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Highland Electric Fleets Named “Clean Technology Transportation Company of the Year” By CleanTech Breakthrough

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Prestigious Annual Awards Program Recognizes Companies and Products Driving Innovation in the Global Clean Technology Industry

BEVERLY, Mass., April 10, 2025 /CNW/ — Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service, today announced it has been selected as “Clean Technology Transportation Company of the Year” in the second annual CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by CleanTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout climate and clean technology companies, products and services around the globe.

Highland’s mission is to make the physical and mental health benefits of electric school buses more accessible and affordable for everyone. While converting a fleet to electric can be a complex process, Highland simplifies the transition with end-to-end support—managing everything from initial planning and securing funding to vehicle procurement, charging infrastructure, and ongoing maintenance. As a category-defining leader in electrification-as-a-service, Highland ensures that fleet operators have a dependable partner at every stage of the electrification journey.

When districts and municipalities partner with Highland to make the switch to electric school buses, they create healthier environments for their students and communities. Electric school buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, which improves air quality in and around schools. Studies show that this switch reduces children’s exposure to harmful pollutants by 16%, lowering the risk of asthma flare-ups and hospital visits. Cleaner air also supports better academic outcomes. Students who ride electric buses experience an 8% lower absenteeism rate. Reduced exposure to emissions has been linked to improved cognitive function, helping children stay more focused and engaged in class.

Electric school buses not only improve community air quality, but also provide a smoother and quieter ride, creating a more comfortable and less stressful experience for students. This calm, quiet environment is especially helpful for neurodivergent students who may find the noise and vibration of traditional school buses overwhelming. By transitioning to electric fleets, districts and municipalities help ensure that every ride is safe, quiet, and enjoyable for all students.

In addition, Highland helps districts maximize the benefits of electric buses while enhancing energy resilience. One way this is achieved is through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, which allows electric school buses to function as mobile energy storage units. V2G installations enable the batteries in electric vehicles to discharge energy back to the grid during periods of peak demand, helping stabilize the grid and lower costs. In addition to supporting the grid, electric school buses equipped with V2G can provide emergency power to buildings and community centers during outages, offering a valuable resource for communities.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from CleanTech Breakthrough and proud to partner with school districts and cities across the country who are committed to providing cleaner, healthier rides for students and local communities,” said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. “This award reflects the trust and leadership of our partners to invest in advanced technology that delivers clean, reliable electric fleets that reduce operating costs over time.”

The mission of the annual CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program is to spotlight and celebrate the global innovators who are transforming the climate and clean technology landscape. The program aims to perform the industry’s most comprehensive analysis of standout leaders and technologies shaping a more sustainable future. This year’s program received thousands of nominations from more than 14 countries worldwide, reflecting the global momentum and impact of clean technology advancements.

“Highland is helping organizations get tomorrow’s fleet on today’s budget. Building an electric fleet’s infrastructure and selecting the right technology is a big project. Many operators that could benefit from transitioning to EVs just don’t have the expertise and resources needed to take on such a project,” said Bryan Vaughn, Managing Director, CleanTech Breakthrough. “Highland is bringing cleaner, healthier transportation to communities as well as helping to stabilize the grid and provide emergency power through their pioneering use of V2G projects. We’re proud to name Highland Electric Fleets ‘Clean Technology Transportation Company of the Year!'”

About Highland Electric Fleets
Highland Electric Fleets is North America’s leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles.

Highland led the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and operates the largest electric school bus project in the U.S. With approximately 95% of school buses built in the U.S., the shift to electric drives American innovation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country in addition to reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.

About CleanTech Breakthrough
Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the CleanTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in energy, climate and clean technologies, services, companies and products around the world. The CleanTech Breakthrough Awards provide public recognition for the achievements of clean technology companies and products in categories including solar technology, smart grid, energy management, wind energy, waste & recycling, transportation and more. For more information visit CleanTechBreakthrough.com

Tech Breakthrough LLC does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our recognition programs, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with award designations. Tech Breakthrough LLC recognition consists of the opinions of the Tech Breakthrough LLC organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Tech Breakthrough LLC disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this recognition program, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Media Contacts
Chris Orlando | Highland
Chris.Orlando@highlandfleets.com

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SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets

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UK FinTech Week Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

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UK FinTech Week 2025 Opens with Major UK-US Innovation and Investment Announcements

LONDON and JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — UK FinTech Week 2025 launches today with major announcements reinforcing the strength of the UK’s fintech ecosystem and its growing ties with US investors, entrepreneurs and innovators.

In a significant development unveiled at the Global Fintech Forum, L Marks, a leader in corporate innovation, announced the launch of JAX Hub, a new initiative in partnership with the City of Jacksonville. Set to open later this year, JAX Hub will establish L Marks’ US operations in Jacksonville, connecting leading financial firms with top-tier global scale-ups and entrepreneurs. Built on L Marks’ proven, award-winning Innovation Lab methodology, JAX Hub will accelerate financial sector innovation, support economic growth, and strengthen Jacksonville’s reputation as a global destination for fintech.

The announcement, made by the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Emma Reynolds MP, highlights how the UK’s fintech expertise is driving tangible investment and collaboration in the United States. JAX Hub will form a key pillar of a new UK–Florida FinTech Corridor, a priority initiative stemming from the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2023 between the State of Florida and the UK Government.

Today’s news comes alongside another major UK-US announcement: Coinbase, one of the world’s leading crypto exchanges, has selected the UK as the home for a new multi-million-dollar Web3 accelerator. Developed alongside global technology leaders Fabric Ventures and Animoca Brands, and supported by Founders Factory, the accelerator will invest in the next generation of blockchain and AI startups—cementing the UK’s leadership in digital innovation.

The UK remains the second-largest exporter of financial services globally, Europe’s top destination for fintech investment, and a trusted partner for US companies looking to scale internationally. With a fintech market valued at $393 billion, a world-class regulatory environment, and a thriving startup ecosystem, the UK offers US investors and innovators a reliable and dynamic platform for growth.

To further strengthen transatlantic collaboration, the UK’s Department for Business and Trade is hosting a delegation of leading US fintech firms at UK FinTech Week, including PayPal, Block, Affirm, Circle, Ripple, Marqeta, FIS, Robinhood and Chainalysis—demonstrating the deep and growing ties between the two markets.

As the fintech landscape evolves, the UK remains a committed, proven, and future-facing partner for US investors and innovators.
UK FinTech Week 2025 runs from 28 April – 2 May.

About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT):
The UK’s Department for Business and Trade is an economic growth department. We ensure fair, competitive markets at home, secure access to new markets abroad and support businesses to invest, export and grow. Our priorities are the Industrial Strategy, Make Work Pay, the Trade Strategy and the Plan for Small Business.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/uk-fintech-week-opens-with-major-uk-us-innovation-and-investment-announcements-302440433.html

SOURCE UK’s Department for Business and Trade

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TECO Group Showcases Vehicle Electrification Upgrade Solutions at ACT Expo

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LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The ACT Expo 2025, the world’s leading event in green transportation and charging technologies, opens on April 28 in California, USA. TECO Electric & Machinery is making its debut at the event, joining forces with its U.S. subsidiaries—TECO-Westinghouse Motor Company and NexE (charging solution sales company), as well as the newly acquired EVK Motor, a company specializing in EV hairpin motors.

The TECO Group will showcase cutting-edge products and services including electric drive axle systems for EV powertrains and high-power fast charging stations. TECO Chairman Morris Li emphasized that the company is committed to electrification solutions for vehicles, with EV powertrain systems and charging infrastructure among the group’s key strategic priorities. The products making their debut at this year’s ACT Expo integrate TECO’s technological and manufacturing strengths from both Taiwan and the U.S., showcasing the company’s capabilities in expanding into international markets.

At the end of last year, TECO acquired EVK Motor, an electric vehicle motor manufacturer. EVK’s third-generation innovative hairpin motor technology features excellent thermal design, high power density, and peak efficiency of up to 97.8%.  Making its first public appearance, the hairpin motor unit boasts key features such as a compact size and lightweight build—the complete unit, including the oil pump and radiator, weighs less than 55 kilograms. The motor covers a power range of 50 to 300 kW and a torque range of 150 to 550 Nm. According to TECO, this product is specifically designed for electric axle (E-Axle) solutions used in medium and large commercial vehicles, such as electric buses and electric trucks. It helps automakers overcome challenges related to vehicle capacity, space, and weight, while significantly enhancing the mobility performance of electrified vehicles. The company is targeting the multi-billion-dollar commercial vehicle market in Europe and North America.

At the event, TECO-Westinghouse and NexE are also showcasing their 30kW and 60kW DC fast charger and PowerCube (EV Charger Portable Power distribution system). Those DC Chargers feature high output power, smart charging capabilities, and renewable energy integration, significantly reducing charging time and improving energy efficiency. TECO stated that TECO-Westinghouse and NexE currently offer a full range of charging solutions from 30kW to 480kW. TECO-Westinghouse has already established a charger assembly line at its Texas factory to meet the needs of public institutions, including school bus fleets. Through its participation at ACT Expo, TECO aims to broaden its market exposure and business opportunities.

TECO Group continues to invest in EV powertrain systems with a global market layout that includes Taiwan, North America, India, Europe, and China. In Taiwan, TECO supplies 80% of the electric bus powertrain systems. The nation’s first domestically produced hydrogen electric bus is also powered by TECO’s 235kW SiC direct-drive system, capable of traveling 22 kilometers per kilogram of hydrogen (compared to the international average of about 20 km/kg). In India, TECO delivered prototypes to customers in Q1, with mass production of 200kW and 235kW direct-drive systems slated to begin in Q3. In North America, the company is targeting electric buses and trucks as its key customer base.

TECO website https://www.teco.com.tw/en

TECOWestinghouse website https://www.tecowestinghouse.com/products-home/green-energy-solutions/ev_chargers/

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SOURCE TECO Electric & Machinery Co.

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Vietnam Airlines expands partnership with Adyen

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The airline now taps on Adyen’s extensive global acquiring network to process transactions worldwide

SINGAPORE, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies, today announced an expanded partnership with Vietnam Airlines, Vietnam’s flag carrier. The airline partnered with Adyen in 2017 for its gateway solution and in 2024, expanded the partnership to leverage Adyen’s global acquiring capabilities, enabling seamless payment experiences in markets like Japan, Australia, the U.S., and Europe, among others.

The single integration with Adyen allows faster, more reliable transactions in credit cards and selected local payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay. Adyen’s acquiring capabilities connect businesses directly to Visa and Mastercard card schemes, helping the airline benefit from local market conditions and generate higher authorization rates and lower transaction fees. Since the expansion of partnership, Vietnam Airlines has seen up to a 5% uplift in authorization rates.

“Our strengthened partnership with Adyen represents a significant step forward in Vietnam Airlines’ digital transformation. With Adyen’s global reach and advanced payment solutions, we can offer travelers around the world a smooth, secure, and flexible payment experience—supporting major card networks and emerging payment methods alike. This collaboration enables us to elevate the passenger journey while boosting operational efficiency and fostering innovation,” said Bui Tran Cuong, Deputy Director of Finance and Accounting, Vietnam Airlines.

“We’re honored to further our longstanding collaboration with Vietnam Airlines as their trusted payments partner and our work together is testament to how the right payment solutions can empower businesses to serve a global customer base at scale,” said Warren Hayashi, President, Asia-Pacific, Adyen.

About Adyen

Adyen (AMS: ADYEN) is the financial technology platform of choice for leading companies. By providing end-to-end payments capabilities, data-driven insights, and financial products in a single global solution, Adyen helps businesses achieve their ambitions faster. With offices around the world, Adyen works with the likes of Meta, LVMH, SHEIN, Uber, L’Oréal, Cathay Pacific, Grab, Klook, and Singapore Airlines. This partnership with Vietnam Airlines as described in this merchant update underlines Adyen’s continuous growth with current and new merchants over the years.

About Vietnam Airlines

Vietnam Airlines, a member of Skyteam Alliance, is the flag carrier of Vietnam, connecting the world’s most thriving destinations with nearly 100 routes to 22 domestic and 30 international destinations in 18 countries. 

Vietnam Airlines boasts one of the youngest and most modern fleets in Asia, highlighted by their Boeing 787-9 and -10 Dreamliners, Airbus A350-900 XWBs and Airbus A320, A321neos, offering impeccable level of comfort and service throughout every journey.

The carrier is recognized as one of the region’s leading airlines thanks to its modern fleet and its commitment towards innovation, digitalization and development — earning it international acclaim as validated by numerous prestigious awards including Top 25 World’s Safest Airlines for 2025, Top 20 World’s Best Airlines for 2025, World’s Best Value Premium Economy, Top 20 World’s Best Airline by Airline Ratings (2023), Global 5 Star Airline 2023, Major 5 Star Airline 2024 by APEX; Skytrax’s 4 Star Airline for four consecutive years.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/vietnam-airlines-expands-partnership-with-adyen-302439540.html

SOURCE Adyen

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