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Your weekly intelligence on EVs and Transportation Decarbonization
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Electric Trucks  

Ford introduced its F-150 Lightning electric pickup with great fanfare nearly two years ago – touting its ability to power a house in a blackout and its huge “frunk,” made possible by the lack of an engine. So it was all the more disappointing when the carmaker announced last week it was cutting Lightning’s production by half. Still, Ford says the Lightning is the best-selling electric pickup in the U.S. 


Ford also is at the center of the U.S. Postal Service’s switch to electric delivery trucks with its zero-emission Transit van, which Clean Technica notes “slipped under the media radar” while everyone was distracted by the Lightning and the company’s new all-electric Mustang Mach-E. The Postal Service just showed off the first of the 9,250 E-Transit BEVs it is purchasing from Ford, which have nearly three times the cargo capacity of the Grumman LLV delivery vehicles USPS currently uses. 


There was a lot of electric truck news last week, including the Treasury Department’s release of guidance on eligibility for tax subsidies of up to $100,000 per charging port at private fleet depots and other logistics facilities. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania environmental officials announced that 16 companies and communities are getting almost $40 million from its share of the Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement fund to replace diesel vehicles with electric garbage trucks, freight trucks, and delivery vehicles, as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and charging stations. 


Deloitte declared 2024 the year of the electric fleet vehicle in Canada. While customers are demanding carbon-free transportation for goods, Deloitte says the total cost of ownership of electric trucks is lower than gasoline trucks due to fuel costs and less maintenance – not to mention the impact from receiving carbon credits and avoiding Canada’s escalating carbon tax. 


While drivers seem to love electric trucks, not all of their bosses believe in the cost-benefit tradeoff. An IMC official told The Washington Post that electric trucks are limited to routes shorter than 25 miles because of reliability concerns. The company says the lack of qualified technicians means a problem with an EV truck could have it out of service for three weeks. 


State News 

There was lots of state news as well: 

  • In Colorado, Xcel Energy's push to expand EV incentives has divided climate and consumer advocates

  • Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont privately met with members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, a legislative voting bloc crucial to his hopes of reviving regulations that would promote a shift to zero-emission vehicles over the next decade. 

  • Mississippi lawmakers gave broad, bipartisan approval to state incentives for a factory that will manufacture batteries for EVs and is expected to employ 2,000. Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR, which manufacture big trucks, each will own 30% of the project while China-based lithium battery maker EVE Energy will own 10%. 

  • New Mexico legislators are considering a bill to offer a $3,000 tax credit for EV sales; Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham last year vetoed a tax package that would have included EV incentives. 

  • Finally, 16 Republican governors wrote to President Biden urging a change to his administration’s push to put more battery powered vehicles on the road, citing concerns for U.S. consumers and infrastructure.  

Another First 

This week’s first is the first electric tugboat in the U.S., designed by Crowley Shipping and using ABB’s integrated electrical propulsion system. The 82-foot harbor tug will operate at the Port of San Diego after completion of Crowley’s microgrid shoreside charging station. 


All that and more in this week’s EV and Transportation Intelligence Report. 



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Aircraft
Electric Vehicles
Fuel Cells
Heavy-duty Vehicles
Medium-duty Vehicles
Ships

 
 

Aircraft

Georgia

This Georgia refinery is making low-carbon jet fuel from alcohol

A new refinery in Georgia is about to churn out millions of gallons of jet fuel -- except the fuel will be made not from petroleum but from plants. On Jan. 24, LanzaJet marked the opening of its Freedom Pines Fuels facility, which uses novel technology to convert ethanol into sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF. The $200 million biorefinery is the first in the world to deploy an "alcohol-to-jet" process, one that the company claims can curb greenhouse gas emissions by over 70% compared to conventional jet fuel. Canary Media


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Electric Vehicles

California

Why are so many EV charging stations broken in California?

How did the state-subsidized public charger system end up so problematic? California's policies are at least partly to blame. The state chose not to require that charger companies meet performance standards as it doled out $1 billion in subsidies, grants and other assistance to charger companies, with billions more on the way. Los Angeles Times


U.S.

Biden vetoes law blocking EV charging stations' 'Buy America' waiver

Lawmakers narrowly passed a bill that would block the Federal Highway Administration's waiver of U.S. content requirements for steel, iron and construction materials. Opponents of the administration's policy said it would result in U.S. taxpayers subsidizing Chinese-made products. Reuters


U.S.

U.S. Postal Service rolls out first EV charging stations

It's all part of the $40 billion plan to upgrade its service while assembling one of the county's largest EV fleets, with more than 66,000 delivery vehicles in service. Electrek


U.S.

Pete Buttigieg's Vision for America's EV Future: Equitable Access, Cleaner Air, Zero Range Anxiety

In an interview, the Secretary of Transportation likened a recent round of $623 million in grants for the rapid buildout of EV chargers to the country's investment in airports nearly a century ago. Inside Climate News


U.S.

OPINION: Don't Believe the Hype. Electric Cars are Here to Stay

Make no mistake: I don't care if it's zero-emission electric cars or carbon spewing gas-powered cars, if there's a way to make a buck, you better believe we're going to be all over it. So unless you hate money, I encourage you to get some of this action for yourself, too, writes Jeff Siegel, founder and managing editor of Green Chip Stocks. Energy and Capital


U.S.

One of Nation's Largest Public Fast Charging Networks Joins Low Carbon Fuels Coalition

EVgo has joined the Low Carbon Fuels Coalition to support the work done by the organization to promote clean transportation fuel standards at the state and national level. North American Clean Energy


U.S.

Manchin renews attacks on Biden EV plan: 'Spits in the face of rural America'

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) launched another attack against President Joe Biden, saying his electric vehicle tax credit plan "spits in the face of rural America." In a blistering statement, Manchin accused the Biden administration of "ignoring the law in pursuit of its radical climate agenda." Washington Examiner


U.S.

OPINION: I was stranded in an EV at midnight. Progressives don't want you to know about my nightmare

Biden and his fellow Democrats just can't resist forcing EVs on us. But America is not even close to ready for the clean energy utopia they're promising us. Fox News


U.S.

How the Mighty Heat Pump Is Helping (but Not Solving) EVs' Cold Weather Problem

Cold weather can limit electric vehicle range and hinder charging, but in the past few years, a climate change hero technology has made its way into electric vehicles, one that has improved -- but not solved -- their cold weather issues: heat pumps. Today, heat pumps come in many, but not all, new electric vehicles, including Teslas, Jaguar's I-Pace, BMW's latest i-series cars, Hyundai's Ioniq 5, Audi's newest e-Tron and Kia's new electrified flagship, the EV9. WIRED


U.S.

Former generals say Biden's electric vehicle plan is putting national security at risk

A group of 17 retired military officials sent a letter to President Joe Biden on Jan. 18, warning him that his electric vehicle plan was putting the United States' national security at risk. The group warned Biden and EPA that the administration's current plan would make the U.S. more reliant on China because it would cause the U.S. to make changes to the transportation industry before the necessary infrastructure to support it was ready. Washington Examiner


U.S.

Ford will slash production of F-150 Lightning electric pickup, citing weak demand

The move signals the latest cuts in the electric vehicle (EV) sphere, given lower-than-anticipated customer demand. The Hill


U.S.

Biden to Make EV Charging Tax Credits Available in Much of U.S.

The Biden administration on Jan. 19 issued guidance that makes much of the country eligible for tax credits intended to offset the cost of installing electric vehicle chargers. Consumers and businesses can claim the credit for charging equipment installed for public or private use at homes or on business properties. The New York Times


Colorado

Why Xcel Energy's push to expand EV incentives has divided climate and consumer advocates

Buying an electric vehicle could soon be even cheaper for millions of Coloradans. The state already offers generous programs and tax benefits to offset the cost of a new plug-in vehicle as a part of efforts to address climate change. Xcel Energy, the state's largest utility company, is now pushing regulators to allow its customers to tack on additional rebates worth up to $5,500. If successful, some Colorado residents could theoretically qualify for $19,000 in total discounts, not counting any additional cash available through the federal EV tax credit. As a result, someone could soon combine enough discounts to nearly cover the price of an entry-level EV. Colorado Public Radio


New Mexico

After governor veto last year, New Mexico lawmakers tackle EV tax credits again

Last year, lawmakers proposed tax credits for New Mexicans who purchase an electric vehicle. The idea was part of a larger tax package vetoed by New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. Now, the idea for electric vehicle tax credits is moving forward in a new bill. The proposal, House Bill 140, is being sponsored by Rep. Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Abq.) and Rep. Yanira Gurrola (D-Abq.). If approved, the bill would offer a tax credit of up to $3,000 for individuals who purchase a new electric vehicle. KRQE


Montana

GOP governors push back against electric cars

A group of 16 Republican governors wrote to President Joe Biden urging a change to his administration's push to put more battery powered vehicles on the road, citing concerns for U.S. consumers and infrastructure. In their letter, issued Jan. 22, the governors asked that in lieu of a federal mandate that 2 out of every 3 vehicles be battery electrics by 2032, consumers be left to make their own decisions. The Missoula Current


Mississippi

Mississippi approves incentives for EV battery factory that promises 2,000 jobs

Mississippi lawmakers on Jan. 18 gave broad, bipartisan approval to state incentives for a factory that will manufacture batteries for electric vehicles -- a project that promises 2,000 jobs with an average salary of about $66,000. After legislators voted, Republican Gov. Tate Reeves named the four companies involved: Accelera by Cummins, Daimler Truck and PACCAR, which manufacture big trucks, will each own 30% of the project. China-based lithium battery maker EVE Energy will own 10%. The Associated Press


International

Why China poses a growing threat to the U.S. auto industry

The threat extends beyond export volumes. Chinese automakers have set a new standard for vehicle production and pricing. They're releasing new models in record times, and many are producing EVs efficiently and profitably. CNBC


International

Tesla CEO Elon Musk says protectionism is the only thing stopping China's cheap EVs from demolishing the competition

Competition from Chinese EV makers may be starting to get to Elon Musk and Tesla. After a long battle for market share in China, Tesla's CEO issued a warning to his fellow automakers: On a level playing field, Chinese carmakers will outcompete almost everyone else. Fortune


International

OPINION: Electric Vehicles: About Those Green Jobs

Jobs are certainly being created in the transition from "conventional" cars to electric vehicles (EVs), but it remains to be seen whether there will be enough of them to compensate for the jobs that will be lost, at least in the auto sector's traditional heartlands. Somehow, National Review Capital Matters editor Andrew Stuttaford doubts it, especially, for now, in Europe. National Review


International

Electric cars will never dominate market, says Toyota

Electric cars will never account for more than a third of the market and consumers should not be forced to buy them, the boss of Toyota has said. Akio Toyoda, chairman of the world's biggest carmaker by sales, said electric vehicles should not be developed to the exclusion of other technologies such as the hybrid and hydrogen-powered cars that his company has focused on. The Telegraph


International

Battery circularity -- another reason to speed ahead with EVs?

Reuse and recycling studies provides a compelling argument for battery circularity as automotive firms explore how to maximize EV rewards. TechHQ


Florida

New tires every 7,000 miles? Electric cars save gas but tire wear shocks some Florida drivers

For many drivers of EVs in Florida -- the nation's second largest market for electrical vehicles -- premature tire wear has become an unexpected black mark on vehicles promoted as a green climate-friendly option to gas-gulping cars. A repair shop that services 90% electric vehicles said tires are the most frequent thing customers come in about -- frequently changes EV tires at just 8,000 to 10,000 miles, a fourth or even fifth of typical tire wear on a gas-burning car. Miami Herald


Connecticut

Crucial week for Lamont and effort to salvage transition to EVs

A pivotal week for a contentious environmental issue opened Jan. 22 with Gov. Ned Lamont privately meeting with members of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, a legislative voting bloc crucial to the administration's hopes of reviving regulations that would promote a shift to zero-emission vehicles over the next decade. Connecticut Mirror


U.S.

DOE Announces $131M to Boost Battery Supply Chain, Electric Vehicle Innovation

The advanced battery consortium will work towards developing advanced technologies that will decarbonize transportation and support R&D that is responsive to the needs of EV manufacturers and battery suppliers. Clean Technica


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Fuel Cells

U.S.

GM, Honda begin U.S. fuel cell production in step toward replacing diesel

The fuel cell systems are produced through a 50-50 joint venture between the automakers at an $85 million facility in suburban Detroit. CNBC


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Heavy-duty Vehicles

California

The Legal Battle to Preserve the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

Currently, the ACF is facing three lawsuits -- two in California state court and one in federal court. The state court cases primarily involve procedural matters, potentially causing delays but not completely putting a halt to the ACF. Clean Technica


International

Imagine electric trucks and trains hauling portable energy storage -- or transmission lines that go through existing rights of way

There are new delays to the transition of the grid -- objections to use of private land for renewable energy transmission lines are just one hurdle. But there are solutions -- we just need a new way of thinking. The Fifth Estate


International

OPINION: Is 2024 the year of the electric fleet vehicle? Deloitte says 'yes'

Now is the time for fleets to start their transition to electric vehicles or risk losing a key competitive edge, says Deloitte Canada. Electric Autonomy


Pennsylvania

Pa. diesel trucks replaced with electric with VW fund

Sixteen companies and communities across the state are getting $39.6 million to replace heavy duty diesel trucks with electric versions. The money comes from Pennsylvania's $118.5 million share of the Volkswagen emissions scandal settlement fund. The automaker designed diesel vehicles made between 2009-2015 to cheat emissions tests. Under a 2016 settlement with U.S. regulators, Volkswagen agreed to spend $10 billion to compensate people who bought the cars and $4.7 billion to mitigate pollution and invest in green vehicle technology. StateImpact Pennsylvania


U.S.

New tax guidance on alternative fuel infrastructure is big news for fleets

The Department of the Treasury recently issued new guidance on eligibility for the 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit, which provides a tax subsidy of up to $100,000 per charging port installed at private fleet depots and other logistics facilities. The credit -- which is available now for companies to take advantage of -- will help supercharge the transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles by enabling companies to recoup a significant amount of the costs for installing charging stations at their facilities. Environmental Defense Fund


U.S.

The Largest Electric Vehicle Fleet In The US Will Belong To ... The US Postal Service

Electric vehicle advocates have been pressuring the U.S. Postal Service to come up with a meaty decarbonization plan, and things are finally starting to cook. The latest news involves Ford's E-Transit electric delivery van, which is delivering the zero emission goods despite having not having received much of the media spotlight. CleanTechnica


U.S.

Truckers love EVs. Here's why they're struggling anyway.

A small but growing group of commercial medium-to-heavy-duty truck drivers use electric trucks. These drivers -- many of whom operate local or regional routes that don't require hundreds of miles on the road in a day -- generally welcome the transition to electric, praising their new trucks' handling, acceleration, smoothness and quiet operation. The Washington Post


U.S.

OPINION: As trucking electrifies, how we prepare the grid must evolve

Fleets are often able to procure zero-emissions vehicles and chargers in less than a year. Grid upgrades can take upwards of five or more years, writes Cole Jermyn, an Environmental Defense Fund attorney. Utility Dive


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Medium-duty Vehicles

Mississippi

A $2-3 billion battery factory for electric trucks is headed to Mississippi

Daimler Trucks, Accelera by Cummins, and truck maker PACCAR will build a 21 GWh factory scheduled to begin producing battery cells in 2027. Electrek


U.S.

People Who Drive Trucks For A Living Really Like Driving Electric Trucks

We are talking about electric trucks used for delivery vans or by tradespeople, the kinds of vehicles that are used 100 miles a day or less and have a dedicated place where they can charge when not in use. Clean Technica


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Ships

Alabama

First fully electric tugboat in U.S. delivered to Crowley

After transport and final demonstration trials, the 82-foot harbor tug will operate at the Port of San Diego upon completion of Crowley's microgrid shoreside charging station. Marine Log


U.S.

Is Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Really Sustainable?

The newly christened Icon of the Seas is filled with energy-efficient technology. But some climate experts say the biggest challenge with a ship that can accommodate nearly 8,000 people is its size. The New York Times


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