Why the West Needs to Secure Heavy Rare Earths for the Future of Advanced Manufacturing

Envirotech Vehicles, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVTV) ("Envirotech," "EVT", or the "Company") is excited to announce the initiation of full commercial-stage operations in the Company's electric school bus vertical with its first three deliveries of its EVT Bumble Bee electric school bus to the independent school districts of Freer, Blanket, and Waelder, Texas.

Funding for the buses is provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") as part of the Clean School Bus ("CSB") Program. The purpose of the CSB Program is to provide $5 billion over five years (FY 2022-2026) to replace existing school buses with zero-emission and clean school buses.

Under the CSB Program, Envirotech expects to deliver 25 total electric buses to school districts in Texas and Arkansas, with an aggregate of $8,570,000 awarded under the CSB Program to support these deliveries.

Management expects to deliver an additional EVT "Bumble Bee" electric school bus this week to another Texas independent school district. The EVT fast charging 100% electric school buses being delivered get up to 150 miles range and have zero emissions and zero noise pollution.

The Bumble Bee offers significant benefits over conventional fossil fuel powered buses:

• Zero tailpipe emissions-students, drivers, and members of the community will be exposed to significantly less harmful diesel emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions compared to diesel school buses.
• Reduced maintenance costs due to: regenerative braking, no engine or exhaust system.
• Potential for reduced fuel costs compared to diesel depending on electricity costs.
• Quiet, clean operation.

"Kicking off unit shipping for our EVT Bumble Bee line demonstrates the continuing growth and maturation of Envirotech's electric vehicle segment," said Jason Maddox, President and Interim Chief Financial Officer of Envirotech. "We are honored to serve the students of Blanket, Freer, and Waelder. We express our thanks to the EPA for the Clean School Bus Program and the agency's commitment to the health and safety of America's school children, and we welcome the opportunity to serve additional Texas school districts in the near future."

Freer ISD Superintendent of Schools, Conrad Cantu, expressed Freer ISD's excitement at receiving the first electric bus in the ISD's history: "Freer ISD is proud to receive our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We are grateful to the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for the funding that made it possible. The students of Freer ISD will benefit greatly from the zero emissions bus and can expect a quiet and clean ride to and from school."

Blanket ISD Superintendent of Schools, David Whisenhunt, spoke about Blanket ISD receiving the first electric bus in the ISD's history: "Blanket ISD has received our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We thank the team at Envirotech Vehicles and the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for making this possible. Our students will be delighted to ride in a zero emissions electric bus."

Waelder ISD Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ron Lilie, commented: "Waelder ISD is excited to have received our first "Bumble Bee" electric school bus from EVT. We would like to thank Envirotech Vehicles along with the EPA's Clean School Bus Program for making this possible. Waelder's students will welcome the opportunity to ride in a zero emissions electric bus."

Jason Maddox emphasized the $8,570,000 awarded under the CSB Program towards the delivery of 25 EVT buses, as well as the potential for future deliveries if the CSB Program receives additional federal funding: "Delivering 25 buses against our current EPA backlog will be a significant achievement," noted Maddox. "We are equally excited about the potential for a new tranche of EPA funding which would help to support continued strong growth in electric bus orders for Envirotech and its shareholders."

For more information on the CSB Program please visit the EPA program website at: https:/www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus

Envirotech Vehicles | www.evtvusa.com

CB&I announced that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd. (HDEC) to explore forms of collaboration for nuclear new-build project opportunities in the U.S. This strategic collaboration will leverage the distinct strengths of both companies to help meet growing energy demands with reliable and sustainable nuclear power.

CB&I has supplied the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) for 123 nuclear containment vessels in the U.S., including two recently completed AP1000 containment vessel units at the Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, and nine vessels outside the U.S. CB&I is a leader in industrial safety and quality, with an ASME-approved nuclear quality assurance program that enables it to meet the most stringent requirements for nuclear projects.

"CB&I is the most experienced, fully integrated, turnkey supplier of nuclear containments, having provided these vessels to 75 percent of the operating nuclear power plants in the U.S.," said Mark Butts, CB&I President and CEO. "This MOU allows us to combine our deep technical and EPC expertise with HDEC's robust construction capabilities to offer compelling solutions for the safe and efficient development of next-generation nuclear facilities."

"Our unique nuclear power plant construction and risk management capabilities proven through the UAE Barakah and major domestic nuclear power plant projects represent our core competitive strength," said Hanwoo Lee, CEO of HDEC. "Through this preliminary agreement, we aim to strengthen our collaboration with CB&I and establish a strong foothold for a stable entry into the U.S. market."

CB&I | www.cbi.com

GameChange Solar, a global leader in solar tracker and fixed-tilt racking systems, announced the next generation of Genius Tracker TF, its terrain-following solar tracker. Genius Tracker TF now features exceptional slope adaptability of up to 1.7 degrees between posts. This upgrade allows solar developers to unlock more project sites with difficult topography and dramatically reduce grading costs and environmental impacts by reducing or eliminating grading.

"Terrain challenges can be a big barrier to developing utility-scale solar projects," said Derick Botha, Chief Commercial Officer at GameChange Solar. "Genius Tracker TF helps our customers overcome those challenges by offering a tracker solution that works to reduce or eliminate grading by working with the contours of the land."

Genius Tracker TF is engineered to conform to natural land contours, eliminating the need for costly grading or complex articulating joints. Its streamlined design boosts profitability by reducing civil work, shortening construction timelines, and minimizing disruptions from elevated work zones. Proven on diverse terrain, TF delivers safe, high-yield performance while supporting faster, more efficient installations on even the most challenging sites.

GameChange | www.gamechangesolar.com

Firetrace International and FirePro Systems Ltd, two global powerhouses in the field of fire suppression technology, announced a strategic partnership to launch FirePro’s innovative condensed aerosol fire suppression technology in the U.S.

The collaboration will bring together two Halma companies from the U.S. and Cyprus respectively, with more than 55 years of combined fire suppression expertise, and make FirePro solutions available to customers across the manufacturing, industrial and energy segments. It will also further enhance the Firetrace product portfolio – offering innovative, scalable, and environmentally responsible solutions for key applications.

FirePro products are now available through select Firetrace distributors across the United States. This includes the proprietary FirePro aerosol-forming compound. This non-pressurized, total-flooding aerosol fire suppression technology is already certified, listed and trusted globally in high-risk environments such as electrical rooms, power generation, marine engine compartments, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

“With FirePro technology in our portfolio, we bring our customers another powerful tool to protect critical infrastructure,” said Tom Crane, President at Firetrace. “Its flexible installation, low maintenance needs, and environmentally responsible agent make it an ideal option for applications where clean agent systems may not be feasible or cost-effective.”

“We’re proud to partner with Firetrace to bring FirePro to the U.S. market,” said Avgoustinos Avgousti, Managing Director at FirePro. “This collaboration combines the deep market knowledge of Firetrace with FirePro’s proven aerosol technology, trusted in over 110 countries. Together, we’re expanding access to efficient, sustainable fire suppression for mission-critical environments across the United States.”

At the heart of the FirePro system is a solid compound (FPC) that transforms into a rapidly expanding, condensed aerosol when activated. This solution is highly effective for fire suppression - interrupting the chemical chain reactions of fire, without depleting oxygen or increasing pressure, making it safe for enclosed environments. Due to the innovative FPC solid compound from FirePro, there are no pressurized cylinders or complex piping, allowing for rapid and simple installation, even in constrained spaces – making it ideal for BESS and other power generation plants, manufacturing facilities, transportation hubs, as well as many other applications.

Key benefits include:

• Cost-effective protection for medium to large areas

• Minimal maintenance and a 15-year product lifespan

• Eco-friendly performance, with zero ozone depletion or global warming potential

• Rapid suppression without reliance on human intervention

Expanding the Firetrace Toolbelt

The addition of FirePro enhances Firetrace’s ability to engineer fire suppression systems tailored to each customer’s unique hazard profile. The new solution is particularly well-suited for settings where clean agent solutions are cost-prohibitive or impractical due to space constraints.

This launch also reflects Firetrace’s ongoing commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions that align with safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Firetrace | https://www.firetrace.com/   

An overwhelming 91% of combined homeowners polled in California, Texas and Floridaworry about the impacts of extreme weather, rising energy costs and power grid instability, and majorities are interested in power backup solutions and reducing grid reliance, according to a new Horowitz Research survey.

A majority also expressed dissatisfaction with current home solar energy solutions from entrenched players on the market. While one of the key industry players remains the most recognized name in the space, nearly 24% of those familiar with the brand say they would not consider it. According to the poll, they cited shifting public sentiment and a desire for a less polarizing and more trustworthy solution.

The survey, commissioned by EcoFlow, found 60% of respondents wish to become less dependent on grid power and 70% said having a power backup solution is important. It also found 70% currently own or are interested in owning a solar battery solution in the future.

Solar and home backup batteries can offset utility costs and provide a source of household backup power during blackouts caused by natural disasters or other grid issues. Energy concerns have become top of mind in the U.S. due to an increasing number of natural disasters, rising electricity costs and more frequent power outages. These issues can be particularly acute for residents of California, Texas and Florida, who are often disproportionately impacted.

"America's energy landscape is rapidly changing. In states hit hardest by climate volatility and aging infrastructure, homeowners are done waiting for outdated systems and overhyped solutions to catch up," said Jenny Zhang, President of North America Residential Energy Business at EcoFlow. "With the U.S. solar battery market primed for explosive growth — especially in key Sunbelt states — EcoFlow is stepping in as the challenger brand the industry needs, offering a better path forward. No gimmicks, no grid anxiety — just powerful, intelligent, 24/7 whole-home backup that makes true home energy freedom a reality."

Additional survey findings include:

• California leads the way, with 79% of homeowners expressing strong interest in battery storage.
• 60% of homeowners think their electric bill is too high, while 74% anticipate electricity costs will increase in the near future, and 75% are always looking for ways to lower it.
• 46% of homeowners anticipate increased power outages in the coming years.

These insights come as EcoFlow, a leading provider of eco-friendly energy solutions, prepares to enter the solar battery market this summer with its first-ever grid-tied energy storage solution designed for U.S. homes. EcoFlow OCEAN Pro is a fully integrated home energy offering unlimited backup power, AI-driven energy savings and engineering that outperforms traditional systems on performance and reliability. OCEAN Pro is compatible with existing home rooftop solar installations and as a grid-tied system, homeowners can feed electricity back to utility providers for additional savings.

The system builds upon EcoFlow's proven success in Europe, where its PowerOcean series has already seen over 17,000 installations and adoption by 1,150 installers. Over 5,300 units were installed in this year's first quarter — a 720% year-over-year increase versus Q1 2024.

"The data from this study clearly shows that American consumers are not taking the challenges of climate change, grid instability and rising energy prices lightly. They are ready for a more competitive market for solar battery systems with more choice from trustworthy players in the space," said Adriana Waterston, Insights and Strategy Lead EVP at Horowitz Research.

Methodology

The online survey was conducted in April among 1,000 homeowners aged 18 and older in California, Florida and Texas. Approximately 330 respondents were surveyed in each state. The sample was designed to reflect a broad mix of demographic and household characteristics representative of each region.

Horowitz Research | www.horowitzresearch.com.

EcoFlow | https://www.ecoflow.com/us

EcoFlow, a leading portable power and eco-friendly energy solutions company, announces the expansion of its disaster relief efforts through new collaborations with non-profits Project Footprint and Convoy of Hope. EcoFlow has so far donated more than $50,000 worth of its portable power stations and solar panels, including flagships DELTA Pro 3, DELTA Pro and DELTA 2 models to the organizations. The company remains committed to further collaborations with its partners as the U.S. enters hurricane season and the federal government predicting up to 19 named hurricanes and five major hurricanes.

The donations will provide clean, reliable energy to help first responders and affected communities stay connected with the power grids fail. They mark a significant expansion of EcoFlow’s “Power for Rescue” campaign, which delivers renewable energy to disaster-stricken areas to support frontline recovery efforts.

New Orleans-based Footprint Project works to deploy off-grid, mobile solar generators for community-based disaster relief and recovery efforts. They also educate communities on how solar power can be used to build disaster resilience.

“We’re proud to partner with EcoFlow to deliver sustainable response technology when and where it’s needed most,” said Jamie Swezey, Program Director at Footprint Project. “EcoFlow’s sustainable technology will help us to not only power critical relief operations during disasters but also train communities to build long-term resilience.” 

Convoy of Hope, based in Springfield, Mo., is a faith-based organization providing food supplies, and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise vulnerable populations throughout the world, including communities affected by disasters.

“We at Convoy of Hope are incredibly grateful to share our recent partnership and collaboration with EcoFlow,” said Convoy of Hope Vice President of Public Engagement Ethan Forhetz. “Their generous donation of generators will help equip our Disaster Services team to service communities and families.”

Powering Relief, Restoring Hope

When disaster strikes, power becomes a lifeline. Whether charging a phone to reach loved ones, keeping medical devices running, powering a satellite link or simply lighting a darkened shelter, access to dependable power brings relief and emotional reassurance. This is the driving force behind EcoFlow’s “Power for Rescue” initiative, which operates under the company’s broader corporate social responsibility program “Power for All.”

Since its launch, “Power for Rescue” has partnered with multiple frontline organizations around the world to ensure critical energy support reaches those who need it most, when they need it most.

EcoFlow partnered with the Special Forces Charitable Trust in the wake of Hurricane Helene in September and donated portable power stations to vulnerable North Carolina households during recovery. In preparation for future emergencies, the company collaborated with the nonprofit Red Lightning to preposition portable power stations and solar panels in Florida.

EcoFlow went on to respond to the devastating wildfires in Southern California earlier this year by supporting first responders with portable power solutions and essential supplies. The company provided power solutions and comfort items to evacuees from the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., enabling families to charge their devices and power critical equipment in shelters with limited access to electricity.

Meanwhile, EcoFlow’s collaboration with Footprint Project is already delivering community-level impact as its donated products supported a hands-on workshop training local responders in solar and microgrid tech to enhance community resilience ahead of the hurricane season.

To make these types of solutions more accessible, the company will be offering a selection of its emergency-ready power stations such as DELTA Pro Ultra, DELTA Pro 3 and more at discounted prices during the upcoming Prime Day.

“EcoFlow Power For Rescues” is a program under EcoFlow’s corporate social responsibility initiative, EcoFlow Power For All, dedicated to providing rescue power. Its motto is “Always Reliable. Anywhere. Anytime.” During emergencies such as the 2023 Hawaii wildfires in the USA, the 2023 Morocco earthquake, the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake in Japan, and the 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods in Brazil, this program provided reliable, flexible, and clean power support to rescue agencies, affected hospitals, and shelters.

Footprint Project | https://www.footprintproject.org/

Convoy of Hope | https://convoyofhope.org/

EcoFlow | https://www.ecoflow.com/us

GridSeer, a Duke University-affiliated startup developing AI-powered energy forecasting and optimization tools, has been selected as one of six innovative companies for the 15th cohort of the Joules Accelerator, a nationally recognized program for high-potential energy ventures. The selection places GridSeer among an elite group of startups working to modernize the electric grid and accelerate decarbonization. The company was chosen for its groundbreaking work in risk-adjusted forecasting and real-time system optimization, empowering industrial, municipal, and campus-scale energy users to make smarter, data-informed decisions that reduce costs, improve reliability, and strengthen operational control.

Proven Results: Millions in Potential Savings
In a recent deployment at a major university campus, GridSeer cut forecasting error by 50%, and enabled significant financial savings in the campus-wide energy management system. This outcome demonstrated the technology’s real-world impact in commercial/industrial operating conditions and established a transformative potential across a range of energy-intensive environments.

Scaling Innovation Through Strategic Partnerships
The Joules Accelerator program connects selected startups with utility partners, cities, corporate sponsors, and investors, including Duke Energy, Honeywell, Microsoft, Southern Company, and North Carolina municipalities. Over a 90-day period, GridSeer will engage in targeted mentorship, explore pilot opportunities, and refine its go-to-market strategy to accelerate commercial deployment.

“Being selected for the Joules Accelerator validates our mission and approach,” said Jesko von Windheim, CEO of GridSeer. “We look forward to working with utility and industry partners to deploy GridSeer’s forecasting and optimization tools where they can deliver measurable impact, enhancing reliability, reducing costs, and strengthening energy resilience at scale.”

“GridSeer exemplifies how academic innovation can translate into real-world energy solutions,” said Dr. Lori Bennear, Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University. “We’re proud to see research from the Nicholas School of the Environment making a tangible impact on sustainability and grid modernization. Energy research is one of the pillars of our program at the Nicholas School and partnerships like the Joules Accelerator are essential for transitioning our innovations from the lab to market.”

GridSeer | www.gridseer.com

Joules Accelerator | www.joulesaccelerator.com

Nicholas School of the Environment | nicholas.duke.edu