PASADENA, CA – CALSTART, a leading national and international clean transportation nonprofit, announced new proposed awardees for the second-round grant solicitation as part of PowerForward, California’s equity-first zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) battery manufacturing program funded by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The CEC’s innovative program advances California’s leadership in clean transportation technologies that create high-quality jobs while prioritizing clean air and climate protection.

The recommended awardees are:

• LiCAP Technologies, Inc.
• Anthro Energy
• Joby Aviation
• Sepion Technologies, Inc.
• South 8 Technologies
• BYD Energy (d.b.a RIDE Energy).

In response to this news, CALSTART’s Battery Manufacturing Program Manager, Phoebe Bisnoff, stated:

“We are excited to announce the newest awardees of the PowerForward program and are looking forward to building California’s battery manufacturing capacity, supporting sustainable supply chains, and creating high-quality jobs.”

Project plans are underway for some of these recipients. RIDE Energy will use the funds to grow their battery production capacity in California. “We’re honored to be recommended for this award,” said Patrick Duan, RIDE CEO. “We look forward to expanding our battery production capacity, creating good local jobs, and supporting California’s clean energy future.”

Last month, Anthro Energy held a grand opening at their headquarters for the “California Production of Advanced Batteries for Zero-Emission Vehicles” (CPAB-ZEV) project. “The PowerForward grant empowers Anthro Energy to turn our vision for advanced battery manufacturing into reality here in California,” said David Mackanic, CEO and founder. “Through the CPAB-ZEV project, we will continue to establish domestic production of our injectable phase change electrolytes and high-performance lithium-ion cells, creating skilled jobs in Alameda and delivering technology that makes electric mobility safer, more efficient, and more accessible. This is a critical step toward building a resilient U.S. battery supply chain and revolutionizing the energy storage industry.”

“We are honored by CALSTART’s support in establishing an Activated Dry Electrode gigafactory in Sacramento,” said Linda Zhong, Ph.D., CEO, LiCAP Technologies, Inc. “This critical investment accelerates LiCAP’s mission to scale next-generation battery manufacturing in the United States. By deploying our dry electrode technology at gigawatt-hour scale, we are strengthening the domestic clean energy supply chain while creating high-quality jobs that will drive long-term economic growth for the region.”

Funding of proposed projects resulting from this solicitation is contingent upon the approval of these projects’ California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance at a publicly noticed CEC business meeting. CALSTART will execute the grant agreement after approval of the project’s CEQA compliance.

Program Background

CALSTART, with support from New Energy Nexus, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and YUNEV, manages the PowerForward Program, funded by the CEC. PowerForward is California’s market-accelerating ZEV battery manufacturing program that focuses on creating positive economic impacts that benefit local communities and priority populations. It is designed to directly and indirectly create high-paying jobs while also contributing to the state’s goal to accelerate zero-emission transportation and expanding domestic battery supply chains.

Visit the PowerForward website to learn more about the program and signup for the newsletter to stay current with news and events.

About CALSTART

A mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all, CALSTART has offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Florida, and Europe. CALSTART is uniquely positioned to build the national clean transportation industry by working closely with its more than 210 member companies and building on the lessons learned from the major programs it manages for the State of California. CALSTART manages more than $1 billion in vehicle incentive and technical assistance programs in the United States and is leading a global effort to build the zero-emission commercial vehicle market.

About the California Energy Commission

The CEC is the state’s primary energy policy and planning agency. It has seven core responsibilities: advancing state energy policy, encouraging energy efficiency, certifying thermal power plants, investing in energy innovation, developing renewable energy, transforming transportation, and preparing for energy emergencies. For more information, visit https://www.energy.ca.gov.