Latest Developments in Electric Vehicle, Battery, and Charging: IBM, Tervine, ACM, Clarios, Altris, 25M, Lion Electric, InductEV, EVgo, Toyota, EVCS, StoreDot, and REE Are in Focus

In the rapidly evolving world of electric vehicles (EVs), several significant developments are taking place. Here are some of the latest updates that are shaping the future of the industry.

Tax Credits and Incentives

REE's P7-C electric chassis cab is now eligible for the U.S. federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit. This means customers can receive a tax credit of up to $40,000 per vehicle, a move that is expected to boost the adoption of cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in EV Industry

The Interoperability Clearing House (ICH), a joint initiative by technology providers IBM, Terbine, and ACM, is set to revolutionize the EV industry. Leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, the ICH will offer ongoing cross-product testing to participants from around the globe. The goal is to eliminate many problems plaguing the EV charging landscape and accelerate the migration to zero-emission vehicles.

Lithium Production and Extraction

International Battery Metals Ltd. has signed a term sheet for the deployment of its modular direct lithium extraction plant with a customer in the western United States. The plant aims to produce approximately 4,000 metric tons per annum of lithium carbonate, with plans to increase this production to over 8,000 metric tons per annum.

Battery Safety Advancements

24M, a company known for its battery innovations, has unveiled a transformative new battery separator - 24M Impervio. This advancement promises to redefine battery safety for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer applications, facilitating the prevention of catastrophic fires and massive recalls.

Partnerships for Sustainable Battery Technologies

Several partnerships have been formed to develop sustainable battery technologies. Clarios and Altris have announced a partnership aimed at developing low-voltage sodium-ion batteries for the automotive industry. Northvolt, a Swedish company, has initiated a partnership with Altris to develop sodium-ion batteries for the automotive business.

StoreDot, the pioneer in extreme fast charging battery technology for electric vehicles, is focusing its immediate R&D efforts on developing advanced B-sample prismatic cells, through joint development programs with several global car manufacturers.

Grants for EV Adoption

Lion Electric was awarded a grant for 97 school buses and related charging infrastructure, representing a total of $38 million, as part of the U.S. EPA's latest round of awards under the Clean School Bus Program. This grant is expected to contribute significantly to the mass adoption of electric school buses in the United States.

Wireless Charging Solutions

InductEV's proprietary, on-route wireless charging solution is being used in locations throughout North America and Europe. The solution shifts EV charging to daytime use of renewables, reducing the need for large EV batteries, lowering vehicle costs, and eliminating the need for recycling by extending battery life by a factor of 4-8X. The company is poised to announce the largest commitment by a U.S. port facility to its technology.

Manufacturing and Fast-Charging Partnerships

Detroit Manufacturing Systems is handling manufacturing for InductEV's wireless charging solution, demonstrating their expertise in electric vehicle components and systems production. EVCS, one of the largest EV fast-charging network operators on the West Coast, has partnered with Presto Charging, a leading EV charging software platform, to provide Presto's customers direct access to EVCS' network of over 1,000 chargers on the West Coast.

EVgo is providing drivers who purchase or lease a new 2024 bZ4x with one year of complimentary fast charging on its nationwide network, aiming to boost range confidence for EV drivers and spur the mass adoption of EVs.

Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries, inherently sustainable and easy to recycle, made from salt, wood, iron, and air, are gaining attention in the industry. They are seen as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for the future of electric vehicles.

These developments highlight the ongoing efforts to make electric vehicles more accessible, safer, and more sustainable. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovations that will drive the mass adoption of electric vehicles and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.