Blue Bird’s electric school buses have already driven over eight million kms (5 million miles) across 41 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces. The company is also expanding its production capabilities with significant investment in its main electric school bus facility in Fort Valley, Georgia as it aims to capitalise on the significant State and Federal zero-emission school bus funding packages.

The new facility, covering 20,000 square feet, is located on the same site as the old facility in the Carrs Industrial Estate, which Solomon Commercials demolished following a fire in June 2023. 

Northvolt says it must reduce its total workforce by 20% and its Swedish workforce in particular by 25% to stay afloat.

Incentives include tax exemptions of between two and eight years, financial support and streamlined regulations (with other nations).

The start of production is scheduled for Q4 2027 with implementation across various CV applications. The EGR coolers are an integral part of reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in internal combustion engines.

The agreement, which was signed at the end of July, is aimed at expanding its business within China’s electric drive axle market.

The zero-emissions truck is produced under contract at the manufacturing facility of Spartan Motors Corporation* in Charlotte, Michigan, USA,

Japanese manufacturer Isuzu’s latest N-Series truck, the ‘NRR-EV’, will be assembled by Builtmore in Charlotte, Michigan and delivered to customers from this month onwards.

The company has launched a new powder coating specifically designed for EV batteries, improving electrical protection by improving thermal management for EV batteries, which is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and safety.

The slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles is one of the main factors behind the decision to restructure the business, though Northvolt’s CEO and co-founder, Peter Carlsson, said, “there remains no question that the global transition towards electrification — and the long-term outlook for cell manufacturers, including Northvolt — is strong”.

The company cut 300 jobs in the U.S. and Canada amid financial pressure as it seeks profitability. The cuts came in the manufacturing and administrative segments of the business.

David Earnshaw told T&BB that the new plant will specialise in high voltage equipment for electric vehicles.