Recharge Wrap-up: BYD unveils 60-ft electric bus, Honda sticking with hybrids in Europe

Challenges Transportation Leaders to ‘Step out of the Dark Ages’ and ‘Be Better Stewards’

OUSTON–BYD Motors kicked off the 2014 American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Expo in Houston this week with a new product-unveiling ceremony and over 300 in attendance. The ceremony began with an invitation to attendees to “throw off the shackles of a single-fueled system – an electric platform is ‘adaptable’ – it becomes cleaner as you do, through the use of renewable wind, water and solar renewable power generation,” stated Vice President Micheal Austin as he challenged the status-quo of those promoting fossil fuels as a clean alternative. “The consequences of our choices today will leave a legacy that our children will live with, both environmentally and economically, for decades into the future.”

With the showmanship one only expects at an international auto show, BYD opened the ceremony with an impressive display of lights, music, curtain-drops and a crowd of hundreds to witness America’s first electric articulated bus, fittingly named “The Lancaster” after the city in California where it was designed and manufactured. Lancaster Vice Mayor Marvin Crist proclaimed, “BYD Motors is an American manufacturing company residing in an industrial zone in the city of Lancaster – they have now hired over 60 Americans to build clean-tech Electric Buses and Energy Modules out of Lancaster, California.” The Lancaster eBus, a break-through, 60-foot, articulated battery-electric bus, can drive 170+ miles with a passenger load of up to 120 passengers, was in development for almost two years, and is an example of how committed BYD is to the American Rapid Transit markets. “BYD’s mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies. This has resulted in the BYD Iron-Phosphate Battery, a fire-safe, completely recyclable, and incredibly long-cycle technology — the foundation of BYD’s Electric buses. These buses run entirely off battery power lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge, with single off-peak charging time of 2-4 hours,” said BYD Motors Fleet Sales Vice President, Brendan Riley. “No additional generation capacity is needed to be built to charge our buses at night since the grid is only 40% utilized.”

Also on display at the BYD Exhibit was a 40-foot, Battery-electric Transit bus from Antelope Valley Transit Authority. AVTA Board Chairman Norm Hickling boasted that the 40-foot bus on the Expo show floor was the only bus, “that drove over 1500 zero-emission miles from Los Angeles all the way to Houston for the Expo under its own power.” AVTA tested BYD buses in the hottest part of the Lancaster summer in August with full air-conditioning running and with 5250 pounds of sand bags to simulate a full passenger load. He further stated, “We drove nearly 100 miles more than BYD advertises — up to 250 miles per bus charge and we covered almost 750 miles in 24 hours! We are very impressed with BYD technology and quality.” The most interesting news about this 1500 mile journey to Texas is that it was completed for “$200 in electricity–the lowest cost trip to the show of all buses.”

“BYD is leading the Renaissance in Transit – a rebirth of electrified transportation…but this time without miles of electrified rails, ugly over-head wires or charging stations,” said BYD Vice President Micheal Austin. “If you look around the show floor, there are electric buses now at every relevant transit vendor! This is a complete reversal from the Expo three years ago when we were the only 40-foot, long-range, battery-electric bus on the show floor — we are proud to say that we were one of the first and we are raising the bar again today!” The APTA Expo continues through Wednesday, October 15th at the George R. Brown convention center in Houston, TX. Stop by Expo booth 5437 to see the BYD buses yourself.

About BYD

BYD Motors Inc is an American manufacturing company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BYD Company Ltd, the largest domestic auto-manufacturer and electric-bus manufacturer in the world. BYD is a publicly traded company, with the Hong Kong listed stock 60% of which is owned by U.S. investors, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway as the largest single shareholder at 9.9%.

BYD Motors established its headquarters in downtown Los Angeles in October 2011 and has now hired over 60 Americans to support BYD Electric Bus and Energy Module factories in Lancaster, California which will be delivering their first electric buses next month. There are also over 25 American research and development and sales support personnel at the Los Angeles headquarters. As the world’s largest manufacturer of rechargeable batteries, BYD’s mission is to create safer and more environmentally-friendly battery technologies. This has resulted in the BYD Iron Phosphate Battery, a fire-safe, completely recyclable, and incredibly long-cycle technology — the foundation of BYD’s clean energy platforms. The technology BYD has brought to the U.S. has been touted as break-through with the following distinctions:

– BYD Electric buses run up to 24 hours on a single charge, with single off-peak charging time of 2-4 hours.

– Buses run entirely off of batteries, with NO transmissions, clutches, or an internal-combustion engine.

– 40-foot buses can hold up to 60 passengers, 60-foot articulated buses carry up to 120 passengers, and are designed with low floors without any steps, made possible with in-wheel hub motors, making it elderly and disability friendly.

– Battery chemistry is environmentally friendly, making it disposable and pollution-free with zero-emissions.

– Due to its track record for superior technology, BYD has won the most contracts for battery-electric buses in the World and the United States.

– BYD has globally produced more battery-electric buses than any other manufacturer with over 1,300 buses worldwide.

– BYD’s battery electric bus has been tested for more North American miles at more Transit Authorities than any other electric bus.

– A single BYD Electric Buses has the ability to save 2.77 trees per day, literally a forest each month on U.S. roads in Carbon Dioxide offsets.

XL Hybrids Receives the Industry’s First-Ever Executive Order from California Air Resources Board for Aftermarket Hybrid Electric Vehicle Conversions

XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System makes hybrid conversions accessible and affordable for California fleets

BOSTON, Oct 14, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — XL Hybrids, Inc., the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrain technology for commercial and municipal fleets, today announced the company received a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) #D-731-1 allowing aftermarket conversions of gasoline-powered 2012-2014 model year General Motors 2500 and 3500 vans, Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans into hybrid electric vehicles. The XL Hybrids XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is on sale now in California for the first time.

“XL Hybrids is blazing a trail with the industry’s first CARB aftermarket hybrid electric vehicle conversion EO,” said Ed Lovelace, chief technology officer for XL Hybrids. “Our XL3 Hybrid System is especially effective for fleets with immediate commercial vehicle sustainability requirements, and for high mileage users because the price point makes financial sense for many California businesses and organizations – even without government incentives. We’re proud that our simple, quick-install system helps combat ever-increasing fuel prices, while helping to meet sustainability goals.”

The XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System has been shown to increase miles driven per gallon by approximately 25 percent in real-world fleet vehicle driving. The XL3 is a regenerative braking system, which requires no special fueling stations, plug-ins or maintenance. Fleets can rapidly adopt the XL3 system because there is no driver training required, no new fueling infrastructure required, and the install takes less than one day. Plus driver productivity increases because drivers can spend more time on their routes, and less time at the pump.

In addition, the fuel reduction achieved with the XL3 hybrid system helps California fleets accelerate their corporate sustainability initiatives. According to the EPA, every 1,000 gallons of fuel saved results in 8.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide reduced.

XL Hybrids also announces the signing of an installation and distribution agreement with Emissions Retrofit Group (ERG) in California. ERG has facilities in Sacramento, Oakland, Redding and Ontario, which is near Los Angeles.

About XL Hybrids

XL Hybrids is the pioneering developer of hybrid electric powertrains that deliver a 25 percent increase in miles driven per gallon and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Recognized as one of the 2014 World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, XL Hybrids supports customers such as The Coca-Cola Company and FedEx. The patent-pending XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System is a revolutionarily simple solution that helps commercial and municipal fleets lower operating costs and meet sustainability goals. For new Class 1 to 4 commercial fleets, as well as vehicles that are already on the road, the system is installed in just five hours, and works seamlessly in the background with zero impact on fleet operations or service, and no driver training or infrastructure requirements. XL Hybrids was founded by MIT alumni and is based in Boston. For more information, visit www.xlhybrids.com or on Twitter @XLHybrids.

NRG eVgo Completes Largest Corporate Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Southern California

Sony Pictures Entertainment employees at three locations can charge their electric cars while they work

Culver City, CALIF., October 14, 2014– NRG eVgo, a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., has completed installation of the largest corporate deployment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Southern California. eVgo has installed and will manage 60 charging stations at Sony Pictures Entertainment’s historic Lot and its offices in Culver City in order to provide workplace charging for their employees with electric vehicles.

Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) elected to participate in the eVgo Ready for Electric Vehicle (REV) program. The REV program provides qualified workplaces with turn-key EV charging solutions, in addition to providing charger maintenance and driver support 24 hours a day. The Level 2 chargers, dedicated for the use of individual employees, are compatible with all EVs, fully charge most during the workday and integrate seamlessly with eVgo’s comprehensive network of home and on-the-go charging stations giving range confidence to EV drivers wherever they choose to charge.

“Working with SPE, an iconic brand in entertainment and technology, demonstrates that EV charging at work is no longer a novelty; it is a necessity for the best employers.” said Terry O’Day, Vice President of NRG eVgo in California. “As the largest corporate electric vehicle charging program in Southern California, SPE is joining the largest comprehensive EV charging network in the greater Los Angeles area. NRG eVgo stands ready to partner with other companies like SPE that are committed to making a difference for their employees, their community and our environment.”

Beginning in 2008, SPE began offering eco-incentives to employees who choose to purchase a qualifying hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric or electric vehicle through its Alternative Vehicles Incentive program. To date, over 300 vehicles have been purchased through the program, with a daily average of 90 electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles parking at the studio’s headquarters in Culver City. This charging infrastructure supports “Sony Pictures A Greener World” – the environmental initiative of the studio – by empowering employees to choose more eco-friendly ways of commuting.

Craig Schwartz, Senior Vice President, Global Facilities at SPE commented, “The studio is always looking for ways to empower our employees to be sustainable both at home and at work. Thanks in part to the Alternative Vehicles Eco-Incentive, demand for EV charging infrastructure was high and increasing. Our partnership with NRG eVgo has been critical in helping our employees choose these eco-friendly vehicles with the confidence of access to charging at work.”

eVgo is building a comprehensive network of fast-charging sites in the U.S. conveniently located along major transportation corridors as well as the infrastructure to support charging at multi-family residences and workplaces. The eVgo network is designed to support EV drivers whenever and wherever they choose to charge – at single family or apartment residences, at work, on the road, or even at the airport.

For more information about having EV charging installed at a corporate property, visit nrgeVgo.com.

About NRG eVgo

The NRG eVgo SM network gives electric vehicle (EV) owners new freedom and range confidence via home and workplace charging docks, plus a network of fast charging stations conveniently located at retailers along major transportation corridors within eVgo cities. Service plans offered by eVgo can provide EV owners a home or workplace charger and use of eVgo’s Freedom Station® sites and other public charging stations. eVgo is a subsidiary of NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 250 company at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Through eVgo, NRG will provide access to hundreds of public charging sites across the United States. To find out more, or to join the eVgo network, visit www.nrgeVgo.com. Connect with eVgo on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @nrgeVgo.

CarCharging Implements kWh Pricing in Pennsylvania State of Pennsylvania Permits Electric Vehicle Operators to Set Fees Based on Kilowatt Hour Usage

MIAMI BEACH, Fla., Oct. 14, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTCQB: CCGI) (“CarCharging” or the “Company”), the largest owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging services, announced that the Public Utility Commission of the State of Pennsylvania will permit owners and operators of EV charging stations to implement kilowatt hour (“kWh”) pricing within the state. Pennsylvania joins various other states in which kWh pricing policies are permitted including New York, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, Virginia, and Washington.

“We applaud the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for their decision to permit per kWh pricing given that it is both practical and appropriate,” said Michael D. Farkas, CarCharging’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Pricing by kilowatt hour is the fairest, and most attractive, method by which consumers can charge their cars, as it directly ties with the electricity consumed. We believe states which accept this methodology are leading the way in supporting cleaner, more environmentally-friendly transportation alternatives for decades to come.”

This decision provides for a fee structure that more closely resembles the current per-gallon pricing for traditional motor vehicles. Utilizing time-based cost structures for EV charging services can be inequitable given the varying rates at which electric cars charge.

Beginning today, CarCharging will extend its per kWh pricing structure to its more than 140 EV charging stations in Pennsylvania, including several on the PA turnpike and in major cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

About Car Charging Group, Inc.

Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTCQB: CCGI) is a pioneer in nationwide public electric vehicle (EV) charging services, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at locations throughout the United States. Headquartered in Miami Beach, FL with offices in San Jose, CA; New York, NY; and Phoenix, AZ; CarCharging’s business model is designed to accelerate the adoption of public EV charging.

Through its subsidiary, Blink Network, CarCharging also provides residential EV charging solutions for single-family homes. For more information, please visit www.BlinkHQ.com.

CarCharging has strategic partnerships across multiple business sectors including multi-family residential and commercial properties, parking garages, shopping malls, retail parking, and municipalities.

For more information about CarCharging, please visit www.CarCharging.com, www.facebook.com/Car.Charging, or www.twitter.com/CarCharging.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:

This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Car Charging Group, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions.

MULTI-MILLION POUND FUND TO GET HYDROGEN CARS MOVING

The arrival of hydrogen cars on UK roads is a step closer today as the Business Minister Matthew Hancock announced up to £11 million of funding. Government and industry will prepare the UK for the roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

The £11 million investment will:

help establish an initial network of up to 15 hydrogen refuelling stations by the end of 2015

include £2 million of funding for public sector hydrogen vehicles.

This is part of the UK Government’s drive to become a global leader in ultra-low emission vehicles and follows news earlier this month that Toyota has chosen the UK as one of the first markets for its FCEV when it goes on sale next year.

It is just one of the ways that Government plans to decarbonise road transport alongside battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids with £400 million of support available in the current Parliament and £500 million committed in the next.

Of the £11 million announced today, £7.5 million will come from Government and £3.5 million from industry:

– £2 million of top-up funding to upgrade 6-8 existing hydrogen refuelling stations (already operational or under development in the UK) and take them from demonstrator projects to publically accessible sites

– £3.5 million of funding to be matched by industry for 4-7 new hydrogen refuelling stations. This will include mobile stations as well as those on stand-alone sites and integrated into conventional petrol forecourts

– £2 million of funding for public sector fleets to encourage deployment of around 40 hydrogen FCEVs in focused geographical clusters.

Speaking in Japan where he met executives at Honda, Nissan and Toyota, Mr Hancock said: “Britain has become one of the best places in the world to build cars, with the value of those we export outstripping imports for the first time in a generation, but we want to go further.

“Hydrogen cars present us with a huge economic opportunity and can bolster our internationally renowned automotive industry. We want to make the UK one of the best places in the world to design, manufacture and sell ultra-low emission vehicles.

“Government will work in true partnership with industry so the potential benefits are realised by businesses and consumers across the UK.”

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “By 2040 all new cars and vans will be ultra-low emission vehicles and this could be delivered by a variety of technologies, including plug-in hybrids, pure EVs and hydrogen. We want to ensure that support is there for all of these vehicles and that the UK continues to lead the pack in providing the right infrastructure to drive the switch to electric.”

The programme follows on from the work undertaken by the UKH2Mobility project – which brings together leading businesses from the automotive, energy, infrastructure and retail sectors with Government – to provide a ‘roadmap’ for the introduction of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in the UK.

Establishing 15 hydrogen refuelling stations by the end of 2015 will represent a significant first step towards the initial national network of 65 identified by UKH2Mobility.