Author: Floyd Hawkins

UK-based Ilika has announced a significant advancement in the development of its solid-state Goliath batteries, reporting a fivefold increase in capacity for its 10 Ah cells since July. The milestone, referred to as the “D6 milestone,” marks a step closer to the commercialization of its innovative battery technology for electric vehicles (EVs). Ilika is targeting a design freeze (D7 milestone) in the first quarter of 2025, paving the way for the release of 10 Ah prototype cells, dubbed P1.5 prototypes. These will build on the success of the earlier 2 Ah P1 prototypes, which have been under trial by a…

Ben Maclean, a 24-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Down to Earth Developments, is redefining land reclamation in the UK with a focus on sustainability. His company transforms degraded or unusable land into productive plots for residential and agricultural purposes, employing hybrid construction machinery to reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. Earlier this year, Maclean made headlines as the youngest customer to purchase Caterpillar’s D6XE electric drive dozer, a hybrid machine designed to enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Pleased with its performance, he recently acquired a second unit to expand his fleet, which also includes CAT 323 hydraulic excavators. “It’s…

Husqvarna has revealed its latest electric motorcycle, the Pioneer Electric Enduro, aimed at blending off-road adventure with street-legal convenience. Scheduled for release in March 2025, the Pioneer offers riders a quiet, emissions-free alternative to traditional dirt bikes while meeting road-legal requirements. The Husqvarna Pioneer is designed for riders who want to transition seamlessly from suburban streets to rugged trails. Equipped with a 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, the bike promises a range of up to 137 km (85 miles) per charge on the WMTC cycle, although real-world performance may vary. Charging the battery takes eight hours with a standard wall plug,…

Fisker has issued a recall for 7,745 Ocean electric SUVs due to a transmission defect that could cause the vehicle to roll away unintentionally while in Drive or Reverse, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall centers on a software glitch that may prevent the vehicle from maintaining its selected gear. Although Fisker introduced an over-the-air update in March 2024 to address the issue, the recall suggests that not all owners have implemented the fix. Vehicle rollaways pose significant safety risks, with NHTSA data showing they contribute to approximately 144 fatalities and 1,900 injuries annually…

German wallbox manufacturer ABL has introduced its first DC charging station, the Supernova 220, developed by Spanish parent company Wallbox Chargers. The charger is tailored to meet the regulatory requirements of the DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), including Eichrecht certification for public-sector use in Germany and Austria. The Supernova 220, originally launched by Wallbox Chargers in 2020, is now adapted for the German-speaking markets with ABL’s expertise in calibration law compliance. The charging station offers modular functionality with three power levels—75 kW, 150 kW, and 220 kW—making it a scalable solution for various applications. Equipped with six independent power…

PALFINGER, a global leader in material handling solutions, has launched the FLS 25 eDRIVE, marking its entry into the electric forklift market. The truck-mounted forklift is designed to meet the needs of construction engineers, motorcycle dealers, and logistics fleets seeking sustainable and efficient lifting solutions. The FLS 25 eDRIVE boasts a 26 kW (35 hp) electric motor and a lifting capacity of 2.5 tons (5,000 lbs.), making it suitable for demanding tasks. Its innovative design features up to 180 degrees of steering angle, enabling exceptional maneuverability. Combined with the precision offered by its electric drive, the FLS 25 eDRIVE promises…

Nissan has joined the list of automakers whose electric vehicles can now use Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) Supercharger Network. The update, reflected on Tesla’s official NACS webpage, allows Nissan EV drivers to access over 15,000 Supercharger stalls across the United States and Canada. This development follows Tesla’s existing partnerships with automakers like Ford, Rivian, General Motors, Volvo, and Polestar. Nissan had previously announced that its all-electric Ariya crossover would gain NACS access later this year, alongside plans to distribute NACS adapters to Ariya drivers by the end of 2024. “This adapter will allow Ariya drivers to conveniently charge…

Vulcan Energy and BASF have signed a letter of intent to collaborate on developing geothermal energy at BASF’s Ludwigshafen site in Germany, aiming to generate renewable energy and sustainably extract lithium. The partnership aligns with both companies’ commitments to decarbonization and renewable resource utilization in the industrial sector. The project focuses on harnessing geothermal energy from the Upper Rhine Graben. BASF aims to produce CO₂-free steam through heat pumps, with the potential to generate 300 megawatts of thermal energy annually. This renewable energy source could reduce BASF’s reliance on fossil fuels, preventing approximately 800,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions each…

UK government officials have reiterated their commitment to phasing out internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2030, following discussions with the automotive industry on zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates and targets. While manufacturers welcomed the government’s resolve to lead the ZEV transition, concerns remain over financial penalties tied to non-compliance with emissions goals. Under the ZEV mandate, 22% of cars and 10% of vans sold must be zero-emission by year’s end. These quotas will increase annually until 2030, when the sale of new ICE vehicles will cease. Automakers failing to meet the targets face fines of £15,000 per ZEV allowance for…

Landis+Gyr, a global provider of energy management solutions, has announced its entry into the DC fast charging market, unveiling a new portfolio of scalable, high-power charging products aimed at addressing the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. The company’s new offerings feature bidirectional charging capabilities and integrated battery storage systems designed for Battery-to-Grid applications. These systems can deliver high-speed charging in areas with limited grid capacity, minimizing the need for expensive and time-consuming grid upgrades. “Our entry into the DC charging market reflects our commitment to nurturing and strengthening the grid,” said Michael Viktor Fischer, CEO of Landis+Gyr EV…

Northern Irish bus manufacturer Wrightbus has completed the delivery of 31 hydrogen fuel cell buses to Regionalverkehr Köln (RVK), marking its first deployment of such vehicles in Europe. The buses, ordered in May 2022, are undergoing final testing before commencing operations in the Cologne region. Wrightbus has also established a European service center in Brühl, strategically located within RVK’s operating area. This facility is set to provide maintenance and support for the RVK buses and other orders Wrightbus has secured, including those from Saarbahn, Vestische, Cottbusverkehr, and West Verkehr. The Brühl center is also envisioned as a hub for servicing…

Charging infrastructure manufacturer XCharge North America has announced a collaboration with Swiss recycling startup Grensol Group to tackle end-of-life waste from Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). The initiative aims to reduce waste associated with EV charging cables and modules, promoting sustainability in the rapidly growing EV sector. Under the agreement, XCharge will supply Grensol with discarded EVSE components, such as broken cables and worn-down equipment, to develop industrial recycling solutions. Grensol plans to utilize advanced technologies, including metals recovery and photolysis, to process the waste and produce raw materials for a circular economy. These materials could include critical metals required…