Latest Updates in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging: Collaborations of Biden-Harris Administration, General Motors, BrightDrop, ChargerHelp, Blink Charging, Cummins, and Allison Transmissions
In a significant move towards expanding electric vehicle (EV) adoption, the Biden-Harris Administration has reformed its EV charging infrastructure funding program, aiming to accelerate nationwide EV charger deployment. The program, initially launched to support wider EV adoption as part of climate initiatives, continues to be a central pillar of federal efforts to build a nationwide EV charging network.
After initial delays and political controversy, the revised program guidance aims to streamline state requirements, reduce planning burdens, and speed up project approvals nationwide. This reformed approach follows a federal court injunction that lifted a freeze on National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program spending, which had been suspended by the Trump-appointed DOT leadership.
The updated NEVI guidance will facilitate the deployment of over 9,200 EV charging ports across the country. This expansion is part of the Administration's goal to have half of all new car sales be electric by 2030.
Meanwhile, Chevrolet is expanding its EV portfolio with the addition of BrightDrop electric vans. All certified Chevrolet dealers will now have the opportunity to sell these vans, with participating dealerships also able to service BrightDrop products. This move will provide commercial fleet operators with optimized uptime, thanks to the dealerships' expertise in servicing EVs.
The BrightDrop 400 and 600 models will feature state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance efficiency, reduce tailpipe emissions, and optimize service and delivery operations. These EVs are estimated to offer a combined city/highway range of 272 miles and advanced safety features to keep drivers safe and alert.
While EVs have no tailpipe emissions, nearly three quarters of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for a gasoline vehicle come from the tailpipe. This makes the expansion of EV infrastructure and the adoption of EVs crucial in the fight against climate change.
The broader EV charging market is rapidly expanding, with strong growth projected (CAGR ~25% through 2030) supported by federal initiatives and funding, including $5 billion allocated via the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed under Biden in 2021.
In other developments, Cummins Inc. has chosen Allison Transmission's Vehicle Electrification + Environmental Test Center to conduct a series of tests on multiple trucks equipped with Cummins' powertrains. Meanwhile, Blink Charging Co. has entered into a strategic collaboration with Create Energy to deliver next-generation energy management products and solutions, offering a comprehensive "one-stop-shop" for renewable energy solutions tailored specifically to the commercial and industrial market.
The Biden-Harris Administration has also announced $521 million in grants to build out EV charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure across 29 states, eight Federally Recognized Tribes, and the District of Columbia.
However, a report by ChargerHelp, a company specializing in the maintenance and repair of various chargers across multiple states, has revealed a wide swath of issues in the current EV public charging infrastructure. The report highlights a startling lack of interoperability as the overarching threat to system reliability and broader EV adoption in the United States.
In Canada, GM Canada is proud to announce that their team at CAMI Assembly will now produce BrightDrop commercial EVs under the Chevrolet brand. These EVs will be produced at the CAMI Assembly plant in Ingersoll, Ontario.
A small electric SUV with a range of 300 miles produces 52% fewer life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than a comparable gasoline vehicle in 2024. This underscores the environmental benefits of adopting EVs, despite the higher GHG emissions from the production and distribution of electricity for EVs, which is more than offset by the tailpipe GHG emissions from the gasoline vehicle.
Lastly, General Motors is moving its BrightDrop electric commercial vans under the Chevrolet brand, bringing them to Chevrolet's commercial vehicle sales and service dealer network. This move will provide BrightDrop customers with access to one of the industry's largest and most extensive commercial sales and service networks, enhancing brand growth opportunities.
With these developments, the future of EV infrastructure and adoption in the United States and Canada is looking brighter than ever.
- The reformed EV charging infrastructure funding program, facilitated by the Biden-Harris Administration, aims to expedite the deployment of approximately 9,200 EV charging ports across the nation, contributing significantly to the Administration's goal of having half of all new car sales be electric by 2030.
- Meanwhile, with the expansion of its EV portfolio, Chevrolet is introducing BrightDrop electric vans, utilizing certified dealers to sell these vans and service BrightDrop products, thereby offering commercial fleet operators optimized uptime and catering to the service and delivery operations of businesses.
- In an effort to combat climate change, the expansion of EV infrastructure and the adoption of EVs are crucial, considering that gasoline vehicles emit nearly three quarters of their greenhouse gas emissions from the tailpipe.
- The broader EV charging market is projected to experience strong growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 25% through 2030, bolstered by federal initiatives and funding, including $5 billion allocated via the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed under Biden in 2021.
