In electric vehicle, battery and charging news are Parks Associates, Berger, Electrify America, Toyota, Blue Bird, Cummins, Sakuu, SK, bp Pulse, VW, QuantumScape and Panasonic Energy.
EV Sales Slightly Decline
New research from Parks Associates’ consumer study of 8,000 US internet households finds electric vehicle (EV) ownership has seen a slight decline, with 5%, or six million internet households, reporting ownership. The firm’s latest research, EV Charging at Home: User Demand and Preferences, shows the familiarity with EVs increased in 2019, peaking before the pandemic, and has since been decreasing.
“Inflation and interest rates are up, and consumers perceive electric vehicles as expensive, challenging to charge outside the home, and limited in range,” said Daniel Holcomb, Senior Analyst, Parks Associates. “With many car manufacturers scaling back ambitions on EV production, familiarity has dropped to 19%, a low not seen since 2018. At the same time, current EV and hybrid owners, among the most affluent consumer segments, have the highest purchase intentions to buy an EV, which indicates a relatively flat growth rate for the near future.”
Intentions to buy an EV in the next year vary by vehicle ownership type:
- 22% of EV owners plan to buy an EV
- 14% of hybrid owners plan to buy an EV, but that segment is more likely to buy a hybrid
- Just 3% of internal combustion engine owners plan to buy an EV
Many manufacturers are experiencing financial challenges due to slower-than-expected sales and failure to scale. The recent bankruptcy filing in June 2024 by Fisker comes as a result of the broader challenges faced by manufacturers as they navigate an increasingly competitive and economically volatile market.
“Industry players must counter consumer perceptions as well as economic headwinds,” Holcomb said. “Our research shows key inhibitors are the perceived cost and lack of charging stations — 65% of consumers shopping for a vehicle cite at least one of three charging-related factors as a reason not to buy an EV. Companies in this space need to use aggressive strategies to bring in new customers, with deals that account for the current economic climate, and with an expansion of available charging stations to ensure users have the convenience, accessibility, and peace of mind they want when buying a car.”
This research is available for purchase.
Berger Figures on EV Growth
After a period of rapid expansion, 2023 saw a slowdown in EV sales growth. Global EV sales rose by 33% in 2023, having grown by more than 100% in 2022. The average share of EVs in new vehicle registrations continues to rise – up 20% from 14% in 2022 – but some established markets, including South Korea and Germany, saw a decline in this metric. The sector currently faces numerous headwinds, including high electricity costs, inflation, and reduced subsidies as governments shift their funding focus from vehicles to charging facilities. Growth in the number of charge points was strong in 2023, rising by 65%, with most regions seeing a slight decline in their overall vehicle-to-charger ratios. As a consequence, 81% of consumers say EV charging has become easier in the past six months. A strong increase in the ratio of fast chargers has helped. These are the key findings of the Roland Berger EV Charging Index 2024, which is based on extensive industry interviews and a survey of 16,000 respondents in markets from Europe, Asia, North and South America, and the Middle East – and assesses their charging facility readiness and customer satisfaction amid general EV trends
“The global e-mobility landscape paints a varied picture. Mature markets are reducing or removing incentives for EVs, but less mature markets, for example in southern Europe, are now pushing infrastructure expansion and EV sales,” says Adam Healy, Principal at Roland Berger. “Mixed OEM strategies also play a part – some auto manufacturers are recommitting to new fully electric platforms, while others shift to plug-in-hybrids. Slow progress towards cost parity between internal combustion engine vehicles and EVs is a further factor.”
China leads the way for e-mobility once more
China’s overall score in the Index may not have increased in 2023, but its lead at the top of the rankings has not suffered as it maintained strong growth in EV sales and charging infrastructure. Its closest competitors – Germany, the United States, and the Netherlands – have all seen their scores either stall or decrease, a trend seen across most established markets in 2023. Meanwhile, developing markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are showing rapid growth in EV sales, and closing the gap to the leading nations.
The United States ranked joint second in the latest edition of the EV Charging Index, driven by continued EV sales growth in 2023, including the increasingly popular plug-in-hybrids. Growth in the public charging network did not keep pace, although the very high percentage of US EV owners with home charging reduces dependency on the public network. Meanwhile, ongoing federal support for e-mobility rests heavily on the outcome of the US election in November 2024
OEMs increase charging involvement to help drive EV sales
The EV charging market is vibrant, with a variety of new companies entering the fray in both mature and developing regions. Across the globe, OEMs are increasing their involvement in charging, either through their own branded networks or collaborating with others in consortiums. This is especially true in less mature markets, where they can drive EV sales by expanding infrastructure.
“Charging-related investment has become increasingly popular across all regions and market participants are continuing to test new business models and technologies,” says Jack Zhuang, Principal at Roland Berger. “Ultimately, a wide range of solutions are likely to be appropriate for different use cases.
SOURCE: Roland Berger
Electrify America Caps Charging at 85%
Electrify America is capping charging at 85% at some of it’s busiest stations. Here is a statement from the company
Congestion Reduction Pilot Stations
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- Plaza Del Sol (Station 200068) at 10982 Sherman Way, Burbank, California 91505
- Target T2328 (Station 200041) at 651 W Sepulveda Blvd, Carson, California 90745
- Ralphs 060 (Station 200046) at 1416 East Colorado St, Glendale, California 91205
- Bank of America Washington-Centinela CA9-160 (Station 200044) at 12316 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90066
- Bank of America LA Chinatown CA9-167 (Station 200070) at 850 N Broadway, Los Angeles, California 90012
- Vons 2598 (Station 200049) at 3233 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, California 91214
- Walmart Supercenter 2177 (Station 200144) at 3382 Murphy Canyon Road, San Diego California 92123
- Target T0767 (Station 200051) at 888 W Arrow Hwy, San Dimas, California 91773
- 14920 Raymer Street, Van Nuys, California, 91405
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- Yorba Canyon Center (Station 200079) at 21580 1/2 Yorba Linda Blvd, Yorba Linda, California 92887
Toyota Invests in IONNA Charging
IONNA and Toyota Motor North America (Toyota) today announced that Toyota has joined seven other automakers as an investor in IONNA to support the buildout of its high-powered charging network for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) across North America. This allows Toyota and Lexus customers access to the public network of DC fast chargers IONNA will begin deploying later this year. IONNA plans to install at least 30,000 charging ports in North America by 2030, and stations will include both NACS and CCS connectors to support all BEV drivers.
“We are excited to announce our support of IONNA to deploy DC fast chargers throughout the U.S. and Canada,” said Ted Ogawa, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America. “We believe this will not only promote the adoption of BEVs and increase customer confidence in the technology, but it will provide our Toyota and Lexus customers with access to IONNA’s rapidly growing charging network in North America.”
IONNA’s focus on the holistic customer experience aligns closely with Toyota in ensuring that charging stations provide visitors with amenities and convenience in addition to vehicle charging. IONNA plans to bring its first batch of DC fast charging stations online in 2024 and will continue the buildout of additional stations throughout the decade.
“We are delighted to welcome Toyota to our growing IONNA family,” said Seth Cutler, CEO of IONNA. “Their vision for the future of electric mobility in North America aligns perfectly with our mission to push the boundaries for the highest standards of quality, reliability, and customer experience. This partnership marks another significant achievement of many to come in our joint journey to transform EV charging and spearhead the adoption of sustainable transportation in North America.”
Supporting IONNA is an important step for Toyota, as the planned nationwide network is highlighted by a partnership and collaboration effort among now eight OEMs to invest in the buildout of public charging. Toyota is the latest manufacturer to join in its support of the EV charging company, with BMW, GM, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis also pledging support.
Toyota currently offers two mass-market BEVs in the U.S. and Canada – the Toyota bZ4X and the Lexus RZ. It recently announced plans for two all-new three-row BEV SUVs that will be assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI). By 2030, Toyota aspires to offer 30 BEV models globally across its Toyota and Lexus brand nameplates and produce up to 3.5 million BEVs annually.
DOE Invests $75 Million in Cummins Indiana Plant
Cummins Inc. announced today that the company has been awarded $75 million to convert approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of existing manufacturing space at its Columbus (Indiana) Engine Plant (CEP) for zero-emissions components and electric powertrain systems. The $75 million grant is the largest federal grant ever awarded solely to Cummins and is part of the appropriations related to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Cummins will match the grant and invest $75 million for a total of $150 million to convert the space and expand production of battery packs, powertrain systems and other battery-electric vehicle (BEV) components for Accelera by Cummins, the company’s zero-emissions business segment. To support this additional manufacturing capacity, Cummins anticipates adding approximately 250 full-time jobs, with opportunities for the plant’s existing workforce to transition to many of these positions over time.
“This DOE grant is another step forward in the progress we are making toward a zero-emissions future and expanding battery manufacturing in the United States, strengthening our global position in electrified solutions for commercial markets,” said Amy Davis, President of Accelera by Cummins. “Today’s announcement represents a crucial step in advancing electrification and domestic battery supply chains. Partnership with government, customers, and the industry as a whole is required to accelerate the shift to zero. We are proud of this milestone and to be adding clean tech jobs to develop the workforce and communities of the future.”
After the completion of this project, CEP will house approximately 350 employees focused on BEV-related work. Nearly half of the 1.42 million sq. ft. facility, which opened in 1926, will be dedicated to zero-emissions manufacturing. The electric powertrains produced at CEP will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of approximately 104 million metric tons of carbon dioxide by 2030.*
Through its Destination Zero strategy, Cummins is committed to helping customers seamlessly and successfully transition to a zero-emissions future and understands that a variety of solutions are required to reach this goal. The company is unique in its ability to meet customers’ needs wherever they are in their journey, offering fuel-agnostic engine platforms powered by advanced diesel, natural gas and alternate fuels; fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell solutions; and key components. Cummins continues to be committed to advancing all of these solutions.
“Known as Plant One, CEP was Cummins’ first engine plant in our headquarter city of Columbus, Indiana, and this grant from the DOE allows us to broaden the legacy of the site even further. By expanding the production of batteries and electric vehicle components at CEP, at the same plant where we manufacture blocks and heads for our current and next-generation, engine-based solutions, we continue to prove our commitment to Destination Zero and dedication to innovation, strengthening the communities we serve and environmental stewardship,” said Jennifer Rumsey, Chair and CEO of Cummins. “As a Columbus native, I am especially proud of the significant contribution Cummins is making to economic and social vibrancies of the local community alongside our broader goals of improving and decarbonizing commercial and industrial applications.”
“As a City, Columbus has benefited from Cummins’ innovative spirit and technology investments for over 100 years,” said Mary Ferdon, Mayor of Columbus. “This expansion by Accelera reinforces the commitment the company has made to clean energy and a more sustainable future. Columbus also benefits from the re-investment in our workforce and the conversion of CEP space for advanced technology. We’re excited about this $150 million investment which moves the company forward in its zero-emissions manufacturing and de-carbonization goals and we’re proud to celebrate this milestone award from the Department of Energy.”
*Emissions reduction of BEV compared to ICE heavy-duty commercial vehicles
DOE Awards $80 Million to Blue Bird Corp
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, announced today that it has been selected to receive an $80 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to expand the company’s electric vehicle manufacturing capabilities and related workforce development efforts. The award selection is subject to final contract and funding negotiations between the DOE and Blue Bird, which could take up to 120 days to conclude.
The DOE funding is part of the U.S. administration’s nearly $2 billion investment to convert long-standing automotive facilities to manufacturing electric vehicles and components, retain and expand good-paying manufacturing jobs, and bolster domestic supply chains. The $80 million grant to Blue Bird is part of the Domestic Automotive Manufacturing Conversion Grants program administered by the DOE’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC). The grant represents 50 percent of the total $160 million investment required to complete the conversion project. Blue Bird is one of 11 selectees, including Cummins, Blue Bird’s supply chain partner for electric vehicle powertrains.
The financial award will help Blue Bird convert a prior manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes in Fort Valley, Ga., into an approximately 600,000 square foot, state-of-the-art electric vehicle manufacturing facility. Blue Bird started manufacturing high-end, Wanderlodge-branded motorhomes at the site in 1963 based on its large, Type-D school bus designs. The company ceased operations at the Wanderlodge site in 2019. The conversion will assist Blue Bird in increasing the production of Type-D electric school buses to meet the rising demand for clean student transportation nationwide. In addition, the converted facility will add more than 400 new, good-paying manufacturing jobs.
“There is nothing harder to a manufacturing community than to lose jobs to foreign competition and a changing industry,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “Even as our competitors invest heavily in electric vehicles, these grants ensure that our automotive industry stays competitive—and does it in the communities and with the workforce that have supported the auto industry for generations.”
“We are delighted that the U.S. Department of Energy supports our plant conversion project above the many applications that were submitted,” said Phil Horlock, CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The grant will enable Blue Bird to reinvest in middle Georgia, building on a site that previously manufactured high-end motorhomes. It will also enable Blue Bird to expand its workforce and invest in a community that is integral to Blue Bird’s history and continued success. We are looking forward to fully participating in the next phase of the negotiation process with the DOE.”
Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company is recognized as the leader in electric school buses with nearly 2,000 zero-emission vehicles on the road today. The shift to clean student transportation helps the company sustain approximately 2,000 good-paying jobs.
Sakuu JDA with SK
Sakuu®, a leading provider of commercial-scale equipment and technologies to the battery manufacturing industry, announced a joint development agreement (JDA) with global manufacturer SK On, one of the world’s leading suppliers of EV batteries. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the continuous efforts of Sakuu and SK On to advance next generation battery manufacturing innovation by addressing current industry challenges, while enabling next-generation solutions for tomorrow. Central to the agreement is the industrialization of the dry process Kavian platform.
Following Sakuu’s announcement of early access to its dry process Kavian platform in December 2023, SK On, the fifth largest battery manufacturer in the world, is among the first to partner with Sakuu in developing the revolutionary Kavian platform. In the U.S., SK On currently operates two EV battery plants in Commerce, Georgia, and is further expanding its presence in the southern U.S. by constructing additional EV battery plants through joint ventures with Ford Motor Co. and Hyundai Motor Group.
“We are pleased to announce this strategic partnership with Sakuu,” said Dr. Rhee Jang-weon, Chief Technology Officer of SK On. “We look forward to working closely with Sakuu to accelerate innovations in the manufacturing processes for EV battery electrodes.”
Sakuu’s breakthroughs in dry-process manufacturing and the printing of electrodes eliminates the use of solvents and enables the use of new processes in battery manufacturing that will enable cost-effective, higher performance batteries that are also environmentally-friendly.
“Together, SK On and Sakuu are ushering in a new era in battery manufacturing technology, advancing safety, sustainability, and innovation in battery technology,” said Robert Bagheri, founder and CEO of Sakuu. “With Sakuu’s pioneering technology and SK On’s best-in-class EV battery manufacturing expertise, we’re addressing the core issues facing battery makers today.”
SK On and Sakuu’s collaboration will bring a new transformative technology that aims to be the new gold standard for battery manufacturing.
bp pulse 75 EB Charging Gigahubs
bp (NYSE: bp) announced a deal for bp’s global EV charging business, bp pulse, to install and operate EV charging Gigahubs on 75 sites with Simon (Simon Property Group, NYSE: SPG), a real estate investment trust engaged in the ownership of premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations.
This deal will deliver over 900 ultra-fast charging bays that support nearly every make and model of EVs on the market today across all locations, with the first locations opening to the public in early 2026.
Richard Bartlett, CEO bp pulse said: “We’re pleased to complete this deal with Simon and expand our ultra-fast charging network footprint in the US. The Simon portfolio aligns with bp pulse’s strategy to deploy ultra-fast charging across the West Coast, East Coast, Sun Belt and Great Lakes, and we are thrilled to team up with Simon so that EV drivers have a range of retail offerings at their impressive destinations.”
Chip Harding, Executive Vice President, Simon Brand Ventures said: “Simon is committed to offering best-in-class brands, amenities, experiences and sustainable practices to our shoppers and the communities that we serve. We look forward to expanding our EV charging options across the Simon portfolio with bp pulse.”
This deal is part of the company’s focus on delivering charging infrastructure in the locations customers want and need, through collaboration and new-to-industry builds. Simon destinations are just the latest sites identified for the bp pulse EV charging network in the US, following earlier announcements including the build out of the Gigahub network near airports and major metropolitan areas, and by installing EV charging across bp’s significant branded convenience store and TravelCenters of America network.
Sujay Sharma, CEO bp pulse Americas said: “As a committed long term infrastructure player with a global network of EV charging solutions, bp pulse intends to continue to seek and build transformative industry collaborations in real estate required to scale our network and match the demand of current and future EV drivers.”
bp pulse is supported by key partners who also have long-term commitments to enabling electrification solutions for consumers. These relationships include real estate partners who bring charging to where EV drivers need it, and utilities who ensure site power and permit approvals match the pace and scale of consumer demand.
The charging stations will be found via the Simon electric vehicle charging webpage, all major map platforms, and the bp pulse app. bp pulse’s proprietary energy management solution, Omega, will optimize energy usage on site.
LocatorX Real-Time Visibility for Odin
-LocatorX, the trusted supply chain intelligence provider, announced an exclusive agreement with Odin Energy Solutions to ensure real-time visibility for all of Odin’s hydrogen fueling stations throughout North America. Odin, providing America’s Leading Energy Solutions, is building a North American hydrogen fueling network to bring easy access to hydrogen everywhere in the United States and Canada at a price point less than diesel solutions over lifetime.
Leveraging LocatorX’s real-time visibility and data intelligence platform, Odin will guide its customers to its network of stations and guide delivery of hydrogen to customers in cities and everywhere in between.
In addition to the hydrogen network, Odin, with its partners, will be building drop yards near its stations to make trucker’s lives easier with overnight parking and drop and hook services. Odin will also tap LocatorX to provide secure visibility for their network of drop yards.
Odin’s hydrogen conversion program supports the company’s mission to ‘make it easy to convert to a beautiful, clean future.’ By signing up for hydrogen fuel subscriptions at a cost less than diesel, Odin will convert diesel trucks to hydrogen or subsidize purchase of new purpose-built hydrogen trucks at little or no cost to carriers and qualifying independent truckers.
Steven Minard, CEO of Odin Energy Solutions, commented, “Hauling up to 25% more freight, cheaper operation and maintenance, no more DEF, no vapor lock, no issues with cold weather start – hydrogen is just better. Partnering with LocatorX to know where our refueling resources are located at all times, in real-time, ensures that everyone can find where to refuel and in between stations, we can quickly deliver fuel, and, in as little as five minutes, you are on your way!”
“We are excited to partner with Odin and help drive adoption for their unique clean energy solution. We are committed to delivering not only visibility but also going beyond track and trace to provide reliable, high-quality data that enables our customers to confidently utilize AI and machine learning to optimize their business – across an extremely broad set of end applications. It is truly an honor to be chosen to provide this critical service to Odin as they work to transform the energy paradigm,” added Chester Kennedy, CEO of LocatorX.
For a limited time, Odin is offering no out of pocket cost conversions when qualifying customers sign up for fuel subscription programs. With over 100,000 trucks already enrolled, you can learn more and make your reservation at www.odinenergygroup.com.
VW PowerCo & QuantumScape Industrrializing
Volkswagen Group’s battery company PowerCo and QuantumScape (NYSE: QS) announced they have entered into a groundbreaking agreement to industrialize QuantumScape’s next-generation solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. Upon satisfactory technical progress and certain royalty payments, QuantumScape will grant PowerCo the license to mass produce battery cells based on QuantumScape’s technology platform.
Under the non-exclusive license, PowerCo can manufacture up to 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year using QuantumScape’s technology with the option to expand up to 80 GWh, enough to outfit approximately one million vehicles per year. The companies believe this high-touch engagement represents the fastest way to achieve gigawatt-hour-scale production of solid-state technology to meet the growing global demand for better electric vehicle batteries. The agreement supersedes an earlier joint venture between the Volkswagen Group and QuantumScape to co-manufacture batteries.
The agreement creates a highly collaborative partnership that amplifies the companies’ core competencies – QuantumScape’s cutting-edge technology and PowerCo’s global capabilities in industrialization and manufacturing facilities. It will feature a combined workforce initiative to accelerate the industrialization of QuantumScape’s technology. A large, dedicated scale-up team, composed of experts from both companies, will execute on the industrialization activities.
QuantumScape’s technology platform is based on the company’s proprietary solid-state ceramic separator, which enables the use of a pure lithium-metal anode – a transformative innovation that is designed for exceptional energy and power density, fast charging and a robust safety profile. Together, the companies will target a product that will be scaled-up for integration in a Volkswagen Group vehicle series.
Panasonic Energy & University of Kansas Deal
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. (“Panasonic Energy”), a Panasonic Group Company and the University of Kansas (Lawrence, Kansas) today announced that they have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the development of next-generation technologies and the cultivation of specialist expertise in the field of lithium-ion batteries.
The University of Kansas is a flagship university in the U.S. state of Kansas, where Panasonic Energy is currently constructing its second North American factory. Located in the city of De Soto, Kansas, the factory is expected to commence production by the end of March 2025 and will have an annual production capacity of approximately 30 GWh. The factory constitutes a crucial part of Panasonic Energy’s strategy to boost its EV battery production capacity in North America. The project is a significant step in realizing the commitment to reduce CO2 emissions through the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, generating employment in the DeSoto area and the surrounding economic zones of Kansas, thereby contributing to the revitalization of the U.S. manufacturing sector and the overall economy.
In the wake of the 2011 University Engineering Initiative Act, Kansas has been producing engineering graduates to meet industry demand, with the University of Kansas playing a key role in this initiative. As a member of the Association of American Universities, the university is equipped with an energy and battery-related research lab and high-level research capabilities. With its extensive expertise in battery development and manufacturing, Panasonic Energy will collaborate with the university to further innovate battery-related technology and nurture specialist talent. This partnership aims to help promote the regional development of Kansas and achieve a sustainable society. Further details of these initiatives will be determined through ongoing discussions between the two parties.