2023-11-18 
Boeing’s Wisk Aero Makes Aviation History: In a remarkable achievement, Wisk Aero, Boeing’s electric flying taxi company, achieved a significant milestone with the first-ever public demonstration of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) flights at Long Beach Airport in October 2023. Using Wisk’s cutting-edge 5th gen eVTOL, the autonomous flight seamlessly integrated into real-life scenarios alongside traditional passenger airlines, signaling a groundbreaking advancement in electric aviation.
Insights into EV Batteries: Electric vehicle (EV) batteries, distinct from conventional vehicle power sources, propel electric cars through a pack of thousands of individual Li-ion cells situated beneath the vehicle floor. Unlike traditional batteries that mainly operate accessories, EV batteries power everything in the vehicle, necessitating robustness and longevity to minimize recharging frequency. During charging, electrical energy induces chemical changes within the battery pack to store energy. While driving, these changes reverse, releasing electrical current to power the EV's wheel motors when accelerating. Comprising base metals, rare earth elements, and electrolytes, EV batteries generate an electric current in each cell. The interconnected battery cells create the required voltage and amperage to propel the vehicle's motors and generate motion. With approximately 80% recyclable components, EV batteries can be stripped down at the end of their lifecycle, promoting reuse of parts.
Transport Companies Paving the Way: Leading the charge toward sustainable transportation, major companies including Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and DHL are making substantial strides in integrating electric trucks into their extensive fleets. Amazon has set an ambitious target of deploying 100,000 electric vans by 2030, while FedEx aims for 2,500 electric vans by 2025. UPS, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable logistics, has ordered 10,000 Arrival electric vans. DHL, known for pioneering green initiatives, plans an extensive deployment of 80,000 electric vehicles by 2030, reflecting a collective industry push toward environmentally conscious transportation solutions.
As the world shifts gears toward sustainable transportation, these dynamic developments underscore the transformative potential of electric fleets. The integration of electric vehicles not only marks technological advancements but also heralds a greener, more sustainable future for the transportation industry. These endeavors, coupled with insights for supply chain professionals, illuminate a path forward, showcasing the collaborative efforts of key industry players in adopting eco-friendly alternatives and steering the transportation landscape toward a more sustainable tomorrow.
Source:How Electric Transportation Is Impacting The Trucking Industry (forbes.com)
