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Electrify Canada has added more than 40 individual Hyper-Fast chargers in Québec and Nova Scotia. The all-new Macan Electric is now part of the charging agreement between Electrify America and Porsche Cars North America, which has been extended. Owners of the Macan Electric will receive complimentary 30-minute charging sessions for a year as part of the charging incentive.
And in Paris, the “world’s new luxury [automotive brand],” HONGQI, will make its international debut at the 2024 Paris Motor Show. Not simply luxury, but power, with an output of up to 455 kW and a torque of up to 756 Nm, the electric drive systems of the EH7 and EHS7 can reach up to 22,500 rpm.
For those of us who like to see more rail, U.S. High Speed Rail reports that a recent federal investment of $117 million in bullet train projects indicates growing momentum.
More EV and energy news is below.
Electric Vehicles
“HONGQI, the ‘World’s New Luxury’ Automotive Brand, will make its grand debut at the Paris Motor Show 2024 on October 14th, showcasing two pure electric vehicles: the EH7 and EHS7, while also launching a pre-sale in Europe.
“Both EH7 and EHS7 are built on HONGQI’s self-developed ‘Tiangong’ Electric Platform, offering exceptional handling, extended range and superior vehicle stability — features rarely found in their class.
“Leveraging the strengths of the platform, both models offer exhilarating power and exceptional handling performance. The EH7 and EHS7 have electric drive systems with up to 455kW of power and 756Nm of torque, capable of reaching up to 22,500 rpm. Both models can reach a top speed of 200km/h, the EHS7 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds, while the EH7 achieves this in an impressive 3.5 seconds — providing a thrilling sense of victory, as if crossing the finish line.
“The EHS7 boasts a nearly 5-meter body length and a 3-meter wheelbase, along with a rare rear-wheel steering feature for its class, enabling a turning radius of just 5.3 meters — effortlessly navigating through challenging road conditions. Both models are equipped with ‘speed-sensitive power steering,’ which provides a lighter feel at low speeds and greater stability at high speeds, delivering an extraordinary driving experience that truly embodies ‘Beyond Driving.’
“In addition, HONGQI EH7 and EHS7 have an outstanding max range of 655km and 600km. Both models are equipped with an 800-volt fast-charging system, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes — the perfect amount of time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
“Join us for HONGQI’s remarkable moment at the Paris Motor Show 2024!”
- With a starting MSRP of $63,800, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron is the entry point to Audi’s most technologically advanced BEV, and the vanguard for the next-generation of Audi models to be introduced over the next two years
- Q6 e-tron RWD goes further than any e-tron model with an EPA-estimated range of 321 miles when equipped with ultra package
- Pricing and specifications for the entire Q6 e-tron model line now available on the audiusa.com configurator with deliveries beginning before end of 2024
“Audi of America today released full pricing and specifications for the all-new 2025 Q6 e-tron model line and announced an additional range-leading rear-wheel-drive (RWD) entry will join its line-up before the end of the year. With today’s announcement, Audi will have 11 distinct battery electric vehicles on offer across its four e-tron model lines at the close of 2024; Q4 e-tron, Q6 e-tron, Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT. The introduction of the Q6 e-tron to the brand’s U.S. model portfolio later this year also marks the start of the most ambitious product introduction cadence in the brand’s history. The all-new Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture on which the Q6 e-tron is built is also joined by the introduction of a new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) which underpins new internal combustion engine Audi models, like the all-new A5 and Q5 arriving next year. Across these two platforms, Audi intends to introduce more than 20 all-new or significantly updated models over the next two years globally, half of which will be electrified.”
“We are thrilled that Mercedes-Benz is presenting an electric G-Class as the Trophy Carrier at Worlds 24. With the personalized highlights, it perfectly reflects our values and the ones of the League of Legends community: an innovative spirit, forward-driven mindset and passion for precision.” —Chris Greeley, Global Head of LoL Esports at Riot Games
“Following their joint decarbonization roadmap Mercedes-Benz and Hydro signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate with local NGOs and partners in the state of Pará, Brazil. Their goals include promoting human rights, generating income for local communities, fostering biodiversity and low-carbon value chains in the Brazilian Amazon.
“The Corridor coalition aims to create a positive impact for the communities along the 244-kilometer bauxite slurry pipeline operated by Hydro, which runs through seven municipalities in the state of Pará, Brazil — from the Paragominas bauxite mine to the Alunorte alumina refinery in Barcarena. The goal is to engage local communities along the aluminium supply chain and empower them to improve their economic, ecological, and social well-being. Mercedes-Benz is part of the program’s governance, helping to establish necessary structures and build knowledge for sustainable risk management in raw material supply chains.”
EV Charging
“Electrify America and Porsche Cars North America have announced the extension of their charging agreement, which now includes the all-new Macan Electric. The charging benefit will provide owners of the Macan Electric with one year of complementary 30-minute charging sessions* at Electrify America charging stations coast-to-coast.
“The all-new Macan Electric is the latest addition to the Porsche vehicle lineup. Its 800-volt architecture supports a 270-kilowatt (kW) potential charging speed under ideal conditions, making it one of the fastest charging speeds in the industry.
“‘The Macan Electric is perfectly complemented by our Hyper-Fast charging network delivering speeds of up to 350 kW,’ said Robert Barrosa, president and CEO of Electrify America. ‘Beyond the impressive charging speeds, Macan customers will benefit from either the seamless Plug&Charge feature or using the My Porsche app to start charging. With Plug&Charge activated, drivers can simply plug in and start charging, streamlining their charging experience, and saving even more time.’”
Electrify Canada Expansion Continues — Adding 7th Province and Bolstering Québec
“Electrify Canada announced today a network expansion including its first stations in the province of Nova Scotia and further expansion in Québec. Located along popular travel routes and near shopping and dining, the seven new stations will add more than 40 individual next-generation chargers, capable of speeds up to 350 kW.
“‘We are thrilled to collaborate with Canadian Tire to bring more Hyper-Fast charging to locals, commuters, and travellers in the provinces of Nova Scotia and Québec — the zero-emission volume leader,’ said Scott Hollinshead, program manager, OEM business development at Electrify Canada. ‘These new stations almost double our presence in Québec and introduce Electrify Canada to Nova Scotia. With locations now in seven provinces, Electrify Canada is committed to supporting the widespread adoption of electric vehicles across Canada.’
“The five new Québec stations in Greenfield Park, Mont-Tremblant, Laval, Québec City, and St-Hyacinthe, join the network’s existing locations in Drummondville, Mirabel, Repentigny, Sherbrooke, St-Romuald, and Trois-Rivières. As EV adoption increases, Electrify Canada also plans to add larger stations, and Greenfield Park and Laval are the network’s first eight charger stations.”
Alpitronic Americas Celebrates Opening of U.S. Headquarters in Charlotte
Siemens to Carve Out Electric Vehicle Charging Business to Enable Next Level of Growth
ChargePoint Receives NEVI Award Funding to Proliferate EV Charging on California Highways
Batteries
“Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (‘CIP’), through its flagship fund, CI V, and Strata Clean Energy (Strata), a leading developer, owner, and operator of renewable energy, announced that CIP will acquire the 255MW / 1,020 MWh Scatter Wash standalone battery storage project in Phoenix, Arizona. Strata will continue to serve as construction and asset manager for the project.
“’Standalone storage will play an important role in addressing the rapidly growing energy capacity needs in the U.S. Southwest, enabling the decarbonization of Arizona’s power grid while maintaining reliability,’ said Tim Evans, Partner and Head of North America at CIP. ‘CIP has a strong track record of developing, owning, and operating renewable energy projects across the United States, and we are delighted to have partnered with Strata on the transaction.’”
“Strata Clean Energy secured a 20-year tolling agreement for the Scatter Wash project with Arizona Public Service (APS) in 2023. APS is the largest electric utility in Arizona, serving approximately 1.4 million homes and businesses in 11 of the state’s 15 counties.”
High Speed Rail
U.S. High Speed Rail Says Recent $117 Million Federal Investment in Bullet Train Projects Signals Growing Momentum
“U.S. High Speed Rail today applauded a $54 million federal grant to develop a new high-speed train station in California’s Central Valley. The announcement follows the Biden Administration’s $63.9 million grant earlier this month for Amtrak to continue planning with partner Texas Central on a 240-mile high-speed rail corridor between Dallas and Houston. Together, they amount to a total of more than $117 million in new federal investments in high-speed rail under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law since the beginning of September.
“The new investments coincide with multinational technology company Siemens’ recent announcement to invest $64 million in the nation’s first high-speed rail manufacturing plant in upstate New York.
“‘These investments reflect the federal government’s commitment to finally making high-speed rail a reality in America,’ said Andy Kunz, CEO of U.S. High Speed Rail. ‘The momentum for U.S. high-speed rail is becoming unstoppable.’
“Last December, the Biden Administration awarded $6.1 billion in new funding for California’s project and Brightline West, which will connect Las Vegas and Southern California by 2028. The Administration also provided seed funding to support planning for high-speed rail lines in the Pacific Northwest, the Southeast, North Central Texas, and Southern California.
“The Madera station will be a vital addition to California High-Speed Rail’s first segment, which will connect Merced to Bakersfield in the Central Valley between 2030 and 2033. The Madera station will connect this initial high-speed rail line to the Amtrak San Joaquins service that runs into the San Francisco Bay Area. The new station will include a platform, station track, overhead pedestrian crossing, bus depot, expanded auto parking, road access and a station building.
“USHSR mobilizes leading labor unions, companies, and public servants to advance bullet train investments and policies. The U.S. High Speed Rail Coalition has aggressively advocated for funding for California High Speed Rail, Brightline West, and other key projects and recently created a guide, ‘High-Speed Rail Project Initiation: A Roadmap for Advocates,’ to help local leaders get bullet train projects off the ground in their communities and regions.”
California High-Speed Rail Plan Gets $54-Million Boost
WAVE Energy & Clean Energy
“The Biden–Harris Administration announced today up to $112.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for its largest ever investment in marine energy. This five-year investment will significantly accelerate the design, fabrication, and testing of multiple wave energy converters (WECs), which harness power from ocean waves. Wave energy, a type of marine energy, can provide local, affordable, and clean energy for U.S. electric grids, coastal and island communities, and offshore work. This investment is in line with the administration’s commitment to domestically deployed power and technologies that will make American energy reliable and independent.”
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