Zenobē offers a turnkey fleet-as-a-service package that enables customers to electrify their vehicle fleets for a fixed fee. The company specializes in deploying second-life EV batteries that can generate revenue and help fleet customers to finance their EV projects. (See our in-depth interview with Zenobē co-founder and Director Steven Meersman, published in May 2025.)
Zenobē recently worked with NRT Bus to deploy 25 new electric school buses and 10 minibuses, along with the necessary charging infrastructure, for Lawrence Public Schools in Massachusetts. The buses are based in Methuen, and were placed in service for the 2025 school year.
The charging site, which was completed last summer, is served by National Grid and Liberty Utilities.
“At National Grid, we believe fleet electrification is a key component of building a sustainable and diversified energy future,” said Jake Navarro, Director of Clean Transportation, National Grid. “We’re proud to collaborate with a range of stakeholders to modernize our energy infrastructure.”
“As part of our ongoing commitment to reduce emissions and promote cleaner air for our students and schools, we are thrilled to announce the launch of this charging site to support our new electric fleet for Lawrence Public Schools,” said Scott Sheridan, Senior Vice President of NRT Bus.
US convenience store chain Sheetz has selected EV software supplier Driivz, a Vontier company, to power its growing EV charging network with EV charging and energy management software.
Sheetz already offers EV charging at more than 125 sites across seven states through third-party operators. However, like a certain other large retail chain, Sheetz has decided to build its own EV charging network. Sheetz selected Driivz following a competitive selection process. The company already works with Vontier, which provides infrastructure including fuel dispensers, automatic tank gauges and submersible turbine pumps, at Sheetz stores.
The Driivz software will enable the Sheetz team to monitor network health. The interoperability of the software allows Sheetz to offer features such as loyalty rewards, real-time session tracking and digital receipts through its mobile app. The software also supports intelligent on-site energy management to balance loads in real time and optimize charging performance.
“EV drivers already choose our stores because of the amenities and services we provide,” said Trevor Walter, EVP of Petroleum Supply Management at Sheetz. “This partnership allows us to build on that trust—making charging a seamless extension of the Sheetz experience, while delivering the same consistency and value customers expect.”
“Vontier and Sheetz understand the importance of providing a positive driver experience,” said Andrew Bennett, Group President of Convenience Retail and CEO of Driivz. “Driivz is able to remotely address charger issues in real time and better manage energy delivery to optimize charger uptime. This end-to-end control of the network can increase utilization rates and provide an elevated driver experience.”
Silicon-based anode materials developer HPQ Silicon has shipped the first industrial batches of its lithium-ion battery cells, which it manufactured using its GEN3 material.
The initial 18650 and 21700 format cells, developed under the HPQ ENDURA+ brand, mark a key step in the company’s transition from pilot testing to market engagement.
HPQ expects to reach an annual production capacity of up to 1.5 million cells through its partnership with Novacium. The newly manufactured batches will be used in direct discussions with prospective clients across various sectors, including mobility and electronics.
Cell production for the HPQ ENDURA+ line is subcontracted to an unnamed large-scale battery manufacturer. This enables immediate integration into high-throughput lines without the need for new infrastructure, HPQ said. It also enables HPQ and Novacium to focus on the development and optimization of their silicon-based anode materials, while leveraging established manufacturing expertise.
HPQ confirmed that it now holds finalized product specification sheets for the 4,000 mAh 18650 and 6,000 mAh 21700 battery formats, providing technical precision to interested partners. The batteries deliver up to 1,000 charge cycles, while comparable 18650 cells available on the market typically offer between 2,500 and 3,500 mAh and shorter life spans below 500 cycles.
“These first shipments demonstrate our ability to execute and move swiftly from R&D to commercial readiness,” said Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman, President and CEO of HPQ Silicon Inc. “We are now in a position to put our batteries in front of customers, backed by real performance data and a clear path to scaled production.”
Commerce platform WEX has expanded its EV charging network through new partnerships with charging point operators Lynkwell and Revel as well as a payments integration with smart charging platform Ampcontrol.
The collaborations enable hundreds of new charging stations across the US to accept payments from WEX users and provide WEX customers with access to an extensive EV charging network.
WEX EV’s charging network is part of a suite of commercial charging solutions designed specifically for mixed-energy fleets. The WEX EV En Route solution gives drivers access to a network of over 150,000 public charging ports across the US including EVgo, Blink Charging, EV Connect, ChargePoint, FLO, AmpUp, EvGateway, Noodoe and more. Drivers can access the charging stations via the DriverDash mobile app or a universal WEX EV RFID card under a secure closed-loop payment system.
The partnership deals follow the introduction of WEX EV Depot in April 2025, which provides simple and secure charging at private chargers when using the WEX fleet card. The company already offers its public charging En Route and At-Home solutions, and it now supports EV charging payments across depot, public and at-home charging locations.
Energy infrastructure development company Lynkwell’s WEX integration allows it to provide WEX corporate-grade payment capabilities across its multitude of station networks. Its cloud-based EV charging software platform hosts dozens of EV charging networks and manages 10,000 assets.
Revel has evolved from an electric moped-sharing and ride-hail startup into a provider of urban-focused public EV fast-charging infrastructure, particularly in dense cities like New York and San Francisco. The company operates multiple DC fast charging superhubs offering 150 kW to 320 kW ports that serve all makes of EVs.
Working with WEX allows Revel to extend the reach and convenience of its fast-charging superhubs to more fleet operators, the company said. By integrating WEX’s payment technology into its network, Revel aims to make it easier for commercial drivers to access charging in dense cities while giving fleet managers transparency and control over transactions.
Ampcontrol’s AI-powered software and energy management platform is designed to help EV fleet operators and charging hubs optimize and streamline their charging infrastructure. It connects all energy assets, EV chargers and vehicles to help customers like Revel manage load and reduce energy and peak-demand costs.
“Bringing a diverse range of CPOs into the WEX EV network marks a major step forward for fleet operators nationwide,” said Carlos Carriedo, Chief Operating Officer, Americas Payments & Mobility at WEX. “By integrating our payment processing technology and syncing transaction details and RFID numbers from charging stations across multiple providers, we’re streamlining the EV charging experience and giving organizations the data they need to make smarter, more strategic operational decisions.”
South Korean automotive supplier Hyundai Mobis is collaborating with 23 companies and research institutions to expand the automotive semiconductor ecosystem in its home country.
The companies include automakers, fabless semiconductor companies, foundries, design houses, packaging companies and design tool specialists, such as Samsung Electronics, LX Semicon, SK keyfoundry, DB HiTek, GlobalFoundries, Dongwoon Anatech and Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI).
The automotive semiconductor sector has historically been reliant on products imported from Europe, North America and Japan. Hyundai Mobis said it plans to play a key role in developing the domestic industry, both as a fabless company designing semiconductors and as a supply chain manager.
Hyundai Mobis mass-produced 20 million units of 16 types of semiconductors it developed in-house this year, including power, drive, communication, sensor and data processing semiconductors, through external foundries.
The company projects that for drive systems, which determine EV range, pursuing integrated development rather than developing power semiconductors and core components separately could shorten the development time by close to two years. The same applies to system semiconductors installed in controllers for core components.
“We are securing independent semiconductor design capabilities while pursuing joint development with fabless companies and design houses, and expanding cooperation with major foundries. We actively encourage companies specialized in home appliances or mobile to enter the mobility sector, and through this, we will take the lead in building the domestic ecosystem,” Hyundai Mobis President Lee Gyu-suk said.
“The key to automotive semiconductors lies in optimal integration with the controller,” said Park Chul-hong, Executive Vice President and Head of the Semiconductor Business at Hyundai Mobis. “To enhance the competitiveness of domestic companies, Hyundai Mobis defines controller-specific specifications and supports real-vehicle-based validation, enabling significantly faster development cycles.”
Detroit-based startup Grounded has launched an electrified vehicle designed to serve as a mobile command center for applications ranging from disaster response to public health services.
The C1, built on Harbinger‘s commercial-grade electric truck platform, is designed to provide municipalities, nonprofits and government agencies with a durable, sustainable vehicle for mission-critical mobile operations.
“Today’s public safety, disaster response and public health teams need more payload, more range, and more flexibility than smaller platforms can deliver,” said Grounded CEO Sam Shapiro. “The C1 is our answer—it’s an electrified powerhouse that delivers sustainability without sacrificing mission readiness.”
The Grounded C1 is available on multiple wheelbases, and on either an all-electric or plug-in hybrid chassis. It features secure communications, reliable power, and the mobility to coordinate responses during severe weather, large events or multi-agency emergencies. It can be customized in various ways for different applications.
Upfitted as a mobile clinic, the C1 allows agencies to deliver mammograms, vaccinations, screenings and other preventive services directly in the community. As a disaster response vehicle, the C1 offers off-grid power and modular interiors that can support shelter coordination, supply distribution and emergency relief efforts.
“For long shifts in the field, durability alone isn’t enough. Design matters too,” said Grounded Chief Product Officer Nadia Meyer. “Human-centered design for the C1 puts intuitive systems and ergonomic layouts first, enabling responder comfort, endurance, and the ability to act faster when it matters most.”
The Grounded+ App provides remote monitoring of energy usage, appliance control, real-time diagnostics and optimization tools.
The Grounded C1 is now open for orders, and shipments are to begin in Q2 2026. Final pricing will vary depending on configuration and upfit.
Ko Kut, also known as Koh Kood, one of a dozen islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is a tranquil, jungle-covered place known for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters and abundant coconut palms. It has an economy centered around fishing, agriculture and ecotourism.
The island, which is in the least populous district in Thailand, is only accessible by boat from Trat province on the mainland. But ecotourism visitors and local officials alike have been limited to the use of internal combustion engine-powered speedboats accompanied by all of their commensurate disadvantages, including noise, vibration and environmental pollution. These factors threaten marine life and are not in keeping with the quiet character of Ko Kut.
Seudamgo, a unit of Leopard Transportation, plans to solve that problem by deploying a fleet of ten P-12 electric hydrofoil ferries from Candela. The vessel’s digital flight control system minimizes slamming, ensuring a smooth ride free of seasickness, Candela said.
By turning to clean green power, Seudamgo is poised to transport ecotourism travelers to Ko Kut via high-speed, clean, efficient and electrified water transport. Seudamgo will be the first company to operate the Candela electric hydrofoil ferries in Thailand and southeast Asia.
“Candela’s P-12 foil electric technology is a game-changer,” said Surachai Suwanthanakul, Leopard’s CEO. “It represents a truly sustainable vessel—free from emissions, oil spills and underwater noise.”
At a speed of 25 knots (29 mph, 46 km/h), the P-12 will cover the 20 nautical miles (23 miles, 37 km) on the route in 40 minutes.
The P-12 seats up to 30 passengers, depending on operator configuration, with plenty of room for passenger bags. It is 39 feet, 4.1 inches (11.99 m) in length, has a 14-foot, 8.4-inch (4.5 m) beam and displaces 11.02 tons (10 metric tonnes).
Candela has now received multiple orders from major municipalities and operators for the electric ferry. The P-12 went into service in Stockholm in November 2024, picking up passengers in Ekerö, an island of almost 12,000 inhabitants outside Stockholm, and reaching Stockholm’s City Hall, a 9-mile (15 km) jaunt, in just 30 minutes. That was 15 minutes faster than its diesel-powered counterpart while using 80% less energy to power the trip.
A fleet of eight P-12 ferries is on order by Saudi Arabia to make trips to Neom, the massive, unsustainable development that Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the crown prince and authoritarian leader of Saudi Arabia, is creating there.
The P-12 is coming to Lake Tahoe to speed up north-south trips across the lake on the California-Nevada border, and to Mumbai to help the city get cars off its heavily trafficked roadways. It is also being deployed in Berlin to bring the travel time from the Eastside Gallery to Funkhaus down from as much as 26 minutes in traffic to 10 minutes by traveling along the Spree River.
In November 2024, Candela said it had raised an additional $14 million in its Series C funding round, putting the company’s total secured funding in 2024 at over $40 million. The investment will help Candela ramp up production to meet demand for its vessels. The new $14-million investment was led by SEB Private Equity, a global private equity investor, with additional participation by existing investors EQT Ventures and KanDela.
From the lab to gigafactory, twin-screw extrusion (TSE) is highly beneficial in battery research and development due to its ability to produce superior electrode quality. This method is recognized for its effective distributive and dispersive mixing capabilities, resulting in homogeneous electrode materials with excellent dispersion of all ingredients.
Twin-screw extrusion also supports continuous operation, an essential factor to improving process yields in battery manufacturing. And it’s not limited to just wet processing, this novel twin-screw extrusion can handle solvent-less and complete dry formulations – recognized as the way forward in the development of new battery materials.
Join us to explore how novel twin extrusion is transforming battery material processing.
When it comes to lithium-ion batteries in EVs, the stakes are high. A single malfunctioning cell can trigger thermal runaway—a rapid, uncontrollable rise in temperature and pressure that can result in fires or explosions. For engineers, preventing this isn’t just good design—it’s non-negotiable.
Charged recently chatted with Luka Sovulj from Epic Resins to learn how their epoxy and polyurethane formulations are designed to protect EV battery systems from moisture ingress, vibration, and thermal events. Their products can fully encapsulate battery cells—providing a barrier against environmental stressors while contributing to pack safety and lifespan. The company has over 50 years of experience in electronics and battery applications.
One of the key functions of these potting and coating materials is to manage thermal and mechanical stresses. When a battery is subject to repeated cycling, vibration, or thermal gradients, stress builds up in interfaces and components. By enveloping those components in a stable polymeric matrix, the compounds help dampen shock, reduce micro-cracking, and slow degradation. Luka notes that thermal runaway is a critical safety concern; their formulations are engineered to resist propagation through the pack by absorbing or dissipating heat and preventing expansion into adjacent cells.
Epic also offers custom formulation flexibility. They can tailor viscosity, gel time, filler type, and density to match a customer’s specific design or manufacturing constraints. For instance, a low-density filler could be used for lightweighting, while still maintaining thermal or mechanical performance. Or, faster cure times may align with high-throughput production lines. This alignment between material properties and manufacturing workflow is especially desirable in a field where pack design and assembly constraints vary among OEMs and suppliers.
Luka also contrasts non-cellular elastomers with foam materials. Unlike foams, which are largely composed of air and have limited structural and thermal performance, their elastomeric compounds offer higher tensile strength, better thermal conductivity, and more reliable flame retardancy. Because their materials do not expand or contract during curing, they avoid internal stresses and sensitivity to ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity. That consistency is a major benefit when scaling from lab samples to large volume production.
Delta Air Lines has announced a partnership with Dutch electric plane maker Maeve to support the development of a new hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
Under the terms of the agreement, Delta will provide operational support to help Maeve’s M80 hybrid-electric aircraft reach commercial viability for regional flights. Maeve will become part of Delta’s Sustainable Skies Lab. Its presence in the program checks off a box for a key milestone in Delta’s 2023 Sustainability Roadmap to accelerate innovative solutions for a more sustainable future of travel.
In November 2023, Maeve introduced the M80, a hybrid 80-seater aircraft, saying that “there are currently no alternatives in development that are equally sustainable, cost-effective, and match the operational needs of airlines and airports.”
In short, Maeve says that the M80 offers the performance of a jet and the efficiency of a turboprop.
The M80 hybrid-electric aircraft has a range of 921 miles (1,482 km) and promises 40% higher efficiency through a hybrid engine architecture that provides power assistance at low altitude operations, the company said. The hybrid model can also support the efficient integration of more electric aircraft systems.
To meet the needs of smaller airports and airlines, Maeve designed the M80 “to attain best-in-class specifications with regards to passenger capacity, range, lead time and energy needed for implementation,” the company said.
“The aircraft is designed to support the future of the regional aviation market, delivering a decarbonized, low energy solution with regional jet performance and turbo-prop economics.”
Founded in 2020, Maeve Aerospace has announced plans to launch the Maeve 01 by 2031. The Maeve 01 will be “the world’s first all-electric, 44-seat regional aircraft,” according to the company. Maeve, which focuses on the short-range aviation market, is also developing rapid-charging systems for its battery-powered aircraft.
