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Nikola signs scaled-down fuel-cell MOU with GM
Nikola Corp. has signed a nonbinding memorandum of understanding with General Motors for a global supply agreement related to the integration of GM’s Hydrotec fuel-cell system into Nikola’s commercial semi-trucks. The MOU supersedes and replaces the transaction announced on September 8. Nikola and GM will work together to integrate Hydrotec into Nikola’s Class 7 and Class 8 zero-emission semi-trucks for the medium- and long-haul trucking sectors. Nikola expects to begin testing production-engineered prototypes of its hydrogen fuel-cell powered trucks by the end of 2021, with testing for the beta prototypes expected to begin in the first half of 2022. In addition, Nikola and GM will discuss the potential for the utilization of GM’s Ultium battery system in Nikola’s Class 7 and Class 8 vehicles. “Heavy trucks remain our core business and we are 100% focused on hitting our development milestones to bring clean hydrogen and battery-electric commercial trucks to market,” said Mark Russell, Chief Executive Officer of Nikola. “We believe fuel-cells will become increasingly important to the semi-truck market, as they are more efficient than gas or diesel and are lightweight compared to batteries for long hauls.” The MOU does not include the previously contemplated GM equity stake in Nikola or development of the Badger pickup, a program dependent on an OEM partnership, so Nikola will refund all submitted order deposits.
Groupe Renault creates first European factory dedicated to circular economy
Groupe Renault will transform one of its oldest sites in Flins, France, into the Re-Factory, what it calls Europe’s first circular economy factory dedicated to mobility with a negative CO2 balance by 2030. The project, which is part of the group’s transformation strategy, will support training for the employees of Flins (and Choisy-le-Roi) to develop their skills and aims to employ more than 3000 people on the site by 2030. “This project is based on our pioneering commitment to the circular economy, on our values, on our know-how and fully meets our ambition to positively transform our industry,” said Jean-Dominique Senard, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Renault. “This plant, with an objective of a negative CO2 balance by 2030, is fully in line with the Group’s global strategy by combining circular economy, reduction of emissions, development of skills and the creation of new value-generating activities,” added Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault. The Re-Factory, to be realized between 2021 and 2024, will involve a large network of multisectoral partners including startups, academic partners, major groups, and local authorities. It will be structured around four activity centers to support the vehicle’s entire life cycle by acting on the main components of the circular economy—supply, eco-design, economy of functionality, maintenance, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Lion Electric goes public with Northern Genesis Acquisition merger
The Lion Electric Co., the electric commercial vehicle company, intends to combine with Northern Genesis Acquisition Corp., a publicly traded special purpose acquisition company focused on a commitment to sustainability and strong alignment with environmental, social, and governance principles. Lion creates, designs, and manufactures all-electric Class 5 to Class 8 commercial urban trucks and all-electric buses and minibuses for the school, paratransit, and mass transit markets. The merged entity is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new ticker symbol LEV with an implied market capitalization at $1.9 billion. LEV is expected to receive about $500 million of cash proceeds to fund Lion’s growth strategy, including the planned construction of a state-of-the-art U.S.-based vehicle manufacturing facility, the continued development of advanced battery systems, and the planned construction of a highly automated battery factory. Completion of the proposed transaction is expected in the first quarter of 2021. For more information, visit www.TheLionElectric.com.
EAV adapts new taxi in response to UK Disability History Month
In response to UK Disability History Month, Electric Assisted Vehicles, the UK-based micromobility manufacturer, has revealed its adaptable vehicle design for its new EAVGo! range of ultra-lightweight, zero emissions, urban passenger vehicles. A development of the recently launched EAV2cubed eCargo vehicle, the new taxi concept has been designed to provide simple and uncomplicated access for disabled wheelchair users via a ramp at the rear of the vehicle which then folds up to form the rear bulkhead. “It was critical for us to be able to offer everyone the ability to access and use an EAVGo! as a passenger,” said Adam Barmby, Founder and CEO of EAV. The rear ramp is easily and quickly deployed and, once back in place, seals to offer the same levels of comfort, warmth or cooling and weather protection in the rear compartment expected of a normal taxi but more efficient, cleaner and healthier and at a much lower cost. “Taxi demand has decreased by almost 30% in many towns and cities worldwide since the COVID pandemic struck,” continued Barmby. “The EAVGo! is a much lower operator cost option for short journeys in an urban environment where 65% of all Taxi and PHV journeys are single occupancy and usually between 1 and 5 mi.” For more info from EAV, visit www.eavcargo.com.
Gentex and PayByCar partner on contactless in-vehicle payments
Gentex Corp. and PayByCar, Inc. have announced a commercial agreement that will allow an increasing number of drivers to pay for gas and other essentials directly from their vehicle. Specifically, the companies are working to ensure compatibility between Gentex’s Integrated Toll Module (ITM) and PayByCar’s payment solution that allows drivers to use their smartphone and toll transponder to fuel up at certain fueling stations without using cash or a credit card. PayByCar uses the driver’s toll transponder to identify the vehicle upon entering a participating the station, the system sends a text message to the driver, who replies with the pump number. PayByCar then turns on the pump, registers the transaction, charges the driver’s credit card, and issues an email receipt. “PayByCar affords ITM customers added functionality while we help expand PayByCar’s user base,” said Gentex Chief Technology Officer Neil Boehm. “We’re excited to offer drivers not only the convenience of simple and quick transactions, but also the added safety and peace of mind of a touch-free payment experience,” added PayByCar President & COO Anand Raman. Gentex supplies automakers with Integrated Toll Module, a nationwide toll-collection technology for factory integration into new vehicles. The system combines almost all U.S. tolling protocols, providing drivers with unencumbered access to toll roads throughout the U.S. while eliminating the need for multiple transponders cluttering the windscreen.
