Wednesday, April 2, 2025

ENC to include InductEV’s wireless charging system on its electric buses


California-based bus manufacturer ENC plans to begin offering wireless inductive charging hardware from InductEV on its electric buses.

ENC will initially offer InductEV’s wireless charging system on its battery-electric Axess EVO-BE bus, which is offered in 32- 35- and 40-foot lengths, and features Proterra Powered battery packs with up to 738 kWh of energy storage, along with a BAE Systems GEN3 powertrain.

ENC’s wireless-ready electric buses will be available as Buy America or Canadian Content compliant.

ENC uses a common platform for its battery-electric, hybrid, diesel and methane-powered buses.

InductEV’s wireless charging system allows a bus to be charged with no driver intervention, but it’s not just about convenience. According to the company, wireless charging en route can allow an operator to serve a given route with a smaller battery, and wireless charging can also extend battery life.

InductEV’s wireless charging system is currently in operation in bus fleets in Washington State, California, Oregon, Indiana and Massachusetts.

“ENC is poised to become a major force in North American transit by embracing proven technology and delivering next-generation zero-emission buses with the advantages of wireless inductive charging,” said John F. Rizzo, President and CEO at InductEV.

“We’ve been following InductEV’s municipal transit deployments across the US, and look forward to adding its high-power wireless charging solution to meet the varied needs of our customers,” said Dan Trujillo, ENC’s VP of Sales. “InductEV’s system creates stability, flexibility and ease of use. Their proven deployments in transit fleets, with over 3 million miles driven and over 3 GWh of power delivered wirelessly, make them a reliable provider for our new product line.”

Source: Clean Trucking



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Accelera to unveil battery-electric powertrain for Isuzu F-Series medium-duty truck


Accelera, the EV-oriented business segment of venerable motor-maker Cummins, will show off a new battery-electric powertrain for the Isuzu F-series medium-duty truck at the upcoming ACT Expo in California. Scheduled for production in 2027, the fully integrated powertrain will feature Accelera’s next-generation battery, eAxle, accessories and controls.

Accelera partnered with Isuzu to develop the powertrain specifically for the F-series in the North American market. The product integrates several next-generation Accelera technologies:

  • Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) tiered-platform batteries—Accelera chose this chemistry for its cycle-life capability and cost-effectiveness. Customizable power options are available.
  • 14Xe eAxle—equipped with ELFA motor and inverter, which have nearly three decades of on-the-road experience.
  • Power Controls and Accessory Systems (PCAS) 3.0—integrates vehicle accessories and controls into a compact design. The modular PCAS 3.0 is 70% smaller than the previous generation, and can be customized to meet specific vehicle requirements.

Many of the components, including the batteries, eAxles, inverters and PCAS, are manufactured or assembled by Accelera in the US.

“For our customers in the US and Canada, we are excited to expand our product offering in Classes 6 and 7 to include an F-Series BEV truck,” said Shaun Skinner, President and CEO of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “This addition to Isuzu’s portfolio assists us in providing customers more options to meet their medium-duty truck needs and maximize operational efficiencies. Creating a localized supply chain and assembly capabilities adds to our ability to meet customer demand.”

Source: Accelera by Cummins



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Solving EVSE deployment and scalability challenges with flexible power distribution


How Starline’s Scalable Busway Systems Can Transform EV Charging Infrastructure

The rapid growth of electric vehicle adoption is putting immense pressure on charging infrastructure, with site constraints, installation costs, and scalability emerging as key challenges. As cities, businesses, and fleet operators work to expand EV charging networks, traditional power distribution methods are proving inefficient, costly, and difficult to scale.

Starline, a leader in power distribution solutions, is bringing its expertise in track busway systems to the EV charging sector. During a recent webinar hosted by Charged, Doug Moore, Senior Product Manager, and Adrian Sanchez, Director of Commercial & Industrial Sales at Starline, discussed how the company’s busway technology provides a more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable alternative to conventional hardwired installations.

The Growing Need for Scalable EV Charging Infrastructure

EV adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. In the U.S. alone, public EV charging stations have surged from fewer than 500 in 2009 to over 60,000 today, with billions of dollars in federal funding fueling further expansion. Yet, despite these efforts, charging infrastructure remains a limiting factor for many drivers, particularly in urban areas where retrofitting existing buildings is often complex and expensive.

“We’re seeing an enormous shift toward electrification, especially in commercial fleets,” said Sanchez. “Businesses need charging solutions that are not just functional today but adaptable for future growth.”

This need for scalability is where Starline’s busway systems stand out. Initially designed for data centers and industrial facilities, the technology is now being deployed for EV charging projects, addressing many of the pain points that have hindered large-scale deployment.

Challenges in EV Charging Deployment: What’s Holding Us Back?

A live poll during the webinar highlighted the primary challenges faced by EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) installers:

  • Site readiness and infrastructure costs (45%)
  • Overall installation costs (40%)
  • Planning for scalability and future growth (30%)
  • Electrical labor resource availability (10%)

These findings align with industry observations: trenching, conduit installation, and panel upgrades significantly drive up costs and complexity. Retrofitting older buildings or multi-level parking structures further complicates matters.

“We constantly hear from customers struggling with the limitations of traditional wiring methods,” said Moore. “If you need to add more chargers a few years down the line, hardwired solutions require extensive rework, increasing costs and downtime.”

How Starline’s Busway System Provides a Flexible Alternative

Starline’s busway systems offer a modular, overhead power distribution solution that eliminates the need for extensive trenching or conduit runs. Instead of relying on fixed circuits, the system provides continuous access to power through an open-channel track, allowing chargers to be easily added or repositioned.

Key Benefits of Starline Busway Systems for EV Charging:

  • Scalability: Power distribution can be extended or modified without major infrastructure changes.
  • Cost Savings: Eliminates costly trenching and conduit installation, reducing overall project expenses.
  • Speed of Deployment: Installations are significantly faster, often completed in a fraction of the time required for traditional wiring.
  • Flexibility: Chargers can be installed, relocated, or upgraded as needed without requiring major electrical work.
  • Safety & Reliability: Enclosed conductor bars prevent exposure to live components, while the system meets IP54 standards for protection against dust and moisture.

“Our busway system acts like an overhead power grid,” Sanchez explained. “It brings power where you need it, allowing for easy plug-and-play installation of charging equipment.”

Real-World Application:  JE Dunn Headquarters Case Study

One of the most compelling demonstrations of Starline’s solution in action is its recent installation at JE Dunn Construction’s headquarters in Kansas City. Faced with the challenge of adding EV charging to a decades-old parking garage, the company needed a solution that minimized disruptions and future-proofed the site for expansion.

Project Highlights:

  • Initial Setup: Installed two Level 2 wall-mounted chargers powered by Starline’s Series S Track Busway system.
  • Retrofitting Constraints: No space for traditional conduits, and power shutdowns needed to be minimized.
  • Scalability & Expansion: Within weeks of installation, the company seamlessly expanded to support four chargers.

“The ability to scale up without tearing up concrete or running new conduit was a game-changer,” Moore noted. “And because the system is modular, adding more chargers is as simple as installing additional plug-in units.”

Beyond Passenger EVs: Expanding to Commercial Fleets and Logistics Hubs

Starline’s technology isn’t just for passenger vehicle charging—it’s already being used in diverse applications, including:

  • Fleet Charging: Commercial operators are rapidly transitioning to electric vehicles, requiring scalable infrastructure that supports long-term growth.
  • Warehouse & Logistics Centers: High-density charging solutions for electric forklifts and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) improve efficiency in distribution centers.
  • Public Transportation: School districts and municipalities are electrifying bus fleets, necessitating reliable, space-efficient charging solutions.

At a large distribution center in Canada, Starline’s busway system streamlined power delivery for an electric forklift battery exchange station, reducing installation time and cost while improving operational efficiency.

“We’ve seen companies like Publix and Ikea adopt this approach for their warehouse operations,” Sanchez said. “It’s a perfect fit for facilities where flexibility and uptime are critical.”

The Future of EV Charging Infrastructure

As the EV market evolves, so too must its infrastructure. Key trends shaping the future of power distribution include:

  • Higher-Powered Charging Solutions: Supporting next-generation ultra-fast chargers for commercial applications.
  • Integration with Renewable Energy & Storage: Optimizing load management and leveraging off-peak energy.
  • Advanced Power Monitoring: Enhancing grid responsiveness through real-time data analytics.

“Starline is committed to staying ahead of the curve,” Sanchez emphasized. “We’re continuously innovating, expanding our manufacturing capabilities, and collaborating with industry leaders to develop smarter, more adaptable power solutions.”

For businesses and municipalities seeking scalable, cost-effective EV charging infrastructure, Starline’s busway systems offer a compelling alternative to traditional hardwired approaches. With a track record of success in demanding industrial environments, the company is well-positioned to help drive the next phase of EV adoption.

A Smarter Approach to EV Infrastructure Deployment

With EV adoption accelerating worldwide, outdated power distribution methods can no longer keep pace with demand. Starline’s track busway technology presents a scalable, flexible, and cost-efficient alternative, eliminating many of the bottlenecks associated with traditional wiring.

As businesses and governments expand charging networks, the ability to quickly deploy, modify, and scale infrastructure will be crucial. By leveraging modular busway systems, the industry can future-proof installations while significantly reducing costs and installation time.

For more information on Starline’s solutions, visit Starline Power or check out the Charged webinar here.



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Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Introducing the smallest onboard charger designed with DC-DC combined functionality (Video)


Watch this on-demand webinar to discover the game-changing potential of Infineon’s newly introduced CoolSiC™ Automotive MOSFET 750 V G1 family. Learn how these innovative power switches can simplify, robustify, and optimize your on-board charger, HV-LV DC/DC converter, and battery disconnect applications.

Don’t miss out on the latest trends in top-side cooling and how to unlock the full potential of your automotive power conversion systems. Join the OBC revolution – watch now!



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OPS Controls releases tool to configure on- and off-road equipment control systems


US-based hydraulic equipment maker OPS Controls has introduced its S.C.O.P.E. Kit, a tool that enables manufacturers to create custom control systems for on- and off-road equipment.

The plug-and-play kit gives users a simple configuration for setting up their own systems and radio remotes so anyone can create a new control system.

The kit includes two complete radio systems, an easy-to-navigate screen, harnessing and customizable keypads. Users can also connect a telematics unit, further simplifying remote work. The company offers eight hours of complimentary customization and training—either online or at its headquarters—to ensure ease of setup.

“We developed a system for hydraulic distributors and OEMs who want to get into the electrical side of designing CAN systems and radio remote controls, but don’t necessarily have the engineering or programming staff to devote to this work,” said Dustin Brooks, President of OPS Controls. “This tool provides all the programming in the background and boils it down to walking through screens and making selections.”

Source: OPS Controls



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Monday, March 31, 2025

re/cell launches lithium-ion blocks using recycled cells from Tesla battery packs


US-based supplier of remanufactured battery packs for EVs, re/cell has introduced lithium-ion blocks using recycled cells from Tesla battery packs.

Smart battery features built on re/cell’s block architecture include an LED fuel gauge, current detection, charge warning and safety protection, built-in cell balancing with real-time pack status using CAN/SMBus communication and integrated crossflow cooling.

The company has released a reference battery architecture for heavy payload drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The company currently manufactures replacement battery packs for Tesla’s full line-up of EVs.

“There a literally billions of lithium-ion cells sitting inside Telsa battery packs today that can be quickly and economically repurposed for the rapidly growing secondary battery market,” said Chad Maglaque, founder and President of re/cell. “We’ve launched our lithium-ion block architecture to meet the growing demand for lightweight electric vehicles, drones and energy storage systems. The design and process of our extensible block architecture allows us to easily manufacture high-energy-density battery blocks with capacity from 12 amp-hours to 48 amp-hours, and anything else in between.”

Source: re/cell



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Friday, March 28, 2025

LION Smart and hofer powertrain partner to bring novel immersion-cooled battery systems to market


LION Smart, a subsidiary of battery pack manufacturer LION E-Mobility, has entered into a strategic partnership with hofer powertrain. The two companies intend to develop and commercialize immersion-cooled battery systems with high market potential.

The two companies mean to combine their strengths to bring new battery systems to market maturity. hofer powertrain contributes expertise in the development, validation and rapid implementation of battery systems tailored to specific customer requirements. LION Smart complements this with its immersion-cooled battery technology, which boasts high thermal stability, improved safety and increased power density compared to current battery designs.

LION E-Mobility has a current annual production capacity of 2 GWh, and operates highly automated module assembly lines at its own production facility in Germany.

“With hofer powertrain, we have a strong partner by our side that perfectly complements our innovative strength. Together, we are accelerating the market entry of our highly innovative high-performance batteries and delivering pioneering solutions for sustainable mobility,” says Joachim Damasky, CEO of LION E-Mobility.

“hofer powertrain stands for innovation, speed, and precision in the development and industrialization of sophisticated drivetrain systems,” adds Johann Paul Hofer, CEO of hofer powertrain. “The partnership with LION Smart builds precisely on this and opens up new possibilities to transfer cutting-edge battery solutions into industrial applications.”

Source: hofer powertrain



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ENC to include InductEV’s wireless charging system on its electric buses

California-based bus manufacturer ENC plans to begin offering wireless inductive charging hardware from InductEV on its electric buses. ...