Briefs: EV Tech Advances in Charging, Batteries, and Design

While electric vehicles have faced headwinds in the past year, the technology seems unstoppable. Technology companies continue to invest and innovate to improve performance, lower costs, and expand accessibility.

As Cambridge GaN Devices is counting on gallium nitride to transform EVs and other electronics, the company has selected a new CEO. In Florida, the state will test a dynamic wireless charging system on part of a new highway. Meanwhile, a solid-state battery maker is going public through a merger, and a collaboration between U.K. and U.S. companies will lead to a design platform to help small EV manufacturers grow in the market.

Companies are advancing EV technology on several fronts. 

Cambridge GaN Devices Appoints New CEO

U.K.-based Cambridge GaN Devices has appointed Fabio Necco as its new Chief Executive Officer. Necco was the former vice president and general manager of Onsemi. He brings over 25 years of experience in power electronics, vehicle electrification, and data centers.

Necco will lead the fabless semiconductor firm, which specializes in gallium nitride (GaN) technology, into its next growth phase, as it scales its proprietary ICeGaN technology. The company aims to expand its presence in electric vehicles and industrial power conversion.

Outgoing CEO Giorgia Longobardi (left) and Cambridge GaN’s new CEO, Fabio Necco. Image used courtesy of Cambridge GaN Devices

The former CEO, Giorgia Longobardi, will transition to the role of chief marketing officer to focus on Cambridge GaN Device’s sustainable power solutions.

Florida Tests Wireless EV Charging Road

Florida is the latest location to put wireless inductive electric vehicle charging to the test. The state will install an “electrified roadway” on a nearly one-mile segment of the State Road 516 toll road, now under construction.

ENRX, a Norwegian-based tech company, will provide dynamic wireless charging technology, including embedded road coils and vehicle receivers. The system can deliver up to 200 kW of power, enabling electric passenger vehicles and trucks to extend battery life while traveling on the highway.

ENRX’s technology uses a three-phase sinusoidal coil system rather than conventional induction coils. The sinusoidal coil embeds three cables beneath the road to form a magnetic field. EVs with receiver coils charge wirelessly when they pass over the field.

ENRX’s wireless charging technology. Image used courtesy of ENRX

Before installation, researchers at Utah State University’s Electric Vehicle and Roadway research facility will conduct testing.

Other partners in the project are the Central Florida Expressway Authority, Oldcastle Infrastructure, and ASPIRE (Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification), an NSF-funded research center at Utah State University.

State Road 516 will connect Lake and Orange counties near Orlando. The expressway will be open to the public by 2029.

Solid-State Battery Maker Goes Public With a Merger

Solid-state battery developer Factorial Energy intends to go public through a merger with Cartesian Growth Corporation III, a Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC).

Factorial is valued at roughly $1.1 billion before the capital injection. This figure is projected to reach an equity value of $1.5 billion, provided that the SPAC’s current shareholders maintain their positions. The transaction is projected to yield $376 million in gross proceeds, including about $100 million from institutional investors and $276 million in the SPAC’s trust.

Factorial’s solid-state technology offers higher energy density than traditional lithium-ion EV batteries and may provide a safer, lighter-weight alternative. In a recent test, a Mercedes-Benz EQS equipped with solid-state batteries drove more than 1,200 km on one charge.

Factorial’s solid-state batteries on a Stellantis platform. Image used courtesy of Factorial

Factorial has also partnered with Stellantis and Hyundai and plans a demonstration of the solid-state cells in a Dodge Charger Daytona in 2026.

The merger is expected to close by mid-year. The merged company will list on NASDAQ under the symbol FAC.

Platform Eases Design Process for Low-Volume EV Makers

Everrati and Aria Group, have partnered to develop a turnkey B2B solution to help lower financial and technical barriers that low-volume EV manufacturers face. The platform combines Everatti’s modular, OEM-grade electric powertrain and Aria Group’s lightweight, composite chassis architecture into a production-ready package.

EV production. Image used courtesy of Everrati

The companies state the platform will lower costs by reducing capital for “clean-sheet” EV development and provide a pre-engineered foundation to reduce R&D time, leading to faster time-to-market. The platform is designed to help designers meet U.S. crash and regulatory standards.