The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) has closed a direct loan of up to $9.63 billion to BlueOval SK, a joint venture between Ford and South Korean battery supplier SK On, for the construction of up to three manufacturing plants to produce batteries for Ford’s future Ford and Lincoln EVs.
The plants—one located in Tennessee and two in Kentucky—will support more than 120 gigawatt-hours of US battery production annually.
LPO borrowers are required to develop and implement a comprehensive Community Benefits Plan (CBP). As a part of its CBP, BlueOval SK has partnered with Tennessee College of Applied Technology through the state of Tennessee and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College in the state of Kentucky to construct new community and technical colleges that are training members of the community for jobs at the facilities.
Shell Recharge recently notified North American customers that its Shell Sky CPMS will discontinue services on April 30, 2025.
Shell Sky is a cloud-based back-end EV charger management system. Such a system, often called a charge point management system (CPMS) or charging station management system (CSMS), provides site hosts with such features as power management, proactive alerts and reports on EV charger usage. The Shell Sky software product was originally created by Greenlots, which was acquired by Shell in 2019.
Note that this move affects Shell Recharge site hosts, not drivers who use the Shell Recharge public charging network, which will continue to operate and to expand.
Shell Sky customers now have about four months to make other arrangements for managing their EV charging stations. ChargeLab, the provider of a competing CPMS, is offering a “turnkey migration service” for Shell Sky customers.
ChargeLab is a hardware-agnostic EV charger management platform that supports over 100 charger models built by dozens of manufacturers. ChargeLab’s software and Shell Sky both use the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), so “most Shell Recharge customers can seamlessly migrate to ChargeLab either through remote or on-site reconfiguration of EV chargers,” according to ChargeLab.
“ChargeLab recently completed the migration of over 1,400 JuiceBox EV chargers following a similar shutdown announcement from Enel X Way,” says the company. “ChargeLab has also migrated large networks of EV chargers from Shell Recharge in the past.”
ChargeLab’s offering includes new software that “meets or exceeds the capabilities of Shell Sky,” 24/7 EV driver support, and on-site migration support as needed. ChargeLab partners with ChargerHelp, a company that provides comprehensive O&M plans that can replace legacy Shell Sky Care maintenance plans.
“We applaud Shell’s decision to notify customers at least 90 days before turning off its software,” said Shaun Stewart, ChargeLab’s President. “At the same time, this remains a short window to complete the steps necessary to migrate to a new back end. We encourage customers using Shell Sky to contact us as soon as possible to start the migration process.”
Tesla’s Supercharger network has long been the gold standard for electric vehicle (EV) charging—fast, reliable, and exclusive to Tesla owners. But over the past year, a wave of other car brands has joined the club, gaining access to this robust charging infrastructure. While some Tesla owners may feel uneasy about sharing their once-exclusive network, there are many reasons to view this change as a positive step for everyone in the EV community.
Let’s dive into why Tesla owners should care about more EVs using Superchargers and how this shift benefits not just the newcomers, but Tesla drivers too.
The Growing List of EVs on Tesla’s Network
Tesla is no longer going solo. Automakers like Ford, General Motors (GM), Hyundai, Kia, Rivian, Volvo, Polestar, Genesis, and Nissan are all adopting Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) or providing adapters for their EVs to access Superchargers. Hyundai’s recent announcement is just one example: Starting in early 2025, Hyundai will offer free adapters to its EV owners, enabling them to charge at Tesla stations. Additionally, new Hyundai models will come equipped with NACS ports for seamless charging.
This growing list of brands represents a huge step toward standardizing EV charging, a critical need as electric vehicles become more mainstream. If you’re curious about the full lineup of brands now compatible with Tesla’s chargers, check out our latest blog post on EVs that can use Tesla Superchargers.
Why Tesla Owners Should Pay Attention
1. More EVs = More Investment in Charging Infrastructure
The influx of other brands using Tesla’s Superchargers isn’t just about sharing resources; it’s about growth. With more automakers contributing financially to Tesla’s network, Tesla can expand its charging locations and improve existing stations. This means fewer worries about finding a Supercharger on a long road trip.
Tesla is already planning to increase the number of chargers to meet rising demand. More funding from partnerships with other automakers will accelerate these expansions, benefiting everyone.
Boosting EV Adoption Benefits the Planet
By opening up the Supercharger network, Tesla is helping make EV ownership more accessible. More EVs on the road mean a bigger push toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Tesla owners have always been at the forefront of sustainable driving, and this move strengthens the larger mission of combating climate change. It’s a win for the environment and a point of pride for Tesla drivers who value sustainability.
The Future of EV Charging: Universal Standards
Imagine a world where every EV can charge at any station without worrying about ports, adapters, or compatibility. Tesla is leading the charge (pun intended) toward making this vision a reality by promoting the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The more automakers adopt NACS, the closer we get to a truly universal charging network.
For Tesla owners, this means greater convenience as more stations adopt NACS. Whether you’re at a Tesla Supercharger or another network’s station, charging your EV will be simpler and faster.
Addressing Tesla Owners’ Concerns
“Will Supercharger Stations Be Overcrowded?”
This is a valid concern, especially in high-traffic areas. However, Tesla is proactively addressing potential congestion by:
Adding more chargers: With increased funding from other automakers, Tesla plans to expand its network significantly.
Dynamic pricing: Tesla already uses tiered pricing to encourage drivers to charge during off-peak hours, reducing wait times.
Dedicated chargers: Some locations may reserve chargers exclusively for Tesla owners, ensuring access when needed most.
“Will Charging Speeds Slow Down?”
Tesla’s Superchargers are designed for efficiency. Even with more EVs using the network, the system’s high-power capabilities ensure fast charging times. Plus, automakers adopting NACS must meet Tesla’s technical standards, so you won’t experience slower speeds due to compatibility issues.
Practical Benefits for Tesla Owners
1. Shared Costs, Better Maintenance
Allowing other automakers to use Tesla’s network means shared maintenance and operational costs. This could lead to lower prices for Tesla owners over time, as more users contribute to keeping the network running smoothly.
2. A Unified Charging Ecosystem
Tesla’s decision to open its network is pushing the industry toward standardization. This benefits Tesla owners by reducing the need for adapters or extra planning when traveling. In the near future, you’ll see more stations with NACS ports, making cross-country trips easier.
3. Strengthening Tesla’s Leadership
Tesla’s willingness to share its Supercharger network solidifies its position as a leader in EV infrastructure. This benefits all Tesla owners by enhancing the brand’s reputation and long-term market influence, ensuring ongoing innovation and improvements.
What’s Next for Tesla and the EV World?
As Hyundai and other automakers continue to join Tesla’s charging ecosystem, the EV world is shifting toward greater accessibility and convenience. For Tesla owners, this means more robust infrastructure, less range anxiety, and the satisfaction of driving a vehicle that’s paving the way for the future of mobility.
Tesla’s Supercharger network is no longer just a perk for Tesla owners—it’s becoming the backbone of EV charging in North America. By embracing this change, Tesla drivers can enjoy even greater benefits while playing a key role in the broader adoption of electric vehicles.
Want to know which EVs are now compatible with Tesla Superchargers? Check out this blog post for the full list and see how the network is growing.
Together, we’re driving toward a cleaner, more connected future. As a Tesla owner, you’re still leading the pack—now with a bigger team supporting the journey.
Battery costs are in free fall. And CO2 limits are tightening by 15 per cent. It is a fantastic combination for those looking to purchase an electric car. Which new electric vehicles will matter most next year? Find out here!
Have you ever wondered what happens to an electric car after it’s been driven over 250,000 miles? Well, the team at Electrifying decided to find out. They got behind the wheel of a 10-year-old Tesla Model S that has clocked an impressive quarter of a million miles. The video they shared on their YouTube channel shows how the car has held up and what you need to know about buying a high-mileage electric vehicle (EV). Here’s a recap of their experience and what it means for EV owners like you.
The Big Question: How Does a High-Mileage EV Perform?
When people think about buying a used EV, the first thing they worry about is the battery. Does it still work well? How far can it go on a single charge? Electrifying’s test drive answers these questions with real-world insights. Despite 10 years of wear and tear, the Model S’s battery is still at 84% of its original health. That’s pretty impressive when you consider it’s been through countless charges and driven through all kinds of weather.
The Driving Experience
The driver, Nicola, put the car to the test in typical British weather—cold, rainy, and windy. Even under these conditions, the car managed a range of 150-200 miles. In winter, when EVs usually struggle the most, it still delivered solid performance.
And how does it drive? Nicola found the Model S to be smooth and powerful, even after all those miles. Yes, some parts of the car—like the suspension and interior—showed their age, but the overall experience was still great.
What About Maintenance?
The video also talks about what to watch for when buying a used EV. While the battery and motor in the Model S are incredibly reliable, the suspension can wear out faster due to the car’s weight. Regular maintenance and inspections by a knowledgeable EV mechanic are essential to keeping everything in good shape.
They also mentioned that early Model S vehicles came with free supercharging for life. This adds even more value to buying a used Tesla, especially for those who drive a lot.
Why High-Mileage EVs Make Sense
If you’re thinking about buying a used EV with high mileage, the video shows why it’s a smart choice. The Tesla Model S has proven that EV batteries can last for hundreds of thousands of miles with proper care. And it’s not just about saving money. Keeping an EV on the road for as long as possible is one of the most environmentally friendly things you can do.
Watch the Full Video
Want to see how the Tesla Model S performed in action? Check out the full video from Electrifying below. You’ll also find more tips and advice on their website at Electrifying.com.
Final Thoughts
This test drive shows that EVs, especially Teslas, can go the distance. If you’re considering a high-mileage EV, take the time to check the battery’s health, suspension, and overall condition. With a little care, these cars can serve you well for years to come. And who knows? You might find a great deal on a car that’s still got plenty of life left in it.
Stephen Cooke, Asphalt Group MD, pushes back on reports that EVs are to blame for the state of the UK’s roads This is 2024, and Britain’s roads are in scandalous […]
We have compiled the past year’s most popular articles, covering everything from new electric cars, cool battery-electric ships, EV infrastructure and battery research. Looking back at 2024, we expect much more to come!
Ditch the plug! Make wireless EV charging a reality now!
Unique components ensure safety, efficiency and reliability.
Imagine an EV charging experience that’s as seamless and intuitive as parking your car—just “park, charge, and go.” For the end-user, the appeal is clear:
No more heavy cables
No fumbling with connectors
No exposure to potentially dirty or damaged charging equipment
EV owners envision pulling into their garage, a designated parking spot, or a public charging station and effortlessly charging their vehicle without ever leaving the driver’s seat. This convenience makes daily charging more user-friendly and enhances safety by removing physical connectors altogether.
Understanding this user-centric vision is crucial for wireless EV charging system designers. By delivering efficient, reliable, and fast wireless charging, designers can unlock a game-changing benefit that combines ease, comfort, and peace of mind for EV drivers.
While current wireless EV chargers can supply up to 20 kW to charge batteries in four to six hours, future wireless chargers will deliver 100 kW and be able to increase battery charge state by 50 percent in under 20 minutes.1
Wireless charging stations must be fast, safe, efficient, and reliable to accelerate adoption.
This article explores the technical considerations and innovative approaches required to achieve this experience, ensuring wireless charging solutions meet performance and user expectations in the ever-evolving EV landscape. It presents four components that address the essential needs to create designs that ensure charger circuit protection, safety monitoring, and fast, efficient power delivery.
Wireless charger description
A wireless charger is an AC-AC converter that converts 50/60 Hz power to power in the frequency range of 130 kHz. Resonant frequency depends on topologies and Power semi conductor technology (Si/SiC/GaN). Power delivery can be up to 20 kW. Figure 1 illustrates a wireless charger and its load, the EV. The major power and control circuit blocks in the charger and the vehicle are also defined.
Figure 1. Wireless EV charging overview
Safety and reliability considerations include overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, overtemperature, and ground current monitoring. Optimizing efficiency requires designing with low power loss components. Figure 2 illustrates components that provide circuit protection and high efficiency for the circuits of a typical wireless charger design. The sensors supply temperature monitoring and enclosure access protection.
Figure 2. Wireless EV charging system recommended protection, control, and sensing components
Figures 3 and 4 show an example wireless charger in a more detailed block diagram. The adjacent table in Figure 3 lists the components that equip the charger with protection from electrical hazards. Figure 4 primarily shows the components that produce efficiency and critical sensing.
Figure 3. Wireless EV charging block diagram with recommended components (blocks 1-3)Figure 4. Wireless EV charging block diagram with recommended components (blocks 4-11)
Circuit protection and safety components
The Input Protection circuit houses the main overcurrent and overtemperature protection components. Recommended components include a high current fuse for the power delivery circuitry and a fast-acting fuse to protect the low power Auxiliary Power Supply and the control circuitry. A metal oxide varistor (MOV) in series with a gas discharge tube absorbs overvoltage transients. Overvoltage transients result from lightning which can induce a voltage surge on the AC input lines. In addition, electric loads switching on and off can induce AC line voltage surges.
A special component that can capture portions of a voltage transient that has passed through the MOV and gas discharge tube is a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) diode. TVS diodes have lower clamping voltages, and they operate much faster than MOV devices. The special diodes can ensure protection of downstream circuitry. They can absorb a one kA pulse and respond to a transient in under one nanosecond. TVS diodes can provide protection from electrostatic discharge (ESD) through-the-air strikes of up to 15 kV and from direct contact discharges up to 8 kV. Bi-directional models and models that are less than one tenth the size of traditional discrete solutions are available. TVS diodes can have axial lead or surface mount form factors. Figure 5 shows a TVS diode and its functional diagram, using the AK1-Y Series TVS Diode from Littelfuse as an example. This component will dispense the necessary protection from both ESD and other transients to avoid damage to semiconductor circuitry in the wireless charger.
Figure 5. AK1-Y Series TVS Diode and functional diagram
With systems such as wireless EV chargers, monitoring ground currents is essential for the protection of personnel. The Earth-Fault Protection circuit performs the ground current monitoring function. Littelfuse offers new residual current monitors for this circuit that detect both AC and DC ground fault currents. The new series, the RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor Series for Mode 2 and Mode 3 wireless charging stations, offers the largest current transformer aperture to support higher AC charging currents. The residual current monitors have sensitive, typical trip thresholds of 4.5 mA DC and 22 mA AC. Furthermore, the monitors utilize integrated conductors with higher cross-sectional areas to provide better thermal management and reduce the rise in the printed circuit board (PCB) temperature. The result is a more compact and reliable design that does not compromise performance. In addition, the monitors have high immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which improves charger circuit reliability and minimizes false circuit trips. The monitors can be mounted either horizontally or vertically to allow designers flexibility to optimize space utilization. Figure 6 displays the models in the Residual Current Monitor series. (View the video.)
Figure 6. RCMP20 Residual Current Monitor Series
Components for maximizing efficiency and reliability
Systems, such as wireless charging systems, consume a substantial amount of power. Optimizing a design for efficiency reduces power consumption and utility costs and reduces heat buildup. Reduced generated heat lowers the internal temperature rise in the system and enhances system reliability. The use of two components in the power delivery circuitry can contribute to higher efficiency and greater reliability. The two components are gate drivers and SiC MOSFETs.
Gate drivers control the Power SiC MOSFETs and the IGBTs in the Bridgeless, Vienna, or Boost Rectifier and the Full Bridge, Resonant High-Frequency Converter circuits. The drivers have separate 9 A source and sink outputs, which enable programmable turn-on and turn-off timing while minimizing switching losses. An internal negative charge regulator provides a selectable negative gate drive bias for improved dV/dt immunity and faster turn-off. The gate drivers minimize switching times with turn-on and turn-off propagation delay times of typically 70 and 65 nanoseconds. The typical value for rise time and fall time outputs is ten nanoseconds.
To ensure robust operation, the gate drivers have desaturation detection circuitry which senses a SiC MOSFET overcurrent condition and initiates a soft turn off. This circuit prevents a potentially damaging dV/dt event. Additional protection features include UVLO detection and thermal shutdown. Figure 7 illustrates theLittelfuse IX4352NE SiC MOSFET and IGBT Driver IC, a high-speed gate driver with features that provide reliable control of a SiC MOSFET.
Figure 7. Ultra-fast low-side SiC MOSFET and IGBT gate driver IX4352NE and schematic diagram
High-power SiC MOSFETs drive the power transmission coils. Half-bridge packages have a Drain-Source voltage of 1200 V and a drain current of up to 19.5 A. Along with delivering high power, the MOSFETs minimize on-state power consumption with a typical RDS(ON) of a low 160 mΩ. SiC MOSFETs have low switching power losses due to a typical low gate charge, short turn-on, and turn-off delay times, and current rise and fall times.
A DCB-based isolated package improves thermal resistance and power handling capability. An advanced topside cooled package simplifies thermal management.The Littelfuse half-bridge SiC MOSFET MCL10P1200LB Series, shown in Figure 8, yields high efficiency with advanced packaging to reduce component count and to optimize for high reliability.
Figure 8. Power SiC MOSFET MCL10P1200LB Series in a half-bridge configuration
Collaborate with experts for a reliable wireless charging solution
Protection against electrical hazards such as overcurrent, overvoltage, ESD, and overtemperature is critical for ensuring reliable operation. The four recommended components described in the preceding paragraphs enable designers to develop robust, safe, and reliable wireless EV charging stations.
To develop a robust and efficient product, designers should consider utilizing the component manufacturers’ application engineers to save design time and compliance costs. The application engineers can help with the following:
Selection of cost-effective protection, sensing, and high-efficiency components
Knowledge of the applicable safety standards
Littelfuse can perform pre-compliance testing to avoid compliance test failures and save on project delays and added costs for multiple compliance test cycles.
Collaborating with the component manufacturer’s application engineers and using the recommended components will help to produce robust, reliable, and efficient wireless EV charging solutions.
To learn more about circuit protection, sensing, and power management solutions for wireless EV charging design, download the guide, Supercharged Solutions for EV Charging Stations, courtesy of Littelfuse, Inc.
Contact Littelfuse for more information on making your wireless charging system design safe, efficient and reliable.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the availability of an additional $28.5 million in funding to install electric vehicle fast chargers along the state’s major travel corridors.
New York’s new competitive Downstate Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) program, funded by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) formula funding program, is designed to improve consumer access to EV charging. This second round of NEVI funding focuses on locations south of Interstate 84, including the lower Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island.
The Downstate NEVI DCFC Program is administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York State Department of Transportation. It provides funding to qualified EV infrastructure developers to install and operate DCFC stations at sites along federally designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs).
Proposed sites must meet such federal requirements as location within one travel mile of an AFC exit, public 24/7 accessibility, the ability to simultaneously charge at least four EVs at speeds of at least 150 kW per vehicle, and acceptable uptime. Priority is given to proposals that close gaps between existing and planned stations, that offer amenities like restrooms and food, or that provide multiple types of charging connectors.
“Making quick, reliable charging easily available will encourage more people to drive EVs that help to lower pollution from vehicles, provide cleaner air for New Yorkers and improve health in our communities,” said Governor Hochul.
StarPlus Energy has received a conditional commitment from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Loan Programs Office (LPO) for a loan of up to $7.54 billion to help finance the construction of up to two lithium-ion battery cell and module manufacturing plants in Kokomo, Indiana.
StarPlus Energy is a joint venture between FCA US, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Stellantis, and Samsung SDI.
At full capacity, the StarPlus project will produce about 67 GWh of batteries annually, enough to supply approximately 670,000 vehicles . The output from the new facilities will be sold to Stellantis for the production of EV models that will be sold in North America.
If finalized, the loan would be offered through the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program, which provides loans to support US manufacturing of advanced technology vehicles, qualifying components, and materials that improve fuel economy. StarPlus Energy and the DOE must satisfy certain conditions for the loan to be funded.
