General Motors has announced a new business unit to expand outside of its current portfolio of EVs and charging network. The new energy management services business is called GM Energy and will consist of Ultium Home and Ultium Commercial, in combination with the previously existing Ultium Charge 360.
As one of the world’s largest automakers, GM has used 2022 to truly lean into the apex of electrification to not only stay competitive, but to eventually become the industry leader. CEO Mary Barra has repeatedly shared GM’s intentions to dethrone longtime EV sales leader Tesla by mid-decade.
As part of its strategy, GM has promised 30 new EVs by 2025, including a commitment of $7 billion to bolster its annual production capacity to 1 million units in the same time frame. Recently, the automaker has breathed new life into its Chevy Bolt EV and EUVs following a tumultuous recall in 2021. GMC Hummer EV deliveries continue to speed up and are joined by the all-electric Cadillac Lyriq. The automaker also has plenty of other EVs in its pipeline like a Chevy Silverado EV and 2024 Chevy Blazer EV.
Today, we have learned that the Ultium Charge 360 network will exist under a new business unit called GM Energy, which will also include holistic energy management solutions for both homes and businesses.
GM Energy looks to eventually offer vehicle-to-grid capabilities
Details of GM’s new energy management business unit emerged via press release early this morning, outlining some of the technology the American automaker intends to offer both passenger and commercial EV customers.
According to the automaker, GM Energy’s connected product and service offering will eventually offer the following applications for EV owners and their homes or businesses:
Bi-directional charging
Vehicle-to-home (V2H) capabilities
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities
Stationary energy storage
Solar products
Software applications and cloud management tools
Microgrid solutions
Hydrogen fuel cells
Much of the technology mentioned above will become available to consumers through Ultium Home – the residential-focused arm of GM Energy. Similar to competitors like Tesla and Ford, GM will soon offer stationary storage that can connect an EV to a driver’s home, solar technology, and the grid into one holistic system.
In a call with media, GM shared that it has already been piloting V2H applications with PG&E in California, allowing for bi-directional charging and the ability to power a home using energy stored in an EV during blackouts or other outages. Following initial tests, both companies intend to expand to a subset of PG&E residential customers in 2023.
GM is also touting other applications such as vehicle-to-grid capabilities, but explained that more complicated implementation processes like that will come at a later date to be determined.
Other energy companies working with GM Energy include Con Edison, Graniterock, and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NEHC). GM’s vice president of EV growth operations Travis Hester spoke to the potential of GM Energy going forward and what it means for current and future EV owners:
GM Energy has the opportunity to help deliver sustainable energy products and services that can help mitigate the effect of power outages and provide customers with resilient and cost-effective energy management. GM Energy’s mission is to offer customers access to a full suite of energy products and services, including solutions beyond the vehicle, accelerating the seamless transition to an all-electric future. With the expansion of our enterprise business through GM Energy and one of the most comprehensive portfolios of energy management products and services available, we will help to reduce the barriers of entry for sustainable power and further accelerate the mass adoption of EVs.
Another important company in the expansion of GM Energy’s new lineup of energy management solutions is solar technology specialist SunPower, who has signed an agreement with GM to help develop the home energy systems that can and will combine solar and stationary power into one cohesive unit. SunPower has also signed on as the preferred installer of the home energy systems and will offer solar add-ons to GM Energy customers.
The home energy system is expected to launch alongside the upcoming Chevy Silverado EV, which is currently slotted for production in the fall of 2023. The GM team shared that it expects all of its new Ultium Home and Commercial products to enter production in Q4 of 2023.
Ultium Commercial services is available to businesses now, opening a new window of opportunity for GM Energy to step in as a hardware and software provider, but also as a strategic advisor to businesses to help set up the necessary energy infrastructure necessary for all-electric fleets.
Lastly, the automaker shared that as a part of GM Energy, Ultium Charge 360 will continue to expand its public charging network and offer new products and services of its own over time.
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The IONIQ 5 N is the fastest Hyundai ever made, electric or gas-powered. The sporty electric car is so good that it’s now drawing the attention of some of the industry’s finest. Hyundai’s EV sports car was recently spotted outside a Lamborghini test facility. Check out the video below.
Hyundai’s EV sports car caught at a Lamborghini test site
As the first EV to wear its “N” badge, Hyundai aimed to set the bar even higher. And that it did. The IONIQ 5 N is not only the most powerful Hyundai, it’s also the most fun to drive with a series of track-ready features.
Based on its advanced E-GMP platform, Hyundai’s electric sports car delivers up to 641 hp. That’s when using its N Grin boost feature, which gives you a 10-second power surge.
When on the track, N Launch control enables you to adjust to different road conditions for the perfect takeoff. Other features, like N e-Shift, simulate an 8-speed N Dual Clutch Transmission, making it feel like you’re in a true race car.
With N Active Sound+, you cannot only feel the performance but also hear it. Eight internal and two external features sync to your vehicle’s performance.
Hyundai’s EV sports car is apparently good enough to attract Lamborghini’s attention. A Hyundai IONIQ 5 N model was recently spotted leaving Lamborghini’s test facility.
The video from YouTuber Varryx shows a Lamborghini test driver leaving the “Porta Sud,” suggesting the sports car maker could be benchmarking Hyundai’s EV.
Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador in 2023, its first fully electric vehicle. The concept introduces a new high-ground-clearance GT with 2+2 seating. Or, in other words, like a supercar sitting on an SUV. It’s expected to launch in 2029.
Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 N already beat a Lamborghini Urus Performante in a drag race (see the video here), so it’s no wonder the Italian sports car maker is taking notes.
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The board of directors of the troubled hydrogen fuel cell maker has voted to dissolve the company that developed the first HFC garbage truck to North America last spring, pending shareholder approval.
After a promising global start that saw the American startup announce pilot programs that would see its hydrogen fuel cells put to work in transit buses in Brisbane, its tow trucks (above) in Victoria, and five 154-ton severe duty trucks scheduled to service a zinc refinery operation in north Queensland, slow sales and an inability to deliver on its ambitious goals saw the company quit Australia in July.
Now, Hyzon is quitting altogether.
After issuing a WARN letter to employees in December announcing layoff plans, citing an inability to raise funding and the future uncertainty relating to the availability of government subsidies. Now, it appears the Hyzon board of directors has unanimously voted to dissolve the company and liquidate its assets (pending shareholder approval).
Unanimously approved, subject to stockholder approval, the transfer of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets through an assignment for the benefit of creditors, and the liquidation and dissolution of the Company pursuant to a plan of dissolution while continuing to pursue strategic alternatives and potential funding sources intended to maximize the value of its business and assets.
If Hyzon is unable to find a buyer or an patient, bullish customer soon, expect all of Hyzon’s staff at its Bolingbrook, Illinois and Troy, Michigan facilities to be laid off by the end of February 2025.
Data scientists at General Motors (GM) are using AI and machine learning to pinpoint ideal EV charging station locations across the US.
As EV sales hit record highs for GM in 2024, many drivers are still unsure where to charge their vehicles. To tackle this, GM has partnered with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers to boost public charging options and improve the overall charging experience.
Partnerships with EVgo and Pilot Travel Centers
GM and EVgo are working together to install 2,850 DC fast charging stalls nationwide. This includes 400 flagship fast-charging locations in major metro areas with 350 kW chargers for ultra-fast charging. These stations feature pull-through layouts for easier vehicle maneuvering, bright lighting for safety, and canopies to protect against the elements.
Additionally, GM has teamed up with Pilot Flying J and EVgo to add up to 2,000 DC fast chargers at 500 Pilot and Flying J travel centers. So far, more than 130 locations are operational.
Using AI to site EV charging stations
To ensure new charging stations are sited where they’ll have the most impact, GM’s data scientists are tapping into artificial intelligence. AI tools analyze EV traffic patterns, driver behaviors, and existing infrastructure to identify optimal locations for chargers.
By treating site selection as a mathematical optimization problem, these algorithms evaluate factors like traffic flow and proximity to other chargers. The results are then visualized on detailed maps, helping stakeholders understand the reasoning behind each recommendation. Human experts review and refine these suggestions to finalize charging site plans.
Once the data-driven decisions are made, GM works with its partners to bring these strategic charging stations online.
This approach blends advanced technology with industry collaboration to tackle one of the most significant hurdles for EV adoption, ensuring drivers have the confidence to make the switch.
What do you think about the use of AI to site EV charging stations? Let us know in the comments below.
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