Average MI-Based BlueOval Factory Wage Anticipated at $45,136

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Feb. 28, 2023

Should Michigan taxpayers foot $700,000 per job created for 2,500 jobs at the new Fordfactory that will pay an average wage of $45,136?

That’s the question Michigan lawmakers will soon decide for the BlueOval Battery Park in Marshall.

The $3.5 billion factory aims to drop the cost of electric vehicles via lithium iron phosphate batteries and pump out 2 million vehicles globally by 2026. The factory will be funded by at least $1 billion in taxpayer funds. The state asked for another $750 million to prep the site, bringing the total taxpayer cost to $1.75 billion.

Only 90 new jobs would be created in 2023---60 technical jobs and 30 managerial jobs. The plant expects to create 2,500 jobs in year three when the average wage would be $45,136 across managers, craftsmen, technical and professional workers.

In a news release celebrating the deal, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the investment would create “2,500 good-paying jobs” that will build Michigan’s economic momentum.

Michael LaFaive, a policy director of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, cited an Upjohn Institute for Employment Research study that concluded between 75% and 98% of all subsidized investments would have happened without the subsidy.

“That means in a best case scenario the majority of corporations receive a form of windfall profits courtesy of taxpayers,” LaFaive wrote in an email.

“Rather than directing precious resources toward large firms the state should just let all businesses and people keep more of what they earned,” LaFaive wrote. “We’d all be better off with an across-the-board income tax cut or better transportation system than with another publicly subsidized, for-profit corporation.”

Only 25,181 electric vehicles are registered in Michigan. This Ford plant aims to drop the average cost of EVs from $65,291, according to Kelley Blue Book as of September 2022.

Meanwhile, the average price for a gas-powered vehicle was $48,100. Moreover, many used gas-powered cars cost between $5,000 and $15,000.

The $750 million in additional funding would include $330 million to the Michigan Department of Transportation for road improvements; $224 million for pad-ready site improvements; $100 million for water and wastewater improvements; and $75 million for land acquisition. Other projected spending includes $15 million for Norfolk Southern rail improvements; $5 million for building inspections; and $300,000 to fund fiber optics.

Rep. Donni Steele, R-Orion Township, said $1.75 billion of taxpayer money could be spent better to benefit all taxpayers.

“It’s time to utilize state resources in a capacity that benefits all Michigan residents---such as fixing crumbling roads and bridges in communities throughout our state,” Steele said in a statement. “These hundreds of millions of dollars should be used to proactively bolster Michigan’s future, instead of continuing to fund reactionary pet projects.”

Ford Motor Company hasn’t yet responded to a request for comment.

Michigan economic development representatives and Marshall City Manager Derek Perry say the factory will be key in creating jobs in an area that’s lost 2,000 jobs over the last 20 years.

We thank The Center Square for reprint permission.

Average New Tesla Price $54,660 in July, Down 20% YOY

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Aug. 15, 2023

The past 12 months have been wild for electric vehicle prices as Tesladisrupted the market once again with its generous price cuts.

A study from Kelley Blue Book tracking monthly average transaction prices (ATPs) and how they compare to the previous month and the same month from a year prior showed the extent of these price cuts and how other automakers have reacted to them.

Electric vehicle average transaction prices (ATP) were down nearly 18% year over year in July, to $53,469 from $65,108 one year ago, led by price cuts at market leader Tesla. The average ATP for EVs in July was down from $53,682 in June and down from more than $61,000 in January.

EV ATPs are down more than 19% from their recent peak of more than $66,000 just a little more than a year ago in June 2022.

KBB noted the price declines in the EV segment have mirrored inventory increases experienced by some automakers. At the end of July, the EV segment days' supply was near 100 days, while industry days' supply stood at 54 (data excluding Tesla).

Tesla's average transaction price in July was $54,660, representing a massive 19.9% decrease from July 2022, when the brand's ATP was $68,215, and a 0.8% decrease from June 2023's $55,105. The July ATP was Tesla's lowest since April 2020, while the year-over-year ATP reduction was the largest among the automakers in the study.

According to KBB estimates, the lower prices at Tesla are likely helping with sales volume, as the automaker reached a record high volume of 59,813 units in July.

"The year-over-year decline of EV ATPs has been led by Tesla slashing prices on its popular models," said Rebecca Rydzewski, research manager at Cox Automotive, the parent company of KBB.

"Tesla prices are down nearly 20% versus a year ago, and other EV models, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, have been following Tesla's lead. While automakers report losing money on electric vehicles, they continue to aggressively pursue EV growth strategies," she added.

The study also showed incentives for EVs in July were 6.7% of ATP, or $3,755. That's almost double the average incentive for all types of vehicles, which stood at $2,148 in July, the highest point in a year.

Despite the big reduction in EV ATPs, the ATP for a new vehicle in the U.S.---all vehicle types combined---was virtually flat (up 0.4%) compared to July 2022 at $48,334, the smallest increase in a decade.

We thank InsideEVs for reprint permission.

Bathtub for Burning Cars: German Company’s Solution for EV Fires

Written by Suvrat Kothari, InsideEVs
Published June 9, 2023

The idea of submerging a burning vehicle into a giant bathtub might seem odd at first, but it’s a real solution proposed by German company Ellermann Eurocon.

The "bathtub" is a container, called Red Boxx, that submerges the battery of a fire-ravaged car to cool it down and potentially eliminate the risk of fire reignition.

It’s possible for lithium-ion batteries to short-circuit and catch fire. This might happen due to cell damage, overcharge or excessive heat, among many other reasons.

There have been such cases in North America in the recent past where Teslasand ChevyBolt EVs have gone up in flames. Even though fire extinguishers can douse these flames, the risk of reignition might persist due to thermal runaway---a phenomenon in which battery cells burn uncontrollably in a chain reaction.

Ellermann Eurocon’s patented high-voltage container is mobile. As per the label attached to the Red Boxx, it's a 23-square-meter container weighing 7,782 pounds. It can be mounted on a semi-truck and transported to the location of the fire.

To bring it into action, it is positioned in front of the damaged car, and its tailgate is opened to let the car in. Its operators use a winch and specially developed rescue nets made of plastic belts and steel cables to pull the vehicle inside. The water, transported in a separate container, is then sprinkled into the Red Boxx, said CEO Tobias Ellermann.

Lastly, the wastewater used to cool the vehicle gets pumped in a “controlled manner into a dangerous goods container,” per the company’s website.

Ellermann also mentioned firefighters and first responders approached the company for a solution to uncontrollable vehicle fires, which they found hard to extinguish. The watertight Red Boxx was their answer to this problem.

However, it's unclear how this apparent solution doesn’t exacerbate the problem, as lithium-ion batteries might react violently upon water seepage.

That said, it is possible these containers might be more useful for hybrids and ICE cars. National Transport Safety Board’s 2022 study revealed hybrid and gas cars were more fire-prone compared to all-electric cars.

Moreover, with constant improvements in battery technology and engineering, the rate of fires among EVs appears to be reducing---Tesla vehicle fire data revealed there are just five fires involving Teslas for every 1 billion miles traveled.

We thank InsideEVs for reprint permission.

BendPak Reinvents 2-Post Car Lift for EVs and Beyond

PublishedNov. 29, 2022

BendPakintroduced its AP Series---the next generation of two-post lifts with patent-pending features designed to make lifting internal combustion and electric cars, trucks and vans safer, easier and more efficient.

“As the automotive industry evolves, BendPak continues to develop the innovative lifts and shop equipment our customers need to properly service new vehicles,” said Jeff Kritzer, BendPak president and CEO. “Lifting electric vehicles presents unique challenges because EVs tend to be heavier and have harder-to-reach lift points than traditional vehicles.

"We’ve reengineered our two-post lifts to meet these challenges," Kritzer said. "In addition to strategically increasing the high-strength steel in critical load-holding components, we also developed an all-new safety lock system, lift arms and swing arm restraints. As a result, the BendPak AP Series is unlike any other two-post lift on the market, purposefully designed for extreme use, high loads and maximum operator safety and efficiency.”

Well-Armed

The AP Series features a revolutionary swing arm design that offers both greater under-vehicle clearance and better extension and retraction to enable technicians to reach the OEM-recommended lift points on more vehicles than ever.

This is achieved through several clever engineering advancements. The three-stage arms available on other lifts can only retract as far as their end plates or pivot pins. The AP Series’ triple-telescoping nested swing arm design lets the inner arms retract fully through the back of the front arm assembly and around the arm pin of the rear arms to maximize retraction and extension.

The AP Series arms truly put the “low” in “Low-Pro.” BendPak eliminated the traditional externally sloped arm gusseting and strengthened the telescoping arms themselves to provide the lowest possible arm profile. This further enhances the ability to reach both in-close and far-out lifting points while also minimizing damage to vehicle ground effects.

The arms terminate with dropped-end pad receivers that step down even lower. These receivers can accommodate a wide range of stackable adapters and two-stage spin-up screw pads to reach countless lift points.

BendPak’s arm innovations not only save technicians time and hassle when positioning vehicles on AP Series lifts, they also enhance safety since improper spotting is a leading cause of lift accidents.

Automatic Swing Arm Restraint System

Two-post lift swing arm restraints minimize the chance of arms shifting during vehicle loading and service. But traditional swing arm restraints have had a difficult time withstanding the excess forces applied to them when lifted vehicles suddenly and unexpectedly shift, usually due to improper loading or the removal/addition of heavy components. This can cause the vehicle to fall.

BendPak’s industry-first Automatic Swing Arm Restraint System (ASARS) debuting on the AP Series prevents dangerous, unplanned movement of the lift arms when the lift is being raised and lowered, as well as throughout the vehicle service process.

The patent-pending design offers twice as much holding grip as traditional systems, with 360 degrees of forged steel teeth securing the arms in place to withstand more than 2,000 pounds of side force.

Innovative Safety Lock System

The third radical improvement of the AP Series is its automatic safety lock system. This patented system ensures the safety locks/load-holding devices engage automatically while the lift is going up and makes releasing the locks for descent as easy as pushing a button. Unique to the AP Series is that all structural load-holding components are housed within the lift column. This allows for more clear space between lifts when they’re installed side-by-side in tight work bays and streamlines handling, transportation, and installation.

Customizable and Versatile

AP Series lifts are the most customizable, versatile two-post lifts BendPak has ever made. They offer the convenience of wide or narrow installation to fit most bays and their BI-METRIC swing arms enable both symmetric and asymmetric lifting from a single lift. Each AP Series lift comes with a standard adapter package for precise engagement with a wide range of vehicles.

The series debuts with three 10,000-pound capacity models. The standard 10AP offers 73 inches of lifting height and an overhead beam height of just 145 inches for shops with lower ceiling clearances.

The 10AP-168 has the same 73 inches of lifting height plus a crossbar that’s positioned two feet higher to accommodate high-roof cargo vans.

The 10APX is a high-rise model---great for taller technicians---offering 79.5 inches of lifting height with a 157-inch top beam.

The 10APX-181 maintains 79.5 inches of lifting height and increases the top beam height to 181 inches.

The 10AP, 10AP-168, 10APX and 10APX-181 have each been third-party tested and ALI-certified to meet industry safety and performance standards.

“Two-post models are the most popular car lifts in the world,” said Kritzer. “But just because something has been around a long time doesn’t mean it can’t be improved. We put more than 50 years of experience into reimagining the two-post lift to make it more efficient, safer and easier to use. We’re really proud of the results and hope our customers love it, too.”

Learn more about the AP Series at bendpak.com/car-lifts/two-post-lifts/10ap, check out the video on YouTube or call 800-253-2363, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

Source: BendPak

Taking into consideration feedback from automakers and the UAW, the final rule adopts a more gradual approach to phasing in regulations and allows for a mix of technologies.

Biden Administration Mulls Over EV Tax Credit Reprieve for Automakers

The IRA requires the batteries in EVs sold in the U.S. to be sourced domestically to qualify for consumer tax credits, but the supply chain isn't there yet.

Written by Maria Merano, Teslarati
Published Nov. 29, 2023

The Biden administration is discussing a temporary reprieve for automakers from stipulations in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) regarding materials from foreign adversaries and how they affect EVs' eligibility for tax incentives.

In March, the U.S. Department of Treasury published battery sourcing guidance, which automakers must comply with to reap the tax credits from the IRA. One of the biggest concerns about the eligibility requirements regards battery packs, cells and the materials used to manufacture them. 

The treasury’s guidance limits the materials automakers can use to produce EVs if they want to qualify for consumer tax credits. Most materials used to produce EVs must be sourced within the U.S. or a country with free trade agreements with the U.S. Automakers have expressed concerns over the guidance, considering the current landscape of the EV industry.

North America and some countries with a free trade agreement are still building their EV battery supply chain. While the IRA has boosted investments in EVs within the U.S., it will still take time for those investments to bear fruit.

“We are going to have lots of battery capacity in the United States. It’s just not right this second,” said Scott Sklar, president of The Stella Group Ltd.

Demand for EVs has been a big question in the minds of companies investing in the domestic supply chain. Recently, U.S. auto dealers wrote to President Joe Biden saying enthusiasm for EVs has stalled. Battery suppliers already establishing facilities in the country have also shown concerns about demand.
 
A common concern amongst most companies building the supply chain is the affordability of EVs. The treasury’s guidance would effectively slash the amount of new EVs eligible for the IRA’s tax incentives and, therefore, their prices.

We thank Teslarati for reprint permission.

The money will help restore the U.S. as a world leader in semiconductor production, reducing dependency on foreign suppliers.

In March, the EPA is expected to announce lower targets for EVs' share of new car sales by the end of the decade.

The incentive can be combined with other discounts to greatly reduce the price of an i4, i5 or iX model.

BMW to Invest $1.7 Billion in SC Plants to Build EVs, Produce Batteries

PublishedOct. 25, 2022

The BMW Group announced a new investment in the U.S. to expand Plant Spartanburg, SC, and the company’s manufacturing footprint in the U.S.

BMW Group Chairman of the Board of Management Oliver Zipse announced Oct. 19 a $1.7 billion investment in its U.S. operations, including $1 billion to prepare for the production of EVs at the company’s existing manufacturing facility in South Carolina, and $700 million to build a new high-voltage battery assembly facility in nearby Woodruff, SC.

By 2030, BMW Group will build at least six fully electric models in the U.S.

Zipse was joined at Plant Spartanburg by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey III, Chairman of Spartanburg County Council Economic Development Committee David Britt and Woodruff Mayor Kenneth Gist as he also announced an agreement to source next generation lithium-ion battery cells from Envision AESC, which will build a new plant in the state.

“For decades, Plant Spartanburg has been a cornerstone of the global success of the BMW Group. The home of the BMW X models that are so popular all over the world. Going forward, it will also be a major driver for our electrification strategy, and we will produce at least six fully electric BMW X models here by 2030. That means: The ‘Home of the X’ is also becoming the ‘Home of the Battery Electric Vehicle’,” said Zipse. “In addition, we can showcase BMW Group’s ‘local for local’ principle: Our newly developed sixth generation battery cells, which were specifically designed for the next generation electric vehicles, will be sourced here in South Carolina---where X goes electric.”

Envision AESC Battery Cell Plant in South Carolina to Supply Plant Spartanburg

In line with the principle of "local for local,” the BMW Group aims to purchase battery cells for its electric vehicles where production takes place. The company has found a partner in Envision AESC, which will build a new battery cell factory in South Carolina, to supply Plant Spartanburg.

Envision will produce newly developed round lithium-ion battery cells, specifically designed for the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology, and to be used in the next generation electric vehicles. The annual capacity of the battery cell factory will be up to 30 GWh.

The new battery format will increase energy density by more than 20%, improve charging speed by up to 30% and enhance range by up to 30%. At the same time, CO2 emissions from cell production will be reduced by up to 60% through the partial use of secondary lithium, cobalt and nickel material, as well as renewable energy for production.

The cooperation with Envision AESC is an important step in the BMW Group's plan to strengthen its regional supply chains. The expansion of electric vehicle production in combination with a local battery cell factory will lead to the creation of new supply chains, new networks for sub-suppliers and new jobs throughout the entire region.

BMW Group already announced four additional battery cell factories will be built in Europe and China to meet its demand for next generation battery cells. The cell factories are being built by partners and will each have an annual capacity of up to 20 GWh.

Increased Investment and Expanded Manufacturing Capacity in SC

Of the new $1.7 billion investment announced, $700 million will be used to build a new high-voltage BMW battery assembly center in Woodruff near Plant Spartanburg. The new facility will encompass more than 1 million square feet, and produce next generation batteries for fully electric vehicles. Around 300 new jobs will be created on site.

Plant Spartanburg currently produces lithium-ion battery modules for the two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles built at the plant, the BMW X3 xDrive30e and BMW X5 xDrive45e. In 2021, nearly 70,000 electrified BMWs were built on site.

The site in Woodruff will also leverage the experience and expertise developed in Plant Spartanburg’s existing operations at the new facility.

Source: BMW Group

BMW, Ford, Honda Partnering to Create New Company to Optimize EV Grid Services

PublishedSept. 13, 2023

BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda Motor Co., Inc. on Sept. 12 announced they have entered into an agreement to create ChargeScape, LLC, a new equally-owned company that will create a single, cost-effective platform connecting electric utilities, automakers and interested electric vehicle customers. 

Benefiting both EV customers and the electric utility industry in the U.S. and Canada, ChargeScape will unlock entirely new value that EVs can provide to the electric grid, while enabling EV customers to earn financial benefits through a variety of managed charging and energy-sharing services never before possible with traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. 

The closing of the transaction and subsequent formation of ChargeScape is pending regulatory approvals, with the company expected to be operational early next year.

Building on years of OVGIP cross-industry collaboration, ChargeScape’s single platform will eliminate the need for individual integrations between each automotive brand and each electric utility. ChargeScape’s platform will give electric utilities access to EV battery energy across a wide pool of EVs. 

Participating EV customers will have the potential to earn financial benefits by charging at “grid-friendly” times through flexible and managed schedules. Electric vehicle customers will also eventually have the opportunity for even more significant impact by sharing the energy stored in their EV batteries with the grid during times of peak demand through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications.

ChargeScape will enable the smart use of plugged-in EV batteries by securely providing energy data to electric utilities and system operators like aggregated demand response, alignment of charging and EV battery use with off-peak, low-cost hours and the availability of high renewable energy. Due to the efficient integration with participating automakers and the anticipation of high levels of EV customer enrollment, these energy services are expected to be a cost-efficient, operational benefit for electric utilities.

Transformational Opportunity for EV Customers and Electric Utilities

The development of this project comes at a time when EV sales and infrastructure growth are ramping up quickly, bringing new opportunities to address challenges for the electric grid. More EVs on the road means increased electricity demand on utilities to charge them. ChargeScape aims to provide energy management services to help support grid resiliency while looking ahead to the future of V2G capabilities that will benefit both EV customers and electric utilities.

Additionally, ChargeScape will play a role in helping to decarbonize the grid. The company’s efforts will reduce EV customers’ personal carbon footprints by using electricity that comes from more readily available renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar. While seamless integration between EV customers and utilities will be key to energy management success, participating EV customers will always remain in control of their charging and energy decisions.

“Electric grid reliability and sustainability are the foundation for an EV powered future,” said Thomas Ruemenapp, vice president, engineering, BMW of North America, LLC. “ChargeScape aims to accelerate the expansion of smart charging and vehicle-to-everything solutions all over the country, while increasing customer benefits, supporting the stability of the grid and helping to maximize renewable energy usage. We’re proud to be a founding member of ChargeScape and are looking forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create.”

“Electric vehicles are unlocking entirely new benefits for customers that can save them money while supporting grid resiliency and increase the use of clean, renewable energy,” said Bill Crider, global head of charging and energy services, Ford Motor Company. “ChargeScape will help accelerate the true potential of the EV revolution by providing significant benefits to both utilities and EV customers through smart vehicle-to-grid services.”

“As Honda seeks to achieve our global goal of carbon neutrality, we are counting on this platform to create new value for our customers by connecting EVs to electric utilities, strengthening grid resources and reducing CO2 emissions,” said Jay Joseph, vice president of sustainability and business development, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “With automakers accelerating toward the electrified future, we must find solutions like ChargeScape that enable all stakeholders to work together for the good of our customers, society and our industry by enabling greater use of renewable energy for and from mobility.”

Benefits of Working Together

ChargeScape, along with the work done to date through OVGIP, will bring managed charging benefits to more EV customers and can eliminate marketing and outreach costs for utilities trying to reach their individual customer bases. BMW Group, Ford Motor Company and American Honda have direct, multi-channel communication with their EV customers, solving a central problem for utilities that typically do not know or have an easy and cost-effective way to identify the EV customers in their service territory.

Additionally, by leveraging automaker telematics, ChargeScape intends to provide managed charge scheduling through vehicle connectivity without requiring Wi-Fi-enabled charging stations. This will support the many EV customers who do not use “smart” chargers at home, as their EVs would otherwise be unreachable for grid services.

The three founding members welcome other automakers to join in and fully unlock opportunities provided by ChargeScape’s grid service offerings once the company is fully operational.

Source: Ford

Bollinger Motors Receives $3 Million Jobs Creation Grant from Michigan

PublishedAug. 1, 2023

Mullen Automotive, Inc., an emerging electric vehicle manufacturer, announce July 26 that Bollinger Motors received final approval from the state of Michigan for a $3 million grant aimed at promoting job creation in the state. In a unanimous decision, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved the incentive through the Michigan Business Development Program.

“Bollinger Motors is poised for growth and we’re proud to be focused on expanding our company’s operations as we approach start-of-production,” said Robert Bollinger, founder and CEO of Bollinger Motors. “I appreciate Michigan’s faith in our plan and our product as we seek to electrify America’s fleets.”

The grant funds will be distributed to the company as they reach job creation milestones over the next five years. The award also includes access to an estimated $2 million in talent services and training support through Oakland County Michigan Works!

The company anticipates deliveries of its first vehicle, the Bollinger B4 chassis cab, to begin in July 2024 and are expected to be eligible nationwide for a federal purchasing incentive of 30% of the cost of the vehicle, up to a total $40,000, through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

“We are thrilled to begin this next chapter of Team Michigan’s partnership with Bollinger as we continue to position Michigan as the undisputed leader in vehicle electrification and future mobility,” said Quentin L. Messer Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and president and chair of the Michigan Strategic Fund. “This project is a win for Southeast Michigan and the entire state.”

“I applaud the Michigan Strategic Fund’s approval of a job creation grant for Bollinger Motors,” said State Rep. Natalie Price, D-5th District. “Not only will this grant help create hundreds of jobs in Oak Park, but it will continue to spur innovation in the electric vehicle market, leading us all towards a clean energy future.” 

The award followed a series of announcements in recent months illustrating the company’s commitment to the region, including partnerships with Our Next Energy in Troy, MI, to supply the company with batteries and related components and Roush Industries in Livonia, MI, to manage vehicle assembly operations. 

Source: Mullen Automotive

The EV Training Tour is making 20 stops across the U.S. between July and January.

The tour will hold three one-day, eight-hour courses in cities across the U.S., starting in July.

bp Pulse Invests $100 Million in Tesla Chargers for Network Expansion

The partnership marks the first time Tesla's hardware will be integrated into an independent EV charging network.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Oct. 27, 2023

bp Pulse, bp's EV charging business, announced a $100 million deal to acquire ultra-fast charging hardware units from Tesla, to supercharge the expansion of the bp Pulse public charging network across the U.S. while enabling the deployment of Tesla chargers at private depots for EV fleet customers.

This landmark partnership marks the first time Tesla's hardware will be integrated into an independent EV charging network. The rollout is scheduled to begin in 2024, covering key sites within the bp family of brands, including TravelCenters of America, Thorntons, ampmand Amoco. Additionally, Tesla's chargers will be deployed at select bp Pulse fleet customer depots.

The Tesla ultra-fast chargers, with 250 kW output, will be operated by bp Pulse and feature Tesla's "Magic Dock," compatible with both North American Charging Standard (NACS) and Combined Charging System (CCS) connectors. This cross-compatibility opens up Tesla's chargers to EVs from various manufacturers, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all EV drivers. Furthermore, these chargers will support the Plug and Charge protocol, streamlining and automating payment processes.

"Strengthening the bp Pulse network with Tesla's industry-leading hardware is a major step forward in our ambitions for high-speed, open access charging infrastructure in the U.S. and advances our ambition to delivering an exceptional customer experience," said Richard Bartlett, global CEO of bp Pulse.

"This is another example of how bp Pulse is collaborating with leaders across the industry to advance EV infrastructure growth across the US and to deliver the fast and reliable charging experience we know our customers demand," said Sujay Sharma, CEO of bp Pulse Americas.

bp Pulse also has plans to continue deploying additional fast and reliable charging points at high-demand locations such as airports, major metropolitan areas and properties along Alternative Fueling Corridors. The company has secured grant funds through programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) and California Energy Commission (CEC) to expand charging infrastructure in California, Pennsylvania, Colorado and Kentucky.

bp's plans to invest $1 billion in America's EV charging infrastructure by 2030, with a focus on allocating $500 million in the next two to three years. As the EV industry continues to grow, bp Pulse aims to play a pivotal role in supporting the transition to sustainable energy.

BrightDrop Delivers First Electric Vans to Ryder for Rental Fleet

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Sept. 22, 2023

BrightDrop, owned by General Motors, is delivering its Zevo 600 electric van nationwide, with the latest batch going to four Ryderfacilities in California, Texas and New York, the company announced in a news release.

Earlier this year, Ryder announced plans to introduce 4,000 BrightDrop EVs to its fleet through 2025, with the first 200 ordered this year.

The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric van boasts a range of up to 250 miles, a payload of 1,460 to 2,450 pounds, and a cargo capacity of 615 cubic feet.

“Electrifying commercial fleets can reduce operating emissions without sacrificing range, safety or performance. By adding BrightDrop EVs to its fleet offerings, Ryder is helping make electrification possible for companies big and small,” said Steve Hornyak, COO of BrightDrop.

“Working with companies such as BrightDrop keeps Ryder at the forefront of identifying and testing advanced and emerging vehicle technology, and we’re excited to incorporate these new EVs into our fleet,” said Tom Havens, president of fleet management solutions for Ryder. “Through our partnerships with technology providers and equipment manufacturers, Ryder can offer commercial fleet management solutions that drive sustainability and operational goals for our customers.”

To introduce these new EVs into the Ryder fleet, Ryder hosted “Ride & Drive” events for customers showcasing the vans, as well as EV chargers from ChargePoint, Ryder said in its own news release.

The BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric vans are now available for rent at Ryder locations in Santa Fe Springs and Hayward, CA, Saginaw, TX, and Long Island City, NY.

Buick Dealers in Rural Areas Move Toward Buyout Instead of EV Adoption

Written by Joey Klender, Teslarati
Published Dec. 23, 2022

Buick dealers in rural areas are moving in favor of buyouts from General Motors instead of shifting toward EV adoption, dealerships said.

In September, GM said it would offer Buick dealerships in the U.S. buyouts in an attempt to push stores toward widespread EV adoption. While GM is set on selling only zero-emission vehicles by 2035, Global VP of Buick and GMCDuncan Aldred said some franchises might not want to move toward EVs.

“Not everyone necessarily wants to make that journey, depending on where they’re located or the level of expenditure that the transition will demand,” he said.

Several dealerships across the country are more than considering the buyout offer. Buick’s minimum commitment amount of between $300,000 and $400,000 to prepare stores to sell and service EVs is just too much for some to consider, especially those in rural areas.

A report from the Detroit Free Press said Buick dealership owners in rural and small market areas are taking the buyout offer while other sales centers in larger markets are investing in the transition to EVs.

One dealership owner who chose to make the EV investment said GM offered inventory from other Buick dealerships opting to take a buyout.

GM spokespeople did not comment on how many Buick dealerships across the country are opting to sell the franchises back to the automaker instead of investing in EVs, as legal confidentiality is still needed. While GM couldn’t comment on how many, if any, dealers would take the buyout, one Buick dealer said all Detroit metro dealerships would make the initial investment to sell EVs and equip their buildings with charging infrastructure and other necessities.

Dick Garber, who runs Garber Buick in Michigan, said in the report GM made him a “generous and fair” offer and doable in terms of the sales figures his dealership pulls in. However, he understands there are some stores that do not sell many units, and the buyout is likely the better option.

“I know GM is being very generous and very fair and it could be good for everyone,” he said in the report.

GM is not the only company attempting to push dealers to transition to predominant EV sales over the next decade. Fordis also pushing dealers to do the same, but is encountering pushback from some as its EV Certification Program requires a hefty investment.

We thank Teslarati for reprint permission.

Cadillac Releasing EV Version of Escalade This Year

Written by Chris Chilton, CarScoops
Published May 22, 2023

Cadillac is adding another electric weapon to its luxury car arsenal. The flagship GMbrand confirmed it will introduce a battery-powered version of its Escalade SUV later this year, called the Escalade IQ.

The brief announcement came with just one teaser image of the badge and no technical details, though Cadillac’s engineers will certainly be deploying GM’s Ultiumbattery and motor tech, as seen in the GMC Hummer EV, ChevroletSilverado EV and Cadillac’s own Lyriq.

Those vehicles are all built around a dedicated EV platform, including the Silverado, which is also available as a combustion-powered truck that rides on entirely different architecture to the EV. And it’s the Silverado/Hummer BT1 platform, a cut-down version of the Hummer’s BT1, rather than the smaller Lyriq’s BEV3 architecture, that would form the basis of the new Escalade.

The most powerful Silverado generates 664 hp, but given Cadillac’s status in the GM empire, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Escalade EV was available with the 1,000 hp triple motor drivetrain from the range-topping Hummer.

Caddy already uses the IQ badge on electric vehicles, though in the case of the Lyriq SUV and Celestiq sedan it’s rolled into the vehicle name, rather than added on. The company trademarked the names Escalade IQ and Escalade IQL in 2021, which suggests it is planning electric versions of both the standard and long wheelbase versions of the Escalade.

Those variants would seem to make up two of three new electric vehicles Cadillac has previously promised in 2023, while the third could be the junior Lyriq seen testing recently. The brand has already committed to an EV-only lineup by 2030.

We thank CarScoops for reprint permission.

California Considers Authorizing Self-Driving Semi-Trucks

Written by Maggie Angst, The Sacramento Bee
Published Jan. 31, 2023

Following years of pleadings from the autonomous vehicle industry, California officials are revisiting a statewide policy that prohibits self-driving semi-trucks and big rigs on its roads. 

Should California regulators decide to open the floodgates, two state legislators are pushing to limit any potential fallout. Asm. Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, D-Winters, on Jan. 26 filed new legislation requiring a trained individual behind the wheel in any autonomous vehicle that weighs more than 10,001 pounds. Asm. Tom Lackey, R-Palmdale, and Asm. Ash Kalra, D-San Jose, co-authored the bill. 

The proposal comes as the California Department of Motor Vehicles hosts a public workshop Feb. 3 to discuss modifying regulations around large autonomous vehicles.

To read more, see The Sacramento Bee.

The grant is part of the state's ChargeWise program, to expand charging services to residents to accelerate the clean power transition.

California Has Given Out 523,011 EV Rebates for $1.2B Since 2010

One state program offering up to a $9,500 credit for a zero-emission vehicle hit a record 14,000 applications in July.

Written by Scott McClallen, The Center Square
Published Oct. 4, 2023

California has given out 523,011 electric vehicle rebates for a total cost of $1.2 billion since 2010.

California is leading the nationwide race to register electric vehicles with more than 1.5 million, trailed by Texas and Florida.

About $929 million, or 68% of rebates, subsidized the purchase of 359,315 battery electric vehicles. The second most popular rebate was $240 million, or 28% of rebates funded the purchase of 149,621 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Hydrogen vehicles received 12,961 rebates for $64 million. Finally, non-highway battery electric vehicles, highway-capable zero-emission motorcycles, and city and commercial zero-emission vehicles received 1,384 rebates for $2.1 million.

The state’s Clean Cars 4 All program offers up to $9,500 for a zero-emission vehicle or up to $7,500 toward transit or other shared mobility options.

In July, Clean Vehicle Rebate Project applications hit a record 14,000 applications.

The California Air Resources Board will transition its CVRP to help low- and middle-income Californians access zero-emission vehicles. In 2023, a program will give residents up to $12,000 to replace older vehicles or will offer up to $7,500 in vehicle purchase grants for car buyers not scrapping an older vehicle.

“No other state in the nation is doing as much as we are to accelerate our electric and zero emissions future,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in an April statement. “California is setting the bar for climate action---and we’re achieving our goals years ahead of schedule thanks to unprecedented investments secured in partnership with the Legislature. We’re making real progress on the world’s most ambitious plan to end the tailpipe so our kids and grandkids are left with a cleaner, healthier planet.”

According to the California Energy Commission, 21.1% of all new cars sold this year in California were zero-emission vehicles.

Federal data as of 2022 say California has 31 million gasoline vehicles, 1.5 million hybrid electrics, 1.3 million E85, 903,600 electric vehicles and 725,300 diesel vehicles.

“California, through its innovative policies and incentive programs, helped jumpstart the clean vehicle transformation that is underway, and the market has made it clear that zero emissions is the future,” CARB Executive Officer Dr. Steven Cliffsaid in an August statement. “A clean air future is only possible if every Californian can access clean transportation options, and equity will continue to be a guiding priority for our future efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.”

The California Air Resources Board has provided $430 million in assistance to low- and middle-income Californians.

California's most popular EVs accounting for new sales in quarter two of 2023 are the TeslaModel Y (74,488), Tesla Model 3 (41,430), the ChevroletBolt EUV (7,083) and the JeepWrangler (7,341).

Funds for the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project are nearly exhausted. Applications received on or after Sept. 6 will be placed on a standby list and are not guaranteed a rebate.

We thank The Center Square for reprint permission.

California Hits 1.5 Million EV Sales Milestone 2 Years Ahead of Schedule

Written by Steven Loveday, InsideEVs
Published April 25, 2023

The California Energy Commission said the Golden State hit its previously designated target of 1.5 million electric vehicle sales two years ahead of its goal of 2025.

This may come as no surprise to people who follow the space, thanks to the huge popularity of EVs in California. It's not the only U.S. state with booming EV sales, as the list is growing.

According to Electrek, former California Gov. Jerry Brown set the 2025 EV sales target in 2012. The only fully electric car for sale in the state at that time was the NissanLeaf. The TeslaModel S came out later that year. Tesla had sold the original Roadster in years prior.

There were just thousands of EVs sold in California by 2012, but the progress since has been exponential. California had more than 1.5 million EV sales on the books at the end of the third quarter 2023, though the number of fully electric models was at just over 1 million. The rest were plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which, despite being "EVs," many people don't see as electric cars since they still have gas engines.

In 2023, 21% of cars sold thus far in California have been EVs. No other state can claim such high numbers. In fact, 40% of all zero-emission cars sold so far in the U.S. in 2023 have been sold in California. The country as a whole saw 5.6% of vehicle sales as electric in 2022, which is still a huge jump from the 1% to 2% of recent years.

Incentives helped California hit the EV sales milestone more quickly than it may have without them. Electrek said $2 billion in incentives have helped the state through the years. However, few people may realize the U.S. subsidizes fossil fuels to the tune of about $650 billion annually.

In 2020, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state aims to ban new gas car sales by 2035. The EPA also brought forth new plans recently that may lead to two-thirds of all car sales in the U.S. being electric by 2032.

While California and a few other states have impressed with EV adoption, there have been greater successes abroad. Norway is often considered the EV capital of the world, with few gas car sales remaining.

Meanwhile, China, home to the largest automotive market in the world, is seeing a spike in EV sales that tops most other countries. In fact, some gas cars are becoming exceedingly difficult to sell in areas of the country.

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California Investing $2.9 Billion to Double Number of EV Chargers

Written by Dan Mihalascu, InsideEVs
Published Dec. 16, 2022

The government of California has approved a $2.9 billion investment plant to accelerate the state's electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling targets for 2025.

According to the plan approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) on Dec. 14, the investment will add 90,000 new EV chargers across the state, more than double the 80,000 chargers already installed. The energy commission estimates that combined with funding from utilities and other programs, these investments are expected to ensure the state achieves its goal to deploy 250,000 chargers by 2025.

California will allocate $1.7 billion to develop charging infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles and $900 million for light-duty EV charging infrastructure. The plan also includes $118 million for ZEV manufacturing and $90 million for hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

The agency said the funds will support the deployment of thousands of zero-emission trucks, school buses and transit buses "to communities hit hardest by the impacts of pollution from medium- and heavy-duty vehicles."

Funding for the CEC's Clean Transportation Program is increased by 30 times compared to 2019 with an additional $2.4 billion from the recent state budget that will be spent over the next four years. At least 50% of it will be targeted to benefit priority populations.

"This transformative investment will deploy charging and refueling infrastructure swiftly and equitably to make sure drivers of zero-emission cars and trucks feel confident they can refuel wherever they go," said Patty Monahan, CEC's lead commissioner for transportation. "The plan will increase access to charging and hydrogen fueling for individuals, businesses and public agencies, while supporting our emerging manufacturing ecosystem and creating jobs."

In November, the ;California Air Resources Board (CARB) approved a complementary plan for $2.6 billion in clean transportation incentives including consumer vehicle rebates and heavy-duty and off-road equipment investments.

Both programs are part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s overall $54 billion California Climate Commitment. In August, California introduced a mandate for all new vehicles sold in the state by 2035 to be either electric or plug-in electric hybrids.

On a federal level, the U.S. Department of Transportation approved the electric vehicle charging station plans for all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, covering about 75,000 miles of highways.

The $1 trillion infrastructure bill provides $5 billion to help states install EV chargers along interstate highways over five years. States now have access to more than $1.5 billion to help build EV chargers.

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California Wants to Hold Accountable Unreliable EV Charging Networks

Written by Simon Alvarez, Teslarati
Published Jan. 25, 2023

The California Energy Commission is taking steps to increase EV charging networks’ accountability and responsiveness to complaints, as the number of EV owners in the state grows quickly.

Among EV makers, only Teslahas solved the problem of long-distance travel in an all-electric car with its Supercharger Network, which provides a simple, quick and reliable system for the company’s vehicles. The Supercharger Network in the U.S. is still exclusive to Tesla as of writing, so non-Tesla EV owners are required to use other DC charging solutions for their vehicles.

This is where problems ensue, since DC fast charging systems even in EV hubs like California are still far from very reliable.

As noted in a Car and Driver report, EV charging networks may list a charger as “working” as long as the stations respond to a ping request from a remote center. The system is better than nothing, but it is prone to errors, since charging stations can maintain cellular connectivity despite having issues like jammed credit card readers or software errors.

The issue has been so notable, EV owners have come up with crowdsourced solutions to accurately rate DC chargers. Among these is the @rateyourcharge account on Twitter, created by EV group Out of Spec Studios to provide accurate reports of EV charger capabilities in the wild.

Amidst this environment, the California Energy Commission has shared plans to establish regulations for evaluating the reliability and availability of public EV charging stations. The commission is set to begin a public feedback process with the aim of defining “uptime” standards for EV chargers. These are expected to block excessive exemptions that would enable EV charging networks to avoid being held accountable for the reliability of their service.

The commission also said it will no longer rely on self-reported claims from EV charging network providers regarding the availability and uptime of public charging stations. Instead, the commission plans to gather data from various sources to gain feedback from the public about the reliability and availability of EV charging stations. This feedback could include reports of non-functioning stations posted on apps and other platforms.

Efforts are also underway for California to evaluate the availability of EV charging stations at the individual station level instead of the overall site. This is different from the draft standards being developed by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, which could result in some charging sites getting a 100% score just because one stall is functioning. EV charging networks generally prefer this system, but EV owners are the ones who end up with the shorter end of the stick.

Providing fast and reliable charging solutions to EVs is no small task. Non-Tesla Supercharger networks like Electrify America have to cater to numerous brands of cars with equally numerous types of software. Managing membership plans for EV owners is also a complicated task.

But as EVs become more mainstream, the time is right to demand more accountability among charging network providers. There will only be more EVs on the road in the coming years, after all, so it only makes sense to ensure they are well-supported.

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California’s Emissions Plunged Amidst Pandemic Restrictions, but Climate Gains May Not Hold

PublishedDec. 15, 2022

California’s greenhouse gas emissions fell a remarkable 8.7% in 2020 amidst pandemic-induced economic disruptions and travel restrictions.

But while the significant drop in emissions has helped the state make progress toward its 2030 climate targets, it masks a rise in pollution from in-state power generation, as stubbornly-slow renewable energy growth threatens California’s transition to carbon neutrality.

At the same time, a drop in emissions from the transportation sector for the third-consecutive year could signal a breakthrough in the state’s largest source of climate pollution, if pandemic-era shifts towards hybrid work remain and electric vehicle adoption continues to rise.

That’s the finding of the 14th annual California Green Innovation Index, released Dec. 14 by the nonpartisan nonprofit Next 10 and prepared by Beacon Economics. The report’s analysis of the latest available emissions data found that while transportation-sector, commercial-sector and industrial-sector emissions dropped in 2020, emissions from in-state electricity and agriculture increased.

“Despite the significant 2020 emissions drop, a closer look at the data from this year’s Index suggests California still faces challenges,” said F. Noel Perry, businessman and founder of Next 10. “The increase in in-state power generation pollution is worrisome. Not only is this pollution hurting the health of those living close to these facilities, this is the sector that overarching decarbonization depends on. We’ll need to see a significant increase in clean energy generation---at least 8% per year---in the coming years, to power homes, vehicles and industry.”

The report also analyzed the economic and jobs returns on investment from four of California’s signature climate and clean energy programs, and found a cumulative $2.76 billion investment in these programs generated $5.35 billion in economic output and created 8,521 jobs---while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The findings should inform California’s budget priorities, as the state pursues strategies to fend off a potential looming recession.

“California’s return on climate investments has been striking,” said Patrick Adler, research manager at Beacon Economics. “The state has shown that it can create jobs and strong economic growth---while also helping to cut the pollution that is driving climate change and adversely impacting communities across California.”

Transportation Emissions Dropped for Third Consecutive Year

The Index found transportation sector emissions---California’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions---plunged by a staggering 16.1% in 2020, amidst pandemic-induced travel restrictions and a shift to working from home.

The remarkable decrease was driven by a 19.8% reduction in emissions from light-duty passenger cars, a 18.5% decrease from SUVs and light-duty trucks, a 12.2% emissions decrease from off-road vehicles, and a 7.4% emissions decrease from heavy-duty trucks.

“Due to the pandemic, the emissions drop from California’s transportation sector in 2020 was remarkable. This is the third straight year that we’ve seen a decline in pollution from the state’s largest and most stubborn source of emissions. The encouraging trends in this year’s Index on EV adoption and charging build-out show that EVs are reaching new, lower-income consumers and folks in rural areas,” noted Perry. “But to make continual progress in the transportation sector, we need structural changes to how we move around our cities and towns, and we urgently need to address the looming public transit crisis.”

While electric vehicle sales of all classes fell 16.5% from 2019 to 2020 due to pandemic-related uncertainty and supply chain challenges, sales data from 2021 paint a more encouraging picture. Electric vehicle sales shot up 79% in 2021 compared to 2020, and battery electric vehicles reached 9.5% of new vehicle registration in 2021, up from the previous peak of 6.2% in 2020.

The increase in electric vehicle ownership in rural areas showed the most encouraging signs of growth, increasing by an impressive 57.1% in 2021 compared to 2019. Roughly half of the growth in electric vehicles across the state of California in 2021 took place in rural areas compared to 2019. Promising electric vehicle growth is likely to continue in coming years, as California tracks towards achieving a landmark regulation adopted this year that will phase out the sale of gasoline cars by 2035.

The Index’s encouraging data on electric vehicle sales contrasts sharply with its findings on public transit ridership, which plunged a stunning 52% in 2020. More concerningly, ridership fell an additional 3% in 2021---even after pandemic restrictions began to lift and some people started returning to the office.

The findings suggest the pandemic could push California deeper into its historical trend of individual car ownership, despite the climate impacts. After a steady decline since the peak in 2018, the vehicle ownership rate rose to 78.4 per 100 persons in 2021, up from 74.7 in 2020.

Key findings include:

• Transportation-sector emissions accounted for 37.9% of California’s total emissions in 2020, down from 41.2% in 2019.
• Consumer preferences continued to shift towards pickup trucks, minivans and SUVS in 2021, as the light truck sales (+16.6%) more than doubled the sale of cars (+7.1%).
• Natural gas-powered vehicle registrations fell 23.2% in 2021, while registrations of electric vehicles increased by 34%, compared to 2020.
• While sales of battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen vehicles increased significantly in 2021, they still only accounted for 2.8% of all registered on-road vehicles in California in 2021, up from 2.2% in 2020.

Source: Next 10

The added production capacity and workforce will support customer deliveries of 18,000 committed orders.

Canoo Delivers Its First Made-in-Oklahoma EVs to State Government

The company's Lifestyle Deliver Vehicles were delivered to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services.

Written by Autobody News Staff
Published Nov. 15, 2023

Canoo Inc. on Nov. 13 announced it delivered its first EVs made in Oklahoma to the state, a milestone marking the start of Canoo's phased-ramp manufacturing in the state and its shipment of Lifestyle Delivery Vehicle (LDV) models to key customers and partners in 2023, with increasing units in 2024.   

"This marks Oklahoma's return to vehicle manufacturing and proves the Sooner State is the right place to grow cutting-edge businesses and create new jobs," said Gov. Kevin Stitt. 

Canoo's expansion in Oklahoma is not just about vehicle production. The company is hiring for its facilities in Oklahoma City and Pryor, with expectations to create more than 1,300 jobs. These LDVs are the first commercial motor vehicles built in Oklahoma since 2006, with the initial batch being delivered to the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).

"It's an honor to partner with the state of Oklahoma and its workforce to create a legacy for electric vehicles in America's Heartland," said Tony Aquila, chairman and CEO of Canoo, acknowledging the role of innovation and hard work in achieving this milestone.

The LDVs from Canoo offer configurability to meet the diverse needs of commercial and government fleet customers. These vehicles, built on a multi-purpose platform, aim to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs, while prioritizing performance, functionality, comfort, safety and security.

"We look forward to evaluating these new assets and the role they can play in modernizing Oklahoma's vehicle use," said OMES Executive Director John Suter.

This development is a key indicator of Oklahoma's commitment to fostering a high-tech, sustainable automotive industry, promising a future where innovation and job creation go hand in hand.

Car Dealers Protest Proposal Allowing Direct EV Sales in Washington State

One dealer manager said the proposal "ignores the significant negative impact this action would have on our small local businesses, employees and communities."

Written by TJ Martinelli, The Center Square
Published Oct. 12, 2023

The state Transportation Electrification Strategy is intended to help guide Washington along the path away from the use of fossil fuels in vehicles, with a 2035 ban on the sale of new gas cars. However, recent public testimony offered on the draft TES indicates that many of its recommendations or goals have numerous logistical and political hurdles ahead.

Currently, Washington is second only behind California in EV sales, with one out of five new cars a hybrid. Yet, the state estimates only 27% of vehicles on the road will be electric in 2040, and it will take more than 20 years for a full transition to occur.

One of the challenges the state faces to get more EVs on the road are the relatively high prices for those vehicles compared to gas cars, as well as a limited number of charging ports around the state. According to the draft TES, “Charging infrastructure is generally decentralized, can be unreliable, lacks interoperability, and can result in queues for open chargers due to slow speeds.”

The TES draft offers numerous recommendations on how to resolve the price issue, including direct sales from EV automakers to consumers and a “cash for clunkers” type program to incentive medium and heavy-duty vehicle owners to turn them in for credit on a new EV.

The proposal to allow direct sale of EVs drew protest from several car dealerships during the EV Council’s Oct. 11 meeting. 

Among them was Shayne Goff, whose family owns Wendell Motors in Spokane and is the president of the Washington State Auto Dealers Association. He told the council the direct sale of EVs “will hurt consumers and our employees across the state in ways the recommendations simply ignored. This would ultimately put me out of business and my employees and customers would suffer. The vast majority of dealerships are family-owned small businesses.”

Also speaking in opposition was Jen Moran, executive manager of Carter Motors. She told the council “the recommendation is shortsighted and ignores the significant negative impact this action would have on our small local businesses, employees and communities. Many franchise new car dealerships, step up to help meet the needs in our communities that would otherwise go unmet. That's not something you see from corporate manufacturers based in California or Texas. Allowing manufacturers to cut local dealers out of the sale and service of new cars would make it hard for those local businesses to survive. If these EVs are sold directly, we would lose a long-standing relationships we have built with the customers and the community.”

Others testifying stressed to the council the importance of timely permitting for charging station ports. Cory Bullis with FLO EV Chargingtold the council “streamlining local permitting processes is actually really, really important to just expediting getting EV chargers. We can sometimes often run into very inconsistent requirements across local jurisdictions and just increasing the transparency and standardizing the process to permit EV charging can really help simplify the process for us."

Expediting that process will be vital if Washington is to have 3 million EV charging ports the EV Council says the state will need by 2035. Currently there are just 4,600, which would require 250,000 built every single year starting in 2023.

However, Teslalobbyist Jeff Gombosky told the council “simplicity, flexibility and removing barriers are key” to achieving the TES’ goals. “There is no way we can meet Washington's decarbonization goals if charging station permitting takes six to 18 months…or if the estimated utility timelines for energizing new charging stations are over five years. These timeline challenges are not unique to Washington, and many other states and countries have adopted effective policies to reduce timelines.”

The EV Council is accepting public comment on the draft TES until Oct. 31.

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Chevrolet Bolt EV Recalled Again Due to Fire Risk, But It's Not Battery-Related

Written by Andrei Nedelea, InsideEVs
Published Dec. 21, 2022

General Motors announced it is voluntarily recalling just under 140,000 ChevroletBolt EVs for a potential fire risk.

However, this has nothing to do with the previous recall connected to faulty battery packs that could catch fire, and the new potential fire hazard is frankly a bit surprising.

These 2017 to 2023 model year Bolt EVs have seatbelt pretensioners whose exhaust gases may set fire to the vehicle’s carpets in the event of a crash. The manufacturer does note it is an extremely rare occurrence, but it will apply a fix to all affected vehicles.

Chevrolet won’t replace the seat belt pretensioners, but will instead place foil on the carpet to shield it from the exhaust and thus eliminate the problem.

Seat belt pretensioners have a pyrotechnic component to them, just like airbags, and they are designed to detonate when the vehicle detects a crash in order to tighten and make sure occupants are held firmly in place.

Of the affected vehicles, almost 20,000 are in Canada, with the remaining 120,000 in the U.S. The recall has yet to be announced on the NHTSA website. It has been made public in Canada, although it has not been announced when owners will be sent notifications or when affected vehicles will be called in to service centers to fix the problem.

This recall comes after another much more serious one caused by faulty battery packs that could suddenly catch fire. GM did begin a process of replacing the battery packs in affected vehicles and this actually increased their range---pre-refresh vehicles from model years 2017 to 2019 actually got a 10% higher capacity pack, or the equivalent of around 6 kWh.

In November, the manufacturer had gone through and already replaced the faulty packs in about half the affected vehicles, focusing on older vehicles from 2017 to 2019 model years first.

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