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The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), and the Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO) released a Request for Information (RFI) to seek stakeholder input on factors to consider in relation to defining “an area where there is inadequate electric service,” which will inform future eligibility criteria for WPTO’s Hydroelectric Production Incentive Program.

“Through this RFI, the U.S. Department of Energy seeks input from different community perspectives on what they consider to be ‘inadequate electric service’ to help us determine how to support clean, hydroelectric power serving areas where access to energy is often unreliable or expensive,” said Acting Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Kelly Speakes-Backman.

Section 242 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Pub. L. No. 109-58) established an incentive payment program to benefit owners of qualified hydroelectric facilities who add electrical generation equipment to existing dams. Section 3005 of the Energy Act of 2020 (Pub. L. 116-260) then amended Section 242 by expanding the definition of a qualified hydroelectric facility to include certain facilities “constructed in an area in which there is inadequate electric service,” which requires the Secretary to take into consideration (a) access to the electric grid; (b) the frequency of electric outages; or (c) the affordability of electricity.

Because there is no widely adopted definition for these terms, this RFI seeks information from industry, academia, research laboratories, government agencies, and other stakeholders on factors that should be considered in enhancing WPTO’s proposed definition as follows:

“An area in which there is inadequate electric service means a geographic area that lacks access to an interconnected electrical grid or where a customer may not reasonably access electrical energy services; is subject to frequent electric outages, based on common reliability metrics; or where the cost of electricity is significantly above the typical residential electricity cost.”

Defining this term will allow the Section 242 Hydroelectric Production Incentive Program to be executed, and increase access to clean, hydroelectric power to U.S. citizens in communities with inadequate electric services. This may include rural, remote, and underserved communities.

Responses are due September 7, 2021, by 11:59 p.m. ET.

View the full RFI on Energy Exchange.

Article courtesy of Office of ENERGY EFFICIENCY & RENEWABLE ENERGY


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Everrati rebrands B2B EV conversion arm to ‘Powered by Everrati’ amid clientele increase

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Everrati rebrands B2B EV conversion arm to 'Powered by Everrati' amid clientele increase

EV conversion specialist Everrati announced reshuffling its business-to-business (B2B) strategy, rebranding the division as “Powered by Everrati.” The branding partially results from increased customers to the B2B division, which is reporting encouraging year-over-year growth.

Everrati Automotive Ltd. is a UK-based restoration company that has expanded its business to the US. It specializes in EV conversions of timeless classics like Porsche 911s and Land Rovers. Most of our previous coverage of Everrati has focused on said conversions, including an all-electric Mercedes SL “Pagoda” and a Land Rover Defender designed to be stored on a yacht.

However, in addition to its own EV revamps, Everrati shares its proprietary technology to help other businesses go all-electric. In July 2022, we reported that the company had established a new B2B division called Everrati Advanced Technologies (EAT). The goal at the time was to provide high-tech consultancy services to clients, from initial concept and feasibility studies, through scalable low-volume production of EV conversions.

Everrati said EAT would initially focus on low-volume luxury vehicle conversions, aiding in every step of the process from design, development, engineering, and production consulting to help its customers create any bespoke powertrain design they want.

Nearly two years later, Everrati is reporting increased interest in its B2B EV conversions and is now pivoting that division to support said growth.

Everrati conversion
Source: Everrati

Businesses can utilize “Powered by Everrati” conversions

Similar to its predecessor, the newly branded “Powered by Everrati” division utilizes the conversion specialist’s electric powertrain and software technology to offer clients a turnkey solution that comes with support throughout the entire process.

At this point, in its development of EV conversion technology, Everrati is confident that its powertrains will reduce development and launch timelines, risks, and overall costs. The company explained that clients also gain access to Everrati’s in-house-developed Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) architecture, which can reduce the cost of new electric vehicle programs by up to 70%.

Such technology and savings have piqued the interest of new clients all around the globe, as Everrati states its contract signings have increased 200% year-over-year. Everrati founder and CEO Justin Lunny spoke to the expanded EV conversion division and what it means for the company’s overall strategy in the future:

I’m proud to announce the new name for our B2B division: Powered by Everrati. Our pipeline is brimming with opportunities as specialist and luxury brands, Low Volume Manufacturers, and OEM ‘classic divisions’ wishing to bring their heritage into the future, seek to swiftly create new, or electrify existing vehicles. With 70% of all new cars in Europe expected to be pure electric by 2030, momentum is really accelerating. Our ability to deliver bespoke EV projects efficiently positions us as the go-to partner for businesses aiming to transition to zero-emission solutions. Everrati continues to grow from solid foundations, driven by our commitment to providing customers with complete, turnkey cutting-edge EV solutions.

Our unique business proposition empowers clients to swiftly embrace zero-emission technology, while our B2C business flourishes globally in response to increasing demand. Indeed, with so many redefined customer commissions from our Porsche, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz based product portfolio having been delivered worldwide, these completed OEM-grade vehicles visibly demonstrate to our B2B clients the boundaries we are pushing and the unparalleled results that can be achieved.

Everrati is not sharing specifically who any of its B2B clients are at this time.

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Hyundai to add hybrids at EV-only plant as rising demand throws a curveball

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Hyundai to add hybrids at EV-only plant as rising demand throws a curveball

Following similar announcements from rivals, Hyundai is adding more hybrids to its lineup as a bridge to its next-gen EVs. Hyundai will add hybrid production lines at its dedicated EV plant in Georgia as demand rises.

Hyundai adds hybrids at its new dedicated EV plant

Hyundai is shaking things up after initially announcing plans to build a $5.5B EV assembly and battery plant in Bryan County, GA.

After hybrids accounted for a larger share of sales in the first quarter, Hyundai plans to add hybrid production at the facility. “It is because we need to cope with sharply rising hybrid demand,” A Hyundai executive said on the company’s Q1 earnings call (via Nikkei Asia).

Hyundai’s EV sales share fell in all major markets in the first three months of 2024 compared to last year, including Korea (4.4% vs. 9%), the US (5.5% vs. 6.6%), and Europe (10.7% vs. 15.9%).

Meanwhile, hybrids accounted for a larger portion of sales in Korea (21% vs. 14.7%), the US (10.9% vs. 10.4%), and Europe (15.7% vs. 15.2%).

Hyundai-hybrids
Hyundai Q1 2024 sales by region (Source: Hyundai)

Overall, EVs accounted for 4.5% (vs 6.5% in Q1 2023) of the brand’s sales, while hybrids held 9.7% of the share (vs 8.2%). Hyundai’s total auto sales fell 1.5% to 1 million in Q1.

Hyundai is expected to begin production at its GA plant in Q4. The automaker believes electric models, like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, will qualify for the federal EV tax credit, which should help boost demand.

Hyundai-hybrids
Hyundai IONIQ 5 (left) and IONIQ 6 (right) at Tesla Supercharger (Source: Hyundai)

Once up and running, Hyundai’s Metaplant will be able to build 300,000 EVs annually, which can be expanded to 500,000 if needed.

Hyundai’s first three-row electric SUV, the IONIQ 9, will debut soon. It’s expected to be introduced later this year as Hyundai looks to boost sales in key segments.

Electrek’s Take

The news comes as several automakers, like Ford, GM, and even sister company Kia, announced similar plans to introduce more hybrids to their lineups.

Despite this, Hyundai’s EV sales are still climbing in key markets. Hyundai’s EV sales doubled in March in the US, its most important market, with Q1 sales up 62%, also a record.

Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker assured, “Demand for our vehicles, especially EVs, remains high.” The Korean automaker looks to satisfy the growing demand for hybrids with added production in GA.

Hyundai already has some of the cheapest EVs in the US, with the Hyundai Kona Electric (starting under $33,00), the IONIQ 6 (starting at $37,500), and IONIQ 5 (starting at $41,800).

To sweeten the deal, Hyundai is offering a massive $7,500 cash offer that can bring prices down to nearly nothing. If you’re in the market for a new EV, now may be the best time to get started. You can use our links below to find deals on Hyundai EVs at a dealer near you.

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Middle East escalation could trigger oil price shock that fuels inflation, World Bank warns

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Middle East escalation could trigger oil price shock that fuels inflation, World Bank warns

A general view of Isfahan Refinery, one of the largest refineries in Iran and is considered as the first refinery in the country in terms of diversity of petroleum products in Isfahan, Iran on November 08, 2023. 

Fatemeh Bahrami | Anadolu | Getty Images

The outbreak of a major conflict in the Middle East could trigger an energy shock that pushes oil prices above $100 a barrel, fuels inflation and results in higher interest rates for longer, the World Bank warned Thursday.

Tensions in the Middle East reached a boiling point earlier this month as Israel and OPEC member Iran appeared on the brink of war, raising fears that crude oil supplies could be disrupted as a consequence.

The governments in Jerusalem and Tehran appear to have decided against escalation after exchanging direct strikes on each other’s territory for the first time. Oil prices have pulled back nearly 4% from recent highs as investors have discounted the probability of a wider war in the region.

The World Bank, however, cautioned that the situation remains uncertain.

“The world is at a vulnerable moment: A major energy shock could undermine much of the progress in reducing inflation over the past two years,” said World Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill.

Oil Prices, Energy News and Analysis

Oil prices could average $102 per barrel if a conflict involving one or more oil producers in the Middle East results in a supply disruption of 3 million barrels per day, according to the World Bank’s latest commodity markets outlook report. An price shock of this magnitude could stall the fight against inflation almost entirely, according to the report.

Global inflation cooled by 2% between 2022 and 2023 largely due to commodity prices plunging nearly 40%, according to the World Bank. Commodity prices are now plateauing with the global financial institution forecasting modest declines of 3% this year and 4% in 2025.

“Global inflation remains undefeated,” Gill said. “A key force for disinflation — falling commodity prices — has essentially hit a wall. That means interest rates could remain higher than currently expected this year and next.”

While the conflict in the Middle East presents upside pricing risks, the world could see relief if OPEC+ decides to start unwinding its production cuts this year. Oil prices would fall to an average $81 a barrel if the cartel brings 1 million barrels per day back onto the market in the second half of the year, according to the World Bank.

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