Alco Building Solutions (ABS)

There's a growing belief that using #DCfastchargers too often can damage an EV's battery, reducing the vehicle's range over time. We did some digging to find out what the experts think. The issue with DC fast charging is that it generates more heat, which can accelerate battery degradation. According to experts, this heat can cause the battery’s internal materials to break down faster. However, recent studies, like one from Recurrent on Tesla Model 3s, show that frequent DC fast charging doesn’t harm battery health as much as previously thought. This may be due to smart technology in EVs that manages charging more effectively. While DC fast charging can stress the battery, research indicates that it doesn't have as significant an impact as once feared. Over time, as EV technology advances, this impact is likely to diminish even further. To keep your EV battery in the best shape, focus on these key factors: charging speed, charge level, and temperature. For day-to-day use, charge to about 80% using slower Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, especially when temperatures are extreme. When planning long trips, charging up to 90% or 100% the night before is okay if done at a slower charging rate. The future of EV batteries looks promising with the development of solid-state batteries, which promise better resilience and longer range. For now, using DC fast charging occasionally is fine, but slower charging speeds are preferable when possible to help extend battery life. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

Heading to the #CASTO Conference? Got questions about electrifying your bus fleet? Then be sure to catch up with ABS's own EV experts Katrina Nixon and Zach Gehrlich. They'll be on hand with answers to any questions you might have and suggestions for optimizing—and funding—your transition to ESBs. #ElectricSchoolBuses #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

Promising news: according to a recent report from #GoldmanSachs, lithium-ion battery prices are expected to drop significantly in the coming years. By 2026, global average #batteryprices could fall to $82 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), down from $149/kWh in 2023—a decrease of about 45%. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs predicts that by 2026, electric vehicles will reach cost parity with gas-powered cars in terms of ownership costs, without needing #subsidies. Currently, while EVs are often more expensive up front, their lower fueling and maintenance costs help offset that difference. Models like the $35,000 Chevy Equinox EV, which offers over 300 miles of range, are helping bring costs down, but they’re still not the norm. Traditional automakers continue to face challenges in making EVs profitable due to high battery expenses and limited production. While incentives like the $7,500 EV tax credit help, they won't support the market forever. To truly boost EV adoption, buying one needs to provide a clear cost benefit for consumers. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

Incredibly exciting concrete news! (OK, it may not be quite as exciting to you, but it really is a big deal ...) A new type of self-healing concrete, called #Basilisk Self-Healing Concrete, has entered the U.S. market. This innovative #concrete contains bacteria that produce limestone when activated, allowing the material to repair its own cracks without the need for additional concrete. Basilisk concrete offers several advantages for structures. Its durability and #selfhealing capabilities significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for costly repairs. Since the concrete can repair itself, maintenance costs are also lower, minimizing downtime and associated expenses. Moreover, its self-healing properties contribute to eco-friendly construction by reducing #CO2emissions, decreasing the need for steel reinforcements, and eliminating the requirement for waterproof coatings. This development is just one of many recent advancements in #concrete technology. Other innovations include hollow concrete, which is claimed to be over 500% stronger than traditional solid slabs, and cement-free concrete, which could play a major role in the fight against climate change. The adoption of self-healing concrete in construction could be a game-changer, helping to keep buildings safer and more sustainable over time while addressing global warming concerns. Photo credit: Kler/Adobe. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

Good news for school districts transitioning to electric school buses (ESBs) The World Resources Institute's (WRI) Electric School Bus Initiative has released the first-ever Electric School Bus (ESB) training standards. These standards cover vital areas such as vehicle operation, safety, maintenance, technology, and troubleshooting. The ESB training standards outline learning objectives and outcomes for all individuals interacting with ESBs. #WRI has also introduced a new ESB program to assist school districts in adopting #electricschoolbuses. Over 50 industry experts , including school district staff, manufacturers, and subject matter experts, have peer-reviewed these training standards. WRI led the drafting of the training standards, drawing on electric vehicle standards and learning outcomes from various sectors and organizations, including the American Public Transportation Association, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the Electronics Technicians Association International, and the Electric Vehicle Standards Council. The development of these training standards also utilized information from WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative and Weber State University’s Advanced Industry Training for Electric Vehicles course. The ESB training standards are designed to support school districts, trainers, and instructors in developing training programs for everyone involved with ESBs, including bus riders, drivers, technicians, fleet managers, and first responders. Photo credit: Thomas Built Buses. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration #WeberStateUniversity #NationalInstituteforAutomotiveExcellence #ElectronicsTechniciansAssociationInternational #ElectricVehicleStandardsCouncil

One question we frequently get from customers is: "Can the grid support the rising number of EVs in California?" The short answer is, yes! In fact, EVs will actually benefit the grid—and energy consumers—in several ways. Here's how: 1. Excess Capacity: The electricity #grid is built to meet the highest demand times, which means it has excess capacity most of the time. EVs can be charged during these off-peak hours, reducing strain on the grid. 2. Grid Support: Vehicle-to-Grid #V2G technology can return electricity to the grid during peak times, helping to stabilize it and prevent blackouts. 3. Cost Benefits: Multiple studies have been conducted analyzing #electricityrates that EV owners pay compared to the marginal cost of providing that electricity (generation, transmission, and distribution costs), plus the expenditures associated with utility EV programs. The researchers concluded that EVs have increased utility revenues more than they have increased utility costs, leading to downward pressure on electric rates for EV-owners and non-EV owners alike. 4. Future #GridUpgrades: California is already planning grid upgrades to handle more EVs and clean energy through Assembly Bill 2700 and Senate Bill 410, ensuring the grid remains reliable as electrification increases. Overall, EVs are not only good for the environment by reducing emissions, but they also benefit everyone by lowering electricity rates and supporting grid stability. This creates a positive cycle that encourages more people to adopt EVs, which further strengthens the grid and reduces costs for all utility customers. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

The pickup truck is an iconic vehicle in the US, with Ford's F-series reigning as the top-selling vehicle for 42 years. Larger vehicles, like SUVs and pickups, make up 75% of new vehicle sales. The popularity of pickups is tied to their image of independence and self-reliance, but this comes with a climate cost. Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the US, with light-duty vehicles, including pickups, being the main contributors. While experts agree that electric vehicles are a more climate-friendly option than those that run on gasoline, emissions savings are not equal across all-electric vehicles. Size matters. As pickups grow larger, their environmental impact increases. As demand for EVs grows, companies like Ford, Chevrolet, Rivian, and Tesla have launched electric pickups. While studies show that over their lifetime, #electricpickups produce 30-60% fewer emissions than traditional pickups, the transition to electric is challenging—primarily because they are still too expensive for the majority of consumers. The F-150 Lightning prices start at around $62,995, compared with $38,610 for its non-electric pickup. The cost issue is largely due to the battery, which accounts for nearly half the total price. Electric pickups need a LOT of battery power because they’re heavier and less efficient than smaller cars. Fortunately, the cost of electric pickups is expected to decrease as lithium-ion battery prices continue to drop. (Since their introduction in 1991, battery prices have fallen by 97%, according to a 2021 study.) Furthermore, larger electric vehicles require bigger batteries, which in turn need more materials. For example, the battery in General Motors' Hummer EV uses roughly the same amount of lithium per vehicle as three smaller car batteries or 240 electric bike batteries, according to a recent report. It also uses about half the lithium needed for a battery that can power a full-size electric bus. Range anxiety is another challenge for electric trucks. While electric trucks are currently offer impressive range—often exceeding 450 miles on a single charge—range anxiety remains a concern. (ABS can help with that!) #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

Kudos to our brilliant Engineer, Faiq Naderi, upon the publication of his research paper entitled "Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in Afghanistan: Impact, Causality, Projections, and Policy Implications." The study aims to investigate the impact and causal relationship between electricity consumption and Afghanistan’s economic growth using datasets from 2002 to 2019. Additionally, the study also examined the projection of electricity consumption until 2030 to foster policy enunciation. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration https://lnkd.in/eaPdJmsq

Solid-state EV batteries, which promise more range and faster charging, could be widely available in five years, according to BYD's head scientist, Lian Yubo. Speaking at the 2024 World New Energy Congress, Lian said luxury EVs will adopt the technology first, followed by more affordable cars. Nevertheless, high costs and complex integration still pose challenges. BYD, the second-largest EV battery maker with a 15.8% market share, is pushing to lead in this technology. Its main competitor, CATL, which has a 37.8% share, aims to produce all-solid-state batteries by 2027, though production costs remain a hurdle. #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has opened the application period for the 2024 #CleanSchoolBus (CSB) Rebate Program, the third round of funding supported by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Up to $965 million is available in rebate funding, with the possibility of adjustments based on demand. This year, the EPA will fund more buses, increasing the limit per application from 25 to 50 to encourage larger, more impactful projects. Applicants can request funding for the purchase of zero-emission (ZE) or alternative fuel buses (propane or compressed natural gas) and the installation of ZE charging infrastructure. Funds can also be used for workforce training, consulting, and bus warranties. Additional funding will be provided for ADA-compliant buses and for applicants outside the contiguous U.S. to cover shipping costs. Applications are due by January 9, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Thomas Build Buses) #ThisIsElectrificationIntegration