Back in 2022, Exro Technologies introduced a new product that integrated an EV’s motor, drive, gearing and AC charging system into one compact system. (Read an in-depth interview with company executive Josh Sobil in our Oct-Dec 2022 print issue.)

Combining EV components into more compact units is an ongoing trend, both in the powertrain (e-axles) and the battery compartment (cell-to-pack). However, things don’t appear to have worked out for Exro—the company continues to operate, but it has terminated 60 of its employees, postponed its shareholder meeting, and gone into receivership.

Now Exro has announced that some of its assets, or units of the company, may be up for sale: “Exro’s strategic review process is ongoing, with current discussions focused on the potential sale of the company’s intellectual property and technology, and the potential sale of certain limited components of the company’s business.”

The receiver, FTI Consulting Canada, “is authorized to market any or all of the Exro Technologies Inc., DPM Technologies Inc. and Cellex Energy Inc.’s property, including advertising and soliciting offers in respect of the property.”

More information about the asset sales can be found on FTI Consulting’s web site.

Source: Exro Technologies

Global Battery (GB) Materials has launched as a vertically integrated critical minerals and technology company, created through the strategic combination of South Korea’s SongWoo EM and the Canadian assets of G6 Energy.

Backed by strategic and institutional investors, the new company is focused on building and scaling a supply chain outside China for graphite-based battery anode materials. GB Materials expects to start production of active anode material in 2028.

The company combines Canadian natural resource strength and South Korean process technology. In Canada, GB Materials owns the Kearney Mine in Ontario, which it plans to restart. As a previously producing natural graphite asset, the site features a high-quality mineral resource, existing infrastructure and government support.

The company operates an advanced pilot plant and research center in Siheung, South Korea, providing the technological foundation for its downstream operations. The facility uses processes that achieve high yields and consistent quality to meet the standards required for EVs as well as grid-scale storage and defense applications, according to the company.

“We are bringing together proven assets in Tier 1 jurisdictions and experienced leadership to accelerate the development of a sustainable supply chain for graphite anode materials,” said Chairman Renaud Adams.

Source: Global Battery Materials

Beam Global makes a variety of innovative EV charging products, including solar-powered portable EV charging stations. One variant of this product is the BeamPatrol off-grid eMotorcycle charging bundle, one of which has just been deployed at Dolphin Mall in Miami, a major hub for holiday shopping.

The BeamPatrol system will charge the Sweetwater Police Department’s fleet of Ryvid eMotorcycles, enabling officers to patrol the mall on fast, quiet and stylish rides.

BeamPatrol is a turnkey, transportable, self-contained off-grid charging solution that generates and stores its own energy and is equipped with four chargers specifically configured for law enforcement needs. The system can be deployed quickly, with no need for construction, electrical work or a utility connection.

“BeamPatrol provides law enforcement the charging infrastructure and energy they need quickly and effortlessly, without having to undertake construction or electrical projects,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “BeamPatrol keeps vital vehicles fueled during blackouts and other disasters, which is essential to first responders.”

Source: Beam Global

Turntide Technologies has announced a collaboration with Electrified Motors to provide fully validated, plug-and-play motor and inverter solutions for OEMs worldwide. The new partnership will offer pre-integrated electric drive packages to simplify electrification for manufacturers in a range of vehicle and equipment categories.

Electrified Motors will pair its low-voltage electric motors with Turntide’s Generation 6 inverter to create a modular drive solution for applications requiring 3-44 kW. Turntide says this integrated system is particularly suited for electric construction equipment, aerial lifts, light-mobility platforms and other industrial EVs.

As part of the Turntide Turnkey Solutions program, OEMs receive a pre-validated, fully integrated system including motors, inverters, and related components. The companies report that this approach helps streamline the path to electrification, addressing challenges such as system integration, development costs, scalability, and regulatory compliance.

“OEMs face steep hurdles with electrification,” and continued, “Our collaboration with Electrified Motors is another example of how we are helping OEMs bring electrified equipment to market faster at a systems level without the headache of having to validate every component of the powertrain,” said Ryan Grodzki, VP, Strategic Partnerships at Turntide.

Source: Turntide Technologies

The Jining 6006 pure electric cargo ship developed by CATL Electric Ship Technology, a subsidiary of the Chinese battery manufacturer, has been selected by the China Communications and Transportation Association as an “Outstanding Typical Case of National Transportation and Energy Integration and Innovation Development in 2025.”

As the first cargo ship battery-swapping demonstration project in the country to be delivered and operated independently with a complete ship station, the vessel provides a replicable and scalable demonstration model for the electrification of inland waterway shipping across China.

The ship is 67.6 meters long, 12.66 meters wide, and has a deadweight tonnage of nearly 2,000 tons. It is equipped with two box-type power supplies that have a total capacity of 3,919 kWh. The ship operates between Liangshan Port and Longgong Port on the Jining section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. It can sail 230 km on a full charge and complete a battery swap within 15 minutes.

The ship is built, owned and operated by Ronghui Times, a joint venture between CATL and Jining Energy. It fully integrates CATL’s full-scenario technology solutions for ship, shore and cloud, as well as Jining Energy’s advantages in port, shipbuilding, cargo and logistics resources, according to the companies.

Source: CATL

Italian industrial automation company Comau has acquired a stake in Intecells, which develops battery manufacturing processes and equipment based on plasma technology, to optimize the use of cold plasma within industrial cell manufacturing processes.

The two companies will continue their collaboration to deliver an electrode production solution using cold plasma technology to streamline the manufacturing process. The solution will aim to improve cell performance and reduce investment costs by 50%, halving energy consumption.

The companies will validate the technology they have developed with customers and integrate it within existing cell manufacturing lines. This will focus on reducing cycle time and energy consumption in the soaking and drying phases, leveraging Intecells’ approach which eliminates the need for solvents and binders. They will also focus on improving cell capacity, cyclability and production quality across a full range of battery types and sizes.

“In fast-moving sectors like electric mobility and stationary battery storage, where companies face pressure to optimize both product and production costs, it’s essential to combine technological excellence with operational agility,” said Pietro Gorlier, Comau’s CEO. Our work with Intecells demonstrates how we’re advancing smart, scalable solutions that can be integrated into new and existing battery cell lines. At the same time, it strengthens our footprint in the United States, supporting our ability to operate effectively on a global level while responding more rapidly to local market needs.”

Source: Intecells

Taiwan Semiconductor has introduced its new automotive-grade 24V SUPER CLAMP snapback TVS devices in compact SMC and SMB surface-mount packages.

SUPER CLAMP TVSs combine lower clamping voltages, higher peak pulse currents and lower-voltage ratings than conventional TVSs, according to the company. The snapback devices allow circuit designers to use fewer, less costly components without compromising circuit reliability.

The new devices in SMC (LSMC24CAH) and SMB (LSMB24CAH) package options can help further reduce PCB space.

The complete series is offered in three package types: DO-214AB (SMC), DO-214AA (SMB) and DO-218AB.

When used in compact surface-mount PCB layouts, SUPER CLAMP TVSs can reduce parts count and eliminate the need to overdesign to achieve automotive-level reliability.

Providing maximum pulse currents of up to 300 A, SUPER CLAMP TVSs provide a higher margin of system protection than alternative options, the company said.

Samples are available now and the lead time for production quantities is 8-14 weeks.

“As processor and other VCC voltages in automotive designs keep getting lower, the need for more precise and aggressive transient protection is needed to reduce parts count and to protect these sensitive electronics,” said Sam Wang, Vice President, TSC Products. “In addition to saving money and design time, the new SMB- and SMC-packaged SUPER CLAMP devices offer options for drop-in upgrades in space-limited designs where better protection is needed.”

Source: Taiwan Semiconductor

Kenworth, a PACCAR company, has launched its first conventional medium-duty battery-electric trucks: the T280E, T380E and T480E. These new Class 6-8 BEV models are designed for a wide variety of applications, including pickup and delivery, utility, regional haul and vocational applications.

The new models are now available for order from Kenworth dealers in the US and Canada. Production is scheduled to begin in 2026.

“The launch of our new medium-duty battery-electric lineup demonstrates Kenworth’s dedication to helping customers transition to zero-emission transportation with practical, powerful, and flexible solutions,” said Kevin Haygood, Kenworth’s Assistant General Manager for Sales and Marketing. “The T280E, T380E, and T480E are engineered to deliver the performance and dependability our customers expect from Kenworth, while offering the benefits of reduced emissions and quiet operation.”

Kenworth’s medium-duty BEVs are powered by PACCAR’s fully integrated ePowertrain platform, which offers multiple electric motor ratings from 170 kW (230 hp continuous, 335 hp peak) up to 350 kW (470 hp continuous, 605 hp peak), with peak torque ratings of 1,100 or 1,850 lb-ft. This flexible platform allows customers to spec trucks for local delivery routes, regional distribution or vocational applications that require higher power.

Two battery configurations are offered: 250 kWh (up to 200 miles of range); and 375 kWh (280 miles). All models feature DC fast charging capability with peak charging rates up to 350 kW, supported by PACCAR Parts’ full suite of charging solutions.

• The T280E (Class 6, 26K GVWR) is offered with e-motor ratings up to 270 kW and up to 200 miles of range, making it suitable for pickup and delivery, as well as urban routes.
• The T380E (Class 7/8, 33-50K GCWR) is available as a truck or tractor with e-motor ratings up to 350 kW and up to 280 miles of range—it’s designed for pickup and delivery, regional haul, utility and light vocational applications.  
• The T480E (Class 8, 66-82K GCWR) is available as a truck or tractor with e-motor ratings up to 350 kW and up to 200 miles of range—it’s suitable for heavier pickup and delivery applications, drayage, utility and select vocational applications.

PACCAR’s central drive e-motor is designed to allow wheelbase flexibility, lift axle installations and vocational-friendly BEV integrations. All three models feature factory-installed options for high-voltage ePTO ports, which can be used to power equipment, a mechanical ePTO, or body configurations in conjunction with aftermarket body upfitters.

“Kenworth builds a truck and a powertrain for every job and is proud to expand our comprehensive range of battery-electric models across both vocational and on-highway markets,” said Haygood. “With the addition of the T280E, T380E, and T480E, customers now have even more options to spec trucks that align with their business needs and sustainability goals.”

Source: Kenworth Truck

Global logistics firm DP World has installed a 7.2 MW charging site with 12 MCS dispensers at London Gateway, a deepwater container port. The Kempower Megawatt Chargers will power a fleet of 12 Kalmar electric straddle carriers. 

The Megawatt Charging System (MCS) is an emerging standard for heavy electric vehicles. It can deliver charging power of up to 3.75 megawatts (3,000 amps at 1,250 volts DC).

Kalmar, a global provider of material handling equipment and services, has selected Kempower as a strategic partner to develop a new range of DC fast charging solutions for material handling and logistics, focusing on the port segment.

In 2024, DP World and Kempower deployed a 500 A continuous charging system for Kalmar’s electric straddle carriers at London Gateway. The installation of these 12 MCS chargers represents the second phase of the port’s electrification, and it will increase the total power capacity at the site to 11.2 MW.

Jussi Vanhanen, Chief Market Officer at Kempower said: “We are very happy to continue our collaboration with DP World in the electrification of London Gateway, and excited to supply the first MCS chargers to the site. Transfer to MCS significantly decreases charging downtime, accelerating emission reduction and sustainable material handling and logistics at ports.”

Source: Kempower

Hioki has announced the RM3546 Resistance Meter, a high-precision measurement instrument designed for electric vehicle and energy storage system battery manufacturing. The RM3546 targets nanohm-class resistance measurement, supporting the growing quality demands of high-volume battery production lines.

The RM3546 offers 1-nanohm resolution within a 1,000 microohm range, using the Advanced-Offset Voltage Correction (A-OVC) feature to suppress thermal noise that can destabilize low-resistance measurements. This enables precise weld quality control for busbars and connections critical to EV and ESS battery packs throughout research and development, prototyping, and mass production.

To address the risks of accidental probe contact with energized components, the RM3546 integrates Active Circuit Protection, allowing it to withstand DC voltages up to 60 V. Hioki says this protection reduces instrument failure and unplanned downtime on high-voltage battery production lines.

The meter features a path-resistance tolerance of up to 9 ohms in 500-milliamp mode, enabling stable measurements even with long cables, multiple relays, or worn probes—conditions commonly encountered in large-scale automation. The instrument supports integration with Hioki multiplexer systems and includes an internal multiplexer board option for flexible, multi-channel inline inspection.

For post-weld evaluation, the Advanced-Temperature Correction (A-TC) function—used in combination with Hioki’s PC application—permits accurate resistance measurement within seconds after welding, minimizing cooling delays and improving production takt time. Hioki identifies the main applications for battery research and development, inline inspection of battery-pack welding and verification of cell-to-cell and fuse resistance.

Additional uses include EV charging infrastructure components and power distribution systems in industrial contexts.

Source: Hioki