adom20241231_10k.htm
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 or
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 001-38078
ENVIROTECH VEHICLES, INC.
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
7510 Ardmore Street
Houston, TX77054
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
Registrant’s telephone number including area code: (870) 970-3355
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.00001 par value EVTV Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒ Smaller reporting company ☒
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the closing price reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC. on June 30, 2024, was approximately $27.6 million.
As of April 10, 2025, 23,106,392 shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.00001 par value per share, were issued and outstanding.
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ENVIROTECH VEHICLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Item 1. Business 2
Item 1A. Risk Factors 16
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 34
Item 1C. Cybersecurity 34
Item 2. Properties 34
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 34
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 34
PART II
Item 6. [Reserved] 35
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 41
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 42
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 62
Item 9B. Other Information 62
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection2 62
PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 63
Item 11. Executive Compensation 66
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 72
PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 73
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future financial performance or condition and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievement to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “contemplate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “potential,” “possible,” “proposed,” “should,”“develop,” “opportunity,” “target,” “outlook,” “optimistic,” “poised,” “positioned,” “maintain,” “continue,” “aim,” “goal,” “will” and “would” or the negatives of these terms or other comparable terminology intended to identify statements about the future.
You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements set forth in this Annual Report, including in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere, identify important factors, which you should consider in evaluating our forward-looking statements. These factors could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement and include, among other things:
• our dependence upon external sources for the financing of our operations;
• our ability to effectively execute our business plan;
• our ability to obtain, retain and grow our customers;
• our dependency on, and retention of, key personnel;
• our ability to achieve and sustain profitability;
• our ability to evaluate and measure our current business and future prospects;
• our ability to respond and adapt to changes in electric vehicle technology;
You should read this Annual Report and the documents that we reference elsewhere in this Annual Report completely and with the understanding that our actual results may differ materially from what we expect as expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed in the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” in this Annual Report. Moreover, we operate in an evolving environment. New risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. In light of the significant risks and uncertainties to which our forward-looking statements are subject, you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or regard these statements as a representation or warranty by us or any other person that we will achieve our objectives and plans in any specified timeframe, or at all. These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report regardless of the time of delivery of this Annual Report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Annual Report.
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Unless expressly indicated or the context requires otherwise, references in this Annual Report to “Envirotech,” the "Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Envirotech Vehicles, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and our consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Part I
Item 1. BUSINESS
Overview
We are a provider of purpose-built zero-emission electric vehicles focused on reducing the total cost of vehicle ownership and helping fleet operators unlock the benefits of green technology. We serve commercial and last-mile fleets, school districts, public and private transportation service companies and colleges and universities to meet the increasing demand for light to heavy-duty electric vehicles. Our vehicles address the challenges of traditional fuel price cost instability and local, state and federal environmental regulatory compliance. We currently offer Class 2 through 4 logistics vans, Class 4 through 5 urban trucks, school buses, electric forklifts, street sweepers, neighborhood electric vehicles and right-hand drive vans and urban trucks.
Our vehicles are manufactured by original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") located in China, Malaysia and the Philippines and can be marketed, sold, warrantied and serviced through our developing distribution and service network.
Our vehicles include options for telemetrics for remote monitoring, electric power-export and various levels of grid-connectivity. Our zero-emission products may also grow to include automated charging infrastructure and “intelligent” stationary energy storage that enables fast vehicle charging, emergency back-up facility power, and access to the developing, grid-connected opportunities for the aggregate power available from groups of large battery packs.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, our net losses were $8.8 million and $12.7 million, respectively. Included in the net losses for 2024 and 2023 were non-cash charges of approximately $2.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively.
On October 30, 2024, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Maddox Industries, LLC, a Puerto Rico limited liability company (“Maddox Industries”), and Jason Maddox, the sole member of Maddox Industries (the “Seller”), pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions of the Purchase Agreement, we purchased from the Seller all of the issued and outstanding membership interests (the “Purchased Interests”) in Maddox Industries (the “Maddox Acquisition”). In connection with the Maddox Acquisition, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) also appointed Jason Maddox as our President in October 2024.
As consideration for the Purchased Interests, at the closing of the Maddox Acquisition on December 18, 2024 (the “Closing”), the Company issued 3,100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.00001 per share (the “common stock”), to the Seller (the “Stock Consideration”). In addition, during the six-month period following the Closing (the “Earnout Period”), the Seller was eligible to receive up to six monthly cash payments in an aggregate amount of up to $1 million (each such monthly payment, an “Earnout Payment”), with the Earnout Payment for each calendar month being equal to the aggregate amount of gross revenue received by Maddox Industries in respect of any closing receivable, as specified in the Purchase Agreement, during such calendar month, subject to an aggregate limit of $1 million with respect to all Earnout Payments payable under the Purchase Agreement.
See Note 3 – Acquisitions to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding the Maddox Acquisition.
Market Overview
Concerns regarding climate change and other environmental considerations have led to the implementation of laws and regulations that restrict, cap, or tax, emissions in the automotive industry and throughout other industries. In particular, the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), Tier 4 emission standards, California Air Resources Board ("CARB") regulations, and European Union Stage I, II, III, IV, V and VI regulations require significant reductions in the level of emissions and particulate matter produced by diesel power systems and are increasing the costs associated with producing carbon-intensive fuels. On June 25, 2020, CARB passed a first-in-the-world rule, generally referred to as the Advanced Clean Truck regulation (the “Advanced Clean Truck Regulation”), requiring truck manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks, starting with the 2024 model year. Numerous other states have adopted California’s standards established under this rule. More recently, on April 28, 2023, CARB issued the Advanced Clean Fleets rule (the “Advanced Clean Fleets Rule”) that would require owners of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets to begin their transition toward zero-emission vehicles starting in 2024. However, in January 2025, CARB withdrew its request to the EPA for waiver of the Clean Air Act’s federal preemption provisions for the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule, and now the status of this rule remains uncertain.
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On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14154 “Unleashing American Energy” (“Executive Order 14154”), which may have direct implications on the policies and regulations that impact the automotive and transportation industries. This executive order seeks to rescind waivers granted by the EPA for California's zero emission vehicle regulations with a focus on eliminating any “electric vehicle mandates” and terminating “state emission waivers that function to limit sales of gasoline-powered vehicles” (which would include the Advanced Clean Truck Regulation) and modify and/or eliminate the greenhouse gas standards for trucks discussed above. As a result, the status of the U.S. and state emission regulations discussed above remain uncertain. Moreover, federal support for electric vehicle adoption generally may be in jeopardy under the Trump administration, as President Biden’s executive orders directing the federal government to transition to an all-electric fleet of cars and trucks have been rescinded. Additionally, the Trump administration has halted all federal funding for electric vehicle infrastructure and has ordered the termination of federal subsidy programs for EVs.
These developments threaten the incentive structure needed for EVs. Even so, other regulations are expected to increase both the cost and size of emission-compliant diesel power products, primarily due to the need to incorporate additional combustion and after-treatment components. A variety of market factors are contributing to the increased use of alternative fuels and growth of alternative fuel technology, including economics, energy independence, environmental concerns, and the widespread availability of alternative fuels. As the price of crude oil remains volatile and the threats of climate change and air pollution increase as public concerns, we believe the search for more cost-effective and cleaner fuels has become more important. Electricity has emerged as a cleaner-fuel solution to these challenges. The price of alternative fuels such as electricity is often substantially less than diesel or gasoline, and alternative fuels can result in the production of lower amounts of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants. In addition, several public utilities in California and elsewhere have applied to their states’ public utility commissions for rate increases to be used for the purchase or leasing of electric vehicles and infrastructure. Additional requests have been made by the utilities to offer favorable costs for electric bus charging.
According to the Global EV Outlook 2024 report by the International Energy Agency (“IEA”), nearly 14 million new electric vehicles were registered globally in 2023. This amount was 3.5 million higher than in 2022, a 35% year-on-year increase. According to the IEA, electric vehicles sales accounted for 18% of all cars sold globally in 2023, up from 14% in 2022. In 2024, electric car sales in the United States are projected to rise by 20% compared to the previous year, translating to almost half a million more sales, relative to 2023. According to the 2024 Global Hybrid & Electric Cars industry profile report by MarketLine, the global market for hybrid and electric cars is set to follow a double-digit growth trend over the forecast period between 2023 and 2028. The Asia-Pacific and European regions have been the leaders in electric vehicles adoption, accounting for 53% and 29% of the global market for hybrid and electric cars in 2023, respectively, with North America representing 15% of the market. Government policy, however, remains ever-changing and likely continues to play a foundational role in the rate of adoption around the world.
In China, the government has mandated that electric vehicles make up 40% of all auto sales by 2030. Meanwhile, we believe that tightening emissions standards and high fuel taxes in Europe will result in substantial increases in the market share of electric vehicles. According to the Global EV Outlook 2024 report by the IEA, in 2023, just under 60% of new electric vehicle registrations were in China, compared to just under 25% in Europe and 10% in the United States. In the U.S., new electric vehicle registrations totaled 1.4 million in 2023, increasing by more than 40% compared to 2022. The overall market for electric vehicles consists of multiple, discrete markets for various vehicle types, including passenger cars, buses, two-wheelers and others. Passenger cars are the most prominent, but two-wheelers are far more prevalent, particularly in Asia, and buses and trucks, although smaller in number, are significantly higher in price and often purchased in bulk by major corporate customers or government or transit agencies.
Charging infrastructure is another important factor in electric vehicles adoption rates. According to Pew Research Center report, there were approximately 61,000 publicly accessible electric vehicles charging stations in the United States as of February 2024, with the number of charging stations more than doubling since 2020. S&P Global estimates that by 2030, the United States will need 2.13 million Level 2 and 172,000 Level 3 chargers. In an effort to help address this need, in September 2022, the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, established and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (the “IIJA”), which was signed into law on November 15, 2021, provided $5 billion in funding to all 50 U.S. states, D.C. and Puerto Rico to strategically deploy electric vehicles charging infrastructure and to establish an interconnected network to facilitate data collection, access, and reliability. Additionally, the IIJA included $7.5 billion to build a national network of 500,000 chargers by 2030. However, in early 2025, the Trump administration issued a pause on all IIJA funding directed towards, among other programs, electric vehicles infrastructure development and subsidy programs. That funding remains paused subject to the review of the Office of Management and Budget (the “OMB”). The OMB has released some paused IIJA funding, but funding for the programs focused on supporting the electric vehicles industry remains frozen. The future of key federal funding and electric vehicles tax credits from the IIJA and Inflation Reduction Act (the “IRA”) is uncertain as Congress moves forward with its tax reform bill expected to pass early summer 2025. The House and Senate have both passed their respective budget resolutions on strict party-line votes, and the Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress have signaled that clean energy tax credits are possible targets for elimination to pay for extending the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) tax cuts and other key aspects of the Trump administration’s agenda. The extent to which the IIJA funding and IRA tax credits, specifically those supporting electric vehicles, will be amended or eliminated remains unclear. However, it is likely that some if not all of these funding avenues will be affected.
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Commercial Vehicles
In 2023, according to the IEA’s Global EV Outlook 2024 report by the IEA, nearly 50,000 electric buses and around 54,000 medium- and heavy-duty trucks were sold worldwide, representing about 3% of all bus sales and over 2.5% of truck sales worldwide. China continues to dominate production and sales of electric (and fuel cell) trucks and buses, contributing to about 60% of global electric bus sales in 2023. However, the global market is growing and is expected to continue to grow in the foreseeable future.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Trucks:
According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (“ICCT”) report, “Zero-Emission Bus and Truck Market in the U.S. (Jan–June 2024)”, U.S. sales of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles saw notable growth, with 1,381, or 0.56%, of the approximately 120,000 new heavy-duty vehicles being registered in the U.S. during the first half of 2024 being zero-emission vehicles. This represents a significant increase from the 0.30% share observed in 2023. According to the ICCT, zero-emission buses in the U.S. reached a milestone in the first quarter of 2024, representing nearly 11% of all bus registrations—the first instance of double-digit market penetration in any heavy-duty vehicle segment. Despite technological advancements, electric trucks still represent a small fraction of total truck sales. Challenges such as supply chain issues and inadequate charging infrastructure have impeded more rapid adoption.
Environmental Benefits
Because heavy-duty commercial vehicles consume considerably more fuel than light duty passenger vehicles, the environmental benefits of replacing conventionally fueled commercial vehicles with electric vehicles can also be substantial. Whereas an electric passenger car may reduce greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions by 3 tons per year as compared to a conventional car, replacing a conventional Class 8 port drayage truck with an electric equivalent can substantially reduce GHG emissions. Specifically, electric buses and trucks produce zero tailpipe emissions, leading to reductions in nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). This shift can improve air quality, particularly in urban areas, benefiting public health. Replacing a conventional diesel bus with an all-electric bus can achieve a 78 metric ton (approximately 171,961 pounds) reduction in GHG emissions. Electric buses can also reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 47 kg (approximately 104 pounds) per year compared to a diesel bus and 19 kg (approximately 42 pounds) compared to a clean natural gas (“CNG”) bus. As discussed below, we believe these pollution reductions have had the greatest impact in the electric bus market, where municipalities are the principal purchasers.
A first-of-kind, comprehensive study was released in December 2019 assessing the environmental benefits and economics of various alternative fuel truck technologies. The study, conducted by the ICF International research firm (“ICF”), demonstrates that electric trucks and buses are a triple-win in terms of helping meet California’s climate and air quality targets; the least cost to own and operate across nearly all truck and bus classes by 2030, and provide the greatest job and economic benefits to the state. The study was commissioned by the Natural Resource Defense Council (“NRDC”) and the California Electric Transportation Coalition (an industry group representing utilities and vehicle manufacturers) and was sponsored by the Union of Concerned Scientists, Earthjustice, BYD, Ceres, and NextGen Climate America. Advisory support was provided by East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice and University of California, Davis. The study concluded that the costs of battery packs, and therefore the cost of electric trucks and buses, will decline such that by 2030, they will be the most attractive technology from a total cost of ownership perspective for nearly all truck and bus classes, even without incentives.
According to recent research of Energy Innovation Policy & Technology, the decline in costs of electric heavy duty vehicles as compared to their diesel counterparts has accelerated, meaning that costs will fall faster than previously expected in 2030. By 2030, even when excluding available consumer incentives, electric heavy duty vehicles in most categories will be less expensive than their diesel counterparts. Governments worldwide are implementing policies to accelerate the adoption of electric commercial vehicles. For example, Transport for London embarked on a mission to electrify London’s iconic red business and, today, London boasts one of Europe’s largest electric bus fleets, with more than 1,600 zero-emission buses out of a total of 9,000. Similarly, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority has committed to transitioning its entire bus fleet to zero emissions by 2030, with significant progress already made in electrifying certain bus lines. However, the future of federal policy towards electric vehicles in the U.S. remains uncertain.
In summary, the transition to electric heavy-duty vehicles presents significant environmental advantages, including substantial reductions in GHG emissions and air pollutants. Ongoing technological advancements, supportive policies, and successful case studies underscore the potential for widespread adoption of electric buses and trucks in the coming years.
Trucks
Some of the main markets for electric trucks include delivery vans, shuttle buses, and utility or work trucks, each of which has its own set of challenges. Where hybrid electric vehicles have greater operational flexibility, and require less charging infrastructure, battery electric vehicles can be either short range, which can charge quickly and operate with limited interruption, or long range, which requires longer charging times but more intraday operational flexibility. Because of charging needs and restrictions, we believe short-haul fleet vehicles that operate in a limited geographic area and return to central locations, such as delivery vans and shuttle buses, are the best candidates for electrification.
Transit Buses
Some public transportation operators are facing pressure to purchase and operate low-emissions vehicles. For public entities, cleaner transportation systems can provide benefits beyond reduced operating costs, in the form of less pollution and lower abatement and cleanup costs. Electric transit buses are likely to have lower fuel and maintenance costs which is typically a significant cost component for transit operators as compared to conventional diesel buses. Electric buses generally have smoother, faster acceleration and provide a quieter ride, thus benefiting both passengers and the surrounding urban environment.
Similar to other commercial fleet electric vehicles, transit buses have a higher initial acquisition cost than their traditional-fueled counterparts, and the logistics of charging remains a challenge. Electric buses can be two to nearly five times as expensive as conventional buses.
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In addition to public health and environmental benefits, school districts and transit agencies are able to experience cost savings due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs of electric buses. While electric transit buses cost approximately $200,000 more than diesel buses (depending on battery pack size) before incentives, lifetime fuel and maintenance savings of electric transit buses approximate $400,000.
Electrification in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector is increasing in the U.S. with California leading the way. Increasing investment in the sector from public and private sources, however, is expected to generate growth and significantly increase the number of electric trucks and buses on the road in the near term. Upfront costs associated with electric trucks and buses are expected to decline significantly through 2030 as battery prices fall, making them competitive on a total cost of ownership basis.
U.S.—Federal Laws and Incentives
During the first few months of 2025, the Trump administration introduced significant change in the prior administration’s positions and policies supporting electric vehicles. As part of the Executive Order 14154, the Trump administration eliminated the “electric vehicle mandate,” specifically directing the termination of state emissions waiver programs and other subsidies exclusively designed to support the electric vehicle market. Executive Order 14154 also paused all funding disbursed under the IRA and the IIJA directed at “Green New Deal” infrastructure and specifically mentioned electric vehicle charging stations as an industry subject to the pause. In March 2025, the EPA announced that EPA would be reconsidering vehicle emissions regulations but have not yet announced any proposed changes.
Along with holding many U.S. certifications, we are identified as an eligible manufacturer by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") of light- to heavy-duty electric vehicles in the United States. This is significant because, as of January 1, 2023, federal tax credits are available for electric cars and trucks from eligible manufacturers. Individuals that purchase electric vehicles weighing less than 14,000 lbs. will receive a credit of $7,500. Commercial operators will receive a tax credit of up to $40,000 for each purchased vehicle over 14,000 lbs. Furthermore, with the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, depending on the size of the chargers, businesses are eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the cost of the chargers and infrastructure, up to $100,000 per unit. Additionally, the Senate passed the IRA, the budget reconciliation bill that includes $3 billion over five years to establish a new grant program to install electrified equipment and reduce emission at ports. Each of these credits may be subject to amendment, reduction, or elimination in Congress’s upcoming reconciliation bill.
We source components and parts to build our all-electric vehicles from suppliers globally, and the importation of these parts, components and vehicles to North America are subject to tariffs which have recently increased and may increase further in the future. In particular, electric vehicles and electric vehicle batteries that are imported from China to the United States became subject to a 100% and 25% tariff, respectively, in 2024. In March 2024, the Trump administration imposed a 20% additional tariff on all goods imported from China. While the tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China may increase competitiveness within the U.S. market, these tariffs are also expected to increase the costs of manufacturing electric vehicles in the U.S. The Trump administration’s inconsistent tariff policies have also contributed to declines in major stock indices. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite experienced significant downturns since the start of 2025, with concerns over tariffs potentially accelerating inflation and creating uncertainty for business leaders.
In addition, on January 29, 2025, Secretary of Transportation directed the Department of Transportation to rescind existing corporate average fuel economy standards and eliminate electric vehicle incentives. In March 2025, the EPA announced a formal reconsideration of the 2009 Endangerment Finding that classified greenhouse gases as harmful to human health. This finding is the legal underpinning of a host of climate regulations for motor vehicles, power plants and other pollution sources.
In summary, recent policy shifts have significantly altered the trajectory of electric vehicle adoption and environmental regulations in the U.S. The rollback of incentives, imposition of tariffs, and deregulatory measures have created a complex landscape for manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers involved in the electric vehicles sector.
U.S.—State Laws and Incentives
Numerous U.S. states continue to play a central role in the promotion and adoption of electric vehicles, including zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (Class 4–8). Among these, California remains a leader in electric vehicles policy, having pioneered regulations and incentive programs that have since been adopted or adapted by other jurisdictions.
California offers a suite of incentives for both individual and fleet electric vehicle owners, including tax credits and rebates, access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes, and various grant and loan programs. California maintains the nation’s most stringent tailpipe emissions standards and continues to implement the Zero-Emission Vehicle ("ZEV") program, which mandates automakers to produce an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles. These regulations have fostered the creation of a market for trading compliance credits among manufacturers, further incentivizing electric vehicles production and sales.
California, New York, and New Jersey have also implemented voucher-based programs that significantly lower the cost of electric vehicles for both individuals and businesses. These programs offer additional incentives for qualifying entities, including minority-, women, and veteran-owned businesses and those operating in designated low-income or disadvantaged communities. Furthermore, California and New York have enacted legislation to ban the sale of new internal combustion engine (“ICE”) vehicles by 2035, establishing long-term regulatory clarity and market demand for zero-emission alternatives.
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Key state-level commercial vehicle incentives include:
These state initiatives complement federal programs, including the Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, which as of 2024 provides a tax credit of up to $40,000 per qualifying commercial vehicle over 14,000 lbs. (Class 4–8), and the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Tax Credit, which offers up to 30% of the cost of commercial charging stations, capped at $100,000 per unit.
These policies collectively provide a supportive regulatory and financial framework for fleet operators and manufacturers investing in electric commercial vehicle platforms. They also create an opportunity for companies positioned to supply zero-emission trucks and infrastructure to high-demand urban corridors, port areas, and disadvantaged communities aligned with state climate and environmental justice goals.
Our Solution
We are a provider of purpose-built zero-emission electric vehicles focused on reducing the total cost of ownership. Our vehicles are manufactured by OEMs located in China and Malaysia and marketed, sold, warrantied and serviced through our developing distribution and service network. Our vehicles are designed to help fleet operators unlock the benefits of technology that reduces GHG, NOx, PM and other pollutants, as well as to address the challenges of local, state and federal regulatory compliance and traditional-fuel price cost instability.
We seek to enable our customers to:
• Add Emission-Compliant Vehicles to Their Fleets. Our commercial fleet vehicles are designed to reduce or eliminate the use of traditional petroleum-based fuels that create GHG and particulate matter.
• Reduce Total Cost of Ownership. Our technology is designed to reduce fuel budgets and maintenance costs by eliminating or reducing reliance on traditional petroleum-based fuels through the use of more energy efficient and less variably priced grid-provided electricity.
• Reduce Maintenance Costs of Existing Vehicles. Zero-emission electric vehicles generally have lower maintenance costs. These reduced maintenance costs may take the form of longer service intervals between brake system maintenance, elimination of internal combustion engine oil and oil filter changes, reduction or elimination of transmission oil and oil filter changes, reduction or elimination of air filter changes, elimination of emissions systems services, elimination of diesel emission fluid use, elimination of emissions and the elimination of certification tests.
• Plan for Natural Disasters When Fuel Supply May be Interrupted. Our zero-emissions systems are designed, when optionally equipped, to serve as on-site emergency back-up energy storage if grid power becomes intermittent or fails temporarily during natural or man-made disasters.
• Improve the Environment Around Vehicles. As a result of our zero-emission systems, drivers, operators, customers and the communities they serve could have healthier environments in and around these vehicles.
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Our Strategy
We intend to capitalize on these opportunities by pursuing the following key strategies:
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Our Customers
Our current primary focus is Class 3 to 5 trucks, Class 3 and 4 cargo vans and school buses. Our target customers primarily include public and private fleet operators that have an interest in meeting or exceeding local, state and federal emission regulatory guidelines while saving money on fuel and maintenance costs over the lifecycle of their fleet vehicles and that also have an interest in tangible demonstrations of their GHG-reducing efforts. These targets include:
• Student transportation contractors that serve public and private schools.
• Oil and gas companies with fleets of field trucks.
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Our Products and Services
Our products and services primarily include purpose-built, zero-emission vehicles and chassis of all sizes manufactured by OEMs, and are marketed, sold, warrantied and serviced through our developing distribution and service network.
We engage OEMs to design and supply vehicles for us that meet our specifications. In addition, our products and services may in the future include some or all of the following:
• Automated charging infrastructure for commercial fleet vehicles.
• “Intelligent” stationary energy storage that enables fast vehicle charging.
Testing
Our suppliers are vetted before their products are accepted for use in our products. Our drivetrain systems and finished products are inspected, road-tested (when applicable) and receive quality control testing prior to delivery.
Customer Service, Support and Training
Our sales team has historically been used as the first point of customer contact for customer support and training. We are hiring sales personnel and other internal staff currently to support our current and planned operations.
Technology
Zero-emission electric drivetrain systems for purpose-built new vehicles generally include the following: electric traction motor/generator of sufficient kW power for grade, speed, acceleration and efficiency requirements, a motor controller/inverter system that modulates electrical power flow between the battery packs and traction motor, a gear reduction system or multispeed transmission, systems to electrify power steering/brakes, a VCU, high-voltage traction battery packs with integrated BMS, battery disconnect units, thermal management systems, vehicle charging hardware, electric HVAC systems, DC to DC inverter(s) to reduce traction battery pack voltage sufficient to operate on-board, low voltage systems, wiring harnesses, user/driver interface and remote diagnostic/tracking/fault code/data logging systems. Although clear industry power-export standards have not yet been adopted, systems and options for a variety of vehicle-to-other power management options (such as grid, building, stationary energy storage, etc.) are being developed by multiple vendors and their inclusion may be offered as additional cost options in the future.
Sales and Marketing
Sales
We intend to build out our marketing and sales network by hiring sales personnel to form a team of dedicated sales employees with responsibility for each of the geographic regions we serve.
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Marketing
We plan to focus our marketing efforts on increasing brand awareness, generating demand for our products, communicating product advantages and generating qualified leads for our sales force. We intend to rely on a variety of marketing vehicles, including our website and social media, participation in industry conferences and trade shows, public relations and our collaborative relationships with our business and teaming partners to share our technical message and the benefits of our product offering, with customers.
Manufacturing
We currently contract with third-party suppliers to manufacture our products. In 2022, we increased our integration efforts and began completing the final assembly of sub-assembly components at our Osceola, Arkansas, facility. We also intend to install the manufacturing equipment in Osceola required to begin producing our vehicles ourselves in the United States, which will be a key step towards our longer-term strategy of becoming a fully integrated electric vehicle manufacturer.
Envirotech Electric Vehicles Incorporated ("EEVI")
EEVI is a Canadian company engaged in the design, prototyping and certification of electric components and vehicles, including complete drivetrain systems. Previously, we engaged EEVI to design and supply a series of zero-emission electric Class 3 and 6 trucks, cargo vans and chassis built to our specifications and requirements. The vehicles are initially comprised of a cab, chassis and electric drivetrain system. Any customer can then customize the trucks by adding a box or stake bed to the vehicle in accordance with their needs. We received the first truck and cargo van pursuant to our arrangement with EEVI. As the dealer for EEVI, we submitted additional information to the HVIP Department of CARB and received our HVIP listing in November 2019, which renders the trucks and vans eligible for buy-down funding based on the gross vehicle weight rating ("GVWR").
We also own certain rights under an Exclusive Supply Agreement entered into with EEVI (the “Exclusive Distribution Agreement”). Pursuant to the Exclusive Distribution Agreement, EEVI appointed us as the exclusive distributor of all of EEVI’s products in the United States on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms thereof, the Exclusive Distribution Agreement will remain in effect for a term expiring on December 17, 2070. The Exclusive Distribution Agreement provides us certainty of product supply and consistency of design between different classes or type of vehicles; allows us to license the products to third party resellers, distributors and others which should enhance our ability to sell vehicles and permits us to use trademarks associated with the vehicles, all of which we believe is very advantageous to executing our business plan.
Raw Materials and Supply Chain
Prices for the systems, components and raw materials we use in our vehicles and drivetrain systems, many of which are OEM items used by many companies in different applications, can fluctuate depending on market conditions and global demand. Our purchase of raw materials is currently limited due to sales volume, but we attempt to limit our exposure to raw material price increases and availability fluctuations by having relationships with a dynamic group of vendors that sell us value-added hardware, components and systems. We have further mitigated these supply chain risks by establishing purchasing relationships with multiple vendors that are diversified by type of product offered, brand of products offered, country of origin of products (which is relevant for “Buy American” provisions that we encounter with our customers), individual specification requirements, purchase quantity requirements, quality, availability and price. Our drivetrain systems allow for component substitution, which further mitigates our exposure to any one supplier or component. We believe that we have adequate supplies and access to the sources of the systems, components and materials to meet our current and anticipated future production and supply requirements.
Backlog
As of December 31, 2024, we had a backlog of two zero-emission Class 4 trucks and 42 zero-emission Class 4 cargo vans, which consists of unfilled firm orders for products undersigned contracts with customers.
Employees
As of December 31, 2024, we had 22 employees in total, which are all full-time employees. None of our employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements and we believe our employee relations are good.
Competition
The electric vehicle market has experienced significant turbulence, with numerous companies facing financial challenges, restructuring, or ceasing operations altogether.
The electric vehicle market remains highly competitive, with both established manufacturers and new entrants striving to capture market share. Traditional automotive companies, such as Ford and General Motors, continue to invest heavily in electric vehicle development despite facing operational challenges. Newer companies like Rivian are working to overcome production hurdles to establish a foothold in the market. The recent bankruptcies and operational difficulties among several electric vehicle startups highlight the volatility and capital-intensive nature of the industry.
As the market evolves, companies with robust financial backing, scalable production capabilities, and strong strategic partnerships are better positioned to navigate the challenges inherent in the electric vehicle sector.
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Intellectual Property
The protection of our technology and intellectual property is an important component of our success. We rely on intellectual property laws, including trade secret, copyright, trademark and patent laws in the United States and abroad, and use contracts, confidentiality procedures, non-disclosure agreements, employee disclosure and invention assignment agreements and other contractual rights to protect our intellectual property.
We maintain a trademark portfolio including common law trademarks and service marks and have three service marks registered and two trademark registrations in the United States.
Circumstances outside of our control could pose a threat to our intellectual property rights. Effective intellectual property protection may not be available in the United States or other countries in which we provide our solution. In addition, the efforts we have taken to protect our intellectual property rights may not be sufficient or effective. Any impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business, our ability to compete and harm our operating results. In addition, as the number of competitors grows and solutions of competitors overlap, we may in the future face claims by third parties that we infringe upon or misappropriate their intellectual property rights, and we may be found to be infringing upon or to have misappropriated such rights. In the future, we, or our customers, may be the subject of legal proceedings alleging that our solutions or underlying technology infringe or violate the intellectual property rights of others.
Governmental Programs and Incentives
We believe that the availability of government subsidies and incentives currently is an important factor considered by our customers when purchasing vehicles that utilize our technology, and that our growth depends in part on the availability and amounts of these subsidies and incentives. This is especially true over the next five to ten years. While the federal government previously allocated $5 billion for the Clean School Bus Program, another $5 billion for the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, $3 billion over 5 years to establish a new grant program to install electrified equipment and reduce emission at ports and federal tax incentives, the status of this funding and several other related programs remains uncertain due to the current Trump administration’s change in policies and pause on any funding for any “Green New Deal” infrastructure under the IRA. While we do not yet know the nature of these policy changes, such changes may have a material and adverse effect on the implementation and continued existence of key electric vehicles support programs.
Overview of Incentive Programs Most Applicable to Our Products
We intend to have our products approved for various local, state and federal incentive programs, including those set forth below. In particular, California’s zero-emission vehicle mandate, which requires a percentage of an automobile manufacturer’s sales to be zero-emission vehicles, has resulted in numerous incentive programs designed to accelerate the purchase and/or repower of cleaner, more efficient vehicles in California.
Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (“HVIP”)
HVIP is a CARB program administered by CALSTART, the purpose of which is to help speed the early market introduction of clean, low-carbon hybrid and electric trucks and buses. Under HVIP, dealers and fleet operators may request vouchers from HVIP on a first-come first-served basis, up to the funding amount available for that year, to reduce the cost of purchasing hybrid and zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. It is a statewide program. On November 17, 2022, CARB approved the Fiscal Year 2022-23 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives, which included an allocation of over $1.7 billion to be administered by HVIP. On November 16, 2023, CARB approved the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives, which included an allocation of $80 million to be administered through HVIP. On November 21, 2024, CARB approved the Fiscal Year 2024-25 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives, which did not include any additional allocation funding to HVIP for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 due to limited funds and needs of other project categories. Funds from previous years are expected to support HVIP until the next budget appropriation.
HVIP vouchers range in amounts depending on the gross vehicle weight of the purchased vehicle and the number of vehicles purchased. Zero-emission Class 3 trucks are currently eligible for up to $45,000 per vehicle. Class 4 and Class 5 vehicles are funded at the $60,000 per vehicle level and Class 6 and Class 7 vehicles are eligible for $85,000 per vehicle. Depending on project location (i.e. if in a disadvantaged area community census tract) those amounts can be increased to $51,750, $69,000 and $107,525 per vehicle, respectively. However, HVIP may also be revising per vehicle amounts available for future grant periods.
HVIP funds the purchase of only fully commercialized hybrid and zero-emission trucks and buses. Vehicles still in the demonstration or evaluation stage are not eligible for inclusion in HVIP. Vehicle manufacturers must apply to have their hybrid and zero-emissions trucks and buses included in HVIP’s voucher program. Once a make and model is included in the program, the manufacturer is not required to submit a full application for the succeeding year’s program unless the vehicle has been modified. We intend to comply with the HVIP guidelines and continue to qualify our vehicles for the HVIP vouchers.
New York Truck Voucher Incentive Program ("NYTVIP")
NYTVIP is a first-come, first-served incentive program funded by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority. The structure and process for fleets to secure incentives is similar to that of HVIP discussed above. Eligible vehicles include all-electric, hybrid-electric, and CNG trucks and buses. Funding for eligible vehicles domiciled in New York State can reach $385,000 per vehicle. Class 4 and 5 all electric trucks are eligible for up to $100,000 per vehicle and $125,000 per vehicle in funds respectively (i.e., up to 95% of the incremental cost over diesel). We were named an approved dealership in the summer of 2020, and our vehicles are included on the NYTVIP eligible vehicle list for the program. As of March 2024, the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority website reported $46.1 million in total funding availability under NYTVIP.
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New York School Bus Incentive Program (“NYSBIP”)
As of January 31, 2024, NYTVIP no longer funds school buses. Funding for zero emission school buses and charging equipment is now awarded separately through NYSBIP.
In the 2022 budget, the New York State Legislature and Governor established a deadline for the transition to zero-emission school buses. Specifically, all school buses purchased in New York State must be zero-emission buses by 2027 and all school buses operating within the state must be zero-emission by 2035. Further, in 2022, voters across New Yorkers voted to approve the Clean Air, Clean Water and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (“Bond Act”), which includes $500 million to support the transition to zero-emission buses. New York State Energy Research & Development Authority established NYSBIP to distribute the Bond Act funding to school districts to achieve the state’s zero-emission goals and assist school districts in complying with the zero-emission school bus mandate.
New York City Clean Trucks Voucher Program ("NYCCTVP")
In support of the transition to all-electric vehicles, in early February 2020, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio signed an executive order requiring electrification of the city’s entire municipal vehicle fleet by 2040.
In October 2020, we were named an approved dealership and our vehicles have been listed on the eligible vehicles list for the New York City Clean Trucks Program. This program provides funding for new electric truck purchases by New York City customers to replace and scrap older polluting ICE vehicles. The rebate incentive funding program provides New York City fleet owners $100,000 per vehicle for an all-electric Class 4 truck sold to them by Envirotech, and $125,000 per vehicle for a Class 5 all-electric truck. The amounts increase for Class 6-Class 8 trucks.
New Jersey Zero Emissions Incentive Program ("NJZIP")
The New Jersey Zero Emissions Incentive Program is a $90 million pilot voucher program that supports businesses and institutions purchasing new, zero-emission vehicles operating in New Jersey by offering up to $175,000 towards the purchase of battery-electric vehicles. In June 2021, we were named an approved vendor in the program. The program will fund vouchers ranging in value from $20,000 to $175,000 for businesses and institutional organizations looking to transition their fleets to zero emissions. Bonuses are available for small businesses and minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. NJZIP is funded by proceeds allocated to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (“RGGI”) for the purposes of reducing harmful emissions, especially in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and creating economic opportunity within the state.
Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Funds
Beginning in 2018, all 50 states were eligible for millions in funds per year to on-road vehicle projects. Several states have provided carve outs specifically for electric vehicles and, in some cases, electric school buses. For example, California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio have each allocated funds directly to electric school bus projects. For instance, California’s Zero-Emission School Bus and Infrastructure project provides per vehicle incentives of up to $375,000. These states have been in the process of funding their initial rounds or are developing specific funding plans. We have engaged with several of these states to support the development of such plans, including funding the purchase of other commercial vehicles, provided that the buyer surrenders a qualifying existing fossil-fueled vehicle in order to qualify for the funding.
California Air Resources Board (“CARB”)
CARB gathers air quality data for the State of California, ensures the quality of this data, designs and implements air models, and sets ambient air quality standards for the state, with a particular focus on regulating tailpipe emissions and other mobile sources. CARB compiles the state’s emissions inventory and performs air quality and emissions inventory special studies. CARB uses the Emissions Inventory and Air Quality Models to evaluate air quality and reduce emissions in each of California’s 35 local air districts.
CARB also manages several incentive and rebate programs and awards hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to reduce emissions from on- and off-road vehicles and equipment. CARB is responsible for program oversight. CARB awards grants and funds through the Air Quality Improvement Program (AB 118), the Carl Moyer Program, the Voucher Incentive Program for enhanced fleet modernization and emission reduction, and the Lower- Emission School Bus Program/School Bus Retrofit and Replacement Account. On June 25, 2020, CARB passed the Advanced Clean Truck Regulation, requiring truck manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission trucks starting with the 2024 model year. Numerous other states have adopted California’s standards established under this rule. More recently, on April 28, 2023, CARB issued the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule that would require owners of medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fleets to begin their transition toward zero-emission vehicles starting in 2024. However, in January 2025, CARB withdrew its request to the EPA for waiver of the Clean Air Act’s federal preemption provisions for the Advanced Clean Fleets Rule, and now the status of this rule remains uncertain.
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California Energy Commission (“CEC”)
The California Energy Commission has several core responsibilities, including but not limited to setting energy policy, developing renewable energy, achieving energy efficiency, and transforming California’s transportation infrastructure. One goal of the CEC is to mitigate GHG emissions and reduce the impact of climate change. The CEC carries out its responsibilities pursuant to several of California’s landmark environmental laws. In 2006, the Legislature passed and then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed two landmark pieces of legislation with far-reaching implications for energy policy. The most comprehensive is AB 32, the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which set an economy-wide cap on California GHG emissions at 1990 levels by no later than 2020. At the time, this was an aggressive goal that represented an approximately 11% reduction from then-current emissions levels and nearly a 30% reduction from projected business-as-usual levels in 2020. In 2015, California passed Senate Bill (SB) 350, which further committed California to reducing GHG emissions by establishing a 2030 greenhouse gas reduction target of 40% below 1990 levels and to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045. The transportation sector represents a significant portion of California’s GHG emissions. This bill was amended with respect to implementation, but the targeted goals remain the same as originally passed. In 2007, AB 118 created the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The program is intended to increase the use of alternative and renewable fuels and innovative technologies that will transform California’s fuel and vehicle types to help attain the state’s climate change policies. AB 118 authorizes the CEC to provide approximately $100 million annually as incentives to public agencies, vehicle and technology consortia, businesses, public-private partnerships, workforce training partnerships and collaboratives, fleet owners, consumers, recreational boaters, and academic institutions for projects that: develop and improve alternative and renewable low-carbon fuels; optimize alternative and renewable fuels for existing and developing engine technologies; improve light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicle technologies; and retrofit medium-and heavy-duty on-road and non-road vehicle fleets.
Air Quality Management Districts (“AQMD”) and Air Pollution Control Districts (“APCD”)
California’s AQMDs/APCDs are responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution such as large power plants and refineries. They also have a role in distributing funds and administering incentive programs from mobile sources-primarily cars, trucks and buses, construction equipment, ships and trains, from which approximately 75% of emissions are generated. The largest AQMD/ APCDs are the South Coast AQMD, Bay Area AQMD, San Joaquin Valley APCD, and the San Diego APCD. Local AQMDs/APCDs develop and adopt an Air Quality Improvement Plans, which serves as the blueprint to bring the respective areas into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. Local AQMDs award grants to help reduce emissions in their local communities. These grants and incentive programs include programs aimed at reducing emissions from mobile sources such as buses and trucks. For example, the San Joaquin Valley Air District’s Truck Replacement Program is a program that is open year-round, and which offers grant funding equal to HVIP. In some cases, air district funding programs such as this can be combined with other sources including state and federal grants.
Clean Cities
Clean Cities is a program administered by the DOE’s Office of Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technology Program. According to the DOE, the mission of Clean Cities is to advance the energy, economic, and environmental security of the United States by supporting local decisions to adopt practices that reduce the use of petroleum in the transportation sector. Clean Cities is a government-industry partnership. Under the program, public and private stakeholders from businesses, city and state governments, the automotive industry, fuel providers, and community organizations form coalitions throughout the country, which then work with the DOE to establish a plan for reducing petroleum consumption in their respective geographic areas.
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (“CMAQ”) Improvement Program
The CMAQ Improvement Program, which is jointly administered by the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, provides funding to states to support surface transportation projects and other related efforts that contribute air quality improvements and provide congestion relief. CMAQ funding is allocated to the states annually based on a statutory formula that is based on population and air quality classification as designated by the EPA. Each state’s transportation department then is responsible for distributing the funds. State transportation departments may spend CMAQ funds on projects that reduce ozone precursors, and at least 16 states have used CMAQ funds for alternative fuel vehicle projects (such as purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles).
Funding for this program is authorized through the IIJA and may be subject to pause in funding implemented under Executive Order 14154.
Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit
Businesses and tax-exempt organizations that buy a qualified commercial clean vehicle may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $40,000 under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 45W. The maximum credit is $7,500 for qualified vehicles with GVWRs of under 14,000 pounds and $40,000 for all other vehicles. This tax credit may be subject to amendment or elimination in 2025 reconciliation bill.
Zero Emissions Airport Vehicle ("ZEAV") and Infrastructure Incentives
The Zero Emissions Airport Vehicle and Infrastructure Pilot Program provides funding to airports for up to 50% of the cost to acquire ZEAVs and install or modify supporting infrastructure for acquired vehicles. The program gives priority to applicants located in nonattainment areas, as defined by the Clean Air Act, and projects that achieve the greatest air quality benefits, as measured by the number of emissions reduced per dollar of funds spent under the program.
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Bus and Bus Facilities Grants
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administers the Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Competitive Program. Eligible applicants include state, local, and tribal governments, fixed-route bus operators, and private nonprofit organizations engaged in public transportation.
Clean School Bus Program
The EPA's Clean School Bus program provides funding to eligible applicants for the replacement of existing school buses with clean, alternative fuel school buses or zero-emission school buses. EPA may award up to 100% of the cost of the replacement bus, charging equipment, or fueling infrastructure. Eligible applicants are school districts, state and local government programs, federally recognized Native American tribes, non-profit organizations, and eligible contractors.
Funding for this program is authorized through the IIJA and is likely subject to the Executive Order 14154’s funding pause directed at electric vehicles infrastructure or subsidy programs.
Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle ("ZEV") and Infrastructure Grants
During the Biden administration, EPA announced its plan to create a grant program for heavy-duty ZEVs and associated infrastructure by spring 2024. The IRA invested $1 billion to replace dirty heavy-duty vehicles with clean, zero-emission vehicles, support zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, and to train and develop workers. The EPA planned on distributing this $1 billion in funding for clean heavy-duty vehicles between 2024 and 2031.
On March 12, 2025, the EPA announced that it would be reconsidering heavy-duty vehicle emissions regulations promulgated during the Biden administration. It is likely that these grants will be paused, eliminated, or amended to expand grant eligibility to include non-electric vehicles.
Diesel Emissions Reduction Act ("DERA")
The EPA established the DERA Program to reduce pollution emitted from diesel engines through the implementation of varied control strategies and the involvement of national, state, and local partners. DERA includes programs for existing diesel fleets, regulations for clean diesel engines and fuels, and regional collaborations and partnerships.
Funding for the DERA program was created under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The Trump administration has not indicated that this program will be amended or eliminated.
Other State Incentives
Most state provides a variety of electric vehicles incentives, as well as private enterprises incentives. The states with the most significant state-specific incentives include California, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts.
Government Regulation
Our products are designed to comply with a significant number of governmental regulations and industry standards, some of which are evolving as new technologies are deployed. Government regulations regarding the manufacture, sale and implementation of products and systems similar to ours are subject to future change. We cannot predict what impact, if any, such changes may have upon our business. We believe that vehicles that utilize our technology are in conformity with all applicable laws in all relevant jurisdictions.
Emission and Fuel Economy Standards
Government regulation related to climate change is under consideration at the U.S. federal and state levels. The EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) issued a final rule for greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy requirements for trucks and heavy-duty engines on August 9, 2011, which had an initial phase-in starting with model year 2014 and a final phase-in occurring in model year 2017. NHTSA standards for model years 2014 and 2015 were voluntary, while mandatory standards first went into effect in 2016. In August 2016, the EPA and NHTSA jointly finalized Phase 2 standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles through model year 2027 to improve fleet fuel efficiency and cut carbon emissions.
The rule provides emission standards for carbon dioxide and fuel consumption standards for three main categories of vehicles: (i) combination tractors, (ii) heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans, and (iii) vocational vehicles. According to the EPA and NHTSA, vocational vehicles consist of a wide variety of truck and bus types, including delivery, refuse, utility, dump, cement, transit bus, shuttle bus, school bus, emergency vehicles, motor homes and tow trucks, and are characterized by a complex build process, with an incomplete chassis often built with an engine and transmission purchased from other manufacturers, then sold to a body manufacturer.
The EPA and NHTSA rule also establishes multiple flexibility and incentive programs for manufacturers of alternatively fueled vehicles, including an engine averaging banking and trading (“ABT”) program, a vehicle ABT program and additional credit programs for early adoption of standards or deployment of advanced or innovative technologies. The ABT programs allows for emission and/or fuel consumption credits to be averaged, banked or traded within defined groupings of the regulatory subcategories. The additional credit programs allow manufacturers of engines and vehicles to be eligible to generate credits if they demonstrate improvements in excess of the standards established in the rule prior to the model year the standards become effective or if they introduce advanced or innovative technology engines or vehicles.
On March 12, 2025, the EPA announced that it would be reconsidering medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicle emissions regulations, signaling a rollback of emissions standards. The extent to which these regulations will be changed is unknown, but it is likely that restrictions on vehicle emission limits will be reduced or eliminated.
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Vehicle Safety and Testing
The National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (“Safety Act”), regulates motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment in the United States in two primary ways. First, the Safety Act prohibits the sale in the United States of any new vehicle or equipment that does not conform to applicable motor vehicle safety standards established by NHTSA. Meeting or exceeding many safety standards is costly, in part because the standards tend to conflict with the need to reduce vehicle weight in order to meet emissions and fuel economy standards. Second, the Safety Act requires that defects related to motor vehicle safety be remedied through safety recall campaigns. A manufacturer is obligated to recall vehicles if it determines that the vehicles do not comply with a safety standard. Should we or NHTSA determine that either a safety defect or noncompliance exists with respect to any of our modified vehicles, the cost of such recall campaigns could be substantial.
Battery Safety and Testing
We believe our battery packs conform to mandatory regulations that govern transport of “dangerous goods,” which includes lithium-ion batteries that may present a risk in transportation. The governing regulations, which are issued by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, are based on the United Nations ("UN") Recommendations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations, and related UN Manual of Tests and Criteria. The requirements for shipments of these goods vary by mode of transportation, such as ocean vessel, rail, truck and air.
Business Developments and Operational Updates
As part of the Company’s ongoing growth strategy, several significant operational initiatives and partnerships were pursued and announced in recent periods. The following provides context and updates on these developments, including matters relating to property acquisition, production agreements, incentive programs, and financing discussions.
Osceola Facility Development and Acquisition
The Company has entered into a purchase agreement, through its wholly owned affiliate 1425 Ohlendorf Road LLC, for a manufacturing facility located in Osceola, Arkansas. While a contractual framework was established and the Company commenced investment in the facility under a lease agreement, the transaction has not yet closed, and legal title to the property has not yet transferred. Discussions with the City of Osceola are ongoing and have involved revisions to certain terms, including facility improvements, easement arrangements, and purchase conditions. The Company continues to work diligently toward finalizing the transaction and enhancing the facility to support future production capacity.
Arkansas Incentive Program Engagement
The Company engaged with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) regarding potential state-level incentive support for its Arkansas-based operations. AEDC provided a proposal outlining the potential for up to $27 million in incentives, subject to various approvals, documentation, and performance thresholds. While initial steps were taken to align with program requirements, the final agreement was not executed by AEDC, and the proposed incentive package remains subject to formalization. The Company remains in contact with relevant stakeholders and continues to explore avenues of support for its activities in the region.
Production for International Fleet Operators
The Company entered into a right-hand drive electric school bus development initiative for a Southeast Asia-based transportation provider, Yeap Transport Services. Development and homologation efforts were completed to meet applicable standards. However, due to unforeseen changes in leadership within the customer organization, the Company was notified in late 2024 that the program would not proceed. Discussions regarding potential redeployment of those units are ongoing as part of the Company’s broader international strategy.
Customer Orders and Strategic Agreements
From time to time, the Company announces the execution or anticipated execution of agreements with distributors, customers, or funding partners. In certain cases, these arrangements may be subject to further documentation, execution of final purchase orders, or third-party approvals. For example:
Sales Incentive Programs
As part of its participation in the New Jersey Zero-Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP), the Company has delivered a cumulative total of 76 vehicles to qualified recipients since its initial involvement in 2021. These deliveries occurred over the course of the program and reflect the Company’s commitment to supporting clean vehicle deployment in key markets.
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Company Information
We file electronically with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at www.sec.gov. Our website is www.evtvusa.com. Our website and the information contained on or connected to our website are not incorporated by reference herein, and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only.
Item 1A.RISK FACTORS
Investing in our securities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of all or part of your investment. These risks could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and cause a decline in the market price of our common stock. You should carefully consider all of the risks described in this Annual Report, in addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report, before you make an investment in our securities. In addition to other matters identified or described by us from time to time in filings with the SEC, there are several important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from historical results or trends, results anticipated or planned by us, or results that are reflected from time to time in any forward-looking statement.
Summary Risk Factors
The following is a summary of the principal risks that could adversely affect our business, operations and financial results. Such risks are discussed more fully below and include, but are not limited to, risks related to:
● Our ability to compete successfully against current and future competitors;
● The possibility of being compelled to undertake product recalls;
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● The adequacy of our warranty reserves to cover future warranty claims;
● The adequacy of our insurance strategy to protect us from all business risks;
● Our management team’s limited experience in operating a public company;
● Our intent to not pay dividends for the foreseeable future; and
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Risks Related to Our Business
We have a history of losses and we may not achieve and/or sustain profitability in the future.
For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, we incurred net losses of $8.8 million and $12.7 million, respectively. The 2023 net loss included approximately $5.1 million of non-cash goodwill impairment charges. As of December 31, 2024, we had working capital of approximately $5.9 million and accumulated deficit of approximately $73.5 million. To date, we have financed our operations primarily through capital raises from issuing common stock. We may not achieve profitability in the future as we anticipate that our operating expenses will increase significantly in the foreseeable future as we:
• increase our sales and marketing to acquire new customers; and
These efforts may prove more expensive than we currently anticipate and we may not succeed in increasing our revenue sufficiently to offset these higher costs. Even if we are successful in generating revenue and increasing our customer base, we may not become profitable in the future or may be unable to maintain any profitability achieved if we fail to increase our revenue and manage our operating expenses or if we incur unanticipated liabilities. Even if our revenue increases, we may not be able to sustain the rate of revenue growth. Revenue growth may be slower than anticipated or revenue may decline for a number of reasons, including continued problems accessing various incentive programs to assist our customers with their purchase of our vehicles, lack of demand for our zero-emission vehicles and drivetrain systems, increasing competition, lengthening sales cycles, decelerating growth of, or declines in, our overall market, or our failure to capitalize on growth opportunities or to introduce new offerings. Any failure by us to achieve and maintain revenue or profitability could cause the price of our common stock to decline.
While we believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents and our working capital as of December 31, 2024 will be sufficient to fund our operations during the next twelve months, we may not successfully execute our business plan, and if we do not, we may need additional capital to continue our operations. In February 2022, we acquired a US manufacturing facility in Osceola Arkansas that will require additional debt and/or equity capital in order to purchase related equipment and set up production lines which is expected to require significant additional investment through 2027. Recently, we announced that we will be moving our corporate headquarters and certain functions of our manufacturing facility to Houston, Texas. As a result, this transition will incur costs that may be significant. In addition, additional capital expenditures will be required to set up the infrastructure that is necessary to our operations.
Our operating results may fluctuate significantly, which makes out future operating results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations.
We may experience quarterly fluctuations in our operating results due to a number of factors, many of which are outside our control, which make our future results difficult to predict and could cause our operating results to fall below expectations.
Additionally we expect our period-to-period operating results to vary based on our operating costs, which we anticipate will increase significantly in future periods as we, among other things, design and develop our zero-emission vehicles and drivetrain systems, open new design, sales and service facilities, hire additional technology staff, increase our travel and operational budgets, increase our facility costs, hire and train service personnel, increase our sales and marketing activities, and increase our general and administrative functions to support our growing operations. As a result comparing our operating results, on a period-to-period basis may not be meaningful. You should not consider our past results in any projected growth rate or as indicative of our future performance. We have a limited ability to forecast our future revenue, costs and expenses and, as a result, our operating results may from time to time fall below our estimates.
In addition, recent changes to our business model as a result of the Maddox Acquisition make it difficult to evaluate our current business and our future prospects. We have limited insight into other trends that may emerge and affect our business. Our operating results may not meet expectations of equity research analysts or investors. If any of this occurs, the trading price of our common stock could decline, either suddenly or over time.
Our future growth is dependent upon demand for new mid-sized zero-emission trucks and cargo vans, and other fleet vehicles.
Our growth is highly dependent upon the market acceptance of, and we are subject to an elevated risk of any reduced demand for, new zero-emission trucks and other fleet vehicles. If this market does not develop as we expect or develops slower than expected, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be harmed, and we may need to raise additional capital. This market is relatively new, rapidly evolving, characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors. Factors that may influence the market acceptance of new zero-emission vehicles include:
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• the availability of service for zero-emission electric vehicles;
• changes in the cost of oil and gasoline;
• perceptions about and the actual cost of alternative fuel; and
To the extent that we are not able to build our products in accordance with customer expectations, our future sales could be harmed.
We may also become subject to regulations that require us to alter the design of our vehicles, which could negatively impact consumer interest in our products.
The influence of any of the factors described above may cause current or potential customers not to purchase our electric vehicles, which would materially adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition and prospects.
We may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors.
The market for commercial zero-emission electric vehicles is relatively new, rapidly evolving, and characterized by rapidly changing technologies, price competition, additional competitors, evolving government regulation and industry standards, frequent new vehicle announcements and changing consumer demands and behaviors.
Most of our existing and potential competitors, including Ford, Nissan, Navistar, Freightliner, Mercedes-Benz, Odyne Systems, Lightning Systems, Nordresa, Workhorse, Mitsubishi/Fuso, BYD, Proterra, TransPower, Lion Electric Company, Rivian, GreenPower Motor Company, General Motors, Blue Bird, Tesla, Volkswagen, Volvo, PeterBilt, Nikola, and Motiv, have substantially greater financial resources, more extensive engineering, manufacturing, marketing and customer service and support capabilities, longer operating histories and greater name recognition than we do. They may be able to devote greater resources to the design, development, manufacturing, distribution, promotion, sale and support of their products. Virtually all of our competitors have more extensive customer bases and broader customer and industry relationships than we do. Our competitors may be in a stronger position to respond quickly to new technologies and may be able to design, develop, market and sell their products more effectively. As a result, our competitors may be able to compete more aggressively and sustain that competition over a longer period of time than we can. Each of these competitors has the potential to capture market share in our target market, which could have an adverse effect on our position in our industry and on our business and operating results.
We expect competition in our industry to intensify in the future in light of anticipated increased demand for alternative fuel vehicles, continued globalization, and consolidation in the worldwide automotive industry. Increased competition may lead to lower vehicle unit sales and increased inventory, which may result in further downward price pressure which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects. Our ability to successfully compete in our industry will be fundamental to our future success in existing and new markets and to our overall market share. There can be no assurances that we will be able to compete successfully in our markets. If our competitors introduce new products or services that compete with or surpass the quality, price or performance of our products or services, we may be unable to satisfy existing customers or attract new customers at the prices and levels that would allow us to generate attractive rates of return on our investment. A disruptive technology advancement in the electric vehicle industry by a competitor, such as in energy storage, traction motors or power electronics, could adversely affect the sales of our products.
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Demand in the zero-emission electric vehicles vehicle industry is volatile, which may materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
The markets in which we currently compete and plan to compete in the future have been subject to considerable volatility in demand in recent periods. As a low volume producer, we have fewer financial resources than more established providers have to withstand changes in the market and disruptions in demand. Volatility in demand may lead to lower vehicle unit sales and increased inventory, which may result in further downward price pressure and adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. These effects may have a more pronounced impact on our business given our relatively smaller scale and financial resources as compared to many incumbent providers.
Our sales cycle can be long and unpredictable and require considerable time and expense before executing a customer agreement, which may make it difficult to project when, if at all, we will obtain new customers and generate revenue from those customers.
The sales cycle for our business, from initial contact with a potential lead to contract execution and implementation, typically takes significant time and is difficult to predict. Our sales cycle, in some cases, has lasted nine months or more. Our sales efforts involve educating our customers about the use, capabilities and benefits of our products and services. Some of our customers undertake a significant evaluation process that frequently involves not only our products and services but also the offerings of our competitors. This process can be costly and time-consuming. In addition, once a customer is inclined to purchase our products, their ability, in most cases, to issue a purchase order is dependent on being granted funding towards the purchase. It is very difficult for us or our customers to predict the timing of the release of such funding, or if they will receive at all. As a result, it is difficult to predict when we will obtain new customers and begin generating revenue from these new customers. As part of our sales cycle, we may incur significant expenses before executing a definitive agreement with a prospective customer and before we are able to generate any revenue from such agreement. The substantial time and money spent on our sales efforts may not generate significant revenue. If conditions in the marketplace generally or with a specific prospective customer change negatively, it is possible that no definitive agreement will be executed, and we will be unable to recover any of these expenses. If we are not successful in targeting, supporting and streamlining our sales processes, our ability to grow our business, and our operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. If our sales cycles lengthen, our future revenue could be lower than expected, which would have an adverse impact on our consolidated operating results and could cause our stock price to decline.
Developments in alternative technologies or improvements in the internal combustion engine may materially adversely affect the demand for electric vehicles and our products.
Significant developments in alternative technologies, such as advanced diesel, ethanol and other renewable fuels, fuel cells or compressed natural gas, or improvements in the fuel economy of the internal combustion engine, may materially and adversely affect our business and prospects in ways we do not currently anticipate. For example, compressed natural gas or propane, which are abundant and relatively inexpensive in North America, may emerge as consumers’ preference. Any failure by us to develop new or enhanced technologies or processes, or to react to changes in existing technologies or customer preferences, could result in the loss of competitiveness of our products, decreased revenue and a loss of market share to competitors.
If we are unable to keep up with advances in zero-emission electric vehicles technology, we may suffer an inability to obtain a competitive position in the market or suffer a decline in our competitive position.
There are companies in the zero-emission electric vehicle industry that have developed or are developing vehicles and technologies that compete or will compete with our vehicles. Our competitors may be able to provide products and services similar to ours more efficiently or at greater scale. We may be unable to keep up with changes in zero-emission electric vehicle technology and, as a result, may suffer a decline in our competitive position, which would materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. Our research and development efforts may not be sufficient to adapt to changes in zero-emission electric vehicle technology. As technologies change, we plan to upgrade or adapt our vehicles and introduce new vehicles in order to continue to provide vehicles with the latest technology, in particular battery cell technology. However, our vehicles may not compete effectively with alternatives if we are unable to source and integrate the latest technology into our vehicles. For example, we do not currently manufacture the items required to produce our vehicles, including battery cells, which makes us dependent upon other suppliers of technology for our battery packs, motors and other components of our electric vehicles. If for any reason we are unable to keep pace with changes in commercial electric vehicle technology, particularly battery technology, our competitive position may be adversely affected.
The demand for commercial zero-emission electric vehicles depends, in part, on the continuation of current trends resulting from historical dependence on fossil fuels. Extended periods of low diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices could adversely affect demand for vehicles that utilize our technology, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We believe that much of the present and projected demand for commercial zero-emission electric vehicles results from concerns about volatility in the cost of petroleum-based fuel, the dependency of the United States on oil from unstable or hostile countries, government regulations and economic incentives promoting fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy, as well as the belief that poor air quality and climate change results in part from the burning of fossil fuels. If the cost of petroleum-based fuel decreased significantly, or the long-term supply of oil in the United States improved, the government may eliminate or modify its regulations or economic incentives related to fuel efficiency and alternative forms of energy. If there is a change in the perception that the burning of fossil fuels does not negatively impact the environment, the demand for commercial zero-emission electric vehicles could be reduced, and our business and revenue may be harmed. Diesel and other petroleum- based fuel prices have been extremely volatile, and we believe this continuing volatility will persist. Lower diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices over extended periods of time may lower the current perception in government and the private sector that cheaper, more readily available energy alternatives should be developed and produced. If diesel or other petroleum-based fuel prices remain at deflated levels for extended periods of time, the demand for commercial electric vehicles may decrease, which could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
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We may not be able to reduce and adequately control the costs and expenses associated with operating our business, including our material and production costs.
If we are unable to reduce and/or maintain a sufficiently low level of cost for designing, manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing and servicing our zero-emission electric vehicles relative to their selling prices, our operating results, gross margins, business and prospects could be materially and adversely impacted. We have made, and will be required to continue to make, significant investments for the design, manufacture, and sales of our zero-emission vehicles.
We incur significant costs related to procuring the materials and components required to build our vehicles. As a result, without including the impact of government or other subsidies, incentives, or tariffs, our costs and therefore the purchase prices for our commercial zero-emission electric vehicles currently are higher than the purchase prices for gas or diesel-fueled vehicles with comparable features.
Additionally, in the future we may be required to incur substantial marketing costs and expenses to promote our zero-emission vehicles, including the use of traditional media such as television, radio and print even though our marketing expenses to date have been relatively limited. If we are unable to keep our operating costs aligned with the level of revenues we generate, our operating results, business and prospects will be harmed. Many of the factors that impact our operating costs are beyond our control. For example, global demand from all manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles for the same resources could create shortages and drive the costs of our raw materials and certain components, such as lithium-ion battery cells, to a higher level and reduce profit or create or increase losses. Indeed, if the popularity of zero-emission electric vehicles exceeds current expectations without significant expansion in battery cell production capacity and advancements in battery cell technology, shortages could occur which would result in increased material and component parts costs to us and could also negatively impact our ability to meet production requirements if the batteries were simply not available.
If we fail to manage our anticipated growth effectively, we may be unable to execute our business plan, maintain high levels of service or address competitive challenges adequately.
We have expanded our operations in the last several years and anticipate that further expansion will be required to achieve our business objectives. The growth and expansion of our business, including the requirements of being a public company, places a continuous and significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources. Our future operating results depend largely on our ability to manage this expansion and growth successfully. Risks that we face in undertaking this expansion include:
• forecasting production and revenue;
• hiring and training new personnel as production scales;
• controlling expenses and investments in anticipation of expanded operations;
• addressing new markets;
We may in the future hire a significant number of additional personnel, including design and manufacturing personnel and service technicians for our zero-emission electric vehicles, the timing of which will depend on the success of our sales efforts. Because vehicles that utilize our technology are based on a different technology platform than traditional internal combustion engines, individuals with sufficient training in zero-emission electric vehicles may not be available to hire, and we may need to expend significant time and expense in training the employees we hire. Competition for individuals with experience designing, manufacturing and servicing zero-emission electric vehicles is intense, and we may not be able to attract, assimilate, train or retain additional highly qualified personnel in the future, which could seriously harm our business and prospects.
In this regard, we will be required to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls and our reporting procedures and we may not be able to do so effectively. Further, to accommodate our expected growth we must continually improve and maintain our technology, systems and network infrastructure. We therefore may be unable to manage our expenses effectively in the future, which would negatively impact our gross margin or operating expenses in any particular quarter. If we fail to manage our anticipated growth and change in a manner that preserves the quality of our zero-emission vehicles and services and our ability to deliver in a timely manner, it will negatively affect our brand and reputation and harm our ability to retain and attract customers.
Public health crises and other global health pandemics, epidemics or disease outbreaks could adversely impact our business, results of operation and financial condition.
A significant public health crisis, pandemic or disease outbreak, could adversely impact our business as well as those of our suppliers and customers. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the global vehicle industry and customer sales, production volumes, supply of components critical to our business, and purchases of zero-emission electric vehicles by end-consumers. Any future significant public health crisis could adversely impact the global economy, our industry and the overall demand for our products. In addition, preventative or reactionary measures taken by governmental authorities may disrupt the ability of our employees, suppliers and other business partners to perform their respective functions and obligations relative to the conduct of our business. Our ability to predict and respond to future changes resulting from potential health crises is uncertain as are the ultimate potential impacts on our business. The extent to which a pandemic or similar significant health crises will impact our business in the future is uncertain. In addition, to the extent such significant health crises may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, they may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risk factors in this section.
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Unfavorable conditions in the global economy, rising interest rates and capital market liquidity issues could limit our ability to grow our business and negatively affect our operating results.
Revenue growth and potential profitability of our business depends on the level of demand in the markets we serve. To the extent that weak economic conditions cause our customers and potential customers to freeze or reduce their capital expenditure or operational budgets, particularly those for zero-emission electric vehicles, demand for our products and services may be negatively affected. Historically, economic downturns have resulted in overall reductions in these budgets and corresponding spending. If economic conditions deteriorate or do not materially improve, our customers and potential customers may elect to decrease their operational budgets or defer or reconsider product and service purchases, which would limit our ability to grow our business and negatively affect our operating results.
Our business depends on our Chief Executive Officer and management team, retaining and attracting qualified management, key employees and technical personnel and expanding our sales and marketing capabilities.
Our success depends upon the continued service of Mr. Phillip Oldridge, our Chief Executive Officer, as well as other members of our senior management team. It also depends on our ability to continue to attract and retain additional highly qualified management, technical, engineering, operating and sales and marketing personnel. We do not currently maintain key person life insurance policies on any of our employees. Our business also requires skilled technical, engineering, product and sales personnel, who are in high demand and are difficult to recruit and retain. As we continue to innovate and develop our products and services and develop our business, we will require personnel with expertise in these areas. There is increasing competition for talented individuals such as design engineers, manufacturing engineers, and other skilled employees with specialized knowledge of electric vehicles. This competition affects both our ability to retain key employees and hire new ones. Key talent may leave us due to various factors, such as a very competitive labor market for talented individuals with automotive or transportation experience. Our success depends upon our ability to hire new employees in a timely manner and retain current employees. Additionally, we compete with both mature and prosperous companies that have far greater financial resources than we do and start-ups and emerging companies that promise short-term growth opportunities. The loss of Mr. Oldridge or an inability to attract, retain and motivate additional highly skilled employees required for the planned development and expansion of our business, could delay or prevent the achievement of our business objectives and could materially harm our business.
Our management has limited experience in operating a public company. If we fail to manage our growth effectively, we may not be able to develop, produce, make or sell our products or services successfully.
Most of our executive officers have limited experience in the management of a publicly traded company. Management may not successfully or effectively manage a public company that is subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. Management’s limited experience in dealing with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies could be a significant disadvantage in that it is likely that an increasing amount of our executive officers’ time may be devoted to these activities, which will result in less time being devoted to the management and growth of the Company. Any failure to manage our growth effectively could materially and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
Additionally, we may not have adequate personnel with the appropriate level of knowledge, experience and training in the accounting policies, practices or internal control over financial reporting required of public companies in the U.S. The development and implementation of the standards and controls necessary for us to achieve the level of accounting standards required of a public company in the U.S. may require costs greater than expected. Competition for individuals with this experience is intense, and we may not be able to attract, integrate, train, motivate or retain additional highly qualified personnel. The failure to attract, integrate, train, motivate and retain these additional employees could seriously harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
The forecasts of market growth may prove to be inaccurate, and even if the markets in which we compete achieve the forecasted growth, our business may not grow at similar rates, if at all.
Growth forecasts are subject to significant uncertainty and are based on assumptions and estimates, which may not prove to be accurate. Forecasts relating to the expected growth in zero-emission EVs, electric drivetrain systems and conversions and other markets may prove to be inaccurate. Even if these markets experience the forecasted growth, we may not grow our business at similar rates, or at all. Our growth is subject to many factors, including our success in implementing our business strategy, which is subject to many risks and uncertainties.
We may selectively pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies, which could divert capital and our management’s attention, result in additional dilution to our stockholders and otherwise disrupt our operations and adversely affect our operating results.
We may selectively pursue acquisitions of complementary businesses and technologies that we believe could complement or expand our applications, enhance our technical capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. For example, in December 2024, we completed the Maddox Acquisition. As with our prior acquisitions, the pursuit of potential future acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various expenses in identifying, investigating and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.
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In addition, we have limited experience with acquiring other businesses or technologies. If we acquire businesses or technologies, we may not be able to integrate the acquired personnel, operations and technologies successfully, or effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition. We also may not achieve the anticipated benefits from the acquired business due to a number of factors, including:
• unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition;
• incurrence of acquisition-related costs;
• diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;
• the potential loss of key employees;
• use of resources that are needed in other parts of our business; and
In addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to record impairment charges to our operating results based on this impairment assessment process, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
Acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of equity securities and/or the incurrence of debt, which could adversely affect our operating results. We may also unknowingly inherit liabilities from acquired businesses or assets that arise after the acquisition and that are not adequately covered by indemnities. In addition, if an acquired business fails to meet our expectations, our operating results, business and financial position may suffer.
Risks Relating to the Design, Supply and Manufacturing of our Products
If our zero-emission electric vehicles fail to perform as expected, our ability to develop, market and sell our vehicles could be harmed.
Our zero-emission vehicles may not perform in a manner that is consistent with our customers’ expectations for a variety of reasons. If our vehicles were to contain defects in design and manufacture that cause them not to perform as expected or that require repair, or experience any other failure to perform as expected, it could harm our reputation and result in delivery delays, product recalls, product liability claims, significant warranty and other expenses, which could have a material adverse impact on our ability to develop, market and sell our zero-emission vehicles. For example, should we have a significant sale of either new vehicles or re-power conversion kits and a defect (from a supplier-purchased product or internally assembled components) were to be discovered after delivery that could not be corrected in a timely manner, we could suffer an adverse public relations event that harms the company in a way that it may not be able to recover from, or which turns out to be so costly as to cause a significant loss. Although we attempt to remedy any issues we observe in our products as effectively and as rapidly as possible, such efforts may not be timely, may hamper production or may not provide satisfaction to our customers. While we have performed extensive internal testing, we currently have a limited frame of reference by which to evaluate the long-term performance of our zero-emission products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to detect and fix any defects in our products prior to their sale to customers. Further, the performance of our zero-emission products may be negatively impacted by other factors, such as limitations inherent in existing battery technology and extreme weather conditions.
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Any vehicle product defects or any other failure of our commercial zero-emission electric vehicles to perform as expected could harm our reputation and result in delivery delays, product recalls, product liability claims, significant warranty and other expenses, customer losses and lost revenue, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
We are dependent on third parties to deliver raw materials, parts, components and services in adequate quantity in a timely manner and at reasonable prices, quality levels and volumes acceptable to us. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected if we experience disruptions in our supply chain.
We provide zero-emission electric vehicles assembled from components supplied by third parties. For example, we rely on third parties for batteries, traction motors, power electronics, connectors, cables, and metal fabrication for battery storage boxes. As a result, we are particularly dependent on those third parties to deliver raw materials, parts, components and services in adequate quality and quantity in a timely manner and at reasonable prices. Some components of our vehicles and drivetrain systems include materials such as copper, lithium, rare-earth and strategic metals that have historically experienced price volatility and supply interruptions. In addition, we do not currently maintain long-term agreements with our suppliers with guaranteed pricing because we cannot at this time guarantee them adequate volume, which exposes us to fluctuations in component, materials and equipment prices and availability.
There have been significant changes to U.S. trade policies, including tariffs affecting China, Canada and Mexico, and there continues to be significant discussion regarding other potential changes to U.S. trade policies, treaties and tariffs, including the potential for additional tariffs. In addition, retaliatory tariffs have been imposed and additional retaliatory tariffs are likely. These changes have resulted in uncertain economic and political conditions that have made it difficult for us and our suppliers to accurately forecast and plan future business activities. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global trade and, in particular, trade between the impacted nations and the United States. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and have a material adverse effect on the business and financial condition of our suppliers, which, in turn, would negatively impact us.
Furthermore, currency fluctuations weakening the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies may adversely affect our purchasing power for such raw materials, parts and components and manufacturing equipment from foreign suppliers. Substantial increases in the prices for such raw materials, components and equipment would increase our operating costs, and could reduce our margins if we cannot recoup the increased costs through increased prices. We may not be able to recoup these increased costs by increasing the prices of our products.
In cases where we rely on a sole supplier for a component or system, if there is an interruption of supply or increased industry demand it may be difficult for us to substitute one supplier for another, increase the number of suppliers or change one component for another in a timely manner or at all. Additionally, many of our current suppliers are small companies that produce a limited number of specialized products. If any of these suppliers were to go out of business or be acquired by a competitor of ours or any other third party that decides to discontinue our supply relationship, we would need to find an alternative supplier, which we may not be able to do.
This limited supply chain exposes us to multiple potential sources of delivery failure or component shortages for the production of our zero-emission electric products. We may experience delays due to supply chain disruptions with respect to any of our zero-emission electric products we may produce. In addition, our currently ongoing transition from low to high volume production tooling for our zero-emission electric products may take longer than expected, which may adversely impact our short-term financial results.
Furthermore, if we experience significantly increased demand, or need to replace certain existing suppliers, there can be no assurance that additional supplies of component parts will be available when required on terms that are favorable to us, or that any supplier would allocate sufficient supplies to us in order to meet our requirements or fill our orders in a timely manner, or that we could engineer replacement components ourselves.
Changes in our supply chain may result in increased future costs. We have also experienced cost increases from certain of our suppliers in order to meet our quality targets and development timelines as well as due to design changes that we made, and we may experience similar cost increases in the future. Additionally, we are negotiating with existing suppliers for cost reductions, seeking new and less expensive suppliers for certain parts, and attempting to redesign certain parts to make them less expensive to produce. If we are unsuccessful in our efforts to control and reduce supplier costs, our operating results will suffer.
If we encounter unexpected difficulties with our current suppliers, and if we are unable to fill these needs from other suppliers, we could experience production delays, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results.
The inability of these suppliers to deliver, or their refusal to deliver, necessary raw materials, parts and components of our zero-emission drivetrain systems and services in a timely manner at prices, quality levels, and volumes acceptable to us would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected if we experience disruptions in our supply chain.
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The facilities or operations of our third-party providers could be damaged or adversely affected as a result of disasters or unpredictable events.
If major disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, floods, hurricanes, wars, terrorist attacks, computer viruses, pandemics or other events occur, the production facilities of some of our third-party providers may be seriously damaged, or they may have to stop or delay production and shipment of our products. We may also experience downtime due to a third-party provider’s delay in production and shipment of our products due to, among other reasons, their inability to obtain supplies and materials. Either of these delays could have a material adverse impact on our business, operating results and financial condition.
We have become increasingly dependent on information technology and any breakdown, interruption or breach of our information technology systems could subject us to liability or interrupt the operation of our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
We are increasingly dependent upon information technology systems and infrastructure in connection with the conduct of our business. We must routinely update our information technology infrastructure and our various information technology systems throughout the organization may not continue to meet our current and future business needs. Furthermore, modification, upgrade or replacement of such systems may be costly. In addition, any breakdown, interruption, corruption or unauthorized access to or cyber-attack on these systems could create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. While we attempt to take appropriate security and cyber-security measures to protect our data and information technology systems and to prevent such breakdowns and unauthorized breaches and cyber-attacks, these measures may not be successful and these breakdowns and breaches in, or attacks on, our systems and data may not be prevented. Such breakdowns, breaches or attacks may cause business interruption and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations and could cause the market value of our common stock to decline, and we may suffer financial damage or other losses as a result of lost or misappropriated information.
If our suppliers fail to use ethical business practices and comply with applicable laws and regulations, our brand image could be harmed due to negative publicity.
We do not control our independent suppliers or their business practices and, as such, they may not comply with ethical or legal business practices, such as environmental responsibility, fair wage practices, appropriate sourcing of raw materials, and compliance with child labor laws, among others. A lack of demonstrated compliance could lead us to seek alternative suppliers, which could increase our costs and result in delayed delivery of our products, product shortages or other disruptions of our operations.
Violation of labor or other laws by our suppliers or the divergence of an independent supplier’s labor or other practices from those generally accepted as ethical in the U.S. or other markets in which we do business could also attract negative publicity for us and our brand. This could diminish the value of our brand image and reduce demand for our zero-emission vehicles and drivetrain systems technology if, as a result of such violation, we were to attract negative publicity. If we, or others in our industry, encounter similar problems in the future, it could harm our brand image, business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Our business success will depend in part on the success of our strategic relationships with third parties. We may not be able to identify adequate strategic relationship opportunities, or form strategic relationships, in the future.
Our business success will depend in part on our ability to continue to successfully manage and enter into productive strategic relationships with third parties. We depend on various third parties to provide critical parts for our process. We currently maintain strategic relationships with key manufacturers of components we require for our zero-emission electric products. Maintaining and expanding our strategic relationships with third parties is critical to our continued success. Further, our relationships with these third parties are typically non-exclusive and do not prohibit the other party from working with our competitors. These relationships may not result in additional customers or enable us to generate significant revenue. Identifying suitable business partners and negotiating and documenting relationships with them require significant time and resources. If we are unsuccessful in establishing or maintaining our relationships with these third parties, our ability to successfully sell our products and services, compete in the marketplace or to grow our revenue could be impaired and our operating results would suffer.
While we may be able to establish alternate supply relationships or engineer replacement components for any single source components, we may be unable to do so in the short term, or at all, at prices or costs that are favorable to us. In particular, while we believe that we will be able to secure alternate sources of supply for most of our single sourced components in a relatively short time frame, qualifying alternate suppliers or developing our own replacements for certain highly customized components of our products may be time consuming, costly and may force us to make additional modifications to a product’s design, or at a minimum require us to delay delivery of orders.
We currently have and are seeking to establish new relationships with third parties to provide alternative parts sources, such as batteries, controllers and battery management systems. For example, we continue to test additional battery manufacturers’ products in order to have back-up options should our existing supplier have delivery or quality issues. However, we may not be able to identify or secure suitable business relationship opportunities in the future or to ensure that our competitors will not capitalize on such opportunities before we do. Our strategic relationships for batteries, motors and controllers will keep us competitive if maintained properly. We may not be able to offer benefits to companies that we would like to establish and maintain strategic relationships with. Moreover, identifying such opportunities could demand substantial management time and resources, and negotiating and financing relationships involves significant costs and uncertainties. If we are unable to successfully source and execute on strategic relationship opportunities in the future, our overall growth could be impaired, and our business, prospects and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
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Our suppliers must scale their zero-emission vehicle manufacturing and assembling processes effectively and quickly from low volume production to high volume production.
Our existing production model utilizing third parties may not be well suited for the high-volume production required to scale our business. We do not know whether we or our existing suppliers will be able to develop efficient, low-cost manufacturing and assembly capability and processes, and reliable sources of component supply that will enable us to meet the quality, price, engineering, design and production standards, as well as the production volumes required, to successfully develop our business. Any failure by us or our suppliers to develop such manufacturing and assembly processes and capabilities and reliable sources of component supply within our projected costs and timelines could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition.
The ability of our suppliers to scale their manufacturing and assembling processes is in part dependent on ours and their supply chain and on our collective ability to execute our decentralized production strategy. Even if we and our suppliers are successful in developing our high-volume manufacturing and assembly capability and processes, and reliable sources of component supply, we do not know whether we will be able to do so in a manner that avoids significant delays and cost overruns, including, as a result of factors beyond our control, such as problems with suppliers and vendors, in time to meet our commercialization schedules or to satisfy the requirements of customers. In addition, certain components we or our third-party suppliers integrate into may not be available on a consistent basis or in large quantities. Our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected if we or our suppliers experience disruptions in our respective supply chains or if we or they cannot obtain materials of sufficient quality at reasonable prices.
The complexity in our business is expected to continue growing as we introduce new products and services. We have limited experience in simultaneously designing, testing, manufacturing, upgrading, adapting and selling our zero-emission products as well as limited experience allocating our available resources among the design and production of multiple zero-emission units. As we add complexity to our product line and introduce new products and services, we may experience unexpected delays.
If we and our suppliers are unable to scale our respective existing assembly processes and systems quickly while maintaining our current quality level, including supply chain constraints and the inability to manage complexity in our business, we may be unable to meet our customers’ vehicle quality and quantity requirements or our forecasted production schedule or lower our cost of sales. As a result, we may not be able to meet our customers’ delivery schedules and could face the loss of customers or be exposed to liability to customers to which we promised delivery, which could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
We may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our financial condition and liquidity if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims.
We may become subject to product liability claims, which could harm our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition if we are not able to successfully defend or insure against such claims. The zero-emission electric vehicles industry may experience significant product liability claims and we face inherent risk of exposure to claims in the event our zero-emission products do not perform as expected or malfunction and personal injury or death results. Our risks in this area are particularly pronounced given the limited field experience of our zero-emission vehicles, number of vehicles delivered to date and limited field experience of those vehicles. A successful product liability claim against us could require us to pay a substantial monetary award. Moreover, a product liability claim could generate substantial negative publicity about our products and business and inhibit or prevent commercialization of other future vehicle candidates, which would have a material adverse effect on our brand, business, prospects and operating results. We have added product liability insurance on a claims-made basis for all our zero-emission products with appropriate annual limits. However, our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all potential product liability claims. Any lawsuit seeking significant monetary damages either in excess of our coverage, or outside of our coverage, may have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business and financial condition.
We may be compelled to undertake product recalls.
Any product recall in the future may result in adverse publicity, damage our brand and adversely affect our business, prospects, operating results and financial condition. We may at various times, voluntarily or involuntarily, initiate a recall if any of our zero-emission drivetrain system components prove to be defective. Such recalls, voluntary or involuntary, involve significant expense and diversion of management attention and other resources, which would adversely affect our brand image in our target markets and could adversely affect our business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
Our warranty reserves may be insufficient to cover future warranty claims, which could adversely affect our financial performance.
If our warranty reserves are inadequate to cover future warranty claims on vehicles that utilize our technology, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. We provide a three-year warranty on parts and workmanship and a five-year warranty on powertrain and batteries with every zero-emission electric product. Most of our warranty offering, with the exception of workmanship, is covered by the component manufacturers’ warranty. In addition, customers have the opportunity to purchase an Extended Service Plan for the period after the end of the standard warranty to cover additional services for an additional three-year period or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty is similar to other providers’ warranty programs and is intended to cover all parts and labor to repair defects in material or workmanship in the product. We plan to record and adjust warranty reserves based on changes in estimated costs and actual warranty costs. However, because we have only recently begun delivering our first zero-emission vehicles, and we have extremely limited operating experience with them, we therefore have little experience with warranty claims for these zero-emission vehicles or with estimating warranty reserves. We will monitor our warranty reserves based on our actual warranty claim experience. We may be required to provide for increases in warranty reserves in the future. Our future warranty reserves may not be sufficient to cover all claims or our limited experience with warranty claims may not adequately address the needs of our customers to their satisfaction.
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Our insurance strategy may not be adequate to protect us from all business risks.
We may be subject, in the ordinary course of business, to claims resulting from products liability, employment-related actions, class-action lawsuits, accidents, acts of God and other actions against us. Additionally, our insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all existing and future claims against us. We may be compelled to expend significant time and resources defending any such claims, and a loss that is uninsured or which exceeds policy limits may require us to pay substantial amounts, which could adversely affect our financial condition and operating results.
If we are unable to design, develop, market and sell zero-emission electric vehicles and other product offerings that address additional market opportunities, our business, prospects and operating results will suffer.
We will need to address additional markets and expand our customer demographic in order to further grow our business. In particular, we have recently transitioned to target owners of trucks (all classes inclusive of 3–7) and vans between 10,000 pounds GVWR to 19,500 pounds GVWR, commercial fleets, including white fleets of school districts and other fleet users of these vehicles, including government entities. Successfully offering all electric vehicles in this market requires delivering a vehicle with different characteristics than an ICE-powered vehicle at a price that is competitive with other similar vehicles. Because the markets are still growing in their acceptance of our new all-electric products, it is difficult to project increases in market acceptance and our ability to generate sales in volumes as we currently intend. Our failure to address additional market opportunities would harm our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
Our growth depends in part on the availability and amounts of government subsidies and incentives and the application of regulations that encourage conversion to electric vehicles. These subsidies and incentives are limited and unpredictable and could expire or change to benefit competing technologies.
We believe that the availability of government subsidies, rebates, and economic incentives is currently a critical factor considered by our customers when purchasing our zero-emission systems or converting their existing vehicles to zero-emission-electric or hybrids, and that our growth depends in large part on the availability and amounts of these subsidies and economic incentives. Any unavailability, reduction, elimination or adverse application of government subsidies, rebates, and economic incentives because of administrative mistakes made by those in charge of the programs, budgetary challenges, expiration, policy changes, the reduced need for such subsidies, rebates, and incentives due to the perceived success of electric or hybrid vehicles or other reasons may result in the diminished price competitiveness of the alternative fuel vehicle industry generally and our zero-emission electric and hybrid vehicles in particular, especially prior to our ability to significantly reduce our costs. For example, in the United States, we and our customers benefit from significant subsidies in connection with the purchase of our vehicles under the California HVIP, CARB, NYTVIP, NYCCTP, NJZIP, Maryland Clean Fuels Incentive Program, local air quality management districts, the electric vehicles Demonstration Project, and state-level Clean Cities programs. Under these programs, purchasers of qualifying vehicles and those who convert their existing vehicles are eligible to receive subsidies or incentives from $55,000 to $385,000 per qualifying vehicle purchased or converted. The elimination of certain regulations and programs that encourage sales of zero-emission electric and hybrid vehicles could adversely impact sales of our commercial zero-emission electric and hybrid vehicles, either currently or at any time in the future. The Trump administration has begun rescinding federal support for zero-emission electric and hybrid vehicles, and key agencies like the EPA and the Department of Energy have indicated future plans to roll back environmental regulations, waiver programs, and federal subsidies that benefit the industry. Further financial support from legislation like the IRA and IIJA may be eliminated or reduced in of Congress’s 2025 reconciliation bill. We currently benefit from certain government and economic incentives supporting the development and adoption of zero-emission electric vehicles. If government subsidies and economic incentives to produce and purchase zero-emission electric vehicles were no longer available to us or our customers, or the amounts of such subsidies and incentives were reduced or eliminated, it would have a negative impact on demand for our vehicles and our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results would be materially and adversely affected.
In addition, we anticipate that in the future there may be new opportunities for us to apply for grants, loans and other incentives from federal, state, local and foreign governments on our own behalf and on behalf of our customers. Our ability to obtain funds or incentives from government sources is subject to the availability of funds under applicable government programs and approval of our applications to participate in such programs.
The application process for these funds and other incentives is and will continue to be highly competitive, and there is no guarantee that we will obtain such funds or incentives
Our service model may be costly for us to operate and may not address the service requirements of our prospective customers.
Our business plan is not to develop company owned and operated service and warranty centers but to leverage existing third-party bus and truck facilities to sell and to service our new vehicles through our FAR network. This business plan, while it has been effective thus far, may not prove to be workable in the future, and we may be forced to establish our own facilities at some point, resulting in substantial capital expenditures and increased operating costs. Zero-emission electric commercial vehicles incorporate new and evolving technologies and require specialized service. These special service arrangements now and in the future may continue to be costly and we may not be able to recoup the costs of providing these services to our customers. In addition, a number of potential customers may choose not to purchase our commercial zero-emission electric vehicles because of the lack of a more widespread service network. If we are unable to satisfactorily service vehicles that utilize our technology, our ability to generate customer loyalty, grow our business and sell additional vehicles could be impaired. There can be no assurance that these service arrangements or our limited experience servicing vehicles that utilize our technology will adequately address the service requirements of our customers to their satisfaction, or that we will have sufficient resources to meet these service requirements in a timely manner as the volume of vehicles we are able to deliver annually increases. If we do not adequately address our customers’ service needs, our brand and reputation may be adversely affected, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Traditional providers do not necessarily provide maintenance and repair services directly. Customers must instead service their vehicles through franchised dealerships or through third party maintenance service providers. We are pursuing agreements to provide third party service for us. However, it is unclear when or even whether such third-party service providers will be able to acquire the expertise to service our zero-emission electric commercial vehicles. As vehicles that utilize our technology are placed in more locations, we may encounter negative reactions from our customers who are frustrated that they cannot use local service locations to the same extent as they have with their conventional commercial vehicles and this frustration may result in negative publicity and reduced sales, thereby harming our business and prospects.
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Our decentralized assembly, sales and service model presents numerous challenges and we may not be able to execute on our plan to establish sales, service and assembly facilities in the urban areas we have targeted and our facilities in any of those markets may underperform relative to our expectations.
Our strategy of establishing sales, service, and assembly facilities in selected urban areas in the United States is substantially different from the prevailing centralized manufacturing and franchised distribution and service model used currently by our zero-emission manufacturing competitors. For example, we may not be able to utilize long established sales channels developed through a traditional franchise system to increase our sales volume, which may harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results. Moreover, we will be competing with companies with well established distribution channels. If we determine that our decentralized model is inadequate, opening our own sales, service and assembly facility in any market generally will be capital intensive and require, among other things, establishing a local order volume that is sufficient to support the facility, finding a suitable and available location, negotiating a satisfactory lease agreement for the facility, obtaining permits and approvals from local and state authorities (which, in the case of facilities to be opened in foreign countries, may require obtaining approvals from national governments), building out the facility to our specifications and hiring and training employees to assemble, sell and service our zero-emission electric vehicles and converting existing vehicles to zero-emission electric vehicles. If we decide we must open our own facilities, we plan to seek state and local government incentives to defray the costs of opening facilities in the markets we have selected, but we may not be successful in this effort, or the incentives may not be as significant as we would like. As with any development project, the development and build-out of a facility will subject us to the risk of cost overruns and delays, which may be significant. Once our sales, service and assembly facilities are open for business, we will need to ensure that they maintain a high level of quality in order to satisfy customers and enhance the brand. Even if we are able to address all of the challenges discussed above, we have little experience in sales, service or assembly and our sales, service and assembly facilities in one or more markets may not adequately address customer service needs or be profitable and we may lose sales and our entire investment in such facilities, and therefore, damaging our reputation in the process. If we are unable to establish the local order volume we require in order to open new sales, service and assembly facilities or are unable to successfully assemble, sell, and service our zero-emission electric commercial vehicles adequately for customers and profitably operate these new facilities in our target markets, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results may be adversely affected. If we do not adequately address our customers’ service needs, our brand and reputation will be adversely affected, which in turn could have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition, operating results and prospects.
In many of our zero-emission electric vehicleswe use battery packs composed of lithium-ion battery cells, which, if not appropriately managed and controlled, on rare occasions have been observed to catch fire or vent smoke and flames. If any such events occur in our commercial electric vehicles, we could face liability for damage or injury, adverse publicity and a potential safety recall.
The battery packs in our manufactured vehicles use lithium-ion cells, which have been used for years in laptop computers, cell phones and electric vehicles. On rare occasions, if not appropriately managed and controlled, lithium-ion cells can rapidly release the energy they contain by venting smoke and flames in a manner that can ignite nearby materials as well as other lithium-ion cells. Highly publicized incidents of laptop computers, cell phones, and Tesla, Inc.’s electric vehicles bursting into flames have focused consumer attention on the safety of these cells. In addition, a limited number of side-impact tests carried out by NHTSA on non-commercial passenger vehicles containing lithium-ion batteries and thermal management systems containing liquid coolant have resulted in post-collision fires under certain conditions. Any failure of a competitor’s electric vehicle may cause indirect adverse publicity for us and our electric vehicles. These events have raised questions about the suitability of lithium-ion cells for automotive applications. A field failure of our battery packs may occur, particularly if one of our manufactured or converted vehicles is involved in a collision, which could damage the vehicle or lead to personal injury or death and may subject us to lawsuits, product recalls, or redesign efforts, all of which would be time consuming and expensive. Furthermore, there is some risk of electrocution if individuals who attempt to repair battery packs on our manufactured or converted vehicles do not follow applicable maintenance and repair protocols. Any such damage or injury would likely lead to adverse publicity and potentially a safety recall. Any such adverse publicity or negative public perceptions regarding the suitability of lithium-ion cells for automotive applications or any future incident involving lithium-ion cells such as a vehicle or other fire, even if such incident does not involve vehicles that utilize our technology, could seriously harm our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results.
Risks Relating to the Legal and Regulatory Matters
We are subject to substantial regulation, which is evolving, and unfavorable changes or any failure by us to comply with these regulations could substantially harm our business and operating results.
Our commercial zero-emission electric vehicles, the sale of motor vehicles in general and the electronic components used in vehicles are subject to substantial regulation under international, federal, state and local laws. We may incur in the future increased costs in complying with these regulations. Regulations related to the electric vehicle industry and alternative and renewable energy currently are evolving and we face risks associated with changes to these regulations or new regulations. These risks include the following:
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To the extent the laws governing our business and vehicles change, some or all of our zero-emission electric products may not comply with applicable international, federal, state or local laws, and certain of the competitive advantages of our products may be reduced or eliminated, which could have an adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, compliance with changing regulations could be burdensome, time consuming, and expensive. To the extent compliance with changes in regulations or new regulations is cost prohibitive, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results will be adversely affected.
Vehicle dealer and distribution laws could adversely affect our ability to sell our commercial zero-emission electric vehicles.
Sales of our zero-emission electric vehicles are and/or may be subject to international, state and local vehicle dealer and distribution laws. To the extent such laws prevent us from selling our vehicles to customers located in a particular jurisdiction or require us to retain a local dealer or distributor or establish and maintain a physical presence in a jurisdiction in order to sell vehicles in that jurisdiction, our business, prospects, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. We intend to contract with vehicle dealers to sell and/or service our vehicles, but we have no assurance at this time that we will successfully contract with vehicle dealers and distributors to sell and/or service our vehicles.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that could impose substantial costs upon us and cause delays in opening our sales, service and assembly facilities.
We and our operations are subject to federal, state and/or local environmental laws and regulations, including laws relating to the use, handling, storage, transportation, disposal and human exposure to hazardous substances and wastes. Environmental and health and safety laws and regulations can be complex, and we expect that our business and operations may be affected by future amendments to such laws or other new environmental and health and safety laws which may require us to change our operations. These laws can give rise to liability for investigatory costs, administrative oversight costs, cleanup costs, property damage, bodily injury and fines and penalties. Capital and operating expenses needed to comply with environmental laws and regulations can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties, third party damages, responsibilities to investigate and take corrective or remedial actions, suspension of production or a cessation of our operations.
Contamination at our facilities may result in liability for us under environmental laws and regulations, including, but not limited to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, which can impose liability for the full amount of remediation-related costs without regard to fault, for the investigation and cleanup of contaminated soil and ground water, for building contamination and impacts to human health and for damages to natural resources. The costs of complying with environmental laws and regulations and any claims concerning noncompliance, or liability with respect to contamination in the future, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating results. We may face unexpected delays in obtaining the necessary permits and approvals required by environmental laws and regulations in connection with any planned manufacturing or operational facilities that could require significant time and financial resources and delay our ability to operate these facilities, which would adversely impact our business prospects and operating results.
We may be involved in legal and administrative proceedings that could result in substantial liabilities.