9 stories tagged commercial-evs on EV Digest.
Electric forklifts from manufacturers like Big Joe are showcasing the advantages of electrification and automation in the commercial sector. These battery-powered industrial vehicles are not only boosting efficiency in logistics and supply chains but also serving as a practical model for broader EV adoption.
California's Air Resources Board (CARB) has revised and relaunched its Clean Fuel Reward program, allocating $250 million to incentivize the purchase of new medium- and heavy-duty electric trucks. This updated program aims to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission commercial vehicles, but initial reactions suggest it might disproportionately benefit smaller trucking operations.
Australian firm Janus Electric is gaining traction internationally with its unique approach to heavy-duty vehicle electrification. The company specializes in converting existing diesel trucks into battery-electric models, offering a potentially more economical pathway to EV adoption than purchasing new electric trucks. With recent orders from customers in the US, Canada, and Australia, Janus Electric's order book is now reportedly full.
A new report from the Pembina Institute indicates that commercial fleet operators in British Columbia are receptive to adopting shared electric vehicle charging models. This approach could offer a more cost-effective alternative to individual infrastructure ownership for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles (MHDV). The findings suggest a potential pathway for expanded EV adoption within commercial fleets by alleviating charging infrastructure burdens.
Chinese battery giant CATL has announced a new battery designed for commercial electric vehicles, boasting ultra-fast charging capabilities. This new pack can recharge enough to support 200 km (124 miles) of range in just seven minutes. Significantly, a sodium-ion variant is also available, maintaining nearly full performance even in frigid -40 degree Celsius/Fahrenheit conditions.
German engineering group AZL has initiated a collaborative project focused on advancing composite, plastic-based battery casings for heavy-duty electric vehicles. The goal is to make these lightweight alternatives to traditional steel and aluminum economically viable for electric trucks, buses, and off-highway vehicles. This move could reduce vehicle weight and lower manufacturing costs in the commercial EV sector.
The Port of Los Angeles's Pier 400 is significantly expanding its electric vehicle operations with an order for 40 additional Orange EV HUSK-e XP battery-electric terminal tractors. This new acquisition brings the total electric fleet at Pier 400 to 60 units, fully electrifying the terminal's on-dock rail drayage operations. The move underscores a growing commitment to cleaner port logistics.
Commercial EV manufacturer Superlight has successfully raised $21 million in Series A funding, bringing its total capital to $33 million. This investment will enable the company to finalize its UK manufacturing facility and fulfill initial sales in the UK and EU. Crucially for North American markets, Superlight also plans to use these funds to prepare vehicles for customer testing and market entry in the United States.
The transition to electric trucks is proving more challenging than anticipated, with fleets encountering significant hurdles that may delay widespread adoption. Despite promising early tests, operational realities are slowing down the shift from diesel to electric for commercial transportation.
