EV Industry Update: Battery Breakthroughs, Charging Solutions, and Market Trends
The electric vehicle (EV) sector continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with innovations in battery technology, expansions in charging infrastructure, and shifting consumer behaviors. This report looks at recent developments.
New Battery Technology and Range Anxiety
Addressing customer concerns about range, researchers at Florida International University (FIU) have achieved a breakthrough in lithium-sulfur battery technology. A global survey revealed that 46% of U.S. EV owners have considered reverting to gasoline cars, primarily due to worries about charging availability and range limitations.
Lithium-sulfur batteries hold promise because they are lightweight, inexpensive, and highly energy-dense. A major drawback has been their short lifespan. However, the FIU team discovered that incorporating a small amount of platinum nanoparticles stabilized the battery, thereby significantly improving its lifespan and performance. After 500 charge cycles, their study showed 92% capacity retention, moving the technology closer to a commercial product. This new battery is now undergoing third-party evaluations as the technology advances toward real-world applications.
Electrify America Expands Charging Network Amidst Customer Growth
Electrify America, one of the major players in the EV charging market, expanded its public charging network in 2024 to over 4,800 chargers across North America. This expansion led to a 50% increase in customer charging sessions. Electrify America focused on improving the customer experience by adding more 350 kW chargers and opening spacious stations in convenient locations such as its initial indoor flagship station in San Francisco. To reduce wait times, the company also implemented idle fees. The result was over 16 million charging sessions and a 65% increase in energy delivered.
Looking ahead, Electrify America plans to expand its network by 30% to meet escalating demand for high-speed EV charging in 2025.
Wallbox Launches Quasar 2 Bi-Directional Charger
Wallbox has announced the pre-order availability of the Quasar 2 bi-directional charger, which is compatible with the Kia EV9. This charger, along with the Power Recovery Unit, enables Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) functionality. This allows EV9 owners to use their vehicles as energy storage systems to power their homes during outages and to manage electricity costs. The Quasar 2 delivers up to 12 kW of power and is priced at $6,440 before taxes and installation. Pre-orders are initially limited to select states, with a nationwide rollout anticipated.
Ben & Jerry’s and Rivian Team Up
Ben & Jerry’s and Rivian have partnered to launch all-electric “scoop trucks” based on the Rivian Commercial Van. The first truck debuted at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, and is planned to make stops across the country, including in Ben & Jerry’s home state of Vermont. With a 161-mile range, the Rivian Commercial Van provides more opportunities for events and catering while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Trojan Battery’s OnePack XR
Trojan Battery Company has introduced the Trojan Lithium OnePack™ Extended Range (XR), a 48V, 171Ah lithium-ion battery designed for low-speed recreational vehicles (LSEVs). Offering up to 75 miles per charge, the OnePack XR outperforms standard 105Ah lithium batteries by 30 miles. It reduces the need for frequent charging while maintaining acceleration on inclines. The OnePack XR has built-in safety redundancies, quick-charge capability, Bluetooth monitoring, and an 8-year warranty.
EV Connect’s OCPP 2.0.1 Certification
EV Connect, a leader in EV charging management solutions, has achieved OCPP 2.0.1 certification for both the Core and Advanced Security modules from the Open Charge Alliance (OCA). This certification promotes interoperability, ensuring seamless integration between EV Connect’s platform and various charging station manufacturers. This achievement strengthens EV Connect’s leadership in open, software-driven EV charging solutions.
Harbinger’s IRA Risk-Free Guarantee for Medium-Duty EVs
Harbinger, a medium-duty EV company, has implemented an IRA Risk-Free Guarantee to provide price stability amidst uncertainties regarding the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) 45W tax credit. Harbinger’s new program ensures cost reductions for customers even if the IRA tax credit is discontinued.
24M’s Enhanced 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. Eternalyte enables EVs to add approximately 200 miles of range in under four minutes while maintaining strong performance in extreme cold. The technology is available now, offering new opportunities for EVs and other battery-powered applications.
Yamaha’s Next-Gen Electric Golf Carts
Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its new five-seater electric golf carts in Japan by June 2025. The G30Es features an electromagnetic guidance system, while the G31EPs is manually operated. Both models come with a new in-house lithium-ion battery for enhanced reliability and longevity.
Boston’s Curbside EV Charger Initiative
Boston has partnered with itselectric to install the nation’s first building-powered public curbside electric vehicle (EV) charger in Roslindale. This initiative supports Boston’s Climate Action Plan to ensure access to EV charging stations and to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Boston offers property owners the chance to host curbside chargers at no cost, managing installation and maintenance.
EV Leasing on the Rise
More buyers are now leasing EVs instead of purchasing them. The cost-effectiveness of leasing, which offers lower monthly payments and eliminates concerns about resale value, is a key driver of this trend.
TRANSTEX’s Next-Generation eAPU
TRANSTEX has unveiled the DClimate Lithium Pro™, a lithium-ion powered electric Auxiliary Power Unit (eAPU). Key features of the DClimate Lithium Pro™ include a lower total cost of ownership, extended runtime, bidirectional charging, and lighter weight.
