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US Electric Vehicle Sales still have a lot to do with China

EV

US Electric Vehicle Sales still have a lot to do with China

The United States wants to lessen its reliance on China when it comes to electric vehicle (EV) production. A proposed $7,500 tax credit set to kick in come 2024 is held by most to be the key to increasing EV sales stateside. Yet, US law dictates the credit cannot be used to purchase cars with battery components that come from a “foreign entity of concern.” The interpretation of that phrase will likely dictate the future of the US EV rollout. 

At the heart of this struggle are Ford and General Motors (GM). While there are other EV manufacturers to be certain, Ford has caught the eye of lawmakers and members of Congress with its proposed plans for a $3.5 billion battery factory. The Michigan plant would be one-of-a-kind, but it would also depend heavily on the Chinese firm Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd (CATL). Ford is interested in CATL’s technology to make lithium-iron-phosphate batteries. At an industrial scale, these batteries are cheaper than the alternatives and would greatly reduce production costs. Yet, an agreement like this would likely run against the “foreign entity of concern” clause. 

Meanwhile, crosstown rival GM does not have any planned partnerships with Chinese battery firms and is making this position known. Should Ford be able to move ahead and offer EVs with the $7,500 tax credit, the automaker would gain a relevant technological and cost advantage over GM. Understandably, GM is calling for a strict adherence to the “foreign entity of concern” rule while Ford is positioning its deal with CATL as a licensing agreement and not a joint venture. This means the subsidiary that operates the Michigan plant would be owned by Ford and they would then pay CATL royalties for the use of their technology. 

China is a prominent player in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. Last year roughly 65% of all graphite mined in the world (key raw material for batteries) was from China. In terms of chemical refining and production, all spherical graphite and nearly all manganese refining occur in China, and the Asian giant controls 70% of battery-cell production. Ford defends its position by citing that a deal with CATL could bring substantial advanced technology knowledge to the US and that cutting the US off completely to Chinese partnerships could set the domestic battery market back for decades. 

On the other end, should Ford be allowed to move forward as planned, some in Congress fear this will simply push GM and others to form similar partnerships with other Chinese firms thus further integrating the two nations. Both Democrats and Republicans have enough folks on both sides of the aisle that agree on ridding the US of excess Chinese reliance. But without the $7,500 tax credit bridging the gap between a new EV and a new gas-powered car, a gas-powered option will likely win out for most consumers.    

EV emission silicone

Costs to Consider When Switching Your Business Car to EV

Electric vehicles are getting increasingly popular these days, with data from Goldman Sachs predicting that EVs will make up about half of all vehicle purchases worldwide by 2035. Countries worldwide are pushing for more EV adoption, with governments offering perks like number-coding exemptions, streamlined registration processes, and even tax incentives. Proponents are touting electric cars’ lower costs in terms of consumption and maintenance. Because of this, some business owners are starting to shop around to change their business cars to the more environmentally friendly option. But is it really the best choice?

The Costs of Switching to Electric Vehicles For Business

Like all aspects of business, important decisions must be made based on logical and empirical evidence. In this article, we’ll examine the costs associated with switching to an electric vehicle for your business. 

Purchase price

By the end of 2022, the difference between the average cost of an EV and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle was around $16,000. While the upfront cost isn’t the most crucial consideration when switching your business vehicle to an EV, the large price disparity might raise eyebrows and turn a few interested businesses away. In some instances, $16,000 is enough to buy another ICE vehicle.

There are a few reasons why electric cars are more expensive. Here are the notable ones:

  • New Production Requirements: Electric vehicles in their current form are a relatively new technology, which means producing cars is more expensive. Charging infrastructures, regenerative braking, advanced driver assistance systems, interconnectivity protocols for updates, and parts production need to be done from scratch and can bring higher EV prices.
  • Research and Development: Developing existing electric vehicle technology, including efficient electric motors and advanced battery management systems, requires significant investments in research and development. While different governments give manufacturers incentives and allow more relaxed regulatory requirements to increase production, R&D costs are typically passed on to consumers.
  • Battery: Like with the engine assembly for an ICE car, the battery serves as an electric vehicle’s heart and sole energy source. These rechargeable batteries require pricey raw materials like lithium, manganese, and cobalt. 
  • Lower competition: Tight competition is often followed by favorable market prices for any product. And while many car manufacturers are stepping into the EV scene, the market is still not crowded enough to warrant a price war that will make said cars more affordable.
  • Limited Production Scale: EVs have not yet achieved the same mass production level as traditional vehicles (although Elon Musk and Tesla are certainly taking a stab at it with their promised 20 million cars produced yearly by 2030). In the meantime, economies of scale are not fully realized. As production volumes increase and the production process gets cheaper and faster, the cost per unit is expected to decrease.

The silver lining

As with all new and emerging technologies, prices tend to slope downward as time passes. We’ve seen this trend with personal computers, storage devices, televisions, solar panels, etc. Therefore, it’s only reasonable to expect EVs will become cheaper to produce in the future, resulting in more affordable prices for consumers. 

Insurance

Expensive things tend to cost more to insure, and electric vehicles are more expensive than ICE cars. But how much more expensive is it to insure electric vehicles than regular cars? 

A limited study conducted by MoneyGeek involving 17 electric vehicle models found that the EV cars were approximately 15% more expensive to insure, and 15 of the 17 vehicles’ premiums are above the national average for monthly insurance payments. 

Forbes did similar research with a more expanded sample size (41 of the top-selling EVs in 2022) and arrived at the same conclusion. They noted that EV insurance premiums reach up to $2,280 per year and are about $100 more annually than traditional ICE vehicles on average. That extra hundred dollars might not seem like a considerable sum, but it might be a dealbreaker for some businesses. 

Taxes

In the United States, the IRS offers up to $7,500 in tax credits for people and businesses that purchase qualified electric vehicles from 2023 onward. The IRS also expanded its qualifications to include mineral and battery component requirements. 

Several EU member states and Asian countries like the Philippines and China offer similar incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles.

However, some taxes are levied against EVs. In the US, for example, 33 states charge EV owners an additional yearly fee to drive their cars. Texas, the state that most recently enacted the tax, is asking EV owners to pay $200 on top of their usual auto registration fees, which will go towards maintaining roads. 

California has a similar arrangement; EV owners pay an additional $100, which goes up annually. Oklahoma charges an annual EV licensing fee based on weight, with vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds being charged $2,250 yearly

The point is that businesses looking to buy electric vehicles must conduct in-depth research on applicable taxes before switching.

Charging costs

Pure electric vehicles and hybrids can be charged through designated charging stations. Some stations are free to use, while some require payment and may charge based on usage, kilowatt per hour, or charge time. It is no secret that electric vehicle charging is notably cheaper than filling up a gas-powered car or truck. How much cheaper depends on the model and battery size, but we can safely say that it is priced lower than gas or diesel across the board. Some sources claim that a full charge can cost between $10 and $30, which can present massive savings for businesses, especially over extended periods.

However, a few factors can affect charging costs for EVs. Businesses that require multiple EVs for fleet operations may need to look into installing their own charging stations, as public charging stations may not be the most reliable option for their on-demand charging needs. 

Type of charging stations

There are three levels of charging stations. Level 1 chargers are better for residential vehicles due to their slow charging times and other limitations.

Level 2 chargers, meanwhile, are more suited for cars and other light-duty vehicles up to trucks. Each of these stations can cost up to $6,000 to install. 

Level 3 chargers are used for heavy-duty vehicles and can reach up to $80,000 in installation costs. 

Maintenance and repair costs

Traditional ICE vehicles require routine maintenance to keep all systems running in decent condition. The frequent maintenance visits are a direct result of the complexity of a gas-powered vehicle, i.e., more parts mean more points of failure. Electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, so they don’t need to be serviced as frequently. However, not frequent doesn’t mean never

Most sources agree that electric vehicles are cheaper to maintain (up to $949 less annually). This is for regular maintenance checks and typical consumable replacements. The biggest cost of EV maintenance comes from its lithium-ion battery. Most EV manufacturers cover battery replacements for the first eight years and 100,000 miles of ownership. Out-of-warranty battery replacements are estimated to cost between $4,400 and an unreasonable-sounding $17,600.

While maintenance is cheaper overall, EVs are more expensive for things like system failure and collision repairs. Minor fender-benders are expected when using any vehicle for business or otherwise. The final cost is highly dependent upon the make and model of the vehicle, but they’re generally more expensive than ICE vehicle repairs because parts aren’t as widely available.

Another thing to consider is the availability of repair. Finding authorized repair shops that handle EVs may be difficult, especially for less urbanized areas. While it is technically possible for businesses to perform DIY repairs, they do run the risk of voiding long-term warranties. Furthermore, proprietary parts like automated systems and computer-controlled functions need specialized attention. 

Are EV vehicles worth it?

Reading through this article might discourage business owners from switching to electric vehicles due to the possible costs. However, we need to remember that EVs also present massive benefits in the long run. From maintenance costs to eliminating fuel expenses, an EV can help businesses save money throughout their operations in many ways. 

Aside from tangible savings, EVs are also immensely beneficial for the environment. Zero-emission vehicles bring us closer to minimizing our carbon footprint and help avert the disastrous effects of climate change. 

Additionally, more brand-centric businesses using EVs can attract more customers — and investors. Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing is becoming increasingly popular as the world becomes more environmentally conscious. 

At the end of the day, it is the business’s responsibility to weigh the potential costs of switching to electric vehicles against their inherent benefits before considering the switch.

High-voltage

High-Voltage Components Setting Benchmarks for Commercial Electric Vehicles

Commercial EV (electric vehicles powered by electricity instead of diesel or gasoline) manufacturers are striving to keep pace with the market shift away from internal combustion engines, whilst keeping a competitive advantage over other EV OEMs. The need for an EV with superior power and range at a competitive cost has driven the industry to develop advanced high-voltage DC battery systems and drive motors. With battery and drive motor technology maturing, engineers are also increasingly turning to auxiliary components to gain additional efficiency and a competitive edge. Applying the same high-voltage technology to components such as pumps and cooling fans can significantly increase overall vehicle performance and efficiency whilst reducing cost.

Selecting components that operate from the same high voltage DC power source as the main drive motors instead of traditional 12V and 24V components, can greatly improve the power distribution structure in the vehicle. High voltage components eliminate DC-DC converters that are a significant source of cost, complexity, and inefficiency. Additionally, power conductors supplying current to electric components can be drastically downsized to further reduce cost and free up space.

High-voltage components provide improved power density compared to traditional low-voltage products. Greater output from a smaller device offers multiple benefits in addition to the obvious improved packaging characteristics. For example, in some instances a single high-voltage cooling fan can be used in applications that traditionally require an array of multiple low-voltage fans, providing greater power density and serving to reduce cost and complexity associated with various thermal management requirements. Similarly, a high-voltage coolant pump can offer greater flow for increased cooling capacity, or an opportunity to downsize heat exchangers while maintaining cooling capacity.

The Concentric AB group is at the forefront of high-voltage component technology and a leading innovator in thermal management solutions and acquired Engineered Machined Products (EMP), based in Escanaba, Michigan at the end of 2021. Concentric now offers a recently developed, EMP branded range of high-voltage fans and coolant pumps for use in the heavy-duty commercial EV sector. At a nominal 700V DC, the powerful 15-inch fan can produce up to 4,000 CFM (6,760 m3/h) of airflow at a static pressure of 2.0 in H2O (498 Pa).This performance has never been achievable from any low-voltage component of similar package size. Likewise, the EMP branded high-voltage coolant pumps can also produce superior performance compared to low-voltage counterparts of similar spatial geometry, allowing Concentric to offer a full range of high voltage coolant pumps with power ranges from 1 to 5KW. These include the well-developed features and durability of our proven low voltage pumps, including the seal-less technology. Typical applications include battery-, power electronics- and fuel cell cooling.

Lates completion of Concentric’s high voltage product portfolio is an EMP branded 31-inch fan for applications with extreme airflow requirements. The brushless DC electric fan is capable of up to 20kW of power while producing airflow of 19,000 CFM at 4.1 in H2O. At 700V DC nominal, the fan will consume 28A at max power. This performance from a single electric fan is an example of how high-voltage technology is enabling use cases for electric components that were never previously considered. To achieve the same power from a 24V fan would require nearly 850A, and even if technically feasible, the electrical load and physical size of an 850A fan would be prohibitive for almost any real-world application. In this case, high-voltage technology allows for electrification in extreme applications that are traditionally reserved for large belt-driven fans or hydraulic fans powered by internal combustion engines. It is worth mentioning that the high voltage Fans are air cooled, and therefor do not require any coolant supply and thereby make the need for hoses and additional pumps obsolete.

Concentric continues to lead the way for innovation in electric components and subsystems by working directly with leading global OEMs to optimize technology for the heavy-duty commercial EV sector. Recent innovations include CAN control and CAN-based monitoring of the high-voltage interlock loop (HVIL), fully sealed touchless high-voltage electrical connections, and advanced embedded motor controls offering full variable speed and reversibility. Future products in the high-voltage pipeline include additional fan sizes, multi-fan systems, and oil pumps.

Concentric’s new HVMPU (High Voltage Motor Pump Unit) offers entry into the world of high voltage hydraulic units. The voltage range of 450-850V offers the possibility of operating the unit directly on the high-voltage board network of a vehicle. With a nominal motor output power of 7.5 kW with full variability CAN controlled speed range of 0-4000 RPM, the unit offers sufficient output power for a large number of hydraulic applications. Together with the proven low noise gear pumps of Concentric’s CALMA series, and the new internal gear pumps of their IGP series, the unit has been optimized for low noise applications.

The company also offers a full portfolio of heavy-duty low-voltage electric fans, coolant pumps, oil pumps, and complete cooling systems to fill the needs of any thermal management application.

robots netlogistik

Electric Vehicle Demand Is Revving Up in Logistics and Robots are Here to Help

EV adoption is on the rise in the logistics industry and manufacturers are meeting that demand with help from robotics. Logistics companies that adopt EVs can reduce their emissions and save money on fuel and maintenance costs. Robots help manufacturers provide these new vehicles by resolving labor shortages, reducing waste, minimizing production costs and more. 

Rising Demand for EVs in Logistics

Demand for EVs in logistics is on the rise due to several factors. Over recent years, EV technology has seen many innovations, improving performance and affordability. EV adoption in the U.S. was 27 times higher in 2021 than in 2011. While logistics vehicles lag behind consumer EVs, a rising tide of innovation is still underway.

For example, leading logistics companies have announced a switch to EVs over the past few years. The USPS announced a plan to deploy over 60,000 electric delivery vehicles by 2028. Amazon’s electric delivery vans began hitting the streets in mid-2022 alongside EV fleets from FedEx and UPS.

Over the past few years, EV technology has reached a tipping point where it is both functional and relatively inexpensive. Public awareness about fuel emissions is also on the rise, which is strengthening investment and adoption. Logistics companies can improve their ESG performance by adopting EVs.

Benefits of EVs for the Logistics Industry

Why is demand for EVs in logistics increasing? The logistics industry relies heavily on efficient fleets that are low-cost and high-performance. Today’s EV technology is well-positioned to meet those needs. There are also valuable financial benefits to adopting EVs. 

For example, the U.S. federal government offers a growing number of tax credits and incentives to promote electric vehicles. Logistics companies can use these programs to save money and make EV investments more affordable. Businesses can also save money through the lower cost of charging compared to gas or diesel fuel. 

EVs are ideal for logistics applications since they are quiet and reduce urban pollution. Logistics often requires moving goods through residential areas and cities, where noise and air pollution are already high. Switching to EVs helps logistics companies do their part to resolve these issues. 

The Role of Robots in EV Production

Mass logistics EV adoption relies on a strong EV manufacturing industry. Robots are helping manufacturers meet demand while keeping costs and waste low. They are crucial to ensuring success for the future of logistics EVs. 

Improved Manufacturing Safety

Robots are ideal for electric vehicle manufacturing because they allow manufacturers to make more out of less. Research shows the manufacturing industry will be short over 2 million employees by 2030. As a result, manufacturers are attempting to meet rising EV demand with smaller teams of employees. 

Robots can fill those labor shortage gaps by automating repetitive, time-consuming tasks. Integrating robots in EV manufacturing also improves employee safety by reducing physical risks. Employees can switch to less strenuous roles while robots automate physically-demanding tasks like moving heavy parts. 

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are particularly effective for EV manufacturing. Engineers design these robots to work alongside humans. As a result, they improve workplace safety, productivity and resilience. EV manufacturers can blend the talents of both humans and robots by adopting human-friendly cobots.

Waste and Cost Reduction

Minimizing waste in EV manufacturing is an integral part of meeting the environmental goals engineers design electric vehicles to support. Robots can reduce production waste as much as possible through high efficiency and accuracy. This saves supplies, resources, time and money. 

Robots can perform the same task countless times without diminishing returns or significant variety. As a result, robots can deliver more consistent quality than humans. Employees will naturally get tired, fatigued and distracted on the job occasionally. In repetitive manual tasks, this can cause higher defect rates resulting in wasted materials. 

EV manufacturing can also benefit from the high level of precision robots offer. EVs require carefully assembled battery units and electronics which are often the most expensive part of the vehicle. Applying robots to battery assembly ensures the highest level of precision and consistent quality. It also minimizes the likelihood of production errors or defects wasting costly materials. 

Challenges Facing EVs in Logistics

What challenges is logistics EV adoption facing today? The EV market has a few main road bumps, particularly infrastructure and the initial investment cost. These challenges may be resolved with further innovation and development over the next few years, including help from robotics. 

Charging Infrastructure

Few things are hindering EV adoption like charging infrastructure. Surveys show that 47% of Americans are unlikely to purchase an EV, with 77% citing charger availability as a major or minor concern.

Charging infrastructure remains more complicated and less accessible than conventional gas stations. Different vehicle manufacturers may use different types of chargers. Charging stations vary significantly in the charging time and power they can provide. Refilling a gas tank is also drastically faster than leaving an EV to charge for hours. 

If EVs in logistics are going to reach their full potential, charging infrastructure will require significant innovation. Larger-capacity batteries may help but can also result in longer charging times. Heat management also creates a ceiling on how fast drivers can safely recharge EV batteries. 

Robots can help manufacturers produce more EV charging equipment with less money and resources. This will help grow the charging network and keep charger installation and operation affordable for everyone, including logistics vehicles. 

Affordability

Despite progress over recent years, affordability remains a challenge for EVs. The high initial investment cost can make it particularly difficult to get logistics companies and other businesses on board. Even if EVs are cheaper to own over time, the initial purchase price remains higher than gas or diesel-powered vehicles. 

Integrating robots in the EV manufacturing process can minimize production costs and bring down the purchase price of electric vehicles. Further innovation in EV design will also result in more affordable, efficient vehicles down the road. 

Batteries vs. Hydrogen Electric

EVs in logistics specifically are facing an interesting debate — are batteries or hydrogen fuel better for electric vehicles? Usually, people think of battery electric vehicles, or BEVs, when they hear about EVs. However, batteries aren’t the only power source available today. They might not be the best option for logistics applications, either. 

Hydrogen fuel cells are gaining popularity for electrifying the fleet industry, providing a cost-effective alternative to batteries for larger vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cells are great for vehicles like vans and trucks since they don’t require large, expensive battery packs or lengthy charging times. Instead, drivers simply refuel the vehicle with hydrogen fuel like at a gas or diesel station. Hydrogen electric vehicles may be the perfect solution for the logistics industry, providing clean transportation without the drawbacks of charging complications. 

The Future of EVs in Logistics

Electric vehicles are the future of transportation in every industry, including logistics. Robots are helping EV manufacturers resolve labor shortages, improve productivity, lower costs, reduce waste and improve employee safety. Over the coming years, manufacturing robots will support the growth of logistics EV adoption as the industry works to overcome a few remaining electrification challenges.

 

blue

The Shyft Group Achieves CARB Approval for Blue Arc™ EV Delivery Vans

Blue Arc EVs Meet Emission Standards Set by the California Air Resources Board and Contribute to Cleaner, Safer Air Quality

225-mile city driving range exceeds fleet customer demand

The Shyft Group, Inc. , the North American leader in specialty vehicle manufacturing, assembly, and upfit for the commercial, retail, and service specialty vehicle markets, today announced it has completed testing and received an executive order of compliance from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) for the Company’s Blue Arc™ EV Solutions Class 3, 4 and 5 electric delivery vehicles.

Within the executive order, CARB confirmed the city driving range of 225 miles for the Class 3 Blue Arc EVs under CARB test conditions, including three models offering 600, 700 or 800 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Class 4 and 5 EVs provide 700 to 1,000 cubic feet.

Blue Arc has achieved a new benchmark for range in commercial EVs, which provides customers with the knowledge they can comfortably perform and in many cases exceed a daily last-mile delivery route and cargo capacity requirements.

CARB compliance means Blue Arc vehicles meet the stringent emission standards set by CARB, and the vehicles help contribute to cleaner and safer air quality, as well as a more sustainable platform to minimize fleet impact on the environment.

Together with Shyft’s recent announcement on EPA testing citing up to 200 mile range city/highway combined, the executive order and certification are important milestones that help clear the way for Shyft’s Blue Arc vans to start production later this year and be sold in all 50 states. The certifications are additionally significant because they will allow Blue Arc customers in a number of states with zero emission truck regulations to apply for and receive incentives.

Shyft also recently announced a $16-million investment at the company’s Charlotte, Michigan, campus to begin production of the electric vehicles in the second half of 2023.

test equiptment market

In the United States, The Need for Automated Test Equipment is Propelling the Growth of Rising Sales of Electric Vehicles and Connected Devices

The automated test equipment market is anticipated to thrive at a CAGR of 9.8% between 2023 and 2033. The market is anticipated to cross a market share of US$ 23.76 billion by 2033 while it is valued at US$ 9.33 billion in 2023.

The growing manufacturing and corporate spaces adopting ioT systems are thriving the demand for automated test equipment. The demand for cost and time-reducing elements in the market is expected to play a vital role in the growth of the automated test equipment market.

Advanced machinery that works on high-speed networks and is autonomous is also adopting faster testing measures such as automated test equipment. The growth is attributed to the expanding component markets like cloud computing, AI, and machine learning

The growth of new connected devices along with higher penetration of 5G networks are fueling people to adopt IoT services. Hence, it fuels the demand for automated test equipment.

Advanced device manufacturing units functioning with high-end research have flourished in the automated test equipment market.

Lower cost and time-saving prospects delivered by these ATE units are helping the manufacturing units.

Expanding automotive industry fuels the demand for vehicle testing systems that automate machinery systems. The growth of healthcare wearables has also fueled the demand for ATE units as it freshly trends in the market.

Key Points

  • The United States market is attributed to the flourishing industrial growth along with the rapid digitization and addition of IoT devices in the manufacturing hubs. The extended research and development programs have also fueled the growth of the regional market.
  • China automated test equipment market is also a crucial market. The regional growth is attributed to the higher sales of connected devices across the verticals such as healthcare, automotive, and education.
  • Europe with hyper-digitized cities is adopting IoT and implementing it in almost every sector that fuels the demand for automated test equipment for better deployment.
  • The linear and discrete segment is likely to thrive in the type of category due to faster and better testing. It is expected to hold a value of US$ 2.5 billion by 2032.
  • The ICT industry segment tops the application category it holds a 25% share of the global market in 2023. The growth of this is fueled by the extra consumption and higher penetration of computing devices.

Competitive Landscape

The key competitors focus on building reliable, faster, cost-reducing technology for the end-users. Key competitors also merge, acquire, and collaborate with other companies to increase the network range, connectivity, supply chain, and distribution channel. The key players in the market are: Teradyne, National Instruments, Chroma ATE, Astronics Corporation, Star Technologies, Roos Instruments, Marvin Test Solutions, Cohu, Advantest Corporation, and OMRON Corporation.

Recent Market Developments

  • Advantest Corporation has added a new E5620 DR-SEM for the review and classification of ultra-small photomask defects. The product comes with high accuracy, high-throughput defect sensing, etc.
  • OMRON Corporation has introduced its IC test system and handler, semiconductor wafer test system, and general and in-circuit tester.
mullen Mercantilism stifles innovations for shipments of export cargo and import cargo in international trade.

Mullen Announces the I-GO™, New Urban Commercial Electric Delivery Vehicle Available Now for European Markets

A commercial EV that is EU standard homologated, certified and ready for sale in the UK, Germany, Spain, France and Ireland, with the first vehicles set for Germany in December 2022. Starting price of $11,999 plus VAT and local transportation. Company is engaged in licensing discussions with potential partners.

Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN) (“Mullen” or the “Company”), an emerging electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer, announces today it has secured exclusive sales, distribution and branding rights to the new compact urban delivery electric vehicle, the I-GO, which is fully EU Standard homologated and certified for sale in select European markets.

Perfect for urban European markets, the I-GO bridges the gap between the growing demand for quick deliveries and space constraints found throughout the dense cities of Europe.

There is high demand for ready to market urban delivery vehicles in Europe. The Company has seized the opportunity to extend its branding and marketing reach to the European market through its partnership with the manufacturers of the I-GO. The Mullen I-GO, intended for companies focusing on last mile deliveries, is based on a 96-inch wheelbase, 16.5-kWh battery pack, rear-wheel drive, and a curb weight of 1,753 lbs. With a range of 124 miles, according to NEDC estimate, the vehicle can easily handle the stop/go and weave in/out typical of narrow European urban streets. The I-Go was built with the intention to get to the customer’s door faster, all while decreasing pollution and congestion levels across Europe. The I-GO will have a starting price of $11,999 plus VAT and local transportation and will be retailed and serviced through local European distributors.

The I-GO will join Mullen’s current commercial vehicle lineup which includes Class 1 and 2 EV cargo vans. Mullen recently made a majority acquisition of Bollinger Motors, whose portfolio includes Class 3 through Class 6 commercial vehicles. In addition to securing the exclusive sales, distribution and branding rights for the I-GO for Spain, France, Germany, UK and Ireland, the Company entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire all assets of Electric Last Mile Solutions, Inc. and Electric Last Mile, Inc. (“ELMS”) from the ELMS Bankruptcy Estates.

About Mullen
Mullen Automotive is a Southern California-based automotive company building the next generation of premium electric vehicles (EVs) that are affordable and built entirely in the United States. With an end-to-end ecosystem that supports owners from test driving to financing and servicing through a unique hybrid dealership model, customers are supported through every aspect of EV ownership. The Mullen FIVE, the Company’s first electric crossover, is slated for delivery in 2024 and features an award-winning design and its patented PERSONA technology that utilizes facial recognition to personalize the driving experience for every individual. To learn more about the company, visit www.MullenUSA.com.

 

cell

Rise in Demand for Electric Vehicles Has Been Highly Beneficial for the EV Battery Cells Industry

Growing concerns regarding the adverse impact of climate change and increasing carbon emission across the world, in the last few years, have given way to a steep incline demand for electric vehicles.
This, in turn, has been overtly beneficial for the EV battery cells market. The favorable government policies, in the majority of countries, to support electric vehicle sales have supplemented the market growth yet more.

A number of surveys have been conducted in this regard and it’s revealed that the sales of electric vehicles happened to raise by around forty-one percent from about 2.11 mn units in 2019 to approximately 2.97 mn units in the year 2020, whereas the growth of EV sales between 2018 and 2019 was just more or less 5.2%.

According to a recent report published by Allied Market Research, the global EV battery cells market is anticipated to display a considerable CAGR from 2021 to 2030. Rising demand for EVs worldwide, growing preference toward the technology from the automotive sector, and decreased price of li-ion battery have fostered the market growth in more than one way.

Surge in government investment for the disposition of the public charging setup along with the rising efficacy of the electric vehicles have paved the way for a plethora of opportunities for the frontrunners in the industry.

With the growing popularity of lithium-ion battery as compared to other battery kinds, mainly owing to its promising capacity-to-weight ratio, adoption of this particular cell category has witnessed a sharp increase over the years. Other factors that account for its acquisition take in low maintenance, enhanced performance, improved shelf life, and long life.

Although the price of lithium-ion batteries is generally higher than that of its other counterparts, the key players in the industry have been emphasizing on economies of scale as well as on extensive R&D activities, which eventually has resulted into diminished prices of lithium-ion battery.​ ​

Li-ion batteries have conventionally been used in consumer electronic expedients including personal computers and mobile phones. They are, nowadays, being remodeled for use as the main power source in both the complete as well as the hybrid EV ranges. Especially, the fact that electric vehicles present significantly low environmental impact and hardly emits any harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides, CO2, or any other greenhouse gases has escalated its preference even more. ​

Moreover, the number of electric vehicles in total passenger cars has been snowballing at a jet’s pace and due to the amplified sales, the demand for li-ion batteries in regions such as North America and
Europe has also increased like never before.

Furthermore, with the ‘Green Deal policy’ hurled in the year 2019 by the European Union, the stake of electric vehicles has heightened even more, since the ‘Green Deal Policy’ intends to diminish the carbon emission by approximately fifty percent by the year 2030 to accomplish the target of carbon neutrality by 2050.​

A number of developments and initiatives have also been made by the market players to reinforce their status in the industry. Last year, in February, a renowned name in the automotive battery sector, Amara

Raja Batteries, unrolled its first technology hub to develop li-ion cells at one of its facilities in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh.

LG Chem Ltd, on the other hand, proclaimed its innovative plans to enlarge the production capacity of battery cells, thus catering to the US clients perfectly. The organization also exports and dispatches its
amplified output from Korea and China to Tesla’s workshops in the USA and Germany.

Inverted Energy, a top battery maker based in Delhi, declared the opening of its lithium battery manufacturing hub in New Delhi, in 2020. The current production ability of the plant is about hundred
megawatt/ hour, and it is exclusively aimed at plummeting down the country’s dependence on China.

Covid-19 scenario

Here, it’s worth mentioning that the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic led to disruptions in the production activities of new vehicles, which impacted the sales too. This, in turn had a sheer negative impact on the EV battery cells market. The distorted supply chain and lack of raw materials needed to manufacture the vehicles gave way to production delays, which aggravated the industrial economy even more. However, as the global situation is getting better, the market for EV battery cells has also started recouping at a swift pace.
Get detailed COVID-19 impact analysis on the EV Battery Cells Market @ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-for-customization/14277?reqfor=covid

Author’s Bio

Koyel Ghosh is a blogger with a strong passion and enjoys writing on miscellaneous domains, as she believes it lets her explore a wide variety of niches. She has an innate interest for creativity and enjoys experimenting with different writing styles. A writer who never stops imagining, she has been serving the corporate industry for the last four years.   koyel.ghosh@alliedmarketresearch.net

manganese

High Purity Manganese Prices Surge as China Consolidates the Industry

IndexBox has just published a new report: ‘World – Manganese Ores and Concentrates – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights’. Here is a summary of the report’s key findings.

China dominates imports of manganese ore, and shipments to the country are actively rebounding after 2020’s drop in mining and trade worldwide. The country is strengthening its control over the high-purity manganese sector used in electric car batteries. Chinese manganese producers have merged into a conglomerate enabling the country to influence prices and gain a competitive advantage.

Key Trends and Insights

In 2021, manganese ore shipments to China started to rebound after they fell a year earlier. From January through July 2021, 18.6M tonnes were purchased, which is 19% more than the same period in the previous year. in 2020, China imported 32M tonnes of ore which was 7.6% less than in 2019. at the same time, mining of manganese ore worldwide declined by 6% y-o-y to 60M tonnes due to the slump in demand from the primary downstream market, the steel industry. Global imports fell by 4% y-o-y to 43M tonnes in 2020. The country maintains its position as the largest importer with a market share of 74%.

Significant changes occur in the manganese sector due to its increasing use in the rapidly expanding electric automobile industry. China is the dominating player on the market for high-purity manganese used in car batteries, producing over 90% of the global supply. With government support, Chinese manganese companies formed a cartel-type association, the Manganese Innovation Alliance, to strengthen their positions in the global market. Since the union was created, prices for manganese shipped to South Korea have doubled.

Battery producers’ considerable dependence on products from China could hinder competition in the global accumulator market and enable Chinese products to push out foreign counterparts. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Ltd., based in China, currently constitutes the largest electric car battery producer globally. It is followed by the South Korean LG Energy Solution and the Japanese Panasonic, both importing a large portion of their manganese materials from China.

Manganese Ore and Concentrate Production

In 2020, approx. 60M tonnes of manganese ores and concentrates were produced worldwide, down by -2.9% on 2019 figures. in value terms, manganese ore and concentrate production declined rapidly to $8.7B, estimated at export prices.

South Africa (20M tonnes) constituted the country with the most significant manganese ore and concentrate production, comprising approx. 33% of total volume. Moreover, manganese ore and concentrate production in South Africa exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Australia (7.6M tonnes), threefold. Gabon (6.8M tonnes) ranked third in total production with an 11% share.

Manganese Ore and Concentrate Imports

In 2020, global manganese ore and concentrate imports contracted modestly to 43M tonnes, waning by -4.5% on the previous year. in value terms, manganese ore and concentrate imports dropped dramatically to $7.1B (IndexBox estimates).

China dominates manganese ore and concentrate import structure, recording 32M tonnes, which was near 74% of total imports in 2020. It was distantly followed by India (3.5M tonnes), making up 8.2% of total imports. Russia (1.2M tonnes), Malaysia (1.1M tonnes), South Korea (1.1M tonnes), Norway (0.9M tonnes) and Japan (0.8M tonnes) followed a long way behind the leaders.

In value terms, China ($4.9B) constitutes the largest market for imported manganese ores and concentrates worldwide, comprising 69% of global imports. The second position in the ranking was occupied by India ($641M), with a 9.1% share of the total value. It was followed by South Korea, with a 3% share.

The average manganese ore and concentrate import price stood at $165 per tonne in 2020, declining by -16% against the previous year. Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. Major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Norway ($206 per tonne) and Japan ($204 per tonne), while China ($155 per tonne) and Russia ($159 per tonne) were amongst the lowest.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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How Can We Make Trucking More Sustainable?

Transportation accounts for around one-fifth of global carbon emissions, with road freight being one of the largest contributors.

As a result — and as sustainability becomes more important to businesses, investors and consumers — trucking companies are looking for ways to make their work greener. New strategies and technology are helping the industry improve its sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint.

Utilizing these strategies could help make a trucking industry that’s more sustainable and just as capable of moving goods around the country. Here are some tactics that are helping companies to go green.

New Technology Paves the Way for Green Trucking

A handful of innovations may help the trucking industry tackle its most significant sources of carbon — primarily, emissions generated by trucks burning fossil fuels.

The most significant new technology will likely be the electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs) arriving on the market. These trucks are powered by nondiesel energy sources — like hydrogen, biodiesel, renewable natural gas or pure electricity.

Depending on their particular fuel source, they can produce reduced carbon emissions compared to diesel, or none at all. This allows trucking companies to significantly reduce their largest source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Limitations of these EVs and AFVs — like a lack of national electric vehicle charging and infrastructure — made them a risky investment in the past. However, as charging stations become common and manufacturers release electric trucks with ranges comparable to diesel ones, companies are beginning to reconsider these vehicles. The growing AFV and EV market segment also means businesses have more options than ever when it comes to nondiesel trucks.

Some AFVs, like those powered by biodiesel and renewable natural gas, aren’t emissions-free but are a more sustainable option than conventional trucks. For example, biodiesel is a renewable resource produced from feedstock that absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as it grows. Burning it isn’t completely green, but making it can help to actively sequester atmospheric carbon.

Adopting either AFVs or EVs will take a major investment from the industry, and there are still risks to pivoting away from conventional fuel-powered trucks. However, these AFVs are likely the best way for a trucking business to reduce its individual carbon footprint.

Other significant innovations come from the IT world. New monitoring and driver management software provides businesses with data management and gathering tools that were never available before. Telematics and GPS technology can help companies monitor their fleets and driver behavior, allowing them to identify unsustainable driving habits and route choices.

These GPS devices could be combined with other monitoring technologies, like Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sensors that gather truck health and performance information. They are already being used in the intermodal transportation industry to improve business efficiency.

This technology could make tracking driver behavior and vehicle health much easier.

Best Practices Could Reduce the Trucking Industry’s Carbon Footprint

Businesses may not need to adopt entirely new technology to improve their carbon footprint. Instead, new business services, models and best practices may help the trucking industry cut back on carbon emissions while using existing trucks.

Full truckloads (FTLs) are a strategy that aims to minimize empty miles and underutilized truck storage space. This allows businesses to make trucking a much more sustainable shipping approach.

In some cases, trucking companies may be able to maximize their FTL count by outsourcing logistics operations to the right partner. Business-to-business freight shipping company FlockFreight has launched a new service that combines multiple less-than-truckloads (LTLs) to maximize goods shipped while reducing carbon emissions.

In 2017, empty miles accounted for around 17% of all greenhouse gas emissions from the trucking industry. Cutting down on these miles while maximizing full truckloads could help improve the industry’s productivity and minimize carbon emissions at the same time. All it takes is partnering with a sustainable logistics company.

The Right Maintenance Approach Can Minimize Carbon Emissions

Even simple changes to a business’s maintenance strategy can significantly reduce carbon emissions. For example, tire rolling resistance is considered to be one of the main factors impacting a vehicle’s fuel efficiency, along with the engine and aerodynamics.

A company’s choice of tire and maintenance practices that keep tires inflated can help significantly reduce the amount of fuel a vehicle needs. Lower consumption can reduce operational costs and carbon emissions.

Other effective maintenance practices can also help minimize fuel consumption and risks like downtime. Oil changes and other repairs that keep engines as efficient as possible can improve fuel economy and keep carbon emissions low.

Businesses are also beginning to invest in new telematics strategies that provide them with additional maintenance data. Remote monitoring solutions with IoT devices give companies a real-time snapshot of their entire truck fleet’s health.

Virtual dashboards can collect and display data like fleet-wide tire pressure, maintenance needs and fuel consumption, allowing managers to pinpoint potential problems.

Over time, these monitoring solutions can also lay the foundation for predictive maintenance strategies. They use a combination of real-time maintenance data from telematics systems and artificial intelligence to predict when a truck will need work. These algorithms can often significantly improve vehicle performance, increase life span and reduce the risk of unexpected downtime.

These benefits can help companies reduce operating costs while minimizing their carbon footprint.

New Technology Can Create a Sustainable Trucking Industry

The trucking industry has long struggled with carbon emissions and pollution. Trucks that burn fossil fuels, like diesel, naturally produce a large amount of greenhouse gas. This takes a huge toll on the environment. Trucking companies would be wise to adopt sustainable practices as more consumers and corporations look to green practices.

New technology and best practices can enable the sector to become more sustainable. Combined with new monitoring or maintenance platforms, AFVs and EVs may allow a business to almost eliminate its carbon footprint. Even simple changes to business processes that help maximize the number of FTLs can have a major impact on emissions. Employing these tactics paves the way for a more sustainable trucking industry.

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Emily Newton is an industrial journalist. As Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized, she regularly covers how technology is changing the industry.