US-based South 8 Technologies, which is developing its LiGas cell technology, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with Galvion, a designer and manufacturer of intelligent power and data management solutions.

The LOI establishes the framework for cooperative innovation, knowledge exchange, and field-focused testing to accelerate customers’ operational readiness in sub-zero temperatures.

Both companies are focused on providing battery technology to defense customers in the US and Northern Europe for military operations extending into increasingly harsh and unpredictable environments such as the Arctic.

By leveraging South 8’s LiGas cell technology, which has wide temperature discharging and recharging capabilities, and aligning R&D, the collaboration aims to demonstrate next-generation battery systems capable of operating reliably in Arctic conditions, where sustained temperatures can fall as low as -60° C (-76° F).

“Arctic readiness is a new reality and partnering with South 8 allows us to explore battery technology that is specifically engineered to cope better with the challenges of extreme cold environments,” said Todd Stirtzinger, CEO of Galvion. “We see a lot of opportunity in combining South 8’s LiGas cell technology with our field-proven SoloPack battery family so we can provide defense customers with energy solutions that further enhance resilience, reliability, and mission readiness in extreme environments.”

Source: Galvion

Canada-based Focus Graphite Advanced Materials, which is developing high-grade flake graphite deposits and lithium-ion battery technology, has been selected by Natural Resources Canada (NRC) under the Global Partnerships Initiative for conditional approval of a $14.06-million plant.

The funding will support Focus Graphite’s project, “Transformation of Canadian Flake Graphite into Ultra-High Purity Battery & Advanced Materials Using Electrothermal Fluidized Bed Technology.” The project brings together Canadian, Ukrainian and US partners to produce ultra-high purity graphite for the global battery, aerospace, defense and advanced material markets.

The grant was announced by Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, at the G7 Energy and Environment Minister’s Meeting in Toronto to support the establishment of Canada’s first commercial, scalable electrothermal fluidized bed purification demonstration facility.

The technology produces ultra-high purity graphite with zero liquid waste and lower emissions. The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with Ukraine’s Thermal & Material Engineering Center (TMEC), which will lead the project management for the demonstration unit, overseeing engineering design, construction, fabrication, system integration and training.

Focus has entered into a formal agreement with TMEC to engineer, project manage and deliver the installation of a demonstration-scale electrothermal fluidized bed (EFB) furnace capable of continuous purification of natural graphite at industrial temperatures exceeding 2,500° C. The system will be designed for 100 kg/hour capacity, providing the foundation for a scalable commercial demonstration facility in Baie-Comeau or Sept-Îles, Quebec.

American Energy Technologies will continue providing processing and thermal purification services to support near-term customer sampling and product qualification. Back in the summer, Focus shipped two battery-grade samples to prospective offtake partners in the US for evaluation.

Focus has been working with American Energy Technologies (AETC) to validate the process on feedstock from the Lac Knife graphite mine. Focus has achieved over 99.999% grade without chemical reagents. Impurities in the natural flake graphite occur predominantly along the flake boundaries rather than within the crystalline lattice, which makes the material particularly responsive to high-temperature electrothermal purification, the company said.

As construction of the demonstration facility proceeds, Focus expects to continue working closely with AETC to purify additional material through its commercial-scale furnace, making it available for customer sampling, product qualification and engagement with potential offtake partners.

The initiative will also strengthen several ongoing partnerships, Focus said, including its upcoming work with the University of Texas at Dallas’s BEACONS Battery Prototyping Facility, which will independently evaluate and qualify the company’s purified graphite and siliconized anode materials for defense and dual-use battery applications.

In the first phase, BEACONS will fabricate and test 18650-format lithium-ion battery cells using the purified natural flake graphite in the anode. BEACONS then intends to collaborate further with Focus Graphite to develop a siliconized graphite anode, using a non-silane silicon feedstock sourced from North America. This program will prototype pouch cells for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Once it is validated, the purified graphite will be made available through BEACONS’ network of users, which includes cell manufacturers, equipment developers and academic researchers, for further testing with complementary cathode and electrolyte systems, Focus said.

“This project represents Canada’s first commercial, scalable, continuous electrothermal fluidized bed purification system, powered entirely by renewable hydroelectricity and operating without the use of chemicals,” said Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite. “NRCan’s financial support is instrumental in advancing this initiative, helping to accelerate domestic processing capacity and strengthen Canada’s position in the global critical minerals sector.”

Source: Focus Graphite Advanced Materials

Kalmar has introduced its new generation of lithium-ion battery packs, now available globally, for its electric straddle carrier product line. The newly released Gen 2 battery features an upgrade in nominal capacity to 533 kWh—an increase of 25 percent over Kalmar’s previous battery generation. Usable capacity for the new battery is rated at 453 kWh.

Kalmar says that the Gen 2 battery solution is designed to support demand for improved energy capacity, safety and operational efficiency in cargo handling equipment. The updated cell chemistry extends battery lifespan, which Kalmar claims will reduce replacement frequency and lower total cost of ownership. Enhanced thermal stability is also noted as part of the safety improvements.

According to Kalmar, the Gen 2 battery enables net operating times of up to 10 hours for electric straddle carriers, depending on energy consumption levels. This operating profile supports various charging strategies, including a combination of depot charging during breaks and hands-free opportunity charging during active shifts. The system allows for hot-seat operation, where equipment remains in continuous use by alternating operators.

Kalmar has also deployed a megawatt charging system at its test facility in Tampere, Finland to support development and validation of the Gen 2 battery integration.

“Gen 2 represents a major step forward in terms of battery energy capacity, safety and operational lifespan,” said Marko Hopeaharju, Head of Horizontal Transportation Solutions at Kalmar. “With longer operating times and improved reliability, our customers can transition to fully electric fleets without compromising performance.”

Source: Kalmar

In 2025, EVgo has deployed more than 40 percent of its new public fast charging stations using domestically manufactured prefabricated modular skids. These skids, produced in partnership with Miller Electric Company, are assembled at Miller Electric’s Jacksonville, Florida facility from US-sourced steel and aluminum before shipment and installation.

According to EVgo, this prefabricated approach has enabled it to exceed its annual station deployment goal, accelerate installation timelines and reduce average station installation costs by 15 percent. Each modular skid integrates all required charging equipment onto a single base frame, supporting consistent quality and streamlined on-site commissioning processes. Prefabricated stations are capable of charging up to 14 vehicles simultaneously, depending on the location, and exclusively utilize 350 kW high-power fast chargers.

EVgo says that this model simplifies the integration of additional site features such as Wi-Fi infrastructure, lighting, security cameras and canopies. The prefabricated fast charging stations have been installed across California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Nebraska, New York, and Texas, with further deployments underway in North Carolina, Utah and additional states.

“The prefabrication model is a win-win for EVgo because we can fast-track infrastructure deployment to meet charging demand and support workforce development in this growing industry,” said Dennis Kish, President of EVgo.

Source: EVgo

Sponsored by FTI Consulting Canada Inc.

On November 14, 2025, FTI Consulting Canada Inc. was appointed as receiver and manager (the “Receiver”) of all the assets, undertakings and properties of Exro Technology Inc., DPM Technologies Inc. and Cellex Energy Inc. (the “Debtors”) pursuant to an Order of the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta (the “Receivership Order”).

Pursuant to the Receivership Order the Receiver is authorized to market any or all of the Debtors’ property, including advertising and soliciting offers in respect of the property (the “SSP”). The SSP is intended to solicit interest in, and opportunities for a sale of all, or part of, Debtors’ assets and business operations on a going concern basis.

Copies of publicly available information filed in respect of the Receivership Proceedings can be found on the Receiver’s website at: http://cfcanada.fticonsulting.com/exro.

Access to a virtual data room (“VDR”) will require execution of a non-disclosure agreement (“NDA”).

Interested parties should contact the Receiver with respect to signing an NDA and/or access to the Data Room and should not contact employees and management of the Debtors directly.

The Debtor is a leading designer, engineer and manufacturer of power control technologies for electric motors and batteries. Through its patented power electronics (60+ patents), hardware and software, the assets enable commercial trucks and passenger vehicles to be more affordable, scalable and efficient.

Phone: 1-403-454-6040
Email: hailey.liu@fticonsulting.com

FTI Consulting Canada Inc.
Receiver of the Exro Technology Inc.,
DPM Technologies Inc. and Cellex Energy Inc.
1610 – 520 5^th Ave. S.W.
Calgary, Alberta T2P 3R7

Ionic Mineral Technologies has discovered a major high-grade deposit of rare earth minerals and critical technology metals at its fully-permitted Silicon Ridge project in Utah.

The trove could prove to be a domestic source for elements used in the manufacture of EVs and many other high-tech products—elements that currently come mostly from China.

Independent assays by ALS Chemex confirm the deposit as a halloysite-hosted ion-adsorption clay (IAC)—the same geological formation that supplies approximately 35-40% of China’s rare earth production and over 70% of the world’s heavy rare earth elements.

Ionic MT describes the site as an IAC-Plus profile: it has rare earth concentrations comparable to China’s deposits, as well as hydrothermal, magmatically enriched grades of critical technology metals including gallium, germanium, rubidium, cesium, scandium, lithium, vanadium, tungsten, niobium, and a full suite of light and heavy rare earths.

Initial results from 106 boreholes and 35 trenches across a 650-acre area show a total rare earth and critical metal grade suite of approximately 2,700 ppm within the halloysite clay fraction. This grade compares favorably to Chinese ion-adsorption clay deposits, which typically range from 500 to 2,000 ppm.

The project is located on state-leased lands with active mining permits and is supported by Ionic MT’s existing 74,000-square-foot permitted processing facility in Provo, enabling a rapid timeline to commercial production.

“This confirmation is a watershed moment for American resource independence. For the first time, we have a domestic, shovel-ready source for a full spectrum of critical minerals, all extractable with a faster, cleaner process than traditional hard rock mining and extraction,” said Andre Zeitoun, founder and CEO of Ionic MT. “With our mining permits and processing facility in place, we can now move rapidly to production.”

Source: Ionic Mineral Technologies

Panasonic Energy has signed an agreement with Zoox, the Amazon-owned autonomous ride-hailing company, to supply cylindrical lithium-ion batteries to power Zoox’s robotaxi fleet.

Under the multi-year-agreement, Panasonic Energy will deliver its latest 2170 batteries beginning in early 2026. At first, Panasonic will supply Zoox’s cells from Japan, but plans to expand production to Panasonics Kansas factory “in the near future.”

Zoox has created a purpose-built robotaxi, and recently opened a serial production facility in Hayward, California. The company has also launched its robotaxi ride-hailing service in Las Vegas.

Panasonic Energy says its 2170 cells offer superior energy density, safety and reliability. The company is no newcomer to the EV industry. As of September 2025, Panasonic Energy says it had supplied some 20 billion lithium-ion EV batteries globally, enough to power 4 million EVs, without any vehicle recalls due to battery-related issues.

“This represents a pivotal step for Panasonic Energy with the opportunity to contribute towards the next generation of mobility innovation,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, CEO of Panasonic Energy. “Zoox is reshaping urban transportation and Panasonic Energy is helping power these robotaxis.”  

“Panasonic Energy’s commitment to innovation and quality aligns well with our mission to create a safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable way for people to get around cities,” says Bruce Baumgartner, Vice President, Supply Chain, Quality & Reliability at Zoox.

Source: Panasonic Energy

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Whether you’re an engineer, researcher or industry professional, this session will deliver valuable insights into the thermal challenges facing modern EVs and demonstrate how PCMs correlate with and outperform traditional TIMs in EV applications.

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ZF has announced that Chinese automaker Leapmotor will integrate its advanced eRE+ range extender technology into a version of the D19 premium SUV, starting in 2026. The eRE+ system enables generator operation and also supports switchable front-axle drive for all-wheel-drive capabilities.

The eRE+ technology is built around an electric motor featuring an integrated inverter, accompanying control software and a planetary gearbox. Unlike ZF’s earlier eRE—which functions solely as a generator—the eRE+ adds an intelligent clutch and differential, allowing the unit to act as a secondary drive as needed.

This system delivers a generator output of 90 kW and supports a peak drive output of 200 kW, providing additional boost for overtaking and dynamic driving situations. ZF says that this enables the Leapmotor D19 to achieve a total range greater than 1,000 kilometers. The specific combustion engine utilized in the range extender system is not supplied by ZF.

The eRE+’s ability to operate the engine within its optimal efficiency band is designed to keep fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions low. According to ZF, the platform delivers switchable all-wheel drive without the need for separate, dedicated components, potentially reducing both development time and supply chain complexity for automakers. Target markets identified by ZF include automotive manufacturers in China and North America focused on expanding their range-extended electric vehicle offerings.

“Range extenders are currently in increasing demand, especially in the Chinese and North American automotive markets,” said Sebastian Schmitt, head of ZF’s Electrified Drive Technologies division. “We responded to this demand in good time with a flexible range of range extender technology and local production capacities. This strategy has borne fruit and led to our new order for Leapmotor,” said Timo Meisel, Senior Vice President of Electrified Powertrain Technology Division, Asia Pacific.

Source: ZF

UK-headquartered solid-state battery developer Ilika has begun shipping its new 10 Ah Goliath battery prototypes to customers across multiple industries, including automotive companies. These new prototypes offer five times more capacity than the 2 Ah P1 prototypes delivered to customers in July 2024.

The 10 Ah cells feature a proprietary oxide coating which offers improved safety. Ilika says this will enable EV manufacturers to design lighter and less expensive battery packs. According to analysis by automotive experts Balance Batteries, this technology could reduce battery pack weight by 20% and cut manufacturing costs by as much as £2,500 per vehicle.

The prototypes were manufactured on Ilika’s new automated pilot line, completed in October 2025. The automation has already shown significant benefits—the first batch achieved a 93% manufacturing success rate, which the company considers well above the minimum required for moving to full production.

Ilika has also created initial samples of larger 50 Ah P2 cells for testing. These will be available for shipping after feedback has been received on the current 10 Ah cells, which is expected during 2026.

“Our new automated pilot line is now producing high-quality, consistent battery prototypes for our partners to evaluate,” said Graeme Purdy, CEO of Ilika. “This achievement is a significant milestone toward bringing our technology to market, further opening the window for licensing discussions with manufacturers.”

“There is significant interest in developing technical solutions that are differentiated from the offerings available from established cell manufacturers,” said an unnamed head of battery development at a major UK automotive supplier. “We look forward to evaluating these 10 Ah prototypes from Ilika, which demonstrate the company’s sustained capability to improve and mature their product for commercial rollout.”

Source: Ilika