of power, far from a charging station.” [The Wall Street Journal, 1/20/22 (-)]

 

 

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