Welcome to the latest installment of EV News Rewind!

Join us as we recount some of the most exciting advancements in EV news from the past 30 days, including… 

• Fleet optimization software that could accelerate EV adoption 
• The electrification of fleets from New York to the Grand Canyon 
• An increase in domestic EV usage and battery production
• A massive collaboration from major automakers that could stand to double the EV charging infrastructure in the U.S. and Canada

New software may accelerate EV adoption in CA

Earlier this month, EV tech provider Powerflex announced the launch of their newest software, Powerflex X. The goal of this new software is to optimize a large EV fleet owned by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) in California. 

PG&E supplies both natural gas and electricity to approximately 5.2 million households located in the northern two-thirds of California, extending to near the Oregon and Nevada state borders.

Powerflex X will integrate with about 4,000 charging stations to monitor sensor data, allowing fleet operators to increase efficiency, ensure peak performance at all times, and lower overall energy costs.

PG&E plans to use the data from the Powerflex software to gradually electrify its fleet. By 2030, the company hopes to electrify:

• 20% of its heavy-duty fleet.
• 50% of its medium-duty fleet.
• 100% of its light-duty fleet.

As Powerflex X continues to develop and expand, Powerflex hopes that it will accelerate the adoption of EVs in California.

Amazon’s latest EV fleet hits the streets in NY

Another Amazon facility has geared up to start delivering packages using EVs. Located on Lexington Avenue in the Rochester area, the facility will house the first EV delivery fleet to roll out in Upstate New York.

With over 60 EVs ready to hit the streets, it’s an exciting moment for both fleet managers and drivers. Vice President of Fleet Operations, Mitch Karn, stated that the switch should help drivers complete deliveries safely.

Federal agencies increase EV usage efforts

In a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office report, federal fleets stated that they hope to implement 9,500 ZEVs and 8,500 charging stations this year. The grand total for these two massive purchases reaches nearly $800 million.

These increased efforts are probably an attempt to catch up with the zero emissions goals set by President Biden for government agencies after lack of funding prevented them from purchasing an adequate amount of zero emission vehicles in 2022.

Federal fleets will most likely continue to make large investments in ZEVs in the coming years with purchase orders increasing to 15,000 EVs next year and 30,000 the following year.

Grand Canyon National Park to electrify bus fleet

In early July, the Grand Canyon National Park announced plans to electrify its tour bus fleet. The park will replace the existing fleet with EVs and compressed natural gas vehicles.

The $27 million effort comes from the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program. Created in 2021, the program aims to transition federal facilities like the Grand Canyon to clean energy sources.

With nearly 6 million annual visitors making the trip to the Grand Canyon each year, this push for lower emissions should have a huge positive impact on the area’s environment, especially the air quality.

Automakers announce construction of massive EV charging network

Seven automakers have recently made public their plan to establish a massive EV charging network spanning across the United States and Canada. The group of major companies includes General Motors, Kia, Hyundai, Honda, BMW, Mercedes, and Stellantis.

This huge undertaking aims to double the amount of charging ports currently available in the U.S. and Canada, adding over 30,000 stations over the next decade. The outlets will take root in urban areas and along travel routes.

Increase in domestic production of EV batteries

As the push for nationwide electrification continues, we could start to see more domestic production of EV components. This increase may be due to a clause in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, a bill that included major incentives for making the switch to clean energy.

The Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit offers tax credits for the domestic production of EV car components like battery cells and modules. Companies can take advantage of these credits for up to 10 years by recycling EV battery materials in U.S. facilities.

This increase in domestic recycling efforts could eventually lower U.S. dependency on international mining and increase self sufficiency in the production of EVs.

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