Calstart, a non-profit focused on clean energy and transportation, 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).

According to a statement from Calstart, the CEC’s program advances California’s leadership in "clean transportation" technologies, creating high-quality jobs while prioritizing clean air and climate protection. Calstart, with support from New Energy Nexus, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and YUNEV, manages the PowerForward Program, funded by the CEC.

The recommended awardees are:

• LiCAP Technologies, Inc.

• Anthro Energy

• Joby Aviation

• Sepion Technologies, Inc.

• South 8 Technologies

• BYD Energy (d.b.a RIDE Energy).

Project plans are underway for some of these recipients. RIDE will use the funds to expand its 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 its headquarters for the “California Production of Advanced Batteries for Zero-Emission Vehicles” (CPAB-ZEV) project.

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.