Companies are eager Be.Evers for clean infrastructure!

Solaris Bus & Coach has signed a contract to deliver 50 articulated Solaris Urbino 18 electric buses to MZA Warsaw. This order strengthens the long-standing partnership between Solaris and Warsaw's municipal bus operator, which has received nearly 1,350 buses from Solaris, including 163 electric models. The Urbino 18 buses will feature electric motors and the latest-generation Solaris High Energy batteries, with charging via standard plug-in connections at depots. Each bus will accommodate 103 passengers, enhancing efficiency on high-demand routes. This delivery will increase MZA Warsaw's electric fleet to 224 buses, reinforcing the city's commitment to zero-emission transport.

Rivian Automotive has announced the nationwide availability of its Rivian Commercial Van (RCV) to fleets of all sizes across the US. Previously exclusive to only Amazon, the all-electric van is now accessible to businesses seeking sustainable, cost-effective fleet solutions. The RCV comes in 2 sizes, RCV 500 and RCV 700, with a payload capacity of up to 2,663 lbs and a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of up to 9,500 lbs. It features advanced safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, collision warnings, and 360-degree visibility. Rivian's proprietary software manages vehicle operations thus enhancing fleet management. Over 20,000 Rivian Electric Delivery Vans are already in Amazon's fleet, delivering over a billion packages in 2024. This expansion allows businesses to purchase single vans or large fleets, making it a versatile option for various needs. Rivian aims to accelerate zero-emission transportation and support environmental sustainability.

Toyota has announced it will establish a wholly owned subsidiary in Shanghai to develop and produce EVs and batteries for its Lexus brand. Production is set to begin in 2027, with an initial capacity of 100,000 units annually. The new unit will create approximately 1,000 jobs during its start-up phase. Toyota aims to contribute to China's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 through this initiative. The company will also partner with the Shanghai municipal government on various carbon-neutral projects. This move is part of Toyota's broader strategy to expand its EV and battery production capabilities globally.

Be.EV has announced it has launched its first ultra-rapid EV charging hub at Hulme Retail Park, in Manchester, backed by a ￡55m financing deal with NatWest and KfW IPEX-Bank. The hub features 6 ultra-rapid charging bays, capable of delivering up to 165 miles of range in c.20 minutes. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for public EV chargers, particularly in urban areas where many households lack off-street parking. Powered by renewable energy from Octopus Energy, the hub supports Manchester's ongoing urban transformation and sustainability efforts. Be.EV plans to deploy 1,600 charge points across the UK this year, enhancing EV accessibility and supporting the nation's transition to sustainable mobility.

Exeter Airport has announced it will trial hydrogen-powered aircraft tugs and ground power units this spring as part of the UK Government's Hydrogen Challenge. The initiative, in collaboration with Cranfield University and TUI, aims to explore hydrogen storage and handling under various conditions and develop concepts for using locally produced hydrogen. This 3-year project will hopefully advance hydrogen-powered aircraft technology, airport infrastructure, and scientific research while conducting flight trials and safety assessments. The trial is part of a ￡940,000 Hydrogen Challenge Sandbox funded by the UK Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology. Exeter Airport will join forces with Rolls-Royce, the University of Oxford, and Cranfield Aerospace Solutions in this initiative. Exeter Airport, emphasized the trial's importance for innovation and sustainability, aiming to integrate hydrogen effectively into airport operations.

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has awarded a contract to New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group, for up to 500 low and zero-emission Xcelsior buses. This contract includes a firm order for 75 hybrid-electric 40-foot buses and 25 battery-electric 35-foot buses, with options for up to 400 additional buses. The new buses will support WMATA's efforts to enhance sustainable transit services across the National Capital Region, which includes Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Metrobus, WMATA's bus service, operates a fleet of 1,500 buses and provides 24/7 service. New Flyer has been a partner of WMATA for 30 years, and this contract aims to balance bonding and payment schedules to mitigate supply chain disruptions. NFI is a leader in zero-emission mobility, with electric vehicles operating in over 150 cities worldwide. The company also runs the Vehicle Innovation Centre, dedicated to advancing bus and coach technology.

FuelCell Energy has announced it has begun testing its solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) system at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to explore nuclear-hydrogen synergy. The project aims to demonstrate 100% efficiency by leveraging nuclear heat, potentially reducing hydrogen production costs by up to 30%. The SOEC system, the largest electrolyser tested at INL, is expected to produce 150 kilograms of hydrogen per day from 250 kilowatts of nuclear-generated electricity. This initiative will also evaluate the integration of advanced small modular reactors (200-500 MW) with FuelCell Energy's utility-scale electrolysers. The testing phase will assess how nuclear plants can switch between power generation and hydrogen production, enhancing grid stability and energy utilisation. This development follows the US Treasury's relaxation of the 45V hydrogen tax credit rules, thus facilitating nuclear-powered hydrogen production.

Deals

Urban Sky, a stratospheric platform startup, has raised $30m in a Series B funding round led by Altos Ventures. The funds will be used to develop and commercialise products that unlock the tactical stratosphere's value for military and commercial customers. Urban Sky's technology includes advanced high-altitude balloons, custom payloads, control software, and AI-derived forecasting systems. These innovations enable high-resolution, persistent data monitoring for applications like wildfire monitoring and provide defence users with a deployable satellite-like platform. The company plans to continue developing new technologies for a global constellation of long-duration stratospheric balloons for search and rescue, environmental monitoring, and disaster response. This new funding will help accelerate their technology and product development.

Presto, an EV charging platform, has raised $15m in a Seed funding round led by Union Square Ventures. Investors such as Congruent Ventures, Jetstream, and Powerhouse Ventures also participated. This startup aims to simplify the fragmented EV charging landscape by providing a unified platform for fleet drivers. The app and API allow users to find, charge, and pay at thousands of partner public charging stations. Presto's machine-learning recommendation engine helps drivers locate reliable chargers and suggests optimal charging times based on price and availability. The platform is already being used by rental car companies such as Hertz, Avis, and Zipcar, as well as Uber drivers. The new funding will help Presto onboard more fleets, integrate additional chargers, and enhance its features.

Self Inspection, a San Diego-based AI-powered vehicle inspection startup, has raised $3m in a Seed funding round co-led by Costanoa Ventures and DVx Ventures. This startup offers AI-powered vehicle inspection services that streamline the process for auto lenders, dealerships, and rental companies. Self Inspection's technology uses a smartphone camera and data from a car's OBD2 port to detect damage, assess severity, and generate detailed cost estimates. The platform provides accurate, customizable inspection reports, which can save financial institutions millions and speed up sales processes. Customers thus far include Avis, CarOffer, and Westlake Financial. This funding will help Self Inspection expand its footprint and scale its operations.