Author: Shaun Williams

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…