Breakthrough Lithium-Sulfur Battery
A recent global survey found that 46% of U.S. EV owners have considered switching back to gasoline cars, mainly due to charging concerns. In response, researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have made a breakthrough in battery technology, developing a lithium-sulfur battery that could dramatically improve EV range and convenience.
While lithium-sulfur batteries are lightweight, cost-effective, and highly energy-dense, they previously had a short lifespan, becoming useless after about 50 charges. However, FIU researchers discovered that adding a small amount of platinum nanoparticles stabilizes the battery, significantly improving its lifespan and efficiency. Their study demonstrated 92% retention after 500 charging cycles, bringing the technology closer to commercial viability. The battery is now undergoing third-party testing, marking a crucial step toward real-world application.
Electrify America Expands
In 2024, Electrify America expanded its public charging network to over 4,800 chargers across North America, leading to a 50% increase in customer charging sessions. The company focused on enhancing the customer experience by adding more 350 kW chargers, opening larger stations in convenient locations—such as its first indoor flagship station in San Francisco—and implementing idle fees to reduce wait times. These efforts resulted in over 16 million charging sessions and a 65% increase in energy delivered. Looking ahead to 2025, Electrify America plans to expand its network by 30% to meet the growing demand for high-speed EV charging.
Pre-Orders for Quasar 2 Bi-Directional Charger for Kia EV9
Wallbox has announced the pre-order availability of the Quasar 2 bi-directional charger, compatible with the Kia EV9. This charger, along with the Power Recovery Unit, enables Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality, allowing EV9 owners to use their vehicle as an energy storage system to power their homes during outages and manage electricity costs. The Quasar 2 offers up to 12 kW of power and is priced at $6,440 (excluding taxes and installation). Initially, pre-orders are limited to select states, with a nationwide rollout planned. The Kia EV9, recognized with multiple industry awards, continues to enhance its offerings with advanced charging and in-vehicle technology.
Ben & Jerry’s and Rivian Electric Ice Cream Truck
Ben & Jerry’s and Rivian have partnered to launch two all-electric “scoop trucks” based on the Rivian Commercial Van. These eco-friendly ice cream trucks offer a modernized experience with outstanding reliability, performance, and a reduced environmental footprint. The first truck debuts at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, before hitting the road for nationwide events, including stops in Ben & Jerry’s home state of Vermont. This collaboration aligns with both companies’ commitment to sustainability, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while delivering sweet treats to fans. With a 161-mile range, the Rivian Commercial Van enables more events and catering opportunities, making ice cream delivery greener and cooler than ever.
Trojan Battery Unveils Lithium OnePack XR for Extended Range in LSEVs
Trojan Battery Company introduces the Trojan Lithium OnePack™ Extended Range (XR), a 48V, 171Ah lithium-ion battery pack designed for low-speed recreational vehicles (LSEVs), including 6-8 passenger golf carts. Offering up to 75 miles per charge, OnePack XR outperforms standard 105Ah lithium batteries by 30 miles, reducing the need for frequent charging while maintaining acceleration on inclines.
Built with advanced lithium-iron-phosphate chemistry and four layers of safety redundancy, the OnePack XR ensures reliable and secure operation. It features quick-charge capability, Bluetooth monitoring via the Trojan SmartBattery® App, and an 8-year warranty. The Trojan OnePack XR Bundle simplifies lithium-ion upgrades with mounting brackets, a state-of-charge gauge, and multiple charger options. Available through the Trojan Lithium Direct Program, this new solution reinforces Trojan Battery’s leadership in the golf cart and LSEV market.
EV Connect Achieves OCPP 2.0.1 Cert.
EV Connect, a leader in EV charging management solutions, has secured OCPP 2.0.1 certification for both the Core and Advanced Security modules from the Open Charge Alliance (OCA). This milestone reinforces interoperability, ensuring seamless integration between EV Connect’s platform and various charging station manufacturers.
By complying with the globally recognized OCPP 2.0.1 standard, EV Connect enhances network reliability, security, and scalability, enabling a future-ready EV charging infrastructure. As new certification modules roll out in 2025, this achievement strengthens EV Connect’s leadership in open, software-driven EV charging solutions, promoting a more flexible and resilient charging ecosystem.
Harbinger Launches IRA Risk-Free Guarantee
Harbinger, a leading medium-duty EV company, introduced the IRA Risk-Free Guarantee to maintain price stability amid uncertainties surrounding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 45W tax credit. The IRA provides up to $40,000 per EV to modernize commercial fleets, but its future remains uncertain.
To address this, Harbinger’s new program ensures customers receive cost reductions even if the IRA tax credit is discontinued. Buyers of the Harbinger S524 electric chassis, for example, receive an upfront discount, bringing the price in line with diesel equivalents. If the tax credit remains in place for 2025, customers will owe a second payment matching the discount. If repealed, the second payment is waived.
Harbinger’s CEO, John Harris, emphasized the company’s commitment to making EVs cost-competitive with diesel, leveraging in-house manufacturing to maintain affordability. The company has secured 4,690 pre-orders worth $500 million and recently raised $100 million in Series B funding to expand production and reduce costs.
24M Expands Eternalyte™ Electrolyte Portfolio
24M Technologies has expanded its Eternalyte™ electrolyte lineup to improve charge rate and cold temperature performance for silicon and graphite-based batteries. Originally developed for lithium metal batteries, Eternalyte now benefits a wider range of battery chemistries, offering rapid charge rates, high power, and increased longevity.
Eternalyte enables EVs to add approximately 200 miles of range in under four minutes while maintaining strong performance in extreme cold, retaining over 80% capacity at -20°C. It integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes and enhances safety, especially when paired with 24M’s Impervio™ separator, which reduces lithium dendrite formation and prevents thermal runaway risks.
24M CEO Naoki Ota emphasized Eternalyte’s immediate impact on battery performance and safety, calling it one of the few innovations ready for immediate industry adoption. The technology is available now, offering new opportunities for EVs, consumer electronics, and other battery-powered applications.
Yamaha Next-Gen Electric Golf Carts
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its new five-seater electric golf carts, the G30Es and G31EPs, in Japan by June 2025, with plans for a later introduction in Taiwan.
The G30Es features an electromagnetic guidance system, while the G31EPs is manually operated. Both models come equipped with a newly developed in-house lithium-ion battery using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) for enhanced reliability and longevity. Available in 4 kWh and 6 kWh options, the battery enables users to customize their driving range. A high-performance AC motor, combined with an advanced Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), delivers improved speed, torque control, and a smoother ride. Additionally, an optimized regenerative braking system reduces power consumption by approximately 30% compared to previous models.
As Yamaha Motor approaches its 50th anniversary in the golf cart business, the G30Es and G31EPs mark a milestone in the company’s Low Speed Mobility (LSM) segment, setting the stage for future advancements in electric mobility.
Boston Launches 1st Curbside EV Charger with itselectric
Boston has partnered with Brooklyn-based itselectric to unveil the nation’s first behind-the-meter public curbside electric vehicle (EV) charger in Roslindale. This initiative supports Boston’s Climate Action Plan to ensure every household is within a five-minute walk of an EV charging station and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Expanding access to electric vehicle charging, especially for those without private driveways, is key to reducing our carbon footprint,” said Boston City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén. “Roslindale is just the start, and I look forward to seeing more neighborhoods welcome public residential charging stations.”
Boston is the first U.S. city to install building-powered curbside EV chargers with a detachable cable—a model popular in Europe and the UK. This approach avoids costly utility upgrades and allows property owners to earn revenue from charging fees. The detachable cable keeps public spaces clear when not in use, making it ideal for Boston’s historic streets.
“For too long, EV ownership has been limited to people with private driveways. This is a crucial equity issue for the 70 million U.S. drivers who park on the street,” said Shannon Dulaney, itselectric’s Director of Public Affairs. “Boston is leading the way by deploying curbside charging for residents.”
Boston offers property owners the chance to host curbside chargers at no cost, with itselectric handling installation and maintenance. This model provides added revenue, increased tenant retention, and higher property values.
“There always has to be a first, and I am excited to show property owners across Boston that they can request a free EV charger installed right in front of their house,” said Juan Cantu, a Roslindale property owner.
With installations taking as little as two days, Boston plans to deploy hundreds more chargers across the city in the coming year, accelerating its transition to sustainable transportation.
EV Leasing on the Rise as Consumers Seek Affordability
With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining popularity, more buyers are opting to lease rather than purchase. According to Experian’s State of the Automotive Finance Market Report: Q4 2024, over 50% of new EV purchases were leases, a significant jump from 2.11% in Q4 2020. EVs also made up nearly 20% of all new vehicle leases during the quarter. The cost-effectiveness of leasing, which offers lower monthly payments and eliminates concerns about resale value, is a key driver of this trend. In fact, the average payment difference between leasing and financing an EV reached $175 per month, with non-luxury EVs seeing an even larger gap of $205. Among the most leased EVs, the Tesla Model 3 led with 12.20%, followed by the Tesla Model Y, Honda Prologue, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Beyond EVs, the broader automotive finance market is shifting toward new and late-model vehicles, driven by lower interest rates and stable monthly payments. Loans for vehicles up to three years old increased to 66% of all financing, as interest rates for new vehicles dropped from 7.16% to 6.35% year-over-year. The average monthly payment for new vehicles remained stable at $742, while the used vehicle market saw declining loan amounts, lower monthly payments, and reduced interest rates. Despite these positive trends, delinquency rates have slightly increased, with 30-day delinquencies rising to 3.17%. Meanwhile, banks have expanded their market share in both new and used vehicle financing. As leasing and financing trends continue to evolve, experts predict further shifts in consumer behavior as more EVs and late-model vehicles become available in the coming years.
TRANSTEX Launches Next-Generation eAPU: DClimate Lithium Pro™
TRANSTEX has unveiled the DClimate Lithium Pro™, a lithium-ion powered electric Auxiliary Power Unit (eAPU) designed to enhance reliability, reduce emissions, and lower operating costs for trucking fleets. This launch follows TRANSTEX’s 2024 acquisition of DClimate, strengthening its cleantech innovations.
Key features of the DClimate Lithium Pro™ include:
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership – 10-year lifespan with minimal maintenance.
- Extended Runtime – 15% more energy per cycle, reducing idling.
- Bidirectional Charging – Protects battery life and minimizes jump-start needs.
- Lighter Weight – 150 lbs lighter for improved fuel efficiency and payload.
TRANSTEX leaders highlight this next-gen APU as a future-ready solution for fleets facing fuel cost hikes, regulatory shifts, and driver comfort demands.
