Latest Developments in Electric Vehicles, Batteries, and Charging: QuantumScape, SHAED, Lucid, MN8 Energy, Diodes Inc., Blink Charging, Honda, ComEd, Driivz, and Wallbox
The electric vehicle (EV) battery and charging sector is experiencing a significant growth phase, with investments projected to reach a "$1 trillion supercycle" over the next decade [1][3]. Companies are making strategic moves to capitalize on this boom, as evidenced by recent partnerships and funding announcements.
QuantumScape and PowerCo SE Expand Collaboration
QuantumScape Corporation has secured up to $131 million in new funding from PowerCo SE, the battery subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, over the next two years [2]. This investment will support the scaling and automation of QuantumScape's QSE-5 battery production through its pilot production line in San Jose [2]. The revised deal grants PowerCo earlier involvement in QSE-5 development and rights to manufacture up to an additional 5 gigawatt-hours of QSE-5 battery cells per year [2]. Furthermore, the partnership includes the right to license certain future QuantumScape technologies [2].
Lucid Group Forms MINAC for Essential Mineral Production
Lucid Group has joined forces with four critical mineral companies to form the Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) [3]. The aim of this collaboration is to accelerate domestic production, qualification, and procurement of essential minerals for U.S.-made electric vehicles [3].
Diodes Inc. Introduces Automotive-Grade Ideal Diode Controllers
Diodes Incorporated has launched two automotive-grade ideal diode controllers, the AP74502Q and AP74502HQ [4]. These controllers offer 80V reverse polarity and transient protection for 12V, 24V, and emerging 48V electrical systems in hybrid and electric vehicles. With ultra-low standby power—just 1μA when disabled—they minimize battery drain [4].
Blink Charging and Universal Media Introduce EV Totem
Blink Charging Co. and Universal Media have partnered to introduce the EV Totem, an innovative EV charging solution combined with dual-sided, elevated digital media displays [5]. The facility will feature 42 EV charging plugs for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, plus a new community-focused welcome center called "The Bolt" [5].
MN8 Energy Announces Freight EV Charging Hub and Workforce Development Center
MN8 Energy has announced the "Gateway to Hunts Point FDC" project, a first-of-its-kind freight electric vehicle charging hub and workforce development center in the South Bronx [6].
These investments and partnerships reflect a growing and evolving market that is pivoting toward more sustainable, cost-effective technologies and extensive charging infrastructure deployment [1][2][3][4][5]. While there have been some cancellations of EV and battery projects in 2025, federal policies like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to play a critical role in catalyzing investment and partnership formation in the U.S. EV supply chain [5].
- The electric vehicle (EV) battery and charging sector is anticipating a significant growth phase, with potential investments reaching a "$1 trillion supercycle" over the next decade.
- QuantumScape Corporation, in partnership with PowerCo SE, a battery subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, has secured up to $131 million in funding for the scaling and automation of its QSE-5 battery production, with the revised deal granting PowerCo earlier involvement in QSE-5 development.
- Lucid Group has formed the Minerals for National Automotive Competitiveness Collaboration (MINAC) with four critical mineral companies to accelerate domestic production, qualification, and procurement of essential minerals for U.S.-made electric vehicles.
- Diodes Incorporated has launched two automotive-grade ideal diode controllers, offering protection for emerging 48V electrical systems in hybrid and electric vehicles, as part of the growing trend toward more sustainable, cost-effective technologies in the EV sector.
