Author: Shaun Williams

Abarth has officially revealed the specifications for the new 600e, marking its entry into the electric vehicle market with its first-ever electric crossover. This model stands out as the most powerful production vehicle to bear the Scorpion emblem, available in two variants: the Turismo, producing 237 hp, and the high-performance Scorpionissima, boasting 278 hp. The production of the Scorpionissima is limited to 1,949 units, commemorating the founding year of the Italian brand. Initially announced in early 2024 with a projected output of 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS), the Abarth 600e has undergone enhancements similar to those seen in…

Belgian charging solutions provider MobilityPlus announced a €40 million financing round to boost its expansion in Belgium and France. Suma Capital, via its Climate Impact Fund III, led the round, with existing investor Concentra also participating. Although MobilityPlus did not disclose individual investments or the ownership structure, the new capital will help the company scale its operations and Charging-as-a-Service (CaaS) model. Suma Capital’s partners, Ruperto Unzué and Jérôme Petitjean, commended the investment, stating, “The company has an impressive track record of innovative charging solutions, sustainable growth, and a solid customer base. We are excited to support their further expansion to…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has finalized a $2.26 billion loan for Lithium Americas to develop the Thacker Pass lithium mine in Nevada, marking one of the most significant U.S. government investments in critical minerals. The initiative aligns with the Biden administration’s efforts to bolster domestic lithium production for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and reduce dependence on China, the leading global processor of lithium. Earlier this month, the administration also granted funding to a separate lithium project led by ioneer, underscoring its strategy to secure essential minerals. “The Biden-Harris Administration recognizes mineral security is essential to winning the global…

Adden Energy has secured $15 million in Series A funding, led by At One Ventures. The financing will facilitate the scaling of production for the company’s self-healing solid-state batteries, which aim to address challenges associated with electric vehicle (EV) adoption, including range, charge rate, battery lifespan, and safety. Adden Energy’s lithium-metal solid-state batteries are intended to enhance the competitiveness of EVs against internal combustion engines by 2028. The investment round also saw participation from Primavera Capital Group, Rhapsody Venture Partners, and MassVentures. The company’s solid-state battery technology, originally developed at Harvard University, incorporates a self-healing separator designed to prevent lithium…

DHL Supply Chain and Diageo North America have enhanced their sustainability initiatives with the introduction of two hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks into their U.S. fleet. Manufactured by Nikola Corporation, these Class 8 trucks are the first of their kind to operate daily in Illinois, marking a notable development in sustainable transportation. This partnership aims to lower emissions and promote a cleaner environment. The hydrogen fuel cell trucks are expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 80% annually compared to traditional diesel trucks, producing no tailpipe emissions. The introduction of these vehicles not only contributes to improved air quality but…

Volkswagen initially aimed to generate excitement with the debut of its ID.7 electric liftback, showcased in New York last year. However, plans for the model’s U.S. launch, originally set for the third quarter of 2024, were postponed in May due to changing market dynamics. The automaker cited a combination of weak EV demand and a consumer preference for crossovers as reasons for the delay, stating its intention to make “market-driven choices while listening to our customers.” Recently, Volkswagen Group of America CEO Pablo Di Si indicated that the ID.7 could potentially launch in the U.S. as early as next year,…

Stellantis, the global automotive group, is preparing to cut the production of combustion engine vehicles as early as November in a bid to meet stringent European Union emissions targets for 2025, according to Jean-Philippe Imparato, the company’s European Chief Operating Officer. To comply with upcoming EU regulations, which require manufacturers to limit their fleet’s average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to 95 grams per kilometer, Stellantis aims to double its electric vehicle (EV) share to 24% of total sales in 2024. “If the demand for electric vehicles remains at current levels, the only way to meet our targets and avoid fines…

Mullen Automotive, a small electric vehicle startup, has once again sidestepped delisting from the Nasdaq after facing repeated warnings over its failure to meet the exchange’s minimum bid requirements. Despite showcasing several vehicles, the company has yet to begin production and has been on the brink of losing its public trading status for the past two years. The trouble began in September 2022, when Mullen received its first warning from the Nasdaq for failing to maintain a $1 minimum bid price over 30 consecutive business days. Initially, the company was given until March 6, 2023, to regain compliance, but this…

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has provided $670.6 million in loan support to Aspen Aerogels, a company specializing in fire-resistant materials for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The funding aims to assist the construction of Aspen’s new manufacturing facility in Georgia, which will produce insulating materials to enhance battery safety in EVs. Aspen Aerogels focuses on addressing battery fire risks in EVs. While EV battery fires are less frequent than in gas-powered vehicles, they are often more difficult to manage. Aspen’s thermal barriers are designed to slow or stop the spread of heat and flames within battery packs, potentially reducing…

Lhyfe, a producer of green hydrogen, and KEYOU, a developer of hydrogen combustion engine technology, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to support hydrogen mobility in Germany and Europe. The partnership involves Lhyfe’s planned hydrogen production facility in Schwäbisch Gmünd, which will supply green hydrogen to power up to 100 trucks developed by KEYOU between 2026 and 2030. Lhyfe’s facility, expected to produce up to 4 tonnes of hydrogen per day, is set to be operational by the end of the year. This hydrogen will support KEYOU’s efforts to convert diesel trucks into hydrogen-powered vehicles, aligning with EU…

At the Paris Motor Show, Taiwanese company ProLogium showcased its latest innovation: a pure silicon composite anode designed to significantly enhance the performance of electric vehicle (EV) batteries. This development is part of a collaborative effort with a partner from Germany and falls within ProLogium’s specialization in solid-state batteries featuring ceramic electrolytes, referred to as lithium-ceramic batteries (LCB). ProLogium claims that its new silicon anode technology has achieved an impressive volumetric energy density of 749 Wh/l and a gravimetric energy density of 321 Wh/kg, with expectations to reach 823 Wh/l and 355 Wh/kg later this year. Importantly, these figures represent…

GM Defense, a subsidiary of General Motors, is set to reveal its new “Next Gen” tactical vehicle prototype at the Association of the US Army’s (AUSA) annual meeting and exposition, taking place from October 14 to 16, 2024. Based on the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD ZR2, the Next Gen vehicle integrates advanced hybrid technology tailored for military applications. The tactical vehicle features a military-grade diesel-hybrid propulsion system, combining GM’s 2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel engine with a 102 kWh Ultium 12-module battery pack. It is equipped with a GMC HUMMER EV motor on the front axle and an eBeam rear axle, enabling capabilities…

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has invested in Koloma, a Denver-based geologic hydrogen startup, through its subsidiary, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries America, Inc. (MHIA). The investment places MHIA among a syndicate of backers, which includes Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Amazon’s Climate Pledge Fund, United Airlines’ Sustainable Flight Fund, and Energy Impact Partners. Koloma specializes in the discovery and commercialization of geologic hydrogen, using proprietary technology and data. Geologic hydrogen, produced through natural water-rock reactions like serpentinization, is considered a potentially renewable energy source. Research suggests that these geological processes naturally replenish up to 23 million tonnes of hydrogen annually, or 30% of the…

Arriva, the former Deutsche Bahn subsidiary, has introduced 21 electric buses from Chinese manufacturer BYD into service in the town of Móstoles, near Madrid. The move marks a significant step toward the full electrification of the local public transport system, which will become 100 percent emission-free by October. To support the new fleet, Arriva has electrified a bus depot in Móstoles, installing 22 charging points with plans to expand to 44 in the future. The electric buses boast a range of 350 kilometers, allowing them to operate throughout the day without intermediate charging. Charging will be completed overnight at the…

Stellantis has extended the production halt of the Fiat 500e until November 1, citing sluggish demand for the small electric vehicle. Despite the lack of sales, the 2024 Fiat 500e is now available for lease at an attractive price point, with deals starting at $199 per month for 36 months, plus $2,999 due at signing. This brings the effective cost to $282 per month, including a mileage cap of 7,500 miles annually. The current leasing offer is notably cheaper than previous deals and makes the 500e more affordable to lease than the Nissan Versa, which is regarded as America’s cheapest…

US fast-charging provider EVgo and Taiwanese charging station manufacturer Delta Electronics have signed a letter of intent to co-develop a new charging architecture aimed at enhancing cost efficiency and reliability. The partnership focuses on creating cheaper, more reliable charging stations while improving the customer experience. The joint effort will leverage “advanced firmware and hardware design,” allowing EVgo greater control over both hardware and software development. The collaboration seeks to address key challenges in the charging industry, such as increasing peak power output by up to 400 kW, implementing contactless payment interfaces, and designing longer charging cables for flexible vehicle access.…

BYD has announced its entry into the Tajik passenger car market, furthering its expansion in Central Asia after Uzbekistan. The Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer held a brand launch event in Tajikistan on October 4, where it detailed its strategy for the region. At the event, BYD introduced four models for the Tajik market, which include two plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), the Song Pro DM-i and Chazor DM-i, as well as two battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the Song Plus EV and e2. “The Central Asian automotive market is promising and an important part of BYD’s global footprint,” said…

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao expressed “serious concerns” regarding U.S. policies on semiconductors and restrictions on Chinese-connected vehicles during a call with U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo on Tuesday. Wang called for the removal of sanctions imposed on Chinese companies, stressing the importance of clarifying national security boundaries in trade. Wang emphasized the need for stability in global supply chains and highlighted China’s desire for improved bilateral business cooperation. “China urges the U.S. to address the specific concerns of Chinese companies, lift sanctions as soon as possible, and improve the business environment for Chinese firms in the U.S.,” Wang said,…

Despite a recent slowdown in electric vehicle (EV) sales, demand for metals like copper, critical to the EV industry, remains strong, according to Tom Mackay, head of refined metal at commodity trader IXM. While the EV market continues to grow, forecasting metal demand remains challenging due to the industry’s evolving nature and various factors affecting it. “The electric vehicle industry is new. There are a lot of variables, including penetration rates and battery chemistries, which makes forecasting demand a guessing game,” Mackay said, pointing to uncertainties around EV sales growth, charging infrastructure, and resale value concerns. However, he emphasized that…

Genesis Energy, one of New Zealand’s leading energy companies, has acquired a 65% stake in ChargeNet, the country’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging network, as part of a major investment aimed at expanding the nation’s EV infrastructure. The $64 million NZD ($36 million EUR) investment will enable ChargeNet to accelerate its network expansion, with plans to more than double its existing infrastructure by 2030. ChargeNet currently operates 250 public charging sites and 430 individual charging points nationwide. The company aims to play a pivotal role in supporting New Zealand’s transition to cleaner transport by scaling up its network over the…