The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has issued a purchase order for two of Envision Solar International Inc.’s new EV ARC 2020 units to charge its growing fleet of electric vehicles (EVs).

The order is part of its Clean Vehicle Program, which includes an interim target of a 35% reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2025, and a long-term goal of an 80% reduction by 2050.

Envision Solar says the EV ARC 2020 is flood-proof to 9.5 feet, so in the event of flooding caused by rising sea levels and/or weather events such as those experienced during Hurricane Sandy, the unit will continue to provide EV charging and an emergency source of power through its emergency power panel even if water levels rise. This capability will enhance the Port Authority’s preparedness in the event of an emergency, particularly an event which causes a blackout or other grid interruption.

The company adds that the EV ARC 2020 can be deployed in minutes without difficult and disruptive trenching and construction, which in port environments can be otherwise prohibitive. In addition, the solar energy used to charge fleet vehicles will enhance the Port Authority’s carbon reduction initiatives.

“We are very happy to expand our presence in the New York City area by entering into a relationship with the Port Authority,” says Desmond Wheatley, Envision Solar’s CEO. “While this purchase is separate from our existing New York City contract, I don’t doubt that our success in the city assisted the port in its decision. Ports are very challenging environments to carry out any sort of construction or electrical work so the flexibility and portability of the EV ARC makes great sense for them.”

Volvo Trucks says it is kicking off commercial sales of its Volvo FL and Volvo FE electric trucks in selected European markets.

“Global urbanization requires urban logistics and truck transport with zero emissions and less noise with increasing urgency,” says Jonas Odermalm, vice president for Volvo Trucks’ electromobility product line. “With the Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric, we are able to meet both the strong environmental demands as well as the high commercial requirements of our customers. Volvo Trucks’ solutions will be based on individual business needs that consider a number of parameters, such as driving cycles, load capacity and route analysis, to use the battery capacity in the most efficient way possible.”

Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric were developed in close collaboration with selected customers operating in Gothenburg, Sweden. Feedback has been very positive, and the drivers involved in the collaboration are particularly impressed by the responsive driveline, seamless acceleration and how quiet the trucks are.

Electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer BYD (Build Your Dreams) has announced a preferred partnership with charging infrastructure provider AMPLY Power.

AMPLY provides end-to-end services for fleet operators. The company, which provides the fleet with flat usage rates, also performs on-site operations and maintenance services and invests in technology upgrades as the needs of the fleet evolve.

“Together, BYD and Amply Power offer a great benefit to our customers,” says BYD’s president, Stella Li. “This partnership leads to a total and affordable solution that will help municipalities, universities and businesses achieve their climate goals.”

“If we want to accelerate electric vehicle fleet adoption, we must make it as simple as possible for commercial fleet operators,” adds Vic Shao, CEO of AMPLY Power. “By establishing a relationship with BYD, we now open the door to vehicle and management options for operators, making the switch to electric even easier.”

BYD produces transit buses and motor coaches at its manufacturing plant in Lancaster, Calif. AMPLY and BYD have been working with joint customers since early 2019. This partnership formalizes the relationship as the two companies begin to deploy a number of electric bus customer projects, with the earliest expected to launch this year.