EV Power Pulse Issue #12

Reader Question

In our last issue, we asked you which city you live nearest to, as Rob and I are in the early stages of planning an in-person event focused on the business and policy of EV charging. Here is what you told us;

• Los Angeles: 23.3% 

• Boston: 16.7%

• New York: 6.7%

• Washington, DC: 6.7%

• San Francisco: 3.7%

• Dallas: 3.3% 

• Chicago: 3.3%

• Other: 36.67% (Votes for Detroit, Paris, London, and more)

Current EVents

EV Industry Updates

Businesses are pivoting into the EV industry

Lincoln Electric, a prominent industrial equipment manufacturer founded in 1895, is now making a notable impact in the EV charging market. Mostly known for its welding machines and heavy-duty power equipment, the Ohio-based industrial giant has recently unveiled the Velion DC fast charger, a ground-breaking product that leverages the company’s extensive experience in power conversion technology. The move marks a significant transition into the growing EV charging sector.

Unveiled at its Cleveland headquarters, Lincoln Electric’s Velion charger was designed to endure harsh conditions, mirroring the durability of Lincoln Electric's industrial products deployed on ships, in deserts, and even in Antarctica. This emphasis on durability is especially relevant given the charger reliability concerns across the US, positioning Velion as a timely alternative solution.

We view the strategic pivot of a seasoned company like Lincoln Electric into the EV charging arena as indicative of a broader trend in which traditional manufacturers are seizing opportunities in the burgeoning clean energy sector. Similar pivots are evident from companies traditionally aligned with energy, such as Schneider Electric, which acquired EV Connect to expand its EV charging network. Even oil and gas giants like Shell are making significant inroads into the EV charging market, underscoring a widespread industry shift towards sustainable energy solutions. 

Supported by a growing number of federal and state initiatives, including the Biden Administration’s grant and loan program for manufacturers transitioning to EV production, this narrative is becoming more widespread, even transcending industry boundaries. These shifts in strategies represent a significant shift towards a more environmentally conscious industrial landscape.

–Steve

Capitol Counsel’s skilled bipartisan team specializes in helping clients secure competitive funding for infrastructure projects by effectively leveraging the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Their extensive network spans various agencies, Congress, and the White House.

Power and Policy

A 2024 NEVI News Update

Since our last NEVI program update in October 2023, there have been significant developments. On December 13, Ohio inaugurated its first EV charging station funded by NEVI, with New York’s NEVI-supported station launching shortly after. These milestones mark notable progress in the expansion of EV infrastructure under the NEVI program.

Ohio’s Pilot Travel Center station, located just outside Columbus, features fast chargers that deliver up to 175 kW, enabling rapid vehicle charging. New York launched its first NEVI-funded station in Kingston, NY. The New York Department of Transportation's (NYDOT) goal to build 20 more NEVI stations by the end of 2024 highlights a promising year ahead for the NEVI program, demonstrating the state’s dedication to enhancing EV infrastructure.

Looking ahead, states like Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine are actively planning for the construction of NEVI-funded charging stations. To date, 28 states have put out calls for public charging stations, with many already awarding contracts or finalizing agreements. Massachusetts kicked things off in late December with a plan to allocate a portion of its $60M in NEVI funds by May of this year. 

2024 is poised to be a landmark year for the NEVI program, contributing significantly to the Biden Administration’s goal of creating a national network of 500,000 public EV charging ports by 2030. With the private sector ramping up investment and the advancement of federally funded stations, summer 2024 could offer a more seamless EV road trip experience.

–Rob

International EV Updates

Canada unveils sales regs to drive ZEV revolution

On December 20, 2023, Canada took a bold step in its environmental policy by amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, setting ambitious targets for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales. This category includes battery-electric, fuel-cell, and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

These regulations are a key part of Canada's 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, which aims for a 40% reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2030. At the heart of these measures is the Electric Vehicle Availability Standard, focusing on light-duty vehicles. Starting with a target of 20% ZEV sales in 2026, the plan is to increase this to 100% by 2035.

Recognizing the importance of charging infrastructure, Canada is actively expanding its network, already boasting over 25,000 public EV chargers. The government has dedicated more than $1.2B to further enhance this network. Special attention is being paid to the unique challenges of battery performance in Canada's colder, rural, and northern regions. 

Canada's approach is in line with trends in the United States, particularly California’s mandate for all new vehicles to be ZEVs by 2035. Twelve US states have adopted similar regulations, with three states in the process of adopting the regulation. These evolving policies signal a significant shift towards a more sustainable automotive market in North America over the next decade.

–Steve and Rob

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Until next time, stay charged!
- Steve and Rob