In anticipation of the upcoming COP28 climate conference and ahead of next year’s Euro elections, the President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) presented a manifesto and roadmap for a competitive European mobility ecosystem, signed by the CEOs of all leading European vehicle manufacturers.
Luca de Meo, who is also CEO of the Renault Group, said: “Our sector is undergoing the biggest transformation in more than a century. There is no doubt about the need to decarbonise transport. We are investing billions to achieve these goals – and we are investing far more than any other sector.” ACEA says that because of its scale, no single entity is capable of delivering the transformation, but the entire transport ecosystem needs to be transformed. That is why it has published its manifesto for the whole sector, addressed in particular to the future European Parliament and the Commission. The manifesto proposes a three-pillar plan – supply, production and demand – to be implemented by the automotive industry and its partners.
“The automotive sector has to implement an average of eight to nine EU regulations every year until 2030, which are gradually coming into force, in some cases with conflicting regulations,” says the ACEA president, adding: “Europe urgently needs to adopt a holistic approach to the challenges of the automotive industry, covering the entire supply and production chain from start to finish. The challenges we face cut across many sectors: automotive, mining, energy, infrastructure and more. If we look at our global competitors, we see that they are very good at this.”
“Europe not only needs to ensure that we are as well equipped as other regions, but also that we have a level playing field in global competition. Competition is very healthy and real competition also means open global markets and rules for fair and free trade,” de Meo said. A key element of ACEA’s plan is to make Europe a hub for green and smart vehicle production. “We need to work together to create the conditions for the production of a variety of zero-emission vehicle models, including small, affordable electric vehicles that are profitable to produce in Europe,” explained the ACEA president.
ACEA presented its Manifesto Competitive European Automotive Industry Leading the Mobility Revolution as part of its #FutureDriven campaign. In the document, ACEA presents its vision of an industry that promotes sustainability, high-skilled European jobs, safe and reliable transport, global competitiveness and affordable mobility for all. It contains key policy recommendations for the EU’s five-year mandate and presents an action plan for a competitive European transport ecosystem based on three pillars: supply, production and demand.
Why is this important?
21. 12. 2024 Sales of electric vehicles in Europe fell by 14% in the third quarter, but the battery car category, including hybrids, grew by 2% year-on-year. PwC expects at least 700,000 Chinese electric and hybrid cars to be produced annually in Europe by 2030. news.cz 🇸🇰
20. 12. 2024 According to the T&E study, the recycling of end-of-life batteries and scrap from gigafactories has the potential to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chain for battery raw materials in Europe. Recycling could meet 14% of lithium, 16% of nickel, 17% of manganese and 25% of cobalt needs by 2030. The study highlights the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. transportenvironment.org 🇬🇧
20. 12. 2024 The collaboration between Ekoenerget and BP Pulse will bring innovative charging solutions to electric truck fleets. This will provide charging options not only at depots but also along the TEN-T network. ekoenergetyka.com 🇬🇧
19. 12. 2024 Watch the recording of the SEVA webinar Electric vans in company fleets, which we prepared in cooperation with the SEVA business hub partner Electric cars in companies – ZSE Drive. We wish you a pleasant viewing of the last SEVA webinar of the year. We look forward to seeing you at one of SEVA’s other events to EVangelise and spread awareness of zero-emission transport.
19. 12. 2024 Automotive supplier Brose is planning to shift some production from Germany to its plants abroad, including Slovakia. This strategy is intended to reduce costs and increase competitiveness on the global market. Hundreds of jobs will reportedly be cut in Germany. sueddeutsche.de 🇩🇪
19. 12. 2024 Volvo CEO Jim Rowan predicts a turbulent period for 2025, pointing to growing pressure from Chinese brands in Europe. Despite tariffs, they are expanding their influence, even as they face financial pressure. Hypercompetition will affect the global market, he says. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
18. 12. 2024 Minister Tomáš Taraba appealed to the EU Council of Ministers to preserve the competitiveness of the Slovak automotive industry in the context of the ongoing changes in the sector. The Deputy Prime Minister advocated, among other things, changes in the European emissions trading system. teraz.sk 🇸🇰
18. 12. 2024 VW and the IG Metall union continue negotiations on a new wage agreement. The dispute centers on the amount of wage increases, with the union demanding better conditions for employees. marketscreener.com 🇬🇧
17. 12. 2024 In a new episode of our podcast FULL STROKE, we discuss batteries and the battery industry. We discuss the technological innovations that are shaping the industry, the environmental challenges associated with raw material extraction and recycling as well as the scalability of manufacturing. Why is it strategic to develop the battery sector in Slovakia? Listen to the podcast on our website.
17. 12. 2024 Stellantis Europe chief Jean-Philippe Imparato will meet today with Italian Minister Adolfo Urso and the trade unions. The talks are aimed at an agreement to protect 40,000 jobs in Italy and the issue of underutilisation of factories. autonews.com 🇬🇧
17. 12. 2024 The ACC factory in northern France, backed by Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, has secured a €1 billion loan to finance a production expansion. The 13 GWh second unit will increase the factory’s existing capacity to 28 GWh. reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 12. 2024 The SLAC-Stanford study revealed that real-world driving conditions such as stopping and parking, as well as dynamic charging and discharging cycles, are beneficial for EV batteries and can extend their life by up to 40%. This could significantly increase their life expectancy compared to laboratory assumptions. stanford.edu 🇬🇧
16. 12. 2024 Stellantis expects to significantly exceed the minimum sales of electric vehicles needed to meet the EU’s CO2 emissions targets in 2025. The optimism is based on growing demand for new EV models. autonews.com 🇬🇧
16. 12. 2024 Gotion High-tech plans to invest €1.28 billion in the construction of a battery gigafactory in Morocco. The 20 GWh factory is expected to be key to the company’s global expansion. chinadaily.com.cn 🇬🇧
16. 12. 2024 EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra stressed that the EU will not back down from current targets to cut CO2 emissions from cars, even under pressure from the largest political group in parliament. reuters.com 🇬🇧
15. 12. 2024 General Motors writes down $5 billion of value in partnership with SAIC due to poor results in China. The automaker faces declining sales as Chinese consumers prefer domestic brands. wsj.com 🇬🇧
15. 12. 2024 A complete ban on graphite exports from China could severely impact global supply chains for battery materials. The move reflects geopolitical tensions between China and the US. csis.org 🇬🇧
14. 12. 2024 The E.ON and P3 study shows that customers prefer charging stations at their destination, such as car parks, shops or holiday locations. This complements home and fast charging on motorways. eon.de 🇩🇪
14. 12. 2024 In a discussion on RTVS, Patrik Križanský, Director of SEVA, stressed that electric cars are more environmentally friendly and can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 70%. Studies confirm that electromobility is the key to a cleaner future for Slovakia and the EU. If you don’t have time to watch the video, you can read the transcript. seva.sk 🇸🇰
13. 12. 2024 The Roland Berger report predicts four megatrends that will shape the automotive industry by 2040: Polarization, Automation, Connectivity and Electrification (PACE). The report expects a radical transformation over the next 15 years. Electric vehicles could reach 71% of the market. rolandberger.com 🇬🇧
12. 12. 2024 P3’s Energy Excellence @Trucks Report reveals the experiences of German logistics companies with N3-class electric trucks. The main obstacles are uncertain political conditions and investment barriers. Lack of charging infrastructure in depots poses a challenge for eHDVs. p3-group.com 🇬🇧
12. 12. 2024 Volkswagen has partnered with Rivian to solve software challenges. Together they will develop a new electric architecture for software-defined vehicles, with VW investing in Rivian as part of the Trinity project. autonews.com 🇬🇧
11. 12. 2024 Volkswagen plans to shift production of electric ID vans. Buzz to Poznan, Poland. The change could affect all or part of production. Hannover would lose exclusive production of the model. haz.de 🇩🇪
11. 12. 2024 The European Commission has launched the €3.4 billion IF24 Battery call to support innovative battery cell technologies for electric vehicles. The aim is to accelerate the decarbonisation of the industry. ec.europa.eu 🇬🇧
11. 12. 2024 BMW CEO Oliver Zipse rejects postponing the EU’s CO2 emissions targets until 2025. He says the targets have been known to the industry since 2019 and BMW has adapted its model policy accordingly. He sees the greatest growth potential in electric cars. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
11. 12. 2024 Germany set a new record for electric car production in October with 143,200 units, 38% more than a year ago. In the first 11 months of the year, 1.1 million electric vehicles were produced, an increase of 5%. vda.de 🇬🇧
11. 12. 2024 Sales of electric vehicles in China rose 50.5% year-on-year in November, accounting for 51.8% of total sales. This is the fifth month that EV sales have surpassed gasoline cars in the world’s largest market. reuters.com 🇬🇧
11. 12. 2024 There has been a call in Brussels for stronger European support for the battery sector. Sweden, Germany and France warned of unfair international competition and the risk of domination by Chinese suppliers. According to Swedish Minister E. Busch, this is a European crisis. zeit.de 🇩🇪
10. 12. 2024 Škoda Auto reaches the milestone of 1,000,000 battery systems produced for the Volkswagen Group. The batteries produced in Mladá Boleslav since 2019 are used in several models, including the Škoda Enyaq and the Elroq SUV. skoda-storyboard.com 🇸🇰
10. 12. 2024 In his LinkedIn post, Lukáš Kadula analyses how Tesla and Škoda Auto are shaping the BEV market in the Czech Republic. He highlights the success of both brands in the context of the growing interest in electromobility. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
10. 12. 2024 Stellantis and CATL plan to invest €4.1 billion to build a gigafactory in Spain. The factory, with an annual capacity of 50 GWh, is to be one of the largest in Europe and start production by the end of 2026. reuters.com 🇬🇧
9. 12. 2024 Stellantis, Europe’s second-largest carmaker, has announced its intention to rejoin the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) following the departure of former CEO Carlos Tavares, who in the past criticized the association’s lack of influence in the face of restrictions on sales of internal combustion vehicles from 2035. autonews.com 🇬🇧
9. 12. 2024 Patrik Križanský, Director of SEVA, talked about the challenges of electromobility in the Téma:24 programme on RTVS. The discussion was dominated by threats of fines for non-compliance with emission limits and the need for higher sales of electric vehicles. If you don’t have time to watch the video, you can read a transcript of the show on our website. seva.sk 🇸🇰
8. 12. 2024 Daimler Truck has started series production of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, an electric model for long-distance transport. With a range of 500 km per charge, the vehicle represents a significant step in the decarbonisation of heavy road transport in Europe. daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
7. 12. 2024 The BMW Group is building a competence centre for battery cell recycling in Kirchroth, Lower Bavaria. With an investment of 10 million euros, it is focusing on an innovative direct recycling process that enables the efficient reuse of raw materials. bmwgroup.com 🇬🇧
6. 12. 2024 Volkswagen plans to end production of internal combustion engines at its Chinese plant in Nanjing. VW and SAIC face a 43% decline in market share in China compared to 2017. Shifting production to other plants is a response to overcapacity. wiwo.de 🇩🇪
6. 12. 2024 In 2023, the average certified consumption of electric cars in the EU was 19 kWh/100 km and the real one was 21 kWh/100 km. The weight of EVs has increased by 24% and the power by 53% in recent years. Average battery capacity has increased by 65%, but energy consumption has increased by 21%. mdpi.com 🇬🇧
5. 12. 2024 Schaeffler plans to close plants in Austria and Britain. The plant closures are intended to ensure long-term competitiveness, while Slovakia and Romania gain new capacity. krone.at 🇩🇪
5. 12. 2024 The Canadian government has launched the “e-Car Challenge” to support the development of a new generation of electric vehicles. Funding will go towards research into electric motors, power electronics and battery systems. The aim is to accelerate the transition to electric mobility. nrc.canada.ca 🇨🇦
5. 12. 2024 MAN Truck & Bus has opened a new building for the production of high-capacity batteries for electric trucks and buses at its Nuremberg plant. The first MAN eTruck has already been delivered to the customer. mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
4. 12. 2024 The European Parliament analyses the competition between the EU and China in the field of cars. There are four possible scenarios for the future development of electric vehicles by 2030. The scenarios outlined by the EP range from complete domination of the Chinese market to a renaissance of European manufacturing, based on innovation and strong regulation. The speed of European industry’s response will be key. europarl.europa.eu 🇬🇧
4. 12. 2024 Kempower has partnered with DLL to provide financial solutions for charging infrastructure. Customers will gain financing options, including leasing and hire purchase agreements, which will support the expansion of electromobility. dllgroup.com 🇬🇧
4. 12. 2024 The project in Utrecht involves the use of V2G, which will allow Renault 5 electric cars to feed energy back into the grid. the 500 EVs will help stabilise the city’s electricity grid. This is the first such shared fleet in Europe. renaultgroup.com 🇬🇧
3. 12. 2024 Volkswagen and China’s SAIC have extended their cooperation until 2040 to mark the 40th anniversary of their joint venture. Their strategy will focus on accelerating electrification and developing models with extended range. volkswagen-group.com 🇬🇧
3. 12. 2024 Renault Trucks presents an extended version of the E-Tech T with a range of 600 km on a single charge. The new e-truck model enables higher battery capacity and supports the decarbonisation of long-distance transport. Orders will start in 2025. renault-trucks.com 🇬🇧
2. 12. 2024 Aggressive pricing strategies and rapid adaptation to EV demand have enabled Chinese automakers to gain significant market share in Southeast Asia. bloomberg.com 🇺🇸
2. 12. 2024 Carlos Tavares, CEO of Stellantis, has resigned with immediate effect. The company, parent of brands such as Jeep and Fiat, is already searching for his successor. Tavares has led Stellantis since its formation in 2021, when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and PSA Group merged. Despite his experience, the company has faced declining sales and profits during his leadership. autonews.com 🇺🇸
1. 12. 2024 Volvo’s electric buses prove their reliability even in the extreme conditions of Hammerfest in the Arctic Circle. Tide Buss evaluates their performance positively and is preparing for a second winter operation. The only interruption in the first winter season was caused by a forgetful driver. volvobuses.com 🇬🇧
1. 12. 2024 Atilium wants to reduce Europe’s dependence on Chinese batteries by promoting the recycling and reuse of materials. This is a key step towards a more independent battery supply chain. autonews.com 🇬🇧
1. 12. 2024 MAN and Scania customers get access to an extensive charging network via the Hubject platform. The roaming platform will simplify access to the charging infrastructure while maintaining existing services. traton.com 🇬🇧
30. 11. 2024 The Volkswagen Group’s “Enter Electric” campaign aims to dispel persistent myths about electric vehicles and boost confidence in the future of electromobility with clear messages and facts. The aim is to increase public interest and raise awareness of the benefits of zero-emission transport. volkswagen-group.com 🇬🇧
30. 11. 2024 The P3 study proves that predictions of massive EV battery failures have not come true and that EV batteries retain their high performance even after years of use. After 30,000 km, their capacity drops to around 95%, but degradation slows down thereafter. Most of the batteries tested have an SoH above 90%. p3-group.com 🇩🇪
30. 11. 2024 The Chinese company CATL is planning to invest in a battery recycling plant in Europe. Production at its Hungarian gigafactory is due to start in the second half of 2025. The company is reportedly already in talks with several European governments, including Hungary, about sites. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
29. 11. 2024 The JRC’s comprehensive report charts the development of battery technologies and markets in the EU. It highlights research and innovation activities and assesses how the EU is strengthening its position in the global battery chain. setis.ec.europa.eu 🇬🇧
29. 11. 2024 BMW has started test production of pre-production models of the new generation “Neue Klasse” in Debrecen. This is a key step in preparation for the series production of electric vehicles on the new platform, which will start at the end of 2025. press.bmwgroup.com 🇬🇧
28. 11. 2024 Daimler Buses presents the Mercedes-Benz eIntouro, a pre-production battery bus with a range of up to 500 km. This model is designed for public transport between cities and rural areas, extending electric mobility over longer distances. daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
28. 11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform for electric vehicles, which will debut next year. It will offer a range of over 750 km, an 800-volt architecture and fast charging of up to 320 kW. It incorporates a new generation of electric powertrain that improves fuel economy and enables faster charging over long distances. This gives you a range of up to 300 km in 10 minutes of charging. caranddriver.com 🇬🇧
27. 11. 2024 A new episode of the SEVA podcast NA PLNY PRUD features an interview with scientist Karol Fröhlich from CEMEA SAV. While we also discuss battery recycling using bacteria, which can reduce dependence on imported raw materials, in particular – CEMEA is developing anodes and cathodes with higher capacity and faster charging, which is key research for the Slovak automotive industry. seva.sk 🇸🇰
27. 11. 2024 The automotive industry in Slovakia is facing uncertainty due to Trump’s possible tariffs. Analysts warn that although the sector has proved resilient, the new barriers could disrupt exports overseas, which have reached €4 billion. Slovakia is the third largest exporter of cars to the US. dennikn.sk 🇸🇰
27. 11. 2024 German automotive parts supplier Schaeffler has announced the closure of two plants in the UK and Austria. The move is part of a strategy to optimise production capacity and cut costs. Hundreds of employees will be affected by the plant closures, while Schaeffler plans to shift production to other locations to improve efficiency and competitiveness. autonews.com 🇬🇧
27. 11. 2024 A research project by DIW Berlin and TU Dresden has shown that battery trucks have the greatest potential for climate protection in heavy transport. They are more energy efficient and more predictable in cost than hydrogen alternatives. The market is clearly leaning towards battery solutions due to their higher efficiency and availability. diw.de 🇩🇪
27. 11. 2024 The European Parliament has published a briefing on the progress of the implementation of the Critical Minerals Regulation. The document highlights their importance for the battery industry and assesses measures to promote a sustainable supply chain. europarl.europa.eu 🇬🇧
27. 11. 2024 Negotiations between the EU and China on tariffs on electric cars stagnate. The EU’s planned measures could hit the market hard and worsen trade relations, Chinese officials warn. An agreement on minimum prices to prevent a trade war, which has been discussed in recent days, is still out of sight. scmp.com 🇬🇧
26. 11. 2024 Jaguar is changing its logo as part of its transformation to an all-electric brand. The modern typographic design symbolises the transition to electric vehicles, with the new model scheduled to debut in 2026. jaguar.com 🇬🇧
26. 11. 2024 Stellantis introduced the STLA platform, which supports electric vehicles with a range of up to 800 km. This scalable platform offers 400V and 800V architectures as well as DC charging with up to 350 kW. It provides excellent range and flexibility for a variety of EV models. stellantis.com 🇬🇧
25. 11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz Vans and E.ON will support corporate fleets of electric vehicles in Eastern Europe. Customers will receive assistance in building infrastructure and innovative services for efficient charging. eon.com 🇬🇧
25. 11. 2024 The European Union and China are close to an agreement on the elimination of tariffs on Chinese electric cars. China could agree to an EU minimum price, eliminating unfair subsidies and distorting competition. reuters.com 🇬🇧
25. 11. 2024 Volkswagen has commissioned the Seatu plant in Martorell, near Barcelona, to produce affordable electric cars for the VW, Cupra and Skoda brands. The first model will be Cupra’s sporty compact Raval, followed by the VW ID. 2all and the Skoda Epiq, which is expected to cost less than 25,000 euros. automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
25. 11. 2024 Austria’s EV infrastructure is growing: the new Shell charging park in Ilz combines solutions for cars and trucks, including preparation for megawatt eHDV charging. energate-messenger.de 🇩🇪
24. 11. 2024 Volkswagen’s Thomas Ulbrich said the development of the new model currently takes between 30 and 36 months. For projects with the same platform and electronics, Volkswagen wants to reduce the development time to less than 30 months. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
24. 11. 2024 Valeo’s Christophe Périllat claims that Europe has lost 25% of its competitiveness against China since 2020. This is due to rising energy prices, which have pushed up wages and inflation. The automotive industry needs a level playing field for sustainability. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
23. 11. 2024 As of 2018, ten planned battery factories have been cancelled in Europe. S&P Global warns that rising demand for batteries in Europe will cause a supply shortfall for EVs of 72%. spglobal.com 🇬🇧
23. 11. 2024 German industry faces a risk in the supply of raw materials, as most are imported from several countries. According to a study by Roland Berger and BDI, the loss of Chinese lithium would cause up to €115 billion in damages to German industry, €42 billion of which would be in the automotive sector. rolandberger.com 🇩🇪
22. 11. 2024 A new study by T&E reveals that European capitals can implement zero-emission zones for freight transport by 2030, thanks to ample electric supply. By 2026, there will be more electric van models than combustion vans, and by 2027, electric vans will be cheaper than diesel vans. transportenvironment.org 🇬🇧
22. 11. 2024 “Our time has come,” says the boss of Honda, which is planning seven new electric models on a platform tailor-made for electromobility. The new technology includes batteries and compact electric motors aimed at maximum efficiency. autocar.co.uk 🇬🇧
21. 11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz has opened a new recycling plant in Kuppenheim that recycles cobalt, lithium, copper, manganese and nickel in production quality and can recover 96% of the active materials from batteries. It processes 2,500 tonnes of materials a year, enough for 5,000 new batteries. autocar.co.uk 🇬🇧
21. 11. 2024 The Rewe store within the EnBW fast-charging hub in Kamena offers a revolutionary shopping experience using artificial intelligence. Customers register a payment method upon entry and after purchase, the amount owed is automatically deducted without the need for checkouts, with cameras monitoring the selection of goods. enbw.com 🇩🇪
20. 11. 2024 Australian-German company Vulcan Energy plans to produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide per year from geothermal brine and has successfully produced lithium hydroxide for the first time in Frankfurt, Germany. The project brings a sustainable and local source of lithium to Europe, with production expected to supply up to half a million electric vehicles. mining-technology.com 🇬🇧
20. 11. 2024 Gotion, which with Inobat is planning a battery gigafactory in Shurani, has secured a $280 million investment to build a battery manufacturing facility in Morocco. The first phase of the project, which includes the production of 20 GWh of batteries and the manufacture of cathode and anode active materials, is expected to directly create more than 2,000 jobs. cnevpost.com 🇬🇧
19. 11. 2024 Global demand for lithium, which is even referred to as “white gold”, has tripled since 2017 and is expected to increase tenfold by 2050. The growing importance of lithium in the energy and mobility sectors may cause a global shortage of this key raw material. New analysis highlights the need for innovation in mining technologies and lithium substitution. exponent.com 🇬🇧
19. 11. 2024 The alliance between Rivian and Volkswagen leverages Rivian’s software architecture to accelerate innovation in electric vehicles with software-defined electric vehicles. Volkswagen will invest $5.8 billion in the project to support new technologies for VW models starting in 2027. volkswagen-group.com 🇬🇧
19. 11. 2024 Despite scepticism in Germany, the German car industry has set a record for the production of electric cars. In September, 140,000 new electric cars were produced, breaking the previous record set in November 2022. automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
18. 11. 2024 Europe is facing battery supply challenges, and shortages can have a significant impact on electromobility. S&P Global stresses the need to strengthen local supply chains. spglobal.com 🇬🇧
18. 11. 2024 The European Union and China have reached a technical consensus in negotiations on so-called price undertakings, a mechanism to control prices and export volumes to avoid tariffs. This progress indicates the possibility of easing trade tensions between the two sides. autonews.com 🇬🇧
18. 11. 2024 Recycling critical minerals can change the future of electromobility. A report by the International Energy Agency expects to reduce the need to mine copper and cobalt by 40% and lithium and nickel by a quarter by 2050, significantly reducing pressure on natural resources. Already, commodity prices have fallen from pandemic highs as supply growth has outstripped demand. iea.org 🇬🇧
18. 11. 2024 Innovations in batteries include the use of aluminium, zinc or solid electrolytes, which promise greater safety and sustainability. The development of alternative batteries is key to reducing dependence on lithium and cobalt. Triple Pundit analyses the technology trends that could redefine the energy industry. triplepundit.com 🇬🇧
18. 11. 2024 European and Chinese car manufacturers are adapting their strategies to the electrification of the market. Arthur D. Little’s report reveals the differences in approach and future challenges in the global EV competition. A survey of customer preferences around the world shows that Chinese EVs are gaining confidence in key regions. adlittle.com 🇬🇧
17. 11. 2024 Global EV sales reached 1.7 million units in October, a record for the second month in a row. Year-to-date, 13.3 million EVs have been sold, with year-on-year growth of 24%. BEVs grew 11%, while PHEVs were up 48%. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
16. 11. 2024 A new rule has come into force in Norway’s capital city that allows only purely electric taxis to enter and operate. This requirement was adopted back in September 2020 and now applies within the city limits, with the exception of driving beyond the city limits. With this move, Oslo is strongly supporting green transport and emissions reduction. elbil.no 🇳🇴
15. 11. 2024 According to an analysis by Deutsche Automobil Treuhand and TÜV Rheinland, the health of the battery significantly affects the residual value of EVs. The study showed that this parameter can change the market value of a vehicle by between 100 and 300 euros per percentage point, with the value depending on the class of vehicle – the higher the class, the greater the impact. The residual value calculation also takes into account first registration and mileage. tuv.com 🇩🇪
15. 11. 2024 Chinese battery maker CATL has started trial production of 20 Ah solid electrolyte batteries, with plans for mass production by 2027. These batteries could mark a significant shift in energy storage technology, while also providing longer range and greater safety for electric vehicles. electrive.net 🇩🇪
15. 11. 2024 French Industry Minister Marc Ferracci proposes a package of aid for the European car industry aimed at coordinated subsidies for electric vehicles. He also plans to launch an initiative to electrify commercial fleets and promote subsidies favouring European vehicles. The move is intended to favour domestic products under competitive market conditions and boost investment in electric mobility in the EU. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
14. 11. 2024 Opel boss Florian Huettl stressed that the brand will offer a fully electric powertrain alongside the combustion version for every passenger and commercial vehicle model this year. This makes Opel the first German manufacturer to give customers the freedom to choose their preferred type of powertrain, thus promoting sustainable and affordable mobility. augsburger-allgemeine.de 🇩🇪
14. 11. 2024 Roland Berger’s Automotive Outlook 2040 study predicts significant changes in the automotive industry. New car sales in the Global South and China are set to account for up to 60% of the world market by 2040, while Western markets have already passed their peak. Electrification will be on the rise – around 70% of new vehicles will be electric. rolandberger.com 🇬🇧
14. 11. 2024 Hungary has attracted €24 billion worth of investment in the battery sector since 2016. The state agency HIPA has supported 59 projects, creating 33 000 jobs. Investments in the development of the battery industry confirm the country’s interest in the development of electromobility. msn.com 🇬🇧
13. 11. 2024 In October, a record number of electric cars were registered in Slovakia. Officers assigned registration numbers to a total of 565 pure battery EVs, up 27% year-on-year and up 16% compared to the second strongest month on record (June 2024). A total of 15,321 EVs are currently driving on Slovak roads.
13. 11. 2024 Leasing company Ayvens has unveiled a fleet sustainability ranking covering 29 countries and assessing the share of BEVs, PHEVs and CO2 emissions across different sectors. The study shows that switching to low or zero emission vehicles is one of the most effective ways for companies to reduce overall CO2 emissions. leaseplan.com 🇬🇧
12. 11. 2024 The new electric buses for Bratislava public transport will have a capacity of 120 passengers. DPB plans to finance their purchase, worth EUR 36.4 million, mainly from EU funds. dpb.sk 🇸🇰
12. 11. 2024 The McKinsey study points out that global competition will shift by 2040 to so-called arenas, which are high-growth industries and technologies. Electric cars and batteries are among 18 key areas that could generate revenues of $29 to $48 trillion. These arenas are characterized by rapid growth and dynamic change in market shares, indicating fundamental changes in the global economy. mckinsey.com 🇬🇧
11. 11. 2024 Germany and Slovakia, which voted against tariffs on Chinese EVs, are being considered as alternative production sites for the Leapmotor B10 electric crossover. Poland is among the countries supporting the tariffs, which influenced Stellantis’ decision to move production there. autonews.com 🇬🇧
11. 11. 2024 Last Mile Solutions is expanding into the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, strengthening its presence in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition, it plans to consolidate its cooperation with Electra through a direct link, which will support their joint objectives in the field of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. lastmilesolutions.com 🇬🇧
11. 11. 2024 The new EU Commissioner for Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, has confirmed that he will stick to the EU’s plan to reduce CO2 emissions from cars by 100% by 2035. He stressed the importance of sticking to the 2025 targets to send a message of stability and confidence to the EU. He announced that he does not want to water down these targets, as firm rules and consistent targets are key to the future of transport in the EU. politico.eu 🇬🇧
10. 11. 2024 The European Joint Research Centre has issued a report on advances in battery technology, highlighting the technical and financial barriers to the production of lithium-ion and next-generation batteries. It proposes pilot projects, increased financial support and an improved legislative framework to level the playing field compared to the US and Asia. op.europa.eu 🇬🇧
10. 11. 2024 The latest Energy Technology Perspectives 2024 report from the International Energy Agency predicts that the market for six major clean technologies – photovoltaics, wind turbines, electric vehicles, batteries, electrolyzers and heat pumps – will grow from $700 billion in 2023 to more than $2 trillion by 2035. iea.org 🇬🇧
9. 11. 2024 According to an analysis by Fraunhofer ISI, bi-directional charging of electric vehicles can bring significant savings in the EU. By 2040, it could provide savings of over €100 billion and meet 9% of annual electricity demand, helping to make efficient use of solar and wind power. transportenvironment.org 🇬🇧
9. 11. 2024 A report by France’s Institut Montaigne examines how China, Japan and South Korea are approaching decarbonisation compared to the EU. While Asia balances industrial development and sustainability, the EU should streamline its policies to remain competitive and achieve carbon neutrality. institutmontaigne.org 🇬🇧
8. 11. 2024 According to the International Energy Agency, the clean technology trade is dominated by electromobility and solar photovoltaics. The market value of this sector is expected to rise to US$575 billion by 2035, 50% more than the current world trade in natural gas. iea.org 🇬🇧
8. 11. 2024 The German ADAC tested ten affordable wallboxes for home charging in the price range from 199 to 499 euros. Each model met expectations in the categories of safety, functionality and reliability. The wallboxes flawlessly handled more than 900 charging sessions with five different electric cars. adac.de 🇩🇪
7. 11. 2024 European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has confirmed the EU’s commitment to end the sale of CO2-emitting cars by 2035 and tighten limits from next year, despite pressure from some governments and carmakers. Hoekstra stressed that the rules promote stability for investment and that most carmakers are ready to meet the targets, but called for greater public investment in charging infrastructure. reuters.com 🇬🇧
7. 11. 2024 SEVA has been the voice of electromobility in Slovakia since 2011. Listen to an interview with SEVA’s CEO Patrik Križanský about the current situation on the automotive market in Europe and worldwide, as well as the competitive challenges from China in the latest episode of the podcast IN FULL FRONT.
7. 11. 2024 Chinese carmakers BYD and Omoda (Chery) outsold Fiat in UK sales in October. The shift underlines the growing competition from Chinese brands in the European market, with the Omoda 5, available as both electric and with an internal combustion engine, boosting sales significantly. autonews.com 🇬🇧
7. 11. 2024 Renault and Nissan are considering launching an electric version of the Renault Twingo with the aim of offering an affordable city car under €20,000. The news, expected in 2026, is a response to competition from Chinese brands such as BYD. reuters.com 🇬🇧
7. 11. 2024 Volvo Cars plans to fully acquire Novo Energy to strengthen its battery strategy. The factory in Gothenburg, which it has set up with Northvolt, is gearing up for production with an annual capacity of up to 50 GWh for both Volvo and other Geely Group brands. volvocars.com 🇬🇧
6. 11. 2024 How is the automotive industry reacting to Donald Trump’s re-election? Possible tariffs increase uncertainty in the German automotive sector. If the tariffs increase, Goldman Sachs expects the biggest negative impact for brands such as Volvo and Mercedes. BMW, on the other hand, is reassuring the markets, as its Spartanburg plant in the US is the largest in the world. autonews.com 🇬🇧
6. 11. 2024 Toyota and Suzuki strengthen cooperation in the field of electromobility. Toyota plans to expand its line-up with a new all-electric SUV model developed by Suzuki, which will start production at Suzuki’s plant in Gujarat, India, in spring 2025. The model will be based on a platform developed by Suzuki, Toyota and Daihatsu. toyota.com 🇬🇧
6. 11. 2024 An analysis of Chinese EVs has revealed the secret to their low cost: the integration of multiple parts into a single component, which reduces cost, weight and production time. BYD’s ATTO3 combines eight key components in a single powertrain, achieving significant savings. asia.nikkei.com 🇯🇵
5. 11. 2024 The Slovak delegation visited the Gotion factory in China to get a real insight into battery production. Experts, representatives of regional governments and local residents had the opportunity to check the safety and environmental sustainability of the plant, which is to be a model for the new plant in Šurany. sme.sk 🇸🇰
5. 11. 2024 German auto parts supplier Schaeffler plans to cut 4,700 jobs in Europe after a 45% drop in profits, responding to worsening conditions in the automotive sector. The measures are aimed at stabilising the economy and improving production efficiency. autonews.com 🇬🇧
5. 11. 2024 The battery gigafactory in Šurany will not only be a production facility, but also a centre of research and innovation. Thanks to this, it will become a “think tank” and not just an “assembly plant” – says Pavol Krokoš, Managing Director of GIB EnergyX. According to him, this investment is crucial for the growth and competitiveness of Slovakia in the global context of electromobility and energy storage. sme.sk
5. 11. 2024 In its latest report, Institut Montaigne analyses the different approaches to decarbonisation in the EU and Asia. While China relies on state control and massive capacity, the EU uses tools such as IPCEI, but needs to improve its industrial policy to achieve its goals. The report makes seven recommendations to boost EU competitiveness. institutmontaigne.org 🇬🇧
5. 11. 2024 The Joint Research Centre report summarises progress in the field of batteries for electromobility and examines the challenges in their commercial deployment. The document addresses technical barriers as well as the need for financial support and the proposal for clear rules for permits to facilitate the building of infrastructure for battery production and recycling in Europe. op.europa.eu 🇬🇧
4. 11. 2024 Prime Minister Fico said that the Gotion investment could be one of the largest in Slovakia’s history and will ensure cooperation with major car companies, including Volkswagen. Preparatory work for the construction of the plant is due to start in March next year. teraz.sk 🇸🇰
4. 11. 2024 Bratislava Transport Company has announced a public procurement for 40 articulated electric buses, which will contribute to ecological public transport and increase passenger comfort. The high-capacity, low-floor vehicles will be quiet and emission-free. dpb.sk 🇸🇰
4. 11. 2024 The International Renewable Energy Agency has developed a methodology for assessing materials key to the green energy transition. Most critical are materials such as lithium, cobalt, gallium, rare earths, neodymium, and others needed for the global energy transition. Research shows that recycling and diversifying the sources of these materials is key to their long-term availability. irena.org 🇬🇧
4. 11. 2024 The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that global cleantech trade is nearly $200 billion, with EVs accounting for about one-fifth of total car trade in 2023. Under current policies, cleantech trade is expected to reach $575 billion by 2035. iea.org 🇬🇧
4. 11. 2024 One year after its creation, Ampere, Renault’s electric division, reports significant progress. Despite the challenges in the EV market, it has managed to catch up with the industry leaders and extend its lead over its European competitors. Ampere is confident of 25% annual growth in the EV market over the next five years. globenewswire.com 🇬🇧
4. 11. 2024 Fraunhofer ISE has opened a new research centre in Freiburg for the development and testing of battery systems. On an area of over 3,700 m², the centre will research innovative materials, optimise battery cells and ensure quality for various applications. ise.fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
3. 11. 2024 The Czech Ministry of Transport has launched a call for support for the construction of charging stations in towns and villages with a budget of CZK 370 million. Projects can receive support of up to 80% of eligible costs, with funding coming from the EU Cohesion Fund. opd.cz 🇨🇿
3. 11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz continues to invest in electric vehicles even though demand is weak. According to boss Ola Källenius, it would be a mistake to reduce support for electrification. The company plans to modernise combustion engines and will launch its biggest ever product offensive with 45 models between 2025 and 2028 to respond to the challenges in the Chinese economy. n-tv.de 🇩🇪
3. 11. 2024 Filip Thon, the head of E.On Energie, predicts a future with dynamic tariffs that will bring flexibility in energy sales. The company emphasises the active involvement of customers in using their own energy solutions, which will facilitate the implementation of technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. Flexible tariffs can, for example, bring monthly savings of up to 20 euros when charging an electric car. rp-online.de 🇩🇪
2. 11. 2024 Swiss company Transgourmet has expanded its Austrian fleet with 26 new Renault Trucks electric trucks to support green logistics. They plan to have up to 100 electric vehicles in Austria by 2026. renault-trucks.at 🇩🇪
2. 11. 2024 Automaker Stellantis plans to launch a demonstration fleet of vehicles equipped with Factorial’s solid electrolyte batteries by 2026. These batteries deliver improved safety and range thanks to an energy density of 390 Wh/kg. stellantis.com 🇬🇧
1. 11. 2024 At the Metstrade trade fair in Amsterdam, Bosch presented an 800-volt electric propulsion system for recreational and work boats. With a continuous power output of up to 200 kW, the drive enables the electrification of boats weighing between 20 and 30 tonnes, increasing efficiency and reducing emissions in the maritime sector. bosch-presse.de 🇩🇪
1. 11. 2024 Mercedes-Benz has opened Europe’s first battery recycling plant with an integrated mechanical hydrometallurgical process in Germany. With more than 96% recovery of raw materials, it has become the first car manufacturer to complete the battery recycling cycle in its own plant. This uses green energy and recovers up to 2,500 tonnes of battery material per year, covering production for more than 50,000 batteries. mercedes-benz.com 🇩🇪
31. 10. 2024 Chinese competition is forcing German carmakers such as BMW and Mercedes to adapt their strategy in the Chinese market. With new platforms, including technologies such as the 800-volt electric architecture, they plan to create technically advanced models for China. In addition to innovation, they are focusing more on software solutions, which play a more important role in China than traditional technical details. autonews.com 🇬🇧
31. 10. 2024 Chinese carmaker Chery has launched a new range of batteries with a 6C charging rate. These batteries can charge to a range of 400 km in five minutes, a significant advance in fast charging. The carmaker also plans to launch a new range of solid electrolyte batteries by 2026, pushing battery development even further. carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
30. 10. 2024 The EU has finally approved tariffs on Chinese electric cars of up to 45.3% to protect the domestic market from cheap imports. Beijing is threatening retaliation as China also investigates European exports of pork and dairy products. reuters.com 🇬🇧
30. 10. 2024 Siemens will supply Unibuss Oslo with a Depot360 system to optimise the charging of electric buses, ensuring stable operation and lower energy consumption. Depot360’s intelligent features will enable accurate energy control for the bus fleet and monitor the charging status remotely, facilitating operation management and cost savings. The system reduces costs and increases fleet efficiency. siemens.com 🇬🇧
30. 10. 2024 According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles are a significant factor in the decline in oil demand. Electric vehicles will reduce global oil demand by 6 million barrels per day by 2030 and by 13 million by 2035. This pace suggests that peak oil demand may occur by the end of this decade. This will support the transformation of the world economy to sustainable resources. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
29. 10. 2024 Overcoming import barriers through overseas plants represents a new strategy for Chinese automakers. The move involves investing in complete vehicle production outside the country, which will boost the competitiveness of Chinese brands abroad. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
29. 10. 2024 Stellantis will introduce a new incentive program to boost EV sales, in which it will increase incentives for dealers. The program is designed to increase dealers’ profitability while supporting green goals. According to Stellantis Europe’s new chief executive, Jean-Philippe Imparat, dealers and managers across the chain will receive higher rewards for actively participating in the programme. autonews.com 🇬🇧
28. 10. 2024 The Tesla brand dominates Czech electromobility with 38% market share and the best-selling Tesla Model Y. This market share translates into 7,355 registered Tesla vehicles, with Škoda and Volkswagen models also seeing large increases. cistadoprava.cz 🇨🇿
28. 10. 2024 Volkswagen plans to close at least three plants in Germany and cut labour costs as part of its transformation to electromobility. The moves are in response to developments in the EV market and growing competition from China. autonews.com 🇬🇧
28. 10. 2024 Bosch used 800-volt silicon carbide technology to minimize losses and increase the efficiency of marine drives, thus meeting high performance and sustainability requirements. bosch-presse.de 🇩🇪
28. 10. 2024 The IMF estimates that a 15% increase in the share of Chinese cars in the EU market would reduce EU GDP only slightly, by 0.2-0.3%, while in the long run the impact would fall to zero. For the smaller economies of Central Europe, however, this trend implies a more significant impact. Protectionist tariffs would make the switch to EVs more expensive, but Chinese investment in local production could offset these losses. imf.org 🇬🇧
27. 10. 2024 Chinese carmakers plan to double production capacity abroad to overcome tariffs and meet demand in new markets. Annual production capacity is expected to rise from 1.2 million vehicles in 2023 to 2.7 million by 2026, using production with stamping, welding, painting and assembly that offers greater efficiency. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
27. 10. 2024 In September, China exported over 60,000 electric vehicles to the EU, an increase of 61% compared to last year. Manufacturers are doing this to avoid additional tariffs that will come into force in the EU at the end of the month. europe.autonews.com 🇬🇧
26. 10. 2024 In the first nine months of 2024, the Czech Republic recorded a 56.2% year-on-year increase in sales of new passenger electric vehicles, representing 7,231 new registrations. The country has 5,493 public charging points, more than 400 of which have a high capacity of more than 150 kW. cistadoprava.cz 🇨🇿
26. 10. 2024 Kia CEO Ho-Sung Song has announced plans to launch an electric car priced at around €30,000, with a €25,000 model due by 2027. Kia expects 40% of its sales in Europe to be EVs by 2030. automobil-industrie.vogel.de 🇩🇪
25. 10. 2024 Fraunhofer FFB and RWTH Aachen University have presented a strategy for the successful start-up of battery gigafactories. The white paper “Mastering Ramp-up of Battery Production” emphasizes the importance of expert support and digital solutions to minimize errors in production. ffb.fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
25. 10. 2024 Google has entered into the first corporate agreement to use nuclear energy from small modular reactors being developed by Kairos Power to power artificial intelligence systems. These reactors, which will be up and running by 2030, will help meet the energy needs of AI while accelerating the transition to clean energy in the U.S. reuters.com 🇬🇧
25. 10. 2024 Ford will buy batteries for its electric commercial vehicles from LG Energy Solution from 2026. The batteries will be produced at the Polish plant in Wroclaw with an agreed volume of 109 GWh. news.lgensol.com 🇬🇧
24. 10. 2024 Chinese brand Leapmotor enters the European market as the 15th Stellantis brand. The joint venture is 51% owned by Stellantis. Leapmotor boss Tianshu Xin believes that the establishment of Chinese brands in Europe will accelerate the decline in EV prices: he expects price parity in Europe within three years. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
24. 10. 2024 While the European EV market is facing mixed results, Belgium and Denmark are growing, while Germany and Norway are declining. The overall market in Europe is still in negative territory. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
24. 10. 2024 According to Robin Zeng, founder and head of CATL, the US and Germany have a serious problem catching up with China in battery technology unless they start addressing education. Zeng argues that without a strong background in electrochemical engineering, which China dominates, Western countries will not be able to become leaders in the battery industry. spotify.com 🇬🇧
23. 10. 2024 Parliament has approved an amendment to the Travel Allowances Act and rules that will reimburse employees when they use their own car (or electric car) for work travel. The law adapts the travel reimbursement rules to the realities of electro-mobility and simplifies the calculation and reimbursement of work travel costs.
23. 10. 2024 According to a McKinsey report, Europe has the chance to gain up to $300 billion in added value in the EV sector by 2035, but could lose $400 billion if it fails to make the transition. Innovation, building battery infrastructure and collaboration within the industry will be key success factors. mckinsey.com 🇬🇧
23. 10. 2024 In the podcast, Robin Zeng, head of CATL, highlights the critical need for education to succeed in the battery industry. CATL has 20,000 people in research and development, including hundreds with PhDs. In China, students focus on electrochemical engineering, while in the U.S. they focus on finance, which Zeng sees as a big problem for the development of battery technology. spotify.com 🇬🇧
23. 10. 2024 BYD’s top executive Stella Li stressed that the company is ready to gradually build the trust of European consumers. It will start local production in Hungary in 2025 and continue to expand in Europe regardless of tariffs. She also warned European internal combustion car makers, saying that the lack of investment in electric cars will destroy them. faz.net 🇩🇪
22. 10. 2024 Canada’s approach to battery innovation includes electrification of transportation, decarbonization of the industry, and promotion of a net-zero electricity grid. Topics include advanced materials, digital tools and end-of-life battery solutions. natural-resources.canada.ca 🇨🇦
22. 10. 2024 MAN Truck & Bus starts delivering its all-electric heavy-duty tractor. The first 40-tonne truck has been handed over to the Dräxlmaier Group. The truck has a daily range of up to 800 km, high charging power with MCS (750 kW) and CCS (375 kW) standards. press.mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
22. 10. 2024 Logistics provider Simon Loos is expanding its fleet with 75 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks, bringing the total number of electric trucks to 135. With this move, Simon Loos continues its transition to green transport, with a fleet consisting mainly of Mercedes-Benz trucks. daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
21. 10. 2024 Heavy goods transport in Slovakia is undergoing electrification, with pressure for emission-free solutions coming not only from legislation, but also from businesses and customers. Businesses are realising the savings from operating electric vehicles, although high purchase prices and insufficient infrastructure are still holding back wider adoption. Read the eFleetDay report on euractiv.sk 🇸🇰
21. 10. 2024 At the Paris Motor Show, Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares reminded the audience that climate disasters are a strong argument for switching to electric cars. Stellantis has invested 25 billion euros in electric vehicles to secure the planet for future generations. The company has developed 40 all-electric models and its boss rejects easing emissions regulations. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
21. 10. 2024 In 2024, global sales of electric cars are up 22% compared to last year, with plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sales up 47%. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
21. 10. 2024 MAN offers buyers of the eTGX and eTGS series of electric trucks digital services, including a route planner optimised for e-trucks. MAN eManager manages charging and monitors battery status. mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
20. 10. 2024 Robin Zeng of CATL openly criticizes the German and American battery industry for poor product and production line design. He claims that these defects lead to problems with production yield and reliability. CATL has been constantly upgrading and amortizing production lines for 5 years to keep up with the latest technological changes. spotify.com 🇬🇧
20. 10. 2024 PreZero will expand its fleet in the Netherlands this year with 30 electric trucks to replace diesel trucks. In the future, these e-trucks will collect waste in and around cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht and Dordrecht. prezero.nl 🇳🇱
19. 10. 2024 EV sales reached a record 1.7 million units in September 2024, up 31% year-on-year. The Chinese market led the way with more than 1.1 million cars sold, while the European market stagnated. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
19. 10. 2024 Nissan plans to offer bi-directional charging in selected EVs from 2026. This technology, known as vehicle-to-grid, will operate on both AC and DC power. Nissan aims to allow users to charge while feeding energy back into the grid, promoting flexibility in energy systems and better use of renewable resources. nissannews.com 🇩🇪
19. 10. 2024 Hyundai and Waymo have entered into a strategic partnership to develop autonomous electric vehicles, with the first test vehicle being the Hyundai Ioniq 5. This model will be equipped with Waymo’s sixth-generation autonomous technology. Road testing will begin in late 2025. hyundai.com 🇬🇧
19. 10. 2024 Last year, a record amount of renewable energy was commissioned, supplying 560 GW of clean energy, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). iea.org 🇬🇧
18. 10. 2024 JOLT Energy is working with the City of Stockholm to install 50 ultra-fast chargers with a capacity of 300 kW. The battery-integrated chargers do not require a connection to the medium-voltage grid, which simplifies their installation and enables fast charging without extensive construction work. They can provide up to 100 km of range in five minutes, supporting fast and sustainable mobility in urban areas. jolt.energy 🇬🇧
18. 10. 2024 The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that demand for fossil fuels will peak by 2030 thanks to the growth of electric vehicles and renewables. Rising oil and gas production can lead to lower prices and encourage investment in clean energy. Declining oil demand will particularly affect the transport sector. iea.org 🇬🇧
18. 10. 2024 According to E.On, a single electric car with a two-way wallbox can supply nearly eleven German households with power by releasing 60% of its battery capacity overnight. The average household consumes around 3.12 kWh between 5.30 p.m. and 5.30 a.m. This potential increases the importance of two-way charging not only for large networks but also for individual needs. eon.de 🇩🇪
17. 10. 2024 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz plans to hold talks with business and trade unions on a new policy to save the industry, which is facing pressure from high energy prices, weakening global demand and the green transformation. Volkswagen is considering closing factories in Germany for the first time, raising fears of deindustrialisation. Scholz also criticised the EU for imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars and called for a deal between China and the EU. reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 10. 2024 Audi is introducing a new collaborative model for product line management and technical development based on flat hierarchies, clear responsibilities and faster decision-making processes. This restructuring is intended to strengthen the company’s efficiency and competitiveness. Audi boss Gernot Döllner also announced the reorganisation of other divisions to create more agile vehicle development in line with the principles of the matrix organisation. audi-mediacenter.com 🇬🇧
17. 10. 2024 Siemens has announced a plan to spin off its eMobility division, which will merge with the recently acquired Heliox. The new company will specialize in fast charging solutions for eBus and eTruck fleets, which is expected to support further growth in the electromobility sector. siemens.com 🇬🇧
16. 10. 2024 The world is entering a new age – the age of electricity – as demand for fossil fuels is set to peak by the end of the decade, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Excess oil and gas supplies will allow for greater investment in renewables. Oil demand is expected to fall to 99 million barrels a day by 2035, while air conditioning and electric cars will boost electricity demand. Investment in clean energy is already at record levels. iea.org 🇬🇧
16. 10. 2024 The Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT) has opened the world’s first agile production line for battery cells, which enables rapid adaptation to different requirements. It uses robots to optimise processes using artificial intelligence. The facility includes specialized cells to protect sensitive battery materials, increasing production efficiency and flexibility. kit.edu 🇩🇪
16. 10. 2024 China leads the way in the development of charging technology for electric vehicles, with more than 62,000 patents, while Germany has less than 4,000 patents. According to an analysis by the Munich law firm Grünecker, one in two patent applications in the field of e-mobility relates to batteries and charging stations. The share of patents for charging technologies has risen from 10% in 2014 to 39% in 2022. grunecker.de 🇩🇪
15. 10. 2024 Hyundai Mobis has signed an agreement with the Slovak government to build a new electric drive plant in Nováky. The plant will have an annual capacity of 300,000 units. mobis.com 🇬🇧
15. 10. 2024 Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer predicts that prices for electric cars will fall from 2025 thanks to new EU CO2 emissions targets. But he warns of a coming “price war” in this segment, where all manufacturers will have to compete to meet emissions targets. It also stresses that companies must monitor the price structure, margins and residual values of EVs. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
15. 10. 2024 Hyundai Motor, Kia and Samsung are teaming up to enhance the software-defined vehicle (SDV) experience. The integration of the SmartThings platform will bring better connectivity and innovation to customers. kia.com 🇬🇧
14. 10. 2024 According to E.ON, the number of so-called “bi-directional” electric vehicles in Germany, which can not only draw energy but also feed it back into the grid, is growing. More than 166,000 EVs are already “bidi-ready”. Their batteries could supply power for up to 1.75 million households for twelve hours. Along with the advent of bi-directional wallboxes, the technology is currently being tested for comprehensive use on a national level. eon.de 🇩🇪
14. 10. 2024 Patrik Križanský was a guest in TA3 studio. The topic of the interview with Andrej Horváth was the trade war with Beijing. Watch the recording.
14. 10. 2024 The TV news on Markiza on Saturday started with a report on the European Union’s trade war with China. SEVA was of course there – see Tomas Velecky’s report.
14. 10. 2024 European and Chinese brands are competing at the 2024 Paris Motor Show to dominate the electric car market. Renault brought a number of new products including the retro-styled 4 E-Tech, the Twingo and the Embleme concept, while BYD unveiled the Sealion 7 for Europe. Stellantis’ Chinese partner Leapmotor debuted the B10. Tesla also returned with new models after six years. europe.autonews.com 🇬🇧
14. 10. 2024 The automotive industry generated a gross value added of $1.9 trillion in 2023, with electromobility potentially generating an additional $240-300 billion by 2035. But if European manufacturers do not adapt their strategies, their market share could fall from 60% to 45%, resulting in a $400 billion drop in value added. mckinsey.com 🇬🇧
14. 10. 2024 Spain has granted Stellantis a €133 million subsidy for the construction of a battery factory in Zaragoza. In addition, the government has increased support for the project by PowerCo, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, from EUR 98 million to EUR 152 million. This project in Sagunto will be an important step for the production of batteries for electric vehicles in the country. reuters.com 🇬🇧
13. 10. 2024 Milence has opened its first charging center in Varberg, Sweden. This centre provides fast charging for heavy trucks and is a key step in the expansion of their services in the Nordic countries. As part of their expansion plan, they will build 9 more centers in the country, with new chargers (including MCS) to be added by 2025. milence.com 🇬🇧
13. 10. 2024 French energy firm Suez will acquire a 20% stake in Renault’s recycling subsidiary. The two firms will invest 140 million euros in the joint venture to accelerate the circular economy in the automotive sector. renaultgroup.com 🇬🇧
12. 10. 2024 Researchers at RWTH Aachen in Germany have unveiled the world’s first electric truck equipped with a pantograph system. This innovative system has been successfully tested on a test track. rwth-aachen.de 🇬🇧
12. 10. 2024 The IRENA report examines possible demand scenarios for critical materials up to 2030 in the context of a rapidly growing electric vehicle market. It analyses how different battery chemistries and battery sizes affect the balance between supply and demand for these materials. irena.org 🇬🇧
11. 10. 2024 The Kia Charge Card now offers access to more than 800,000 AC/DC charging points in 28 European countries. The charging service network has grown by 10% since July and 39% since mid-2023, with more than 100,000 subscribers. kia.com 🇬🇧
10. 10. 2024 The Volvo EX90’s carbon footprint is 50% lower than the XC90 MHEV hybrid and 20% lower than the XC90 PHEV plug-in when charged with the European energy mix. The use of wind energy sources reduces it even further. volvocars.com 🇬🇧
10. 10. 2024 “You may have spotted a meme on the internet where an electric car is pulling a diesel generator behind it, from which that car is charging. But the paradox is that even if you actually charge an electric car in this way, the electric motor subsequently uses less energy than if you poured that diesel directly into a combustion vehicle!” An interesting blog written on the SME platform by Jozef Kurty
10. 10. 2024 Denník E informs that the Bratislava plant is not among Volkswagen’s favourites to locate the production of the new electric car, which should be sold for 20 thousand euros. Competing factories in Portugal, Poland and the Czech Republic offer better conditions. The new transaction tax and limited investment in the battery industry are already threatening the Slovak car industry. e.dennikn.sk 🇸🇰
10. 10. 2024 Manz AG, GROB-WERKE and Dürr AG have formed a strategic partnership to implement projects for battery factories. Manz, which has a plant in Nové Město nad Váhom, focuses on equipment for battery gigafactories. manz.com 🇬🇧
9. 10. 2024 The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has imposed temporary anti-dumping measures on imports of brandy from the EU, with French brands being the most affected. The move followed the EU’s decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric cars. China is also considering raising tariffs on large motor vehicles, which would hit German manufacturers and also Slovakia the hardest. reuters.com 🇬🇧
9. 10. 2024 The European Union has rejected China’s proposal to sell electric vehicles imported from there for a minimum price of €30 000. Beijing wanted to avoid tariffs on electric cars, which the EU plans to introduce next month. Nevertheless, Brussels rejected the proposal and is likely to impose the tariffs for a transitional period of 5 years. reuters.com 🇬🇧
9. 10. 2024 LG Chem has developed a temperature-sensitive Safety Reinforced Layer (SRL) that can suppress thermal leakage in batteries to prevent fires. This innovation is a key step in improving battery safety. lgchem.com 🇬🇧
9. 10. 2024 New car prices have risen significantly recently. According to an analysis by Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, the prices of internal combustion engines have increased by 10% since April, while the prices of electric cars have risen more slowly, by 4%. The price difference between the two types of cars has shrunk from 30% to 23%. wiwo.de 🇩🇪
9. 10. 2024 German supplier Schaeffler, which also has production in Slovakia, has completed a merger with Vitesco Technologies. The combined group will have an annual turnover of around 25 billion euros and employ 120,000 people in 100 plants worldwide. schaeffler.de 🇩🇪
8. 10. 2024 Current EV models can reduce emissions by 63% over their life cycle in Europe, with up to 80% reductions expected by 2050. Combustion powertrains, even with bio- and e-fuel options, can achieve a maximum of 50%. fiaregion1.com 🇬🇧
7. 10. 2024 Kia has opened a converted factory in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, which now specialises in the production of all-electric vehicles. The plant has an annual capacity of 150,000 cars and has already started production of the EV3. kianewscenter.com 🇬🇧
7. 10. 2024 Volvo, Iberdrola, IKEA and Tesco are among the 50 companies that have called on the European Commission to stick to its plan to ban the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. They say the industry needs certainty to invest and meet EU targets. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
7. 10. 2024 According to a study by UScale, two-thirds of German companies are dedicated to switching to electric fleet power, with the process affecting multiple departments from management to energy. Fleet electrification is a company-wide challenge, but most companies report positive experiences with the transition. uscale.digital 🇩🇪
7. 10. 2024 Volkswagen’s boss has called on the EU to consider adjusting tariffs on electric vehicles from China. He suggests that those who invest in Europe and create jobs should benefit from tariffs. Volkswagen expects the same approach in the regions where it invests. reuters.com 🇬🇧
7. 10. 2024 German manufacturer Liebherr and Australian company Fortescue have announced a $2.8 billion strategic partnership to supply 475 off-road electric vehicles for mines in Western Australia. The contract includes 360 autonomous dump trucks, 55 electric excavators and 60 electric crawler tractors. liebherr.com 🇬🇧
7. 10. 2024 The German IFO Institute warns against lifting the ban on internal combustion engines in the EU, as demanded by the FDP and the CDU/CSU. According to the IFO, uncertainty over the future of electromobility is holding back demand for electric cars, underlining the need to stick to plans to ban new internal combustion cars from 2035. noz.de 🇩🇪
6. 10. 2024 According to CAM’s analysis, 1,213,262 battery electric vehicles were registered in Europe between January and August, down 5.5% compared to the same period last year. In Germany, sales were down 32%, but the UK saw a 10.5% increase. linkedin.com 🇩🇪
6. 10. 2024 From the beginning of the year to the end of September, 7,231 new battery electric vehicles were registered in the Czech Republic, an increase of 56.2% year-on-year. The market share reached 4.2%. Tesla (2,752), ŠKODA (739) and Volvo (677) recorded the highest number of registrations. linkedin.com 🇨🇿
6. 10. 2024 Xpeng has launched a new generation of 800 kW S5 charging stations in four Chinese cities. The station can charge an electric vehicle’s battery for one kilometer of driving in one second, with an output current of 800A and a voltage of 1,000V. Another 13 cities will follow. gasgoo.com 🇬🇧
6. 10. 2024 Prague is working on a project of urban charging stations integrated into public lamps. The municipal enterprise THMP plans to build more than a thousand such stations by 2026. radio.cz 🇬🇧
6. 10. 2024 AE Elemental, a joint venture between Ascend Elements and Elemental Strategic Metals, has opened a recycling plant for Li-ion batteries in Zawiercie, Poland, with an annual capacity of 12,000 tonnes. This represents approximately 28,000 batteries from electric vehicles, thereby strengthening sustainability in the automotive industry. ascendelements.com 🇬🇧
6. 10. 2024 Ford will produce battery packs for electric vehicles at a plant in Craiova, Romania. Production will include three electric models: the E-Transit Courier, the E-Tourneo Courier and the Puma Gen-E, which will use the same platform and 55 kWh battery pack. economedia.ro 🇷🇴
5. 10. 2024 Real Madrid stars will now drive BMW electric cars. The players have chosen models such as the BMW i5, BMW i7 and BMW XM, which strengthens the cooperation between the most successful football club and BMW. realmadrid.com 🇬🇧
5. 10. 2024 The durability of electric car batteries has improved again in 2024, according to a new Geotab study. While in 2019, battery performance was degrading by 2.3% annually, the latest data shows that degradation is now only 1.8% per year. So batteries can last up to 20 years or more. geotab.com 🇬🇧
5. 10. 2024 Japanese electronics giant Sharp plans to enter the electric mobility market with its LDK concept. The vehicle reflects the company’s ambitions in the automotive sector and its name is inspired by the Japanese term for an apartment with separate living, dining and kitchen areas. sharp.com 🇬🇧
4. 10. 2024 AMG Lithium has commissioned Europe’s first lithium hydroxide refinery in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. It plans to produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium annually, enough to power the batteries for 500,000 electric vehicles. By 2030, production could rise to 100,000 tonnes. tagesschau.de 🇩🇪
4. 10. 2024 The European Union has agreed to impose tariffs of up to 45% on Chinese electric cars, which could significantly increase trade tensions between Brussels and Beijing. The move is set to last for five years and was supported by ten member states, while Germany and four other countries (including Slovakia) opposed it and 12 abstained. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
4. 10. 2024 The National Council approved a reduction in the tax burden on electric vehicles. The rate of taxation of the non-cash income resulting from the use of company electric cars also for private purposes by employees will be halved with effect from 1 January 2025. More information on our website.
4. 10. 2024 Carmaker JLR has converted its 61-year-old factory near Liverpool to produce electric vehicles, including mid-size e-SUVs on the EMA platform. The investment is part of JLR’s Reimagine strategy to electrify all JLR brands by 2030. jaguarlandrover.com 🇬🇧
4. 10. 2024 Chinese carmaker Geely, owner of Volvo, plans to sell electric trucks in Europe. German logistics provider Duvenbeck has partnered with Geely’s commercial vehicle subsidiary Farizon. Duvenbeck will incorporate 50 Farizon Homtruck electric trucks into its fleet in 2025. duvenbeck.de 🇩🇪
3. 10. 2024 By 2050, EVs could achieve nearly 80% emission reductions. By contrast, combustion engines, even in optimistic scenarios using bio- and e-fuels, will achieve a maximum 50% reduction in emissions compared to today. Key to success are political support, technological innovation and infrastructure development – Ricardo’s analysis. fiaregion1.com 🇬🇧
3. 10. 2024 Toyota believes hydrogen could be the key to the future of freight transport, says Thiebault Paquet, head of Toyota’s hydrogen division. For heavy trucks, battery solutions may not be enough and hydrogen could be the right alternative. autocar.co.uk 🇬🇧
3. 10. 2024 Chinese carmaker SAIC-GM and battery manufacturer CATL have unveiled a new LFP battery with the world’s fastest charging speed. With 6C charging, the battery can increase a vehicle’s range by more than 200 km in 5 minutes and will use GM’s 900-volt Ultium technology. cnevpost.com 🇬🇧
3. 10. 2024 Marcel Fratzscher of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) stresses that CO2 limits and the ban on the registration of diesel and petrol vehicles must remain strict. In his view, relaxing these rules would cause damage, particularly to the German car industry. He also believes that ignoring competition from the US and Asia would lead to economic suicide for the German industry. noz.de 🇩🇪
2. 10. 2024 At the Autoshow Nitra 2024, Kia will present the EV3 electric car with a range of 605 km and the product-improved EV6 model. The exhibition in Hall M2 will feature the latest technological innovations of the brand. The event will take place from Thursday 3 to Sunday 6 October 2024 at the Agrokomplex in Nitra. kia.com 🇸🇰
2. 10. 2024 German start-up DeepDrive has raised €30 million to expand production of more efficient and cheaper “twin-rotor” electric motors. It is working with eight of the world’s ten largest automakers and contracts for these motors are expected to be awarded within the next two years. reuters.com 🇬🇧
2. 10. 2024 The Stellantis carmaker wants to adapt to the low-cost production of Chinese electric car manufacturers. Boss Carlos Tavares warns that tariffs are a “trap” that could hurt European manufacturers instead of helping them. The best way to compete, he says, is to adopt Chinese manufacturing practices, which are a third cheaper. reuters.com 🇬🇧
2. 10. 2024 EMR has opened a new recycling plant in Birmingham, UK, which can process more than 2,000 tonnes of electric vehicle batteries per year. Last year, EMR launched a similar facility in Hamburg in partnership with Northvolt. emrgroup.com 🇬🇧
1. 10. 2024 According to Reuters data from eight European car manufacturing leaders, factories in lower-cost countries (the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Spain and Turkey) are much more heavily utilised than those in higher-cost countries (France, Germany, Italy and the UK). So carmakers face major challenges in their home markets. reuters.com 🇬🇧
1. 10. 2024 In the Netherlands, companies can apply for funding to set up charging stations for electric commercial vehicles. €57 million is available, €42 million through the SPRILA programme for private infrastructure and €15 million through the SPULA programme for public charging infrastructure for heavy transport. rvo.nl 🇳🇱
1. 10. 2024 In the first half of 2024, 2,575 battery electric trucks were registered in the EU, including 777 articulated trucks. There are 14 electric truck models on the market, with Volvo Trucks being the dominant brand with a 67% share. In contrast, hydrogen trucks are lagging behind with only 27 units sold in the same period. dataforce.de 🇩🇪
1. 10. 2024 The International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) has published a report on the European heavy-duty truck market for the first half of 2024. The report shows a growing demand for zero-emission vehicles in this segment. The study highlights that electric trucks are key to achieving Europe’s emission reduction targets. theicct.org 🇬🇧
30. 9. 2024 The Ministry of Transport of the Czech Republic today announced two new calls under the Transport 2021-2027 Programme (OPD3) to support the construction of fast charging infrastructure for passenger vehicles. The total allocation is CZK 1.385 billion (approx. EUR 55 million) and applicants can submit applications until 27 January 2025. opd.cz 🇨🇿
30. 9. 2024 According to Ricardo’s analysis, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe can reduce total life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 63% compared to internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs), with the future decarbonisation of the electricity grid envisaged. fiaregion1.com 🇬🇧
30. 9. 2024 The German government is investing $1.1 billion in a raw materials fund to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers of vital minerals. mining.com 🇬🇧
30. 9. 2024 The European Union plans to vote on 4 October to impose up to a 45% tariff on imported electric vehicles from China. The vote has been slightly delayed due to negotiations with Beijing, which could continue after the tariffs have been approved. The measure is a response to concerns about unfair competition from Chinese manufacturers. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
29. 9. 2024 According to BloombergNEF, electric trucks are gaining a clear advantage over hydrogen trucks. Although some supporters of hydrogen technology have predicted its success in the heavy truck segment because of its weight and fueling advantages, electric trucks already dominate the market by a wide margin. bbhub.io 🇬🇧
29. 9. 2024 Germany launches tender to build fast charging network for trucks along motorways, targeting 130 rest areas. bmdv.bund.de 🇩🇪
29. 9. 2024 Samsung SDI has unveiled a new LFP battery at the IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover, Germany, which offers 10% higher energy density thanks to new electrode technology. This innovation pushes the boundaries of electromobility and increases battery efficiency. koreatimes.co.kr 🇬🇧
28. 9. 2024 CATL introduces Tectrans Bus Edition – a new battery for electric buses with a lifetime of up to 15 years or 1.5 million km and an energy density of 175 Wh/kg. catl.com 🇬🇧
28. 9. 2024 According to BearingPoint 2024, global electromobility is only slowing in some countries, while other regions continue to grow strongly. In contrast to Germany and Italy, the growth of electromobility in France, Spain and the UK remains significant. bearingpoint.com 🇩🇪
27. 9. 2024 The Chinese government is advising its automakers to keep advanced electric vehicle technology in the country even as they build factories abroad. Manufacturers are to export knock-down kits, with key parts to be manufactured at home and assembled abroad. bnnbloomberg.ca 🇬🇧
27. 9. 2024 In its new report, the Faraday Institution says the UK will need six 20 GWh per year gigafactories by 2040 to meet the growing demand for EV batteries. By 2040, this demand could grow to ten gigafactories. faraday.ac.uk 🇬🇧
26. 9. 2024 At IAA Transportation 2024, Microvast unveiled a new range of HnSO silicon batteries with an energy density of 300 Wh/kg and a lifetime of over 4,000 cycles. microvast.com 🇬🇧
26. 9. 2024 MAN and the energy company E.ON have opened the first truck charging hub in Berlin. The companies plan to build 170 such hubs across Europe. eon.de 🇩🇪
25. 9. 2024 Global consultancy PwC has unveiled a report on the truck market’s transition to electrification, with manufacturers already developing the first battery-electric tractor units. PwC expects more than 20% of transport to be electrified by 2030. pwc.com 🇬🇧
25. 9. 2024 While it takes an estimated 30 hours to produce a Volkswagen ID.3 and the hourly wage of an employee in a German factory is $66, a Tesla Y is finished in 10 hours and a Chinese worker is paid $3 per hour. An interesting insight into the efficiency of the automotive industry and the real capacity utilisation of European factories is provided by a Reuters article.
25. 9. 2024 Kazakhstan plans to increase production of metals needed for electric vehicle batteries and is issuing hundreds of new exploration licenses to attract new investment. mining.com 🇬🇧
25. 9. 2024 Ekoenergetyka is presenting a megawatt charging system (MCS) at IAA Transportation 2024, enabling electric trucks to be charged in 35 minutes. It allows for a mandatory 45-minute driver break and an effective driving time of 4.5 hours. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
24. 9. 2024 Stellantis opposed ACEA’s proposal to postpone EU emissions targets for two years. autonews.com 🇬🇧
24. 9. 2024 Leapmotor enters Europe and, in partnership with Stellantis, presented today in Milan the C10 and T03 models with advanced electric technologies. The brand plans to expand to 29 countries and 350 sales outlets by the end of this year. The C10 SUV with a range of 420 km starts at €36,400 and the T03 urban compact car with a range of 265 km has a price tag of €18,900. They are due to be available in September. stellantis.com 🇬🇧
24. 9. 2024 Iveco presented the new S-eWay Rigid electric truck with a range of up to 400 km and fast charging up to 350 kW at the IAA Transportation in Hanover. This vehicle is ideal for urban and regional applications. iveco.com 🇩🇪
24. 9. 2024 Thanks to the NRB, entrepreneurs and companies in the Czech Republic can apply for a bank guarantee for a loan with a financial contribution of CZK 200-300 thousand from the EU-funded National Recovery Plan. This programme supports the transition to electromobility and clean energy. In 6 months, 81% of the allocated funds have been used, 5,307 electric vehicles and 2,221 charging stations have been guaranteed. linkedin.com 🇨🇿
24. 9. 2024 With the new production line at GigafactoryX, the Polish company Impact Clean Power Technology strengthens its position in the heavy-duty battery market. Production capacity will increase from 0.6 GWh to 1.2 GWh in 2024 with the potential to reach up to 4 GWh. impactnewenergy.com 🇬🇧
24. 9. 2024 The Biden administration is investing $3 billion in 25 battery startups. The initiative, which has already earned a reputation as the new Marshall Plan for electric mobility, is designed to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on China. inc.com 🇬🇧
23. 9. 2024 The European Commission rejects ACEA’s request to postpone the CO2 reduction targets for cars due to come into force in 2025. The Commission says the car industry has had enough time to prepare. euractiv.com 🇬🇧
23. 9. 2024 Volvo remains a firm believer in an electric future, even if the transition to zero-emission vehicles has been slower than expected. Volvo boss Jim Rowan points out that customers and markets are adapting to electrification at different speeds. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
23. 9. 2024 Bloomberg NEF presents a new factbook on zero-emission commercial vehicles that documents global progress in freight transportation. Investors should take the opportunities in electric vehicles seriously. bbhub.io 🇬🇧
23. 9. 2024 Climate change is one of the top priorities for CEOs globally, with 85% having increased their investment in sustainability. Half of executives are using technology solutions to achieve climate goals. deloitte.com 🇬🇧
23. 9. 2024 Panasonic Energy has completed preparations for the mass production of high-capacity batteries for 4680 format electric vehicles. These cells have five times the capacity of the smaller 2170 batteries, allowing manufacturers to extend the range of EVs and use fewer cells to achieve the same battery capacity. reuters.com 🇬🇧
22. 9. 2024 Approximately one year after the opening of the Battery Center, Henkel also launched its battery test center at its headquarters in Düsseldorf. The facility serves as a model for future sites in the USA and China. henkel.de 🇩🇪
21. 9. 2024 Chinese carmaker Geely is looking for sites to build a plant in Europe, but has not yet committed to local production, its executives told Reuters. reuters.com 🇬🇧
21. 9. 2024 According to Herbert Diess, VW’s production in Germany is only profitable thanks to the combination with plants in Eastern and Southern Europe. Without them, there would be no VW factories in Germany. It is time to think how much more German production Volkswagen can afford. wiwo.de 🇩🇪
20. 9. 2024 A simple change in the way lithium-ion batteries are first charged can increase their lifetime by up to 50%, without changing their chemistry. Stanford researchers used AI to discover that using high charging currents during the first charge allows the batteries to withstand more charge cycles (from 1,500 to 2,200 cycles). This finding can be immediately applied by battery manufacturers, greatly improving electric vehicles and energy storage. newscientist.com 🇬🇧
20. 9. 2024 The consolidation package, which is still to be discussed by the Government and has to be passed by the Parliament, contains a significant change in Act No. 595/2003 Coll. on income tax from January 2025. The tax on employee’s non-cash income for BEVs and PHEVs is to be reduced from 1% to 0.5% for motor vehicles classified in depreciation group 0. SEVA has long advocated this measure to encourage the use of electric vehicles in companies and appreciates that the government has finally moved to implement it. rokovania.gov.sk 🇸🇰
20. 9. 2024 Trailer Dynamics, DB Schenker and CATL have announced the launch of a project to introduce battery swap technology (BST) for electrified truck trailers and semi-trailers in Europe. They plan to conduct a feasibility study to create battery exchange stations to meet the future needs of electrified truck fleets. Transferring some of the battery capacity to the semi-trailer extends range, supports the tractor’s powertrain and enables safe control of the entire combination. deutschebahn.com 🇬🇧
20. 9. 2024 Mercedes-Benz and the American startup Factorial are working on a solid electrolyte battery that will significantly increase the range of electric vehicles. The carmaker plans to start production by the end of the decade. The new Solstice battery, with an energy density of 450 Wh/kg, will extend the range by around 80% compared to today’s average. reuters.com 🇬🇧
20. 9. 2024 Since this year, the Fröschl Group has been using electric trucks to transport heavy gravel in the Austrian Tyrol. This saves thousands of litres of fuel and reduces CO2 emissions. The company has invested more than one million euros in electric trucks and the first tests have yielded very promising results. orf.at 🇩🇪
19. 9. 2024 The Chinese carmaker MG, part of the Chinese SAIC group, plans to equip its electric vehicles with solid electrolyte batteries within the next twelve months. The executive vice president of SAIC’s passenger car division made the announcement at the Chengdu Motor Show and said the new technology will soon be introduced in an MG model and will be shared with other brands. carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
19. 9. 2024 General Motors and Hyundai will explore potential collaboration on vehicle development, supply chain improvements and clean energy technology development. The companies will seek opportunities for combined raw material supply for batteries, steel and other areas, and will explore partnerships in the production of passenger and commercial vehicles, including combustion, electric and hydrogen technologies. hyundai.com 🇬🇧
18. 9. 2024 Denmark has become Europe’s EV leader with a score of 76.7 on the EV Index 2024, while Norway and Luxembourg are second and third, and Germany has dropped to fifth position. Poland, Cyprus, Hungary and Malta occupy the last positions. Slovakia is tied with Estonia for 12th place, with the highest score for the ratio of EVs per charging point. In a surprising sixth place is Bulgaria for the same reason. here.com 🇬🇧
18. 9. 2024 Opel is committed to becoming a fully electric brand by 2028, the carmaker’s boss confirmed in an interview with Automobilwoche. According to Huettel, electric cars are better because of their performance, smoothness, quietness and ability to run without fossil fuels. Electromobility is the only way for Opel to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
18. 9. 2024 According to the analysis, there are more than 900 000 semi-public and public charging points in Europe, with one in five in the Netherlands. This is according to a new Charge Point Monitor study by EVMarketsReports on the evolution of the European charging network. evmarketsreports.com 🇬🇧
17. 9. 2024 Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, the TRATON GROUP and the Volvo Group, is presenting Europe’s largest public charging network for heavy trucks at IAA Transportation 2024 in Hannover. The network comprises 70 hubs with more than 570 high-performance charging points, which will open over the next year. The megawatt charging technology will enable vehicles to be charged from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes. milence.com 🇬🇧
17. 9. 2024 According to BloombergNEF’s Road Fuel Outlook, EVs save nearly 1.8 million barrels of oil per day, comparable to Mexico’s consumption. Demand for EVs is expected to double by 2027 and triple by 2029, leading to peak oil consumption in the on-road sector within three years. bnef.com 🇬🇧
17. 9. 2024 Ahead of the EU vote to raise tariffs on Chinese electric cars, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed the need to protect domestic producers and promote equal access to markets. Italy supports EU tariffs on Chinese electric cars. autonews.com 🇬🇧
17. 9. 2024 Hans Dieter Pötsch, Chairman of VW’s Supervisory Board, calls on the EU to relax the current CO₂ emissions targets for carmakers. He argues that demand for electric cars in Europe is falling well short of expectations and the targets for 2025, 2030 and 2035 need to be adapted to reality. Electromobility will prevail, but it will take longer. faz.net 🇩🇪
17. 9. 2024 China is frustrated that the EU Commission is ignoring industry efforts to find solutions after the bloc rejected offers from electric vehicle manufacturers for minimum import prices. The European Commission said it had received offers from electric vehicle manufacturers in China for minimum import prices into Europe as a way of avoiding high tariffs, but had rejected them. reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 9. 2024 An analysis by Just Auto and Bloomberg News revealed that nearly a third of the main plants of Europe’s five biggest carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis, Renault and VW – used less than half their capacity last year. The closure of these plants could heighten fears of the region’s prolonged decline behind its competitors. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
16. 9. 2024 Global oil demand growth has fallen sharply this year thanks to changes in the Chinese economy and the growing use of electric vehicles. The International Energy Agency warns of significant implications for oil markets and the global energy system. iea.org 🇬🇧
16. 9. 2024 Chinese carmaker Geely Automotive is planning to expand its production capacity in Europe to circumvent looming EU sanction duties on electric cars from China. The company is exploring opportunities offered by existing partnerships, particularly plants of its partners Volvo Cars and Renault. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
16. 9. 2024 The shock decision by Europe’s largest battery maker, Northvolt, to downsize its operations and cut jobs has raised concerns about the future of Europe’s electric vehicle battery industry. reuters.com 🇬🇧
16. 9. 2024 According to consultancy Rho Motion, a specialist in the automotive and battery industry, the global market for electric vehicles (BEVs and PHEVs) grew 20% between January and August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The number of BEVs and PHEVs increased by 10% and 46% respectively. In August, 1.5 million EVs were sold, for a total of 9.8 million since the beginning of the year. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
15. 9. 2024 As of August 2024, 1.5 million EVs have been sold, bringing the total for the year to 9.8 million, with Hyundai and Kia posting record sales of the Ioniq 5 and EV9. The EV market grew 20% compared to the same period last year, with BEVs up 10% and PHEVs up 46%. linkedin.com 🇬🇧
15. 9. 2024 ACEA, the European carmakers’ association, has proposed that the EU postpone emissions targets for carmakers for two years until 2027 through emergency regulation. ACEA said the current rules could lead to the production of 2 million vehicles being halted or fines of up to €13 billion. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
15. 9. 2024 The European Union plans to vote on 25 September to impose definitive tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. The European Commission is considering tariffs of up to 35.3% on top of the standard 10% duty on EU car imports, which could significantly affect imports of electric vehicles from China. reuters.com 🇬🇧
15. 9. 2024 The Swiss Post and Fenaco will form a joint venture called “PowerUp” to build a nationwide network of fast-charging stations for electric vehicles in the Alpine country. It will be available at 50 locations from 2025, with the aim of expanding to 300 sites. post.ch 🇩🇪
15. 9. 2024 Mercedes-Benz is investing more than 14 billion yuan to expand production in China in cooperation with local partners. From 2025, it plans to launch new electric vehicles designed specifically for the Chinese market, including the electric CLA and GLE SUV. reuters.com 🇬🇧
14. 9. 2024 DEKRA analysis has shown that the cost of repairing electric vehicles is on average 10% higher than for combustion vehicles. The differences are smaller than often claimed, which is mainly due to the younger age of electric cars and the greater number of assistance systems. dekra.de 🇩🇪
14. 9. 2024 Austrian firefighting equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer has supplied the L32A-XS all-electric turntable ladder to a fire brigade in Burgenland, Germany. In addition, they also took delivery of five more electric vehicles, making the Berlin Fire Department the world’s largest user of electric emergency vehicles. rosenbauer.com 🇩🇪
13. 9. 2024 The company ejoin has opened the most powerful charging hub in Slovakia and at the same time set a world record for the number of fast chargers in one place. The Tesla Cybertruck was also showcased on this occasion, charging at a speed of 405 kW. Cyclist Peter Sagan also attended the opening. touchit.sk 🇸🇰
13. 9. 2024 DAF Trucks has joined an international charging station booking platform that will simplify the planning and management of charging for electric vehicles. The move will support infrastructure expansion and accelerate the transition to electromobility. daf.com 🇬🇧
13. 9. 2024 Nissan announced that its development and mass production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries has been certified by the Japanese Ministry of Economic Affairs. With this move, Nissan aims to encourage the wider use of electric vehicles in Japan. nissannews.com 🇬🇧
12. 9. 2024 Lithuania has launched a subsidy programme to support the purchase of electric trucks. Support of up to EUR 100 000 per vehicle is available. The total amount of funding in the programme amounts to EUR 25 million, with the aim of stimulating the transition to sustainable transport and reducing emissions in the country. mobilityportal.eu 🇬🇧
12. 9. 2024 Hyundai and Kia’s radiant leg heating saves up to 17% energy and heats the lower body of passengers within three minutes, improving comfort in cold weather. hyundai.news 🇬🇧
12. 9. 2024 Subaru and Panasonic Energy are planning to build a new lithium-ion battery factory in Oizumi, Japan, to produce cylindrical batteries for Subaru’s electric vehicles, which will come to market in the second half of this decade. panasonic.com 🇬🇧
12. 9. 2024 Tobias Wagner, aka Electrotrucker, tests electric trucks on YouTube to show fans the challenges and benefits of electromobility in freight transport. He personally tests how they drive in practice, giving a glimpse into the future of transport.
11. 9. 2024 The crisis in the German automotive industry has hit subcontractors such as Bosch, Continental and ZF hard, who have reduced the number of job advertisements by tens of percent since the beginning of the year. This decline reflects declining demand in the sector and wider labour market problems. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
11. 9. 2024 Toyota has announced two new battery development projects. Subsidiary Prime Planet Energy & Solutions is developing next-generation batteries, while Primearth EV Energy is building a new factory on an island in southwest Japan. Production capacity is expected to reach 9 GWh per year. toyota.com 🇬🇧
11. 9. 2024 Mazda will use Panasonic Energy’s next-generation cylindrical lithium-ion batteries in its battery-electric vehicles from 2027 to strengthen its market position. panasonic.com 🇬🇧
10. 9. 2024 MAN will present its new electric truck eTGL at IAA 2024, which brings innovative solutions for urban distribution and shorter-distance transport. This model is designed for efficient and environmentally friendly operation. mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
10. 9. 2024 China will continue to dominate global battery production in 2030, with capacity reaching nearly 6,300 GWh (67% of global). However, the West is gradually increasing its capacity to reduce its dependence on Chinese supplies. benchmarkminerals.com
10. 9. 2024 European carmakers are putting the brakes on their ambitions to compete with Tesla and Chinese manufacturers. A lack of affordable models and lower government incentives have weakened European consumers’ interest in electric cars. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
9. 9. 2024 Hyundai and Kia’s heated metal-coated windows can remove frost in less than five minutes, significantly improving safety during winter drives. hyundai.news 🇬🇧
9. 9. 2024 According to a survey by the Ifo Institute, the business climate in the German automotive industry deteriorated in August. Expectations for the next six months are very pessimistic, which has a significant impact on the mood in the entire sector. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
9. 9. 2024 Volvo unveils “Superset”, a single technology platform for all future electric cars. This innovation will bring greater efficiency and easier software development for all models. volvocars.com 🇬🇧
9. 9. 2024 Toyota and Nissan, along with other Japanese companies, will help increase battery production capacity in Japan by 50%. The move, backed by the government, is intended to boost domestic battery production and encourage the development of electric mobility. nikkei.com 🇯🇵
9. 9. 2024 Corporate electric cars up to a value of €95,000 will receive a reduced tax rate of 0.25% in Germany. The extension applies to more expensive models, while combustion vehicles are taxed at 1%. zeit.de 🇩🇪
8. 9. 2024 The Biden administration plans to protect US critical mineral projects from the influx of cheaper Chinese materials. The government would set a minimum price for these raw materials and make up the difference if market prices fall below that threshold. The goal is to encourage domestic projects and strengthen U.S. independence from foreign sources, politico.com reports 🇺🇸
8. 9. 2024 Hyundai and Kia have introduced a nano-cooling film that reduces interior temperatures by up to 12.5°C while allowing heat to escape from the vehicle. This is a major step towards improved comfort and energy savings in hot conditions. hyundai.news 🇬🇧
7. 9. 2024 With new battery technology, Volvo Trucks is significantly expanding the possibilities of electromobility for trucking, with a range of 600 km allowing trucks to efficiently cover longer distances on a single charge. volvotrucks.com 🇬🇧
7. 9. 2024 Toyota and Nissan are investing $2.4 billion to boost battery production in Japan. The goal is to increase capacity to 100 GWh per year by 2030 and boost domestic production for EVs and renewables. The move is intended to ensure the country’s competitive advantage in the global battery market.
reuters.com 🇯🇵
6. 9. 2024 Companies warn that high energy prices lead to unnecessary waste and have proposed solutions to the government to reduce costs and increase energy efficiency in industry. The initiative of the Buildings for the Future platform is also supported by SEVA. euractiv.sk 🇸🇰
6. 9. 2024 With the first episode, together with Marian Burian from the leasing company Arval Slovakia, we kicked off the fourth series of our podcast ON THE FULL FLOOR. We wish you a pleasant listening.
6. 9. 2024 Chinese automotive parts suppliers have doubled their global market share to almost 10%, while European suppliers are growing only marginally (20% globally). German suppliers even suffered a further loss of 1.4 percentage points compared to 2020. This is according to the latest “Automotive Supplier Study” by PwC. strategyand.pwc.com 🇩🇪
6. 9. 2024 European battery manufacturer Freyr has to lay off and cut production. One of the main problems is the low prices of battery cells made in China. This makes it difficult to compete with Chinese manufacturers, especially when customers are not willing to pay more for products made in Norway. highnorthnews.com 🇬🇧
5. 9. 2024 According to PwC analysis, in 2023 Chinese car exports to the EU will be higher than European car exports to China for the first time. This development confirms the growing dominance of the Chinese automotive industry, which benefits in particular from cheaper electric vehicle production and increasing pressure on traditional European brands. ceskenoviny.cz 🇨🇿
5. 9. 2024 The German government has approved proposals for tax breaks for electric vehicles to support the transition to more sustainable transport. The measures are expected to help reignite interest in buying electric vehicles and help meet Germany’s climate targets. reuters.com 🇩🇪
5. 9. 2024 CUPRA’s CEO has warned that the EU’s planned 21.3% tariffs on its Chinese-made EVs could seriously jeopardise sales in Europe. The CUPRA Tavascan electric SUV would be unsaleable in the current economic environment if prices were increased. Wayne Griffiths said the tariffs could “wipe out” CUPRA models made in China. reuters.com 🇬🇧
5. 9. 2024 The updated Clean Mobility Action Plan of our neighbours in the Czech Republic outlined plans to use the Modernisation Fund to support the purchase of commercial vehicles over 4.25 t. The first call from the TRANSCom programme is also to be made available in the form of direct support to entrepreneurs from Prague. mpo.gov.cz 🇨🇿
4. 9. 2024 The U.S. Department of Energy announced that 142,000 new jobs have been created in the U.S. in battery manufacturing, renewable energy and related industries. This growth is twice as fast as overall job growth in the U.S., with clean energy employment up 4.2%. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has spurred a boom in these industries, including large investments in renewables and emissions reductions. bloomberg.com 🇺🇸
4. 9. 2024 Vienna Sightseeing Tours will replace its entire fleet. It currently operates three electric buses and has now ordered a further 14. The entire Vienna Sightseeing Tours fleet will thus soon be fully electric, contributing to more sustainable tourism in the Austrian capital. wko.at 🇦🇹
3. 9. 2024 BMW is recalling electric Mini Cooper SE models due to problems in the battery system that can lead to overheating and potentially a vehicle fire. More than 140,000 cars may be affected worldwide, including 39,000 in Germany. autonews.com 🇪🇺
3. 9. 2024 In 2024, the United States will be the leader in climate technology finance. They overtook China, which dominated the previous year, with Canada third. This trend indicates a shift in investment priorities and a growing interest in sustainable technologies in the U.S. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
3. 9. 2024 Stricter EU emission limits for 2025 will put pressure on carmakers such as Ford and Volkswagen to accelerate the transition to electrification. Currently, only these two manufacturers still offer combustion engines below the 93.6 g/km limit. dataforce.de 🇪🇺
2. 9. 2024 Central and Eastern Europe is becoming a hub for e-mobility due to its compact geography, which facilitates the development of new capacity in the automotive industry. The region is known for its well-developed supplier network and high concentration of manufacturing plants, which attracts investment in the production of zero-emission vehicles. mobilityportal.eu 🇪🇺
2. 9. 2024 The EU car industry is facing challenges with CO2 targets from 2025. Volkswagen, for example, expects a profit reduction of two billion euros. The company must increase the share of electric vehicles to 25% from 9.7% today to avoid heavy fines. According to analysts, VW will need emissions alliances with other manufacturers such as Tesla or Volvo to meet the targets. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
2. 9. 2024 Volkswagen is considering closing plants in Germany as part of cost-saving measures during the transition to electromobility. It would be the first ever plant closure in VW’s history in Germany, sparking tensions with unions. autonews.com 🇪🇺
2. 9. 2024 Battery and mineral recyclers in the US are scrambling to raise billions of dollars in loans before Donald Trump, if elected, could block funding that is key to transforming the energy and auto industries. mining.com 🇺🇸
2. 9. 2024 Ford is changing its electrification strategy, favouring smaller and more affordable EVs to better compete with Chinese production. It plans to expand its hybrid models and cancel production of a large three-row electric SUV, which will cause $1.9 billion in expenses and depreciation. cnbc.com 🇬🇧
2. 9. 2024 Sales of hydrogen EVs fell 34% to less than 6,000 units in the first half of 2024. Read more at sneresearch.com 🇺🇸
1. 9. 2024 The U.S. Department of Energy will provide $50 million to support the transformation of the automotive industry. The grants, totaling $2 billion, are intended to support the transition to electric vehicle production, particularly at plants that are closed or at risk. energy.gov 🇺🇸
1. 9. 2024 An ADAC test has shown that the “dog mode” in electric cars like the Tesla Model Y reliably regulates the temperature for animals. Electric cars also allow the air conditioning to be switched on when the engine is switched off, which is an advantage over conventional combustion vehicles. adac.de 🇩🇪
1. 9. 2024 The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) proposes a complete phase-out of fossil fuels by 2045. German petrol stations would not be able to sell petrol or diesel after this date. The VDA stresses the need for stricter measures also for existing combustion vehicles, which it considers to be insufficiently addressed in the current CO₂ reduction targets. spiegel.de 🇩🇪
31. 8. 2024 Chinese carmaker Xpeng, which has an alliance with Volkswagen, is looking for a site in Europe to produce its electric cars. The group’s boss prefers a location with low labour risks and has also announced plans to build a large data centre in Europe. This is important for the efficient collection of software needed for intelligent vehicle control. bloomberg.com 🇺🇸
31. 8. 2024 The used electric car market in the US is booming after Tesla cut prices significantly. Sales of used EVs are up 70% and prices have dropped below $30,000, making them cheaper than conventional internal combustion cars. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
31. 8. 2024 The Sibanye-Stillwater Keliber project will strengthen European market access to raw materials for batteries. The project will cover the entire process from mining to lithium hydroxide production in Finland and aims to build a sustainable supply network directly in Europe, increasing our material self-sufficiency. eib.org 🇪🇺
31. 8. 2024 Kaufland is expanding the use of electric trucks to supply stores in the Hanover area. It already uses electric Renault trucks there, and will also add trucks from Volvo and Daimler in the near future. kaufland.de 🇩🇪
30. 8. 2024 The German automobile club ADAC conducted a test focusing on the actual range of electric cars, from the small Dacia Spring Electric to the large Mercedes EQS. The test assesses how vehicles of different sizes and categories perform in real-world conditions and how their actual range compares with manufacturers’ figures. adac.de 🇩🇪
30. 8. 2024 China’s huge production capacity leads to aggressive price competition in a domestic market dominated by BYD and Tesla. EV manufacturers are able to rapidly introduce new features and models, leading to hyper-competition. With growing exports, Chinese brands are also consolidating their position globally. reuters.com
30. 8. 2024 In Germany, you can also rent an electric car with your favourite coffee via Tchibo. In cooperation with Finn, the brand offers a simple subscription for five different EV models, which customers can order directly online. tchibo.de 🇩🇪
30. 8. 2024 Logistics company DSV has ordered 300 electric trucks from Volvo Trucks, a further step towards greener transport. This is the largest order of electric vehicles for the Volvo brand to date, with the first tractors to be delivered later this year. volvotrucks.sk 🇸🇰
30. 8. 2024 At its investor day, Hyundai revealed targets for EV sales in Europe. In 2024, EVs are expected to account for 19% of the brand’s total offering, 33% in 2027 and 62% by 2030. These ambitious targets reflect the carmaker’s efforts to significantly strengthen its position in the electric vehicle market. hyundai.news 🇪🇺
30. 8. 2024 There are currently nearly 30,000 passenger battery electric vehicles (BEVs) of category M1 in operation in the Czech Republic, an increase of one-third compared to the end of 2023. The growth is supported by the ELEKTROMOBILITY Guarantee Programme of the National Development Bank. There are 5,482 public charging points in the country. cistadoprava.cz 🇨🇿
29. 8. 2024 According to the study, LFP batteries are sensitive to frequent charging at high state of charge, which can lead to faster degradation. However, Tesla and Ford still recommend regular charging to 100%. The results point to a trade-off between battery life and capacity. iopscience.iop.org 🇺🇸
29. 8. 2024 The Ministry of Economy has closed the call for the construction of electric charging stations for companies because it exceeded the total available allocation. This means that the number of applications for subsidies for EV chargers was higher than the originally planned budget. This interest confirms the growing demand for electromobility infrastructure among Slovak companies. sita.sk 🇸🇰
29. 8. 2024 The largest charging hub in Austria with a capacity of up to 100 charging points is being built in the Austrian outlet centre Parndorf, which is also popular among Slovak customers. The hub will use electricity from photovoltaic panels installed on the roofs of the stores. beoe.at 🇦🇹
29. 8. 2024 In Germany, buyers pay on average 21% more for an electric car than for a comparable vehicle with an internal combustion engine. The comparison included list prices after discounts for twenty key electric models and their alternatives with traditional engines. This price comparison shows that for private buyers, the electric car still remains the more expensive option. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
29. 8. 2024 The United States and Argentina sign a cooperation agreement on critical minerals. The memorandum aims to strengthen supply chains, promote trade and investment in the exploration, extraction and processing of these raw materials. Cooperation will also focus on recycling and resource recovery, which is key to sustainable supply. usembassy.gov 🇺🇸
28. 8. 2024 Toyota plans to deploy the gigacasting method of EV production in Japan, moving closer to more efficient manufacturing practices along the lines of Tesla. In doing so, it will focus on simplifying processes and reducing costs. Gigacasting creates large modules by joining multiple components together using molten aluminium alloy that is fed into a press under high pressure. asia.nikkei.com 🇯🇵
28. 8. 2024 BYD plans to build a new electric vehicle plant in Mexico with a goal of producing 150,000 vehicles a year. The gradual expansion of production is expected to reach up to 500,000 units per year, confirming BYD’s global ambitions in the field of electromobility. It is a strategy to boost production outside China and to better access the North American market. reuters.com 🇬🇧
27. 8. 2024 The new rules of the Travel Compensation Act stipulate that drivers of electric vehicles may also use data from the Statistical Office of the Slovak Republic to calculate compensation for electricity consumed during work trips. In addition, for motorway driving, the consumption indicated in the vehicle documents will increase by up to 20%. dennikn.sk 🇸🇰
27. 8. 2024 According to Berylls, the premium segment in China is changing. Traditional criteria – such as engine performance or body moulding – are giving way to a preference for advanced technology, software and entertainment. Carmakers like VW and Mercedes are struggling to keep up with these trends. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
26. 8. 2024 Norwegian company Morrow Batteries has opened Europe’s first lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery gigafactory. With an annual capacity of 1 GWh, the plant in Norway will support the transition to sustainable energy and strengthens European production capacity. morrowbatteries.com
26. 8. 2024 Volkswagen plans to make China’s Anhui province its second global hub for electric vehicle development, which it describes as the “Wolfsburg of the East”. It is strengthening its presence in the world’s largest automotive market. cnevpost.com 🇨🇳
26. 8. 2024 BMW has overtaken Tesla for the first time ever in sales of electric cars in the European market. In July 2024, it recorded 14,869 units sold, beating Tesla by around 300 units. The result shows how the German giant is gaining momentum in its battle for dominance in the segment. reuters.com 🇬🇧
25. 8. 2024 China is considering reciprocal tariff increases on imports of cars with large internal combustion engines. The move comes shortly before the EU’s decision on tariffs on Chinese electric cars and could fundamentally affect the automotive industry in Slovakia. Tensions between China and the EU may escalate further. reuters.com 🇬🇧
25. 8. 2024 Tesla has significantly lowered prices, which has revived the used electric car market in the US. In the first half of this year, used EV sales rose 70%, with the average price dropping below $30,000. This has made used EVs more affordable than typical internal combustion cars, attracting more buyers. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
25. 8. 2024 Visitors can discover the future of electric mobility at the new CATL centre. In addition to an extensive display of electric vehicles, the centre focuses on showcasing innovative battery technologies and simulations of real-life EV use in everyday life. carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
25. 8. 2024 Capgemini’s Peter Fintl calls the debate on e-fuels as a way to save internal combustion engines pointless. Although hydrogen and e-fuels can decarbonise certain sectors, they are not a solution for passenger cars because of their cost and low efficiency. automobil-industrie.vogel.de 🇩🇪
24. 8. 2024 The amendment to the Travel Allowances Act allows drivers of electric vehicles to prove the cost of electricity through the domestic electricity tariff when travelling for work, which will expand the possibilities for simpler billing. The proof can also include the rate from another family member – dennikn.sk reported 🇸🇰
24. 8. 2024 Traditional automakers are losing market share in China due to the development of electromobility and customer demands for technologies such as smart dashboards and sensors for autonomous driving. The market share of Korean manufacturers has fallen to 1.2%, and sales of European brands are also declining significantly. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
23. 8. 2024 From September, we look forward to seeing you on the fourth series of the first Slovak podcast dedicated to electromobility – NA PLNÝ PRÚD. Listen to the short trailer. We’ve been with you since 2019!
23. 8. 2024 “We need to kick-start electromobility,” Norbert Hovančák, a member of the board of directors of Slovenska sporitelna, appeals in his commentary for hnonline.sk. The state, he says, is holding back the use of money from the recovery plan that could improve infrastructure and support the growth of electromobility. It is also necessary to fight the myths about the disadvantages of electromobility, which have already been disproved by real results in the West. The key is to encourage companies to supplement their fleets with electric vehicles.
23. 8. 2024 Cybersecurity of electric vehicle charging stations is becoming an important topic as hackers could manipulate the charging process, misuse personal data or disrupt the power grid. Security measures such as encryption, authentication and regular monitoring are key to preventing attacks. Martin Fábry writes in hnonline.sk Special 🇸🇰
23. 8. 2024 Foxconn is trying to reduce its dependence on Apple as iPhone sales in China decline. The new electric car plant in Zhengzhou is intended to expand the company’s portfolio and respond to growing demand for electric vehicles. nytimes.com 🇬🇧
22. 8. 2024 China has launched an investigation into European imports of dairy products in response to the imposition of tariffs on its electric cars. The move could escalate trade tensions with the European Union if unfair practices are found. reuters.com 🇬🇧
22. 8. 2024 A study from anp Management Consulting shows that the Chinese automotive market is highly concentrated. More than 60% of production capacity is controlled by the 15 largest manufacturers, with the ten largest plants producing over 400,000 cars a year. Learn more at automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
21. 8. 2024 The government has approved a new regulation that will make it easier for owners of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids to charge travel reimbursements. When travelling for work, it will also be possible to prove the cost of charging with a household electricity rate certificate. This change is intended to simplify administration for drivers of electric vehicles. Read more at dennikn.sk 🇸🇰
21. 8. 2024 The projected capacity for battery recycling in Europe could already exceed demand in the coming years. The analysis shows that the capacity to recycle batteries and production waste will be sufficient to cope with the growing volumes. fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
21. 8. 2024 According to Capgemini’s Peter Fintel, e-fuels will not replace electric cars, but they could be key in air transport. The expected cost and availability of green hydrogen is hindering the economic use of synthetic fuels on a large scale. automobil-industrie.vogel.de 🇩🇪
20. 8. 2024 The EU will reduce planned tariffs on Chinese electric cars from Tesla to 9%. This decision reflects concerns about tensions in trade relations with China and the potential negative impact on the European market. The reduction in tariffs will help keep prices and availability of EVs competitive in Europe. reuters.com 🇬🇧
20. 8. 2024 In China, the share of new cars with internal combustion engines has fallen from 94% in 2020 to 59% in the first half of 2024. Traditional carmakers like GM and South Korean brands are suffering as Chinese customers prefer advanced technology, autonomous features and electric drive. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
20. 8. 2024 Foxconn, also known as the iPhone maker, plans to expand its business and invest $150 million in electric car manufacturing in Zhengzhou, China. The new 700-hectare plant is set to become a state-of-the-art manufacturing centre for leading car brands. nytimes.com 🇬🇧
20. 8. 2024 CATL has opened China’s first electric vehicle experience centre. In addition to showcasing nearly 100 different vehicle models, it provides visitors with interactive experiences with battery and charging technologies, including innovative solutions for sustainable mobility. carnewschina.com
19. 8. 2024 According to a study by anp Management Consulting, China has more than 160 automotive plants with an average capacity of 173,000 units per year. The ten largest plants have a capacity of over 400,000 units per year. The market is highly concentrated, with the 15 largest Chinese car companies operating 60% of all plants. automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
19. 8. 2024 China has challenged the EU’s climate measures at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which it says are damaging to Chinese exports. The dispute concerns new European regulations that China considers unfair to its products. wto.org 🇬🇧
19. 8. 2024 The map of recycling facilities in Europe shows a significant increase in the number of processing plants, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. A number of additional plants are due to be commissioned before the end of this year, which will significantly increase regional battery recycling capacity. fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
18. 8. 2024 A vehicle-to-grid (V2G) project has been launched in China’s Jiangsu province, where electric vehicles can feed energy back into the grid. The vehicles charge during off-peak hours and help stabilise the electricity grid when needed. The project involves 1,277 EVs at 482 charging stations and participants have been incentivised with discount coupons. news.cn 🇨🇳
18. 8. 2024 On average, electric vehicles are 40% more powerful than comparable combustion engines, but they are also significantly heavier. Electric SUVs in the C-segment weigh 30% more than their petrol and diesel counterparts. Luxury electric SUVs reach an average kerb weight of more than 2.5 tonnes. jato.blog 🇬🇧
17. 8. 2024 Subsidies for electric cars in the Czech Republic are attracting entrepreneurs, thousands of whom have already taken advantage of this support. Government subsidies help to reduce the cost of the transition to more sustainable mobility and interest is growing. Find out more at ct24.ceskatelevize.cz 🇨🇿
17. 8. 2024 China has filed a request for consultations with the EU at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), criticising European climate measures which, in its view, unfairly restrict Chinese exports and discriminate against its products. The move could lead to a trade dispute if the parties fail to reach an agreement. wto.org 🇬🇧
17. 8. 2024 In Nové Město nad Váhom, the first charging stations with a capacity of up to 400 kW have been added to the OMV eMotion network. The HYC400 stations allow charging of four vehicles at the same time (CCS2 connectors). They are also equipped with special swivel arms for more convenient charging. omv.sk 🇸🇰
17. 8. 2024 Battery recycling in Europe is developing rapidly, with the capacity to recycle lithium-ion batteries reaching 330 000 tonnes per year by 2026. This growth indicates an improving infrastructure and readiness to handle larger volumes of batteries. fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
16. 8. 2024 The new EU tariffs have substantially slowed down the arrival of Chinese EVs on the European market – the month-on-month decline in July so far is around 45%. Brands such as BYD and SAIC are facing higher costs, affecting their competitiveness. This development could change the dynamics of the EV market in Europe. autonews.com 🇬🇧
16. 8. 2024 A new ultra-fast charging hub from ČEZ with 14 charging stations that can serve up to 28 cars at a time has been built along the D1 motorway in the Czech Republic. The site will be important for drivers on the Brno-Prague route. ČEZ plans to expand the network of ultra-fast stations by the end of 2024. mojelektromobil.sk
16. 8. 2024 China’s CO2 emissions fell by 1% in the second quarter of 2024, the first quarterly decline since the end of the covid-19 pandemic. This is the result of an increase in available clean energy capacity outpacing growth in electricity demand. carbonbrief.org 🇬🇧
15. 8. 2024 China in the first half of 2024 up to 102 GW of new solar capacity and 26 GW of wind capacity, an increase of 31% for solar and 12% for wind compared to last year. China will surpass last year’s record installations. carbonbrief.org 🇬🇧
14. 8. 2024 Chinese manufacturer Zeekr has unveiled a lithium iron phosphate battery that can charge from 10% to 80% in 10.5 minutes using the Zeekr V3 ultra-fast charger. The innovation will be available from next year and represents a significant advance in addressing EV range concerns. The battery charges quickly even at low temperatures. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
14. 8. 2024 DPD in the UK plans to reduce emissions by 46% by the end of the year compared to 2020. Already, a third of the fleet on the so-called last mile is made up of electric vans and 95% of the remaining combustion vehicles run on biofuels. The company aims to achieve Net Zero by 2040. A new sorting centre in London is already running at over 90% pure electric. dpd.co.uk 🇬🇧
13. 8. 2024 New figures show that the cost of batteries in electric cars has fallen by almost 90% over 15 years. Between 2008 and 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Vehicle Technology (DOE) tracked the average cost of lithium-ion batteries. The reduction in battery prices has contributed significantly to the availability of electric vehicles. energy.gov 🇺🇸
13. 8. 2024 The world’s biggest carmakers are facing problems in the Chinese market. General Motors has seen sales fall to Covid-19 levels, Toyota, Honda and Nissan have cut production, and Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes have also sold fewer vehicles. Tesla experienced a 19% drop in sales. Intense price competition and the rapid electrification of the market are threatening the position of incumbent manufacturers. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
12. 8. 2024 Chinese carmaker Geely has invested nearly 140 million euros in LEVC, the maker of London’s black cabs. The investment shows China’s growing involvement in the UK electric vehicle market. yahoo.com 🇬🇧
11. 8. 2024 The Italian government is negotiating with the Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Group to build a car plant in Italy to serve as a hub for the whole of Europe. The country wants to increase domestic car production to 1.3 million a year, and the government is in discussions with other automakers, including Chery Auto. reuters.com 🇬🇧
10. 8. 2024 BMW is expanding battery production in five locations, including Germany, Hungary, China, Mexico and the USA. The new Gen6 battery cells will improve the energy density and range of the vehicles. Battery production close to automotive plants promotes sustainability by reducing the cost of transporting heavy materials and products. automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
10. 8. 2024 Kaufland is deploying electric trucks and fully electric refrigerated trailers at a logistics centre in Germany as part of the “Electra” initiative. Three different models from Renault, Volvo and Daimler Trucks will deliver goods to stores in the Hanover area. With this move, Kaufland wants to increase sustainability and save around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. kaufland.de 🇩🇪
10. 8. 2024 The ADAC test showed that a cooling capacity of 1.3 to 1.5 kW is required to maintain a comfortable temperature in an electric car. An internal combustion engine would consume 1 to 1.5 litres of fuel per hour, equivalent to 10 to 15 kWh. An electric car therefore has the advantage of efficiency and lower emissions. adac.de 🇩🇪
9. 8. 2024 Light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds and e-motorcycles are a fast growing mobility solution. In 2022, an estimated 10 million LEV units will be sold in Europe. Combined with public transport, they can support the transition to electric mobility. eiturbanmobility.eu 🇬🇧
9. 8. 2024 Uber and Chinese manufacturer BYD have entered into a multi-year partnership to globally roll out 100,000 new electric vehicles on the ride-sharing platform. The tie-up will begin with operations in Europe and Latin America, and later expand to the Middle East, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The partnership offers convenient financing, maintenance and charging, which will support the transition to EVs. reuters.com 🇬🇧
9. 8. 2024 For the first time in history, electric vehicles accounted for more than half of the cars sold in China. In July, sales of new energy vehicles, including EVs and PHEVs, reached a record 51.1% of retail sales. The rise of EVs on the road since last year has reduced fuel demand by about 4%. carbonbrief.org 🇬🇧
8. 8. 2024 Hungary abolishes green registration numbers for hybrid vehicles. From 1 September, green plates will only be issued to fully electric and zero-emission vehicles. Owners of plug-in hybrids must replace their plates by 30 November 2026. The reason is the higher real-world emissions burden of hybrids compared to fully electric vehicles. dailynewshungary.com 🇬🇧
8. 8. 2024 Various strategic players such as automotive companies and financial entities, including private equity, venture capital, public institutions and pension funds, are investing in the battery industry. These investments support technological innovation and ensure the sustainable development of the industry. cicenergigune.com 🇬🇧
7. 8. 2024 James Hong, an analyst at Macquarie Securities, argues that the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance is politically motivated to promote a competitive auto industry in Japan. Honda plans to invest 10 trillion yuan in electrification. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
6. 8. 2024 The joint venture between Stellantis and Leapmotor has delivered the first series of electric vehicles to the European market. Production of the T03 has already begun in Poland, with the aim of starting mass production in September. These EVs are equipped with cutting-edge technology and have high performance and efficiency. Find out more at stellantis.com 🇬🇧
6. 8. 2024 Honda and MG plan to revive interest in affordable coupes in Europe. Both carmakers are aiming to provide attractive and affordable models to appeal to a wider range of customers. The move has the potential to increase competitiveness in the European car market. autonews.com 🇬🇧
5. 8. 2024 Despite some challenges, electric vehicles (BEVs) remain more cost-effective than internal combustion vehicles (ICEs) when comparing the total cost of ownership in 13 European countries. However, the end of subsidies and higher energy costs in some markets have reduced their competitive advantage. evmarketsreports.com 🇬🇧
5. 8. 2024 The German Insurance Association (GDV) reports that insurance claims for electric vehicles are on average 25% higher than for comparable combustion-powered vehicles. Insurers are concerned about the negative consequences of the shift to e-mobility. gdv.de 🇩🇪
4. 8. 2024 VW and BMW bosses warn of a trade war with China over new EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. They say this threatens European car companies that rely on raw materials and technology from China. Both manufacturers have seen sales and profits fall in China. ft.com 🇬🇧
4. 8. 2024 The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 has successfully completed a 15,000 km test drive across Europe. Over 45 days, the two prototypes crossed 22 countries and were only recharged at public charging stations. The aim was to gain practical experience and demonstrate the feasibility of long-distance eHDV transport. daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
3. 8. 2024 Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors have agreed to collaborate on the development of software, batteries and components for electric vehicles. The plan also includes charging and energy services. The alliance follows in the footsteps of Toyota, which has invested in Subaru, Suzuki and Mazda. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
3. 8. 2024 Turkey is investing $5 billion to increase electric vehicle production capacity – they want to reach one million vehicles a year. Together with Morocco, the country is becoming a key location for new factories for non-European carmakers. It’s a similar story for batteries. reuters.com 🇬🇧
2. 8. 2024 Xpeng has unveiled the 800 kW S5 charger, which delivers energy for 1 km of driving in 1 second of charging. When charged for 5 minutes, it will provide a range of 300 km. techbyte.sk
2. 8. 2024 Stellantis is struggling with delays in the development of new electric vehicle models, which is a major issue in the renewal of its product portfolio. The delay may affect the company’s competitiveness in the electric vehicle market. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
1. 8. 2024 The Mercedes-Benz Battery Technology Center in Mannheim will be used for the development and series production of batteries for electric trucks. The company is thus strengthening its position in the field of battery technology and electric truck mobility. daimlertruck.com 🇩🇪
1. 8. 2024 Amazon already has 15,000 electric vans in operation and plans to expand that fleet to 100,000 vehicles by 2030. The project also includes a massive investment in charging infrastructure with more than 17,000 chargers at 120 locations. electrek.co 🇬🇧
31. 7. 2024 SEPS has completed the modernisation of the lines connecting the station in Križovany nad Dudváh, the nuclear power plant in Bohunice and the Bošáca station. The EUR 83 million investment, funded by the European REpowerEU programme, increases transmission capacity and energy security. sepsas.sk
31. 7. 2024 The opposition KDH criticizes the government that up to 99.6% of the incentives are intended for assembly production. A total of €776 million in state aid was approved (€214 million of which was for the Gotion and InoBat battery factory in Šurany). The party warns against a one-sided focus of the economy on the automotive industry. dennikn.sk
31. 7. 2024 Japanese carmakers Nissan and Honda have announced a strategic partnership. The aim is to collaborate on software platforms and components for electric vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors will join the Honda-Nissan alliance, splitting the Japanese market into two large blocks, the other being Toyota of course. nikkei.com 🇯🇵
31. 7. 2024
Volkswagen and XPENG have strengthened their cooperation in the field of E/E architecture. From 2026, this technology will be applied to VW’s Chinese CMP platform for EVs and the global MEB platform for the Chinese market. The new architecture will reduce costs and bring advanced autonomous driving assistants and intelligent cockpit software functions. xiaopeng.com 🇬🇧
31. 7. 2024 Despite ambitious plans by France and Germany to counter China in the field of batteries for electric vehicles, European companies like Northvolt are struggling to increase production. Chinese battery makers are able to produce at a fraction of the cost in Europe, and the U.S. is attracting investment thanks to subsidies. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
30. 7. 2024 China’s car exports will grow by 57% in 2024. Global EV growth is focused on PHEVs. BEV sales in China grew 13%, PHEV and REEV sales doubled to more than 1 million units. However, sales of battery EVs in Germany, for example, are down for the third consecutive quarter. strategyand.pwc.com 🇬🇧
30. 7. 2024
The Ayvens Mobility Guide provides a global analysis of electrification progress in 47 countries. It assesses e-mobility maturity at three levels: developed, transition and emerging. Factors include the number of electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, taxation, availability of green powertrains, sustainability and cost of ownership. Norway, the Netherlands and Finland lead the ranking, Slovakia is among the emerging markets. leaseplan.com 🇬🇧
30. 7. 2024 Peugeot has ambitious plans for the future of electric mobility and wants to become the leading electric car brand in Europe. Brand boss Linda Jackson said they will launch five new electric models this year, including the E-3008. The aim is to strengthen the brand’s market position. handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
29. 7. 2024 New ENIN calls to support the purchase of zero-emission commercial vehicles and the building of infrastructure are launched in Austria. The fourth round is open until 18 September 2024 with a budget of €45 million. In previous rounds, €203 million was granted for the purchase of more than 4,200 emission-free commercial vehicles and related charging infrastructure. ffg.at 🇩🇪
29. 7. 2024
Globally, the number of electric cars will increase by up to 50% during 2023 . China leads the way with 23.4 million vehicles, more than half the global total. The US has 4.8 million, Germany 2.3 million, France 1.6 million and the UK 1.5 million. Germany needs new impetus to meet its electromobility targets, including increased support for corporate e-fleets and the abolition of tax breaks for diesel cars. Dennikn.sk reports 🇸🇰
29. 7. 2024 SVOLT introduces the new LFP “Short Blade” 5C battery, which allows for 5C charging rates and offers a lifetime of more than a million miles. With a capacity of 50 kWh, the battery can be charged at a peak power of 250 kW. Series production will begin in December 2024. svolt-eu.com 🇬🇧
29. 7. 2024 South Korean giant LG Energy Solution (LGES) is in talks with Chinese suppliers to produce low-cost batteries for the European market. The strategic move comes at a time of slowing global demand for electric vehicles and new EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. LGES plans to match the prices of Chinese competitors within three years through joint ventures or long-term supply contracts. Potential production sites for lithium phosphate cathodes (a key component of cheaper batteries) include Morocco, Finland and Indonesia.
reuters.com 🇬🇧
28. 7. 2024 The QualiBattBW project, funded by the German government, offers companies and skilled workers the opportunity to gain knowledge about batteries – from cell development to recycling. Since April this year, 100 participants have received training through free qualification modules. qualibatt-bw.de 🇩🇪
28. 7. 2024
Demand for EVs in Europe fell in the first half of 2024, with Tesla and Volkswagen losing share to BMW and Chinese manufacturers. New car registrations rose by 4.4%, but electric cars from Chinese brands saw a 26% increase. Chinese brands such as Volvo and MG saw strong sales growth. jato.com 🇬🇧
27. 7. 2024 The development of electromobility will quadruple the demand for batteries by 2030. Manufacturers will therefore face important questions: what battery “chemistry” and technology to use and whether to develop it in-house or in cooperation. Lithium-ion batteries will dominate, with NMC and LFP being the most common cathode chemistries. Battery and material recycling is also expected to increase due to new regulations. bain.com 🇬🇧
27. 7. 2024 Minister Adolfo Urso warned Stellantis that the reduction in production at the Mirafiori plant in Turin and the overall 36% reduction in production in Italy put jobs at risk. If Stellantis does not boost local production, subsidies for electric cars will be redirected. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
26. 7. 2024 Volkswagen PowerCo, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, plans to industrially produce solid electrolyte batteries using technology from the US company QuantumScape. An agreement for future mass production of battery cells in the gigawatt-hour range is already on the table. Learn more at volkswagen-group.com 🇩🇪
25. 7. 2024 Chinese carmaker SAIC wants to consult Brussels on tariffs on electric cars. The company says the European Commission has overestimated the amount of subsidies and overlooked some counter-arguments. The tariffs apply to most electric cars imported into the EU, with SAIC facing the highest duty of 37.6%. A final decision on the tariffs is expected within four months. Read more at hnonline.sk 🇸🇰
25. 7. 2024 The European Commission has signalled to Volkswagen and BMW that it may consider lowering tariffs on imports of electric vehicles made in China. These carmakers could be included as cooperating companies, which would mean a 20.8 per cent tariff instead of 37.6 per cent. reuters.com 🇬🇧
24. 7. 2024 Our SEVA ELF initiative was noticed by topky.sk. Read about our programme, which rewards companies friendly to electromobility and helps to introduce electric vehicles in companies of all sizes.
24. 7. 2024 EU member states have mixed views on the vote on tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Some support protecting European manufacturers from cheaper Chinese models, others fear retaliation from China. reuters.com 🇬🇧
23. 7. 2024 Volvo Car Košice has completed the first part of the first phase of the construction of its plant in Valalice. They built a press shop, body shop, paint shop and a technical building. In the second phase, an assembly hall and a production plant for electric motors and battery components will be built. They plan to produce 250,000 electric vehicles a year and employ up to 5,000 people. teraz.sk 🇸🇰
23. 7. 2024 The trend .sk portal writes about the problems of electrification of freight transport. The lack of charging stations is hindering the development of electric trucks, which could contribute to reducing emissions in transport. Without sufficient infrastructure, electrification remains a dead end, even though the technology itself is advancing.
23. 7. 2024 Slovakia is bidding for a sixth car company. After Volvo, the second largest Chinese automaker SAIC is interested. Brussels’ tariffs on Chinese electric cars may bring investment in production in Europe, including Slovakia. SAIC is exploring opportunities in the European market, which may increase the competitiveness of the Slovak automotive industry, Robert Turza of hnonline.sk found 🇸🇰
23. 7. 2024 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, together with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, announced an agreement between Serbia and the EU on access to raw materials for the production of batteries and electric vehicles. The agreement is crucial for Europe’s material independence and resilience. reuters.com 🇬🇧
23. 7. 2024 In the German new car market, the prices of electric vehicles and combustion engines are slowly converging. The Institute of Private Cars found that prices of the 15 most popular electric cars have fallen by 4% since April, while prices of internal combustion engines have risen by 5%. zeit.de 🇩🇪
22. 7. 2024 Slovakia is at the tail of Europe in the number of electric cars. Despite a 60% year-on-year increase in registrations and a 45% improvement in the first half of 2024, Slovakia is lagging behind. State incentives similar to those in the Czech Republic are needed to achieve better results. Several government promises to promote electromobility have not yet been fulfilled -writes hnonline.sk 🇸🇰
22. 7. 2024 The Swedes have fallen behind in battery production at the Northvolt Ett plant, so BMW has cancelled an order worth two billion euros. Plant director Daniel Elschner says they struggle with the biggest challenges during the ramp-up of production, problems are part of the learning process, he says, and experience is quickly implemented. wiwo.de 🇩🇪
22. 7. 2024 EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen responded to pressure from the Liberal Group and the EPP, which led to the authorisation of e-fuels for internal combustion engines after 2035. the “Green Deal” will be reviewed in 2026, with possible exemptions for e-fuels in 2035. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
21. 7. 2024 Audi CEO Jens Puttfarcken stresses that electrification is the key to decarbonising mobility in Europe. “Our commitment to electromobility is ongoing,” said Puttfarcken. “The question of the right drive technology also involves an ecosystem with charging infrastructure.” The industry has embarked on this journey with a long-term vision. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
21. 7. 2024 A new study by Fraunhofer ISI and Amazon reveals that only 1,000 charging stations with the Megawatt Charging System (MCS) are needed to electrify long-distance freight transport in Europe. An analysis of 20,000 potential charging points showed that these stations would cover up to 91% of the expected traffic. Details at fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
20. 7. 2024 As of spring 2019, labor demand from automotive companies focused on electromobility was 34 to 50 percentage points higher on average than those relying on conventional engines. By the end of 2023, this gap has increased to 60 percentage points. ifo.de 🇩🇪
20. 7. 2024 Stellantis has announced the launch of E-Routes for all its electric vehicles in Europe. The navigation system is designed specifically for electric vehicles and helps drivers find the most efficient and fastest routes, including the best charging stations along the way. The system takes into account traffic, weather data as well as the availability of charging stations in real time and provides personalised route recommendations. stellantis.com 🇬🇧
19. 7. 2024 Chinese giant CATL remains the world’s largest maker of batteries for electric vehicles and is growing strongly, while Chinese manufacturer BYD and South Korea’s LG Energy Solutions have failed to increase their production at the same pace, according to SNE Research, a consultancy specialising in the battery industry. sneresearch.com 🇬🇧
19. 7. 2024 E.On and MAN Truck & Bus will set up around 170 locations in Europe with around 400 charging points for public charging of electric trucks. This initiative will encourage the wider use of electric trucks and improve infrastructure for green transport. eon.com 🇩🇪
18. 7. 2024 Kia’s European chief Marc Hedrich announced that Kia sold nearly 81,000 electric vehicles in Europe last year, a 23% increase on 2022 and a 4.1% share of European sales. This year, Kia will launch the EV3, which will go on sale in late October or early November. automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
18. 7. 2024 Mercedes-Benz has opened a new eCampus in Stuttgart for the development and production of advanced batteries. It focuses on lithium-ion cells and solid-state batteries with the aim of reducing costs by more than 30% and increasing energy density to 900 Wh/l. By the end of the year, a battery factory and test centre will be added. mercedes-benz.com 🇬🇧
17. 7. 2024 Volkswagen and SAIC have announced plans to develop two new all-electric models and three plug-in hybrids to go on sale from 2026. SAIC VW currently offers modified electric vehicles based on the MEB platform for the Chinese market. autonews.com 🇬🇧
17. 7. 2024 Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in China have seen a 51% drop in prices over the year and currently cost just $53/kWh. This drop is due to lower raw material costs, overcapacity in production and technological advances by companies such as CATL and BYD. This has brought electric vehicle prices closer to those of internal combustion engine vehicles and price parity should be reached sooner. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
16. 7. 2024 The latest data shows that the global electric vehicle market has seen significant growth in the first half of 2024. 7 million EVs have been sold, representing 20% growth. China leads with 30% growth, Europe is stagnant with 1% growth and 1.5 million vehicles sold, and the U.S. has achieved 9% growth. rhomotion.com 🇬🇧
16. 7. 2024 Daimler Truck strengthens development of electric motors for electric trucks. The company has opened a new technical centre in Gaggenau, where innovative technologies and production processes for “truck-e-fied” electric motors will be developed and tested. daimlertruck.com 🇩🇪
16. 7. 2024 German company E.On has reached a milestone with more than half a million charging points for electric vehicles in 14 European countries. E.On Drive customers can now benefit from an extensive network of chargers for convenient charging. eon.com 🇩🇪
15. 7. 2024 Traton, a subsidiary of Volkswagen, is planning a new battery factory for MAN and Scania electric trucks. Potential sites include Salzgitter in Germany, Krakow in Poland and Zwolle in the Netherlands. automobil-produktion.de 🇩🇪
15. 7. 2024 According to a forecast by AlixPartners, 45% of European consumers consider brand reputation as the most important factor when buying a new car. However, 28% would rather buy an electric vehicle from a new or unknown brand than a petrol or diesel vehicle. This weakening of brand loyalty is due to lower awareness of EV models. adevinta.com 🇬🇧
14. 7. 2024 LG Energy Solution plans to commercialize dry deposition technology by 2028, which could reduce battery manufacturing costs by up to 30%. This innovation will replace the energy-intensive wet process of producing cathode and anode electrodes. The move increases LG’s competitiveness against Chinese manufacturers. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
14. 7. 2024 Ampere, Renault’s electric vehicle subsidiary, is working with France’s CEA Institute to integrate LFP batteries to reduce costs and increase margins. CATL and LG Energy Solution will supply the battery cells. The new strategy includes Cell-to-Pack technology that eliminates the module level and reduces costs by 20% by 2026. renaultgroup.com 🇬🇧
13. 7. 2024 Hydrovolt, a joint venture between Hydro and Northvolt, will start recycling batteries for electric vehicles in northern France. This new facility in Hordain will process batteries from 2025, supporting the growing demand for batteries and sustainable sourcing of raw materials in Europe. hydrovolt.com 🇬🇧
13. 7. 2024 In an interview with FAZ, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius explained why the company will once again focus on combustion engines, but still believes in the future of electric drives. The original target of 100% electric vehicles by 2030 has been postponed due to slower demand growth. Mercedes plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2039. Read more at faz.net 🇩🇪
12. 7. 2024 Porsche is considering buying a majority stake in Varta, which makes batteries for electric vehicles. The negotiations concern Varta’s subsidiary V4Drive, which deals with batteries for electric vehicles. reuters.com 🇬🇧
12. 7. 2024 For the second time, the ADAC has tested mobile chargers for electric vehicles with prices ranging from €190 to €1,449. The best results were achieved by Juice Booster 3 air, DiniTech and Green Cell. The mobile wallboxes enable faster charging on the move and offer high flexibility. adac.de 🇩🇪
12. 7. 2024 Renault boss Fabrice Cambolive sees no crisis in electro-mobility despite weak demand in some European countries. He says sales have reached a “plateau”, which is normal in a period of growth. He expects further growth to come from new electric vehicles in the B segment. autogazette.de 🇩🇪
11. 7. 2024 Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer GEELY has unveiled a new lithium iron phosphate battery, the “Aegis Short Blade Battery” with Blade technology. The battery has an energy density of 192 Wh/kg, a charging rate of 2.45 C and a lifetime of 3,500 cycles. Charging from 10 to 80% takes 17 minutes and 4 seconds. geely.com 🇬🇧
11. 7. 2024 Allego is introducing a blocking fee on ultra-fast chargers in Europe from July. The charge of €0.246/min is applied after 45 minutes of charging. The aim is to reduce waiting times and the efficient use of charging stations. allego.eu 🇬🇧
11. 7. 2024 VW boss Thomas Schäfer confirmed the company’s offensive in electromobility, but warned of challenges such as the high price of electricity or the end of subsidies. “The aim, however, is to phase out the combustion engine,” he stressed. Charging infrastructure, affordable models and a low electricity price will be key. nzz.ch 🇩🇪
10. 7. 2024 The traditional model of the automotive industry needs to change, as Chinese brands are poised to dominate a third of the global automotive market by 2030, according to AlixPartners’ forecast. Chinese manufacturers will gain a competitive advantage through cost and technology advantages. alixpartners.com 🇬🇧
10. 7. 2024 BYD is investing $1 billion to build an electric vehicle plant in Turkey because the country is part of the EU customs union and will allow duty-free exports of vehicles to the Union. The move will support BYD’s expansion in Europe. ft.com 🇬🇧
10. 7. 2024 The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provisionally approved a financing package of up to EUR 500 million to support Vulcan Energy Resources’ ZERO CARBON LITHIUM project. This project will create a sustainable lithium supply chain for electric vehicles and contribute to the EU’s climate goals. v-er.eu 🇩🇪
10. 7. 2024 VW is reportedly considering closing the Audi factory in Brussels due to a drop in demand for luxury electric cars. The factory employs 3,000 people and produces 50,000 Q8 E-tron vehicles a year. The closure could cost up to €2.6 billion. autonews.com 🇬🇧
10. 7. 2024 In the ADAC range test, 13 of the 90 electric cars tested were rated “fully suitable for long journeys”. The test analysed how far the models can travel in practice with a maximum of one 20-minute charging stop. adac.de 🇩🇪
10. 7. 2024 Under the slogan “Power to the Road”, Germany’s Robert Habeck and Volker Wissing, together with distribution system operators and the BDEW, have launched a national initiative to build fast charging for trucks on motorways. bmwk.de 🇩🇪
9. 7. 2024 Automaker Stellantis and the French institute CEA are launching a joint research program to develop advanced battery cells for electric vehicles. The aim is to achieve higher performance, longer life and a lower carbon footprint while maintaining competitive pricing. stellantis.com 🇬🇧
9. 7. 2024 In an article on EURACTIV.sk, Julia Poliscanova argues against the lifting of the internal combustion engine ban after 2035 and highlights its importance for achieving the EU’s climate goals and promoting innovation in the automotive industry. Electromobility is key to reducing emissions and lifting the ban would harm both the climate and European industry. euractiv.sk 🇸🇰
5. 7. 2024 The European Commission has imposed a temporary duty on imports of new electric vehicles from China. This duty concerns battery electric vehicles intended for the transport of persons. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1866 of 3 July 2024 is available for download and is a very interesting read eur-lex.europa.eu 🇪🇺
30. 6. 2024 The prestigious German Centre for Automotive Management (CAM) has published its annual ranking of the most innovative car manufacturers. The results show a radical shift in favour of Chinese manufacturers, with five among the top 10. BMW leads the way, followed by China’s Geely and SAIC. auto-institut.de 🇩🇪
29. 6. 2024 German carmaker Volkswagen is investing $5 billion in US electric vehicle maker Rivian in a new joint venture aimed at sharing EV architecture and software. The collaboration will help Volkswagen accelerate the development of software-defined vehicles and provide Rivian with funding to develop the R2 small SUV, which will be launched in 2026. reuters.com 🇬🇧
28. 6. 2024 Listen to the latest episode of the podcast FULL STREAM, in which Zoran Kupkovič from Slovenské elektrárne explains why electromobility in conjunction with the Slovak energy mix has an even more significant positive impact on the environment.
28. 6. 2024 SEVA Director Patrik Križanský: “Šurany will cover only a quarter of our needs. Without green energy, we will forget about more battery plants.” Listen to the full interview with Robert Turz on HN TV or as a podcast.
28. 6. 2024 Serbia plans to approve lithium mining and give permission to Rio Tinto to create Europe’s largest lithium mine in the Jadar area. The project was halted in 2022 due to environmental protests. The new guarantees from the EU and Rio Tinto take into account Serbia’s concerns about environmental standards. Lithium is a critical material for electric vehicle batteries and mobile devices. Read more at centraleuropeantimes.com 🇬🇧
28. 6. 2024 The Global Battery Alliance is launching a second wave of Battery Passport pilot projects aimed at increasing transparency on emissions footprint, material sourcing and other information under the Battery Sustainability Standards. These projects will test sustainability in a variety of aspects, including human rights and eco-design. Results will be published by the end of the year. globalbattery.org 🇬🇧
27. 6. 2024 China and the European Union have agreed to start negotiations on planned tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao and EU Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis agreed to the talks during a video conference. The EU plans to impose tariffs as early as July, raising trade tensions. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
27. 6. 2024 Automakers Honda and Mitsubishi Corporation have formed a joint venture, Altna, to optimize the cost of electric vehicles, extend battery life and improve the resource cycle. Altna will begin leasing battery packs, starting with the Honda N-VAN e:, which will be launched in October 2024. For more information, visit mitsubishicorp.com 🇬🇧
26. 6. 2024 An E.ON survey showed that 25% of electric vehicle drivers regularly travel distances of more than 1,000 km, which compares to 30% of drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles. This trend shows the growing acceptance and reliability of electric vehicles for long journeys. The main reasons for choosing an EV are convenience (57%), cost savings (39%) and sustainability (38%). Expanding charging infrastructure and increasing range are key factors. To find out more, visit E.ON’s profile on linkedin.com 🇬🇧
26. 6. 2024 Toyota, Mazda and Subaru have teamed up to develop new engines for electrified powertrains with advanced technologies. The aim is to achieve greater efficiency, performance and lower emissions. Details at global.toyota 🇬🇧
25. 6. 2024 Beijing has hinted that German luxury carmakers could benefit if Berlin persuades the EU to lift tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle exports. China has offered to cut existing tariffs on large motor vehicles in exchange for lifting planned levies on EV imports from Asia. It currently imposes a 15% levy on passenger vehicles from the EU. bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
25. 6. 2024 The Centre for Strategic and International Studies reports that the Chinese government’s cumulative support for the electromobility sector has reached US$230.8 billion from 2009 to 2023. Between 2009 and 2017, annual funding was approximately US$6.74 billion when the sector was just taking off. Learn more at csis.org 🇬🇧
25. 6. 2024 Bosch Ventures has invested in the US company Li Industries and the German company Cylib to promote battery recycling. Li Industries raised USD 36 million and Cylib EUR 55 million. These investments are a step towards sustainable technologies and efficient battery recycling. bosch-press.com 🇬🇧
24. 6. 2024 Schaeffler plans to invest €22.62 million in Kysuce to produce front and rear electric axles for electric vehicles for export to the EU. The Ministry of Economic Affairs is offering the company a tax credit of three million euros. The investment is expected to take place between 2024 and 2027 and will directly create eleven new jobs by the end of 2026. More information at teraz.sk 🇸🇰
24. 6. 2024 In an article on mobilityportal.eu, SEVA Director Patrik Križanský calls for a swift response to the competition between the US and China in the field of electromobility. He proposes an attractive industrial policy and calls for an accelerated transformation towards sustainable electromobility. It draws attention to the risks of a trade war with China and the need to negotiate.
24. 6. 2024 German transmission system operator TransnetBW and Octopus Energy are launching the OctoFlexBW pilot project to harness micro-flexibility from battery electric vehicles. The aim of the project is to increase grid stability in Baden-Württemberg through intelligent charge management and to test market redispatch. transnetbw.de
24. 6. 2024 As part of the “eWayBW” project, the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is being tested to compare the technology and costs between trolley charging and standard charging. The truck travels approximately 220 km per day and is charged overnight at the depot. Daimler Truck has no plans to produce trucks with over-the-rail charging. daimlertruck.com 🇩🇪
23. 6. 2024 French logistics company Jacky Perrenot has ordered 100 electric trucks from MAN as part of a larger order. The Munich-based carmaker said it is the largest single order for an electric MAN eTruck to date. The order strengthens MAN’s position in electric commercial vehicles and promotes sustainable transport. mantruckandbus.com 🇩🇪
23. 6. 2024 South Korean firm Posco has started work on a new plant in the Polish town of Brzeg to produce traction motor cores for electric vehicles. The components are destined for electric vehicles from Hyundai and Kia’s European plants. Posco International plans to have the capacity to produce 1.2 million traction motor cores a year at the Polish plant by 2030. kedglobal.com 🇬🇧
22. 6. 2024 German energy company E.ON is introducing a new digital tool, ChargeQ, to regulate the allocation of commercial charging points. The tool allows employees to sign up to a digital waiting list for a charging spot. The solution is designed to optimise the use of charging points and make charging electric vehicles in commercial premises more efficient. Read more at eon.com 🇩🇪
22. 6. 2024 Jaguar Land Rover will (also) use chassis from Chinese carmaker Chery. The deal with the Exeed brand will allow JLR to use their platforms to build future vehicles, strengthening technological collaboration. carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
21. 6. 2024 In the first quarter of 2024, the share of zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles (eHDVs) in total sales increased significantly, despite a 9% year-on-year decline in the market. Growth is in all three segments – heavy trucks, light trucks and buses. Germany continues to lead in eHDV sales, accounting for 40% of the EU-27 total. theicct.org 🇬🇧
21. 6. 2024 Production costs at the Polish plant in Tychy, where Stellantis is starting production of the new “Chinese” electric car in cooperation with Leapmotor, are around 400-500 euros per vehicle, similar to the Leapmotor factory in China. In Italy, these costs are around 1,000 euros, which was the main reason for starting production in Poland. reuters.com 🇬🇧
21. 6. 2024 Japanese carmakers Honda and Mitsubishi are setting up a joint venture, Altna, to lease batteries for electric vehicles and use them as interconnected stationary electricity storage. Altna will offer charging tariffs and optimize the cost of using EVs. Details at honda.com 🇬🇧
21. 6. 2024 Germany is trying to attract investment in green energy and is lobbying Northvolt AB to build a new gigafactory in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Minister Robert Habeck has proposed the site as an addition to the €5 billion Heide plant. More at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
20. 6. 2024 The government signed an investment contract with Gotion and Inobat for the construction of a battery factory in Šurany. This is the second highest investment in the history of Slovakia, with EUR 1.2 billion to be invested, while the government will provide EUR 214 million. Most of the incentives for GIB, where China’s Gotion holds 80% and InoBat Auto 20%, will be in the form of a direct subsidy, with the remaining 64 million in tax relief. dennikn.sk 🇸🇰
20. 6. 2024 China claims that the amount of detailed information on supply chains requested by the European Commission during the eight-month anti-subsidy investigation was unprecedented and undermines fair competition. Chinese carmakers complain that the investigation resembled industrial espionage rather than a serious effort to uncover unfair practices and are shocked and disappointed by the decision to impose tariffs. reuters.com 🇬🇧
20. 6. 2024 BloombergNEF’s long-term outlook for EVs shows that despite the mixed short-term outlook, the number of EVs is still growing. Rapidly declining battery prices, advances in technology and the improving economics of electric vehicles are supporting long-term growth. Sales of passenger electric vehicles are expected to exceed 30 million in 2027 and grow to 73 million annually in 2040. bnef.com 🇬🇧
19. 6. 2024 “Europe is imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars to force local carmakers to form joint ventures and share technology with the EU,” says an article on politico.eu. European joint ventures with Chinese firms could help gain access to advanced technologies while ensuring local production and employment.
19. 6. 2024 Chinese carmakers have called on the government in Beijing to raise tariffs on large petrol vehicles imported from the EU. The move is expected to be in response to the introduction of import tariffs on Chinese electric cars. The meeting, organised by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, was also attended by European carmakers, including BMW and Volkswagen. The aim is to press Europe to reconsider the imposition of tariffs. reuters.com 🇬🇧
19. 6. 2024 Morocco is becoming an important hub for the production of electric vehicles and batteries. A tariff-free relationship with the EU allows carmakers such as Stellantis and Renault to export their production at a lower cost. Asian companies such as LG Energy and Gotion are also investing in battery gigafactories there. The combination of strategic location, affordable labour and renewable energy makes Morocco an attractive location for new investment. Read more at apnews.com 🇬🇧
19. 6. 2024 Germany has become the European hub for electric vehicle production. In 2023, 1.27 million electric cars rolled off German assembly lines, 955,000 of which were pure electric. Production is expected to increase further this year. Read more at vda.de 🇬🇧
19. 6. 2024 Fully charged battery in ten minutes: Chinese manufacturers BYD and CATL want to launch a new battery this year that can charge at six times their capacity (6C). An 80 kWh battery, for example, charges an average of 480 kW from 10 to 80%. Read more at electroauto-news.net 🇩🇪
18. 6. 2024 CO2 emissions from new cars and vans in Europe are falling thanks to rising sales of electric vehicles. Average CO2 emissions from new cars registered in 2023 fell by 1.4% compared to 2022, while emissions from new vans fell by 1.6%. The market share of electric vehicles is steadily increasing. eea.europa.eu 🇬🇧
18. 6. 2024 Symbolic effect for the industry: the automotive companies Daimler Truck and Scania presented their depot electrification services on the same day. Daimler Truck launched the TruckCharge brand to promote e-infrastructure and charging of electric trucks in Europe. Scania founded the company to provide charging solutions to support sustainable transport.
17. 6. 2024 Reuters brought estimates of which European carmakers would be affected and to what extent by possible Chinese countermeasures on import tariffs. German brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volkswagen, which make a significant proportion of their sales in China, are most at risk. Porsche and Volvo are also expected to be negatively affected by Chinese tariffs, while Renault and Stellantis are less at risk. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 Chinese company Leapmotor has started production of electric vehicles at the Polish Stellantis plant in Tychy. According to analysts at Jefferies, the first units of the T03 have already left the assembly line, with mass production planned for September. The collaboration also includes a plan to produce the A12 SUV from early 2025. Details at reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 Milence has opened one of the largest public charging centres for electric heavy commercial vehicles in the Belgian port of Antwerp-Bruges. Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the Commission, attended the opening. The centre offers 20 charging points with a capacity of up to 400 kW and is part of the drive for green corridors in Europe. milence.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 Norway will not follow the European Union’s decision to impose higher tariffs on Chinese electric cars. Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum said that the imposition of tariffs on Chinese cars is neither relevant nor desirable for the government. Read more here carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 The joint venture between BMW and Great Wall in China did not provide enough information during the European Union investigation, which should have resulted in Mini Cooper vehicles being taxed at the highest ever rate of 38.1%. However, the Mini Cooper and Aceman models are also due to be built at the European plant in Oxford from 2026. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 China’s Gotion High Tech will build the first $1.3 billion electric vehicle battery gigafactory in Morocco. The agreement with the Moroccan government includes an annual production capacity of 20 GWh. This investment will boost electromobility in Morocco and strengthen Gotion High Tech’s position in the global battery market. Details at reuters.com 🇬🇧
17. 6. 2024 Volvo Cars introduces the world’s first battery passport that tracks the origin of raw materials, components, recycled content and carbon footprint. The passport will be mandatory for all electric cars sold in the EU from February 2027 and will contain information on the composition of batteries, including the origin of key materials, their carbon footprint and recycled content. Volvo plans to produce the flagship EX90 electric car with this passport at a plant in the US, with deliveries also to Europe in the second half of this year. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
16. 6. 2024 Global battery sales grew by up to 21.8% between January and April this year. The share of Korean manufacturers fell by more than 2%, with China’s CATL accounting for more than 37% of battery production, followed by another Chinese manufacturer, BYD, with a share of 15.4%. Read more.
16. 6. 2024 European carmakers are facing growing competition from Chinese EVs. In 2023, around 300 000 Chinese EVs will be sold in Europe, double the number sold in 2021. The European Commission is considering raising tariffs on Chinese EVs to 30%. The car companies are preparing for technological competition and are demanding fair regulations. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
15. 6. 2024 Foreign trade in EVs is increasingly important – exports in particular have increased significantly. According to the German Statistical Office (Destatis), around 786,000 passenger cars powered exclusively by electric motors will be exported in 2023, with a value of €36.0 billion. This means that approximately one in four new cars exported from Germany was purely electric.
Details at destatis.de 🇩🇪
15. 6. 2024 Most charges on ultra-fast chargers take less than 30 minutes, an analysis by Digital Charging Solutions has found, based on data from more than 1.6 million charges in Germany last year. This trend makes it possible to combine the charging process with a short break at a motorway rest stop. More information at digitalchargingsolutions.com 🇩🇪
14. 6. 2024 The lack of fast charging stations in the EU is holding back the development of electromobility. Only 13.5% of the more than 630,000 charging points are capable of fast charging. ACEA calls for improved availability of fast chargers. Details at acea.auto 🇬🇧
14. 6. 2024 Germany is trying to ease the announced import tariffs on Chinese electric cars or prevent them altogether. Officials in Berlin are hoping to find a solution through direct talks with China by July 4, when the tariffs are due to come into force. The tariffs could threaten German manufacturers such as Volkswagen and BMW, which rely on the Chinese market. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
14. 6. 2024 Nissan has announced that it will no longer develop new petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, confirming its move towards an electrified future. “Our future is electric. We will not invest in new powertrains for ICEs, that’s for sure,” said Nissan vice president and planning chief Francois Bailly. For more information visit drive.com.au 🇬🇧
14. 6. 2024 US carmaker Ford has ended production of internal combustion engines at its Cologne factory and switched completely to electric vehicles. The investment in the conversion amounted to 2 billion euros and the Cologne plant plans to produce 250,000 electric vehicles a year, including the new Explorer model. Read more at westfalen-blatt.de 🇩🇪
13. 6. 2024 One of the largest public charging hubs for heavy-duty electric vehicles in Europe has opened in Antwerp. Milence’s project supports the green corridor between the ports of Antwerp and Bruges. The hub has ten CCS chargers that provide up to 400 kW of power per point. Read more here 🇬🇧
13. 6. 2024 European carmakers are worried about the European Commission’s decision to impose tariffs on imported Chinese electric cars, which could have far-reaching implications for their business in China as well as imports of Chinese cars. Tariffs of up to 38.1% will not deter Chinese manufacturers already planning to produce cars in Europe from avoiding the duties. German carmakers warn of possible Chinese retaliation that could slow down the transition to electro-mobility in Europe. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
13. 6. 2024 The intense competition between EV manufacturers in China makes their models significantly cheaper than in Europe or the US. However, the Chinese also offer the same EVs on the old continent for twice the price, as the competition in supply is significantly lower here. Details at reuters.com 🇬🇧
13. 6. 2024 The electrification of company cars offers major economic benefits to SMEs, which can accelerate the transition to electromobility and increase the productivity of the European economy. This is the conclusion of the study “The Economics of Commercial Vehicle Use in Europe in 2024” by Ford Pro and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR). More information at media.ford.com 🇬🇧
12. 6. 2024 The European Commission plans to impose tariffs of up to 25% on Chinese electric cars from July, the Financial Times reports. The measures will affect major Chinese manufacturers such as BYD and Geely, as well as Western brands such as Tesla and BMW, which import Chinese-made vehicles to European markets. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
12. 6. 2024 Audi intensifies its cooperation with the Chinese carmaker SAIC. Together they are developing new models on the “Advanced Digitized Platform” for premium intelligent vehicles. The cooperation starts with three battery electric vehicle models to enter the fast-growing electric vehicle market in China. The first model will be launched in 2025. Learn more at audi-mediacenter.com 🇬🇧
12. 6. 2024 Milence, a joint venture between Daimler Truck, Traton Group and Volvo Group, has announced the construction of a third charging hub in Åstorp, Sweden. The aim is to develop a public electric charging network for heavy commercial vehicles and buses. The hub will offer charging with up to 400 kW and other services for drivers. Learn more at milence.com 🇬🇧
11. 6. 2024 Despite the passenger car market in China falling by 3% year-on-year in May, sales of electric vehicles rose by as much as 36%. China remains the biggest market for carmakers, with 20% of Volkswagen’s production going there. More information at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
11. 6. 2024 PowerCo, part of Volkswagen, will work with the International Research School BACCARA at the University of Münster. The aim is education in the battery industry, including the funding of PhD places and professional projects. The cooperation is intended to strengthen research and development in the battery sector and to boost Germany’s and Europe’s competitiveness in this field. More information at volkswagen-group.com 🇩🇪
10. 6. 2024 The Italian government has launched a subsidy programme for low- and zero-emission vehicles. The €200 million budget for pure electric vehicles was exhausted after less than nine hours. Details at rainews.it 🇮🇹
10. 6. 2024 A programme to support the construction and expansion of eHDV charging stations will be launched in Poland in the second half of this year. The budget will be PLN 2 billion (€463M) and the aim is to develop infrastructure for zero-emission trucks. Entrepreneurs can receive funding of up to 100% of the cost. More on PSNM’s LinkedIn profile 🇵🇱
10. 6. 2024 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken out against restricting trade in cars at a time when the European Union is moving closer to imposing tariffs on electric vehicles imported from China. The German car industry benefits from trade in China and will be able to compete with carmakers from the Asian country if trade remains “fair and free”, Scholz said, according to bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
10. 6. 2024 The German Ministry of Transport is launching the next phase of a funding programme for non-public charging infrastructure for commercial electric cars and electric trucks. EUR 150 million has been earmarked for this purpose, with applications opened on 3 June. More information at lis.ptj.de 🇩🇪
9. 6. 2024 Simulations by the Kiel Institute show that imposing a 20 percent tariff on Chinese EVs would reduce imports into the EU by 25 percent, a drop of 125,000 vehicles and $4 billion. This decrease would be offset by increased production in the EU, leading to higher prices for consumers. Read more at ifw-kiel.de 🇬🇧
9. 6. 2024 Volvo will introduce the world’s first ‘battery passport’ for electric vehicles ahead of new EU rules coming into force in 2027. The passport will include information on the origin, manufacturing process and sustainability of batteries, helping to increase transparency and traceability in the supply chain. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
8. 6. 2024 French battery company Verkor has raised more than €1.3 billion to build its first battery gigafactory in Dunkirk with an initial capacity of 16 GWh/year. This new transaction brings the total financing for Verkor’s first gigafactory and innovation centre to more than €3 billion. Learn more at verkor.com 🇬🇧
8. 6. 2024 Jaguar Land Rover has trained 20,000 employees in electrification and digitalisation as part of the campaign. Training for more than 11,000 employees is also underway, with the aim of transforming to electric vehicle production. Read more at jaguarlandrover.com 🇬🇧
7. 6. 2024 Australia and the European Union conclude an agreement to strengthen cooperation and investment in critical minerals. This agreement is part of a drive by Western countries to loosen China’s control over supply chains of materials that are essential for high-tech and green manufacturing. Learn more at mining.com 🇬🇧
7. 6. 2024 French company Blue Solutions plans to build a gigafactory in France to produce Li-ion batteries with solid electrolyte for about 2 billion euros and a capacity of 25 GWh per year. This type of battery is seen as the next stage in battery technology, which will have greater fire resistance and achieve significantly faster charging speeds. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
6. 6. 2024 EV batteries have huge untapped potential to support clean energy thanks to V2X technology, which allows batteries to be used to power homes or supply energy to the grid. The solution allows more solar and wind power to be integrated into the electricity grid. Learn more here.
6. 6. 2024 Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz have halted construction of battery plants in Germany and Italy due to slowing EV sales and high costs. The Automotive Cells Company plans to research and develop cheaper batteries for more affordable EVs. Details at autonews.com 🇬🇧
6. 6. 2024 The Mayor of London has approved a deal between the Go-Ahead Group and Chinese manufacturer BYD to build more than 100 electric double-decker buses for London’s streets. Each bus will cost around £400,000, £100,000 less than the bids from UK suppliers. Find out more at timeout.com 🇬🇧
6. 6. 2024 According to the latest industry data from consultancy Schmidt Automotive Research, models from Chinese brands accounted for just 2.9% of the total new car market in Europe in the opening third of 2024. The data includes the territory of the original EU member states before the EU enlargement in 2004, as well as the EFTA markets and the UK. Read more at schmidtmatthias.de 🇬🇧
5. 6. 2024 Finland’s Valmet Automotive has introduced the Energy Pack battery system, which is designed for electrification of trucks, buses and the off-highway segment. The Energy Pack offers high energy density, fast charging and long service life. The system is easy to integrate and optimizes space utilization in applications. Details at valmet-automotive.com 🇬🇧
5. 6. 2024 DHL Group and energy company E.ON have launched a partnership to expand the electric charging infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles. Under the framework agreement, a fast charging infrastructure will be set up at DHL sites in Germany. Details at group.dhl.com 🇬🇧
4. 6. 2024 “From 2030 onwards, we will only offer electric vehicles on European markets, that is the unchanging goal,” said Stellantis’ European boss Uwe Hochgeschurtz. The main reason is the apparent climate crisis the planet is heading towards. “Switching from an internal combustion engine to an electric car is a huge step forward for the environment, and all other solutions are worse.” Read more at faz.net 🇩🇪
4. 6. 2024 Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen’s brand chief, confirmed that VW will continue its transition to electromobility and does not support the abolition of the 2035 target for the end of the use of internal combustion engines. VW is investing massively in battery technology and transforming plants, believing this direction is the right one for the environment and the automotive industry. Read more at autogazette.de 🇩🇪
4. 6. 2024 The International Energy Agency’s Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2024 report provides a new outlook on supply and demand for key commodities such as lithium, copper, nickel, cobalt, graphite and rare earth elements. After two years of rising prices, they have fallen to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. Read more at windows.net 🇬🇧
4. 6. 2024 Hedin Supercharge’s 1.2 MW charging station was opened in Linköping, Sweden. The aim is to provide fast charging also for heavy trucks. The station offers four spaces for trucks and seven for cars. Read more 🇬🇧
3. 6. 2024 Of the 145 battery electric car models available on the Western European market, just under 50 are produced in Chinese factories and would therefore be affected by an increase in import tariffs. These include the Tesla Model 3, BMW Group’s MINI, Volvo’s IX3 and EX30, which will be built in Ghent from next year, and Volkswagen Group’s Cupra Tavascan. Read more at schmidtmatthias.de 🇬🇧
3. 6. 2024 In July 2023, Austrian Post announced CO2-free delivery in Salzburg. There are now 193 electronic vehicles driving around the city delivering parcels, letters and other items. The e-vehicles use green electricity from Austrian Post’s photovoltaic systems and from Austrian green energy. Salzburg is the third city after Graz and Innsbruck to have CO2-neutral deliveries. Details at post.at 🇩🇪
3. 6. 2024 China is investing more than $800 million in solid electrolyte battery research. Six companies will receive government funding to develop the technology, which promises better safety, longer life and faster charging. This project is intended to help consolidate China’s position as a leader in electromobility. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
3. 6. 2024 Arval and Last Mile Solutions are working together to offer pan-European electric vehicle charging services for fleet drivers. Arval’s fleet customers will be able to charge at more than 600,000 charging points across Europe using a single charging card and platform. This collaboration enhances the EV driving experience and supports the transition to sustainable mobility. Learn more at lastmilesolutions.com 🇬🇧
2. 6. 2024 Berkeley Lab researchers have developed innovative microcapacitors with unprecedented energy and power density. They have achieved up to a nine-fold increase in energy density and a 170-fold increase in power density over the best current electrostatic capacitors. Learn more at techxplore.com 🇬🇧
2. 6. 2024 DB Schenker is the first company in the world to test the Scania R450e e-truck in long-distance transport in Sweden. The vehicle, which weighs up to 64 tonnes and is 24 metres long, will run between Jönköping and Södertälje, a route of approximately 300 kilometres. For this purpose, it has an additional battery pack on board. Details at dbschenker.com 🇩🇪
1. 6. 2024 From 1 January 2028, large petrol stations in Germany must offer fast chargers with a minimum capacity of 150 kilowatts. This regulation applies to operators with more than 200 stations in order to protect smaller providers. With this move, the government plans to increase confidence in electromobility and encourage the creation of 8,000 new charging points. Read more at ecomento.de 🇩🇪
1. 6. 2024 Chinese battery giant CATL sees overseas expansion as a priority as it sees less room for growth in the domestic market. CATL plans to add two more factories abroad to its already announced six. Details at cnevpost.com 🇬🇧
1. 6. 2024 The Citroen e-C3 small electric car from Trnava uses components from several suppliers. Forvia supplies the dashboard, Hella some sensors and Leoni the low-voltage electrical system. The roof antennas come from Hirschmann, the alloy wheels from Borbet and Ronal, and the seat belts and airbags from Autoliv. The new-generation C3 is based on Stellantis’ economical “Smart Car” platform. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
1. 6. 2024 In an interview, Stellantis European CEO Uwe Hochgeschurtz stressed that only electric vehicles will be offered on European markets by 2030. Electric cars are better for the environment, quieter and represent the biggest technological advance in the automotive industry in decades, he said. Details on faz.net 🇩🇪
31. 5. 2024
The legendary Geneva Motor Show 2025 will not take place due to the uncertain situation in the automotive industry and the declining attractiveness of European events. The event, which has been held since 1905, has not attracted enough manufacturers. The organising committee will focus on the Qatar Motor Show in November 2025. Details at autonews.com 🇬🇧
31. 5. 2024 We offer you a video from the SEVA webinar How to build a charging infrastructure in your company, which we prepared in cooperation with the SEVA Business Hub Silver Partner ZSE Drive. There is also a recording in the form of a bonus episode of our podcast NA PLNÝ PRÚD.
31. 5. 2024 DHL has opened a new competence centre for electric vehicles in Shanghai. The centre specialises in complex electric vehicle logistics, including batteries, electric motors and charging infrastructure. It is DHL’s first electric vehicle centre in China, following offices in Indonesia, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates and the UK. Details at dhl.com 🇬🇧
31. 5. 2024 In 2024, sales of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles increase significantly due to market recovery, while the share of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) stagnates due to subsidy reductions. In 2025, there will be a significant change as stricter CO2 emission targets increase the uptake of clean vehicles. Read more at dataforce.de 🇬🇧
30. 5. 2024 A decision on tariffs on Chinese electric cars is postponed by the European Commission after the European Parliament elections on 6-9 June. The new announced deadline is 10 June, which sources say is related to a technical problem with the document. China is demanding an end to the investigation, which it considers inadequate. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
30. 5. 2024 The German Ministry for Digital Technology and Transport will provide an additional €150 million for charging infrastructure, mainly targeting logistics, craft and commercial companies. The programme supports fast charging stations for electric vehicles, including cars and trucks. Details at bund.de 🇩🇪
30. 5. 2024 Audi boss Gernot Döllner has confirmed the end of petrol and diesel models by 2033. The last conventionally powered models will be introduced in 2026. Audi will focus on battery mobility, but will maintain flexibility according to demand and legislation. The current decline in interest in electric cars is only temporary, the future is electric, he says. Read more at auto-motor-und-sport.de 🇩🇪
29. 5. 2024 TotalEnergies has opened a charging hub with 23 charging points with a capacity of 300 kW on the A10 motorway near Paris. A battery can be charged to 80% in 20 minutes and thanks to solar panels, 20% of the energy needs can be covered. Find out more at vinci-autoroutes.com 🇫🇷
29. 5. 2024 The Council of Economic Experts in Germany recommends focusing on battery trucks and their charging infrastructure, which should be developed to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport. Technological advances have enabled the wider use of battery trucks, so the Council stresses the need for rapid infrastructure development and improved conditions for private investment in charging stations. Read more 🇩🇪
28. 5. 2024 Honda Motor is doubling its investment in electrification and software to about $65 billion over 10 years to 2030. The carmaker plans to spend a total of 10 trillion yen ($64.88 billion) on electrification and software over that period, doubling the amount it pledged in April 2022. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
28. 5. 2024 The European Commission will soon launch calls for projects to improve the EU’s supply of essential mineral raw materials and plans joint purchasing of raw materials, modelled on the gas scheme. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Regulation aims to secure the supply of lithium, copper and other raw materials for the EU’s green and digital transition and reduce dependence on China. The regulation will enter into force on 23 May. Read more at mining.com 🇬🇧
27. 5. 2024 Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is offsetting falling demand for diesel vehicles with higher sales of plug-in hybrids. CEO Adrian Mardell announced sales record for the 2023/2024 financial year ending 31 March. PHEV sales rose nearly 70% to 45,000 units this year. Plug-in hybrids are produced at the Nitra plant. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
27. 5. 2024 Ionity is bringing significantly cheaper EV charging services from tomorrow (28 May). With the monthly Passport Power programme for €11.99, drivers can charge in Slovakia for €0.39 per kWh. In Norway, for example, they offer a price of €0.26 per kWh. In our country, the price without a flat rate will also drop – from €0.79 to €0.69 per kWh, and with the Passport Motion programme for €5.99 per month, the price per kWh is €0.49 per kWh.
27. 5. 2024 Italian financial police have seized more than 130 Fiat Topolino electric cars imported from Morocco because a sticker in the colours of the Italian flag on their doors could falsely indicate Italian origin. The incident is part of a dispute between the carmaker Stellantis and the Italian ministry over the ‘Made in Italy’ label on products manufactured outside Italy. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
27. 5. 2024 The EU regulation on critical raw materials has entered into force. This regulation sets targets and tools to increase the capacity for extraction, processing and recycling of critical raw materials in the EU. It is particularly important for electro-mobility as it affects the battery value and supply chain. Details at ec.europa.eu 🇬🇧
27. 5. 2024 The outgoing Indonesian government will fund 16 strategic programs, including nearly $40 billion worth of nickel industrial parks. These parks will produce battery components for electric vehicles. Read more at mining.com 🇬🇧
27. 5. 2024 Electric cars place specific demands on tyres: higher weight, more torque and range sensitivity. Some manufacturers create special tyres, while others use standardised solutions for all vehicles. Learn more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
26. 5. 2024 Volkswagen has ended negotiations with Renault to develop an affordable electric version of the Twingo, posing a challenge for EU carmakers in competition with Chinese manufacturers. The German carmaker will have to develop its own affordable EV. Renault plans to continue development of its electric Twingo, which is due to be launched in 2026. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
26. 5. 2024 The Biden administration is quadrupling tariffs on electric vehicles made in China, but the cars are entering the market through Canada, which has seen a surge in imports of Chinese EVs, especially Shanghai-built Tesla models. Some auto industry players are calling on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to take action to protect the domestic industry. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
25. 5. 2024 German startup Cylib, specialising in battery recycling, has raised €55 million in a Series A funding round. The funding was led by European venture capital fund World Fund and Porsche Ventures, the investment arm of Porsche AG. Read more at linkedin.com 🇬🇧
25. 5. 2024 Sales of electric passenger cars in the EU grew by 13.7% in April 2024, with the largest increases in Spain and Germany. Battery electric cars achieved an 11.9% market share. More information at acea.auto 🇬🇧
24. 5. 2024 Citroën’s e-C3 is the cheapest electric car produced and sold in Europe, priced at under €25,000. By using a cheaper LFP battery and limiting customer choice, it has been able to reduce production costs by 15-20%. With a battery capacity of 44 kWh, the e-C3 provides a range of 320 km and a fast charge to 80% in 25 minutes. The vehicles are manufactured at the Stellantis factory in Trnava, Slovakia. Details at autonews.com 🇬🇧
24. 5. 2024 Volkswagen says higher tariffs on electric vehicles from China will only give the European automotive sector a short-term respite. To be competitive in the long term, costs need to be cut. In fact, Chinese manufacturers are preparing to produce cars in Europe. Details at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
24. 5. 2024 Chinese carmaker BYD will consider building a second assembly plant in Europe in 2025, its European chief executive Michael Shu has announced. The first plant is located in Hungary. BYD will bring to Europe a low-cost electric car based on the Chinese Seagull model that will cost less than €20,000. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
24. 5. 2024 Spain achieved the largest increase in new car registrations in April 2024 with an increase of 23.1%. Germany followed with 19.8%, France with 10.9% and Italy with 7.7%. Details at acea.auto 🇬🇧
24. 5. 2024 German Transport Minister Volker Wissing strictly rejects punitive tariffs on Chinese carmakers. “We don’t want to close the market, we want to compete,” he told Stuttgarter Zeitung. The German government wants German companies to remain competitive and supports fair international trade without a trade war through punitive tariffs. Read more at stuttgarter-zeitung.de 🇩🇪
23. 5. 2024 Chinese carmakers BYD and Chery are in talks to produce electric cars in Turkey to avoid EU tariffs. The investment could boost the Turkish economy and increase local production. Details at bnnbloomberg.ca 🇬🇧
23. 5. 2024 A study by Agora Verkehrswende and Prognos shows that Germany can achieve climate neutrality in transport by 2045 at no additional cost if it takes immediate action. Otherwise, an additional €500 billion will be needed. The reference scenario assumes that the targets will not be met and that 590 million tonnes of CO2 will be emitted by 2045. Read more at agora-verkehrswende.de 🇩🇪
23. 5. 2024 Automakers saw profit margins decline in the first quarter of 2024. The average EBIT margin is now 7.1%, with BMW leading the way at 11.1%. Electric vehicles have weaker sales, but Tesla and BYD are showing gains. Ford and other traditional brands face challenges. Read more at auto-institut.de 🇩🇪
23. 5. 2024 Hybrid EVs reached a 29.1% market share in April 2024, confirming their growing popularity in the EU. Sales of battery electric vehicles increased by 14.8% to 108,552 units. Learn more at acea.auto 🇬🇧
22. 5. 2024 New car registrations in the EU grew by 13.7% in April 2024, with battery electric cars reaching 11.9% market share. Spain ( 23.1%), Germany ( 19.8%), France ( 10.9%) and Italy ( 7.7%) saw the largest increases. Learn more at acea.auto 🇬🇧
22. 5. 2024 Gotion, which together with the Slovak Inobat is planning a giga battery factory in Šurany, presented its latest innovations at the technology conference, including a solid electrolyte battery and a generation of 5C batteries with ultra-fast charging, which can be charged from 0 to 80% in less than 10 minutes. Learn more at cnevpost.com 🇬🇧
22. 5. 2024 According to Politico, the Commission plans to impose anti-subsidy tariffs on Chinese electric cars as early as the beginning of July. The EU has to notify the decision to manufacturers and importers four weeks in advance, so an announcement is expected within two weeks. This measure is intended to prevent unfair market practices. Read more at politico.eu 🇬🇧
22. 5. 2024 The consultancy Berylls predicts that the switch to electronic drives will reduce manufacturers’ after-sales profits by seven billion euros by 2030 in Germany alone. Servicing electric cars is quicker and less demanding – it takes 1.8 hours for the electric VW ID.3 compared to three hours for the Golf. Even oil and filter changes will no longer generate the usual turnover. Read more at berylls.com 🇬🇧
21. 5. 2024 SEVA has prepared a proposal for sites for the construction of charging parks for electric freight transport so that Slovakia meets the criteria defined by the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR). More in the press release.
21. 5. 2024 The CAM study shows China’s growing market dominance. Chinese manufacturers BYD (62%), Chery (52%) and GAC (38%) recorded the highest growth. BYD increased its share in China from 2.1% to 12.5% and entered the top ten global manufacturers. VW Group’s share in China fell to 14.9%. BMW and Mercedes increased their shares to 3.8% and 3.4% respectively. Read more at auto-institut.de 🇩🇪
21. 5. 2024 BMW has again increased sales of fully electric vehicles, chief Oliver Zipse has confirmed. E-mobility remains a major driver of the automotive industry. Zipse stressed that the growth rate of e-mobility at BMW is faster than most competitors. Read more at faz.net 🇩🇪
21. 5. 2024 The Biden administration is hinting at further sanctions if Chinese electric vehicle makers shift production to Mexico to avoid new tariffs. President Biden has ordered tariffs in excess of 102% on Chinese electric vehicles and new duties on steel, aluminum, chips and solar cells. Chinese company BYD is considering manufacturing plants in Mexico for the local market, which may be a way to get into the US market. Read more at apnews.com 🇬🇧
20. 5. 2024 Audi and SAIC have announced the development of a new Advanced Digitized Platform for electric vehicles for the Chinese market. The aim is to reduce the time to market for new models by more than 30%. The first of the three new models will arrive as early as 2025. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
20. 5. 2024 German carmakers are worried about a trade war between the US and China because the Chinese market is key for them. VW Group sold more than three million cars in China in 2023, accounting for a third of its total sales. BMW and Mercedes have similarly high percentages of sales in China (36% and 37% respectively). A trade conflict would have serious consequences for German carmakers. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
20. 5. 2024 Gabriela Bizoňová from ČSOB, Sustainability and ESG specialist, was the guest on the latest episode of our podcast SEVA NA PLNY PRUD. Hear about the three pillars of non-financial company assessment and what opportunities the now-discredited acronym ESG can bring to your business. Listen here.
20. 5. 2024 The EU Council formally approves new CO2 emission standards for heavy-duty vehicles. The targets for 2030, 2035 and 2040 set emission reductions of 45%, 65% and 90% respectively compared to 2019 levels. 90% of new urban buses must be zero-emission from 2030, all by 2035. Read more at europa.eu 🇬🇧
20. 5. 2024 Milence is expanding its network in Germany with two charging hubs, north and south of Leipzig, scheduled to open in the second half of 2024. These hubs will connect Berlin with southern Germany and support the transition to fossil fuel-free transport. Read more at milence.com 🇬🇧
20. 5. 2024 German Transport Minister Volker Wissing (FDP) has given up support for e-fuels and is now also saying goodbye to hydrogen. The ministry has stopped most hydrogen funding programmes and an internal audit is reviewing hydrogen funding projects from 2021. The industry fears for its existence as the German government’s hydrogen strategy is under threat. Read more at handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
19. 5. 2024 The transition to electric vehicles brings new opportunities for traditional commercial banks, savings banks and cooperative banks in the area of car loans. The consultancy Zeb says “sustainable financing” can help these banks gain more market share. Read more at zeit.de 🇩🇪
18. 5. 2024 Stellantis will start selling electric cars from Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor in nine European markets, including Germany, France and Italy (not in Slovakia) in September. Concern boss Carlos Tavares stressed that the aim is to compete with Chinese manufacturers in the price category up to 20,000 euros. Stellantis has recently joined Leapmotors through an ownership stake. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
17. 5. 2024 Milence will expand its charging station network in Germany with two new charging hubs on the key TEN-T route in the second half of the year. The stations will reinforce the transition to electrification of heavy trucks with high power charging of up to 400 kW with a view to the introduction of MCS technology. Read more at milence.com 🇩🇪
16. 5. 2024 Chinese company CATL is in talks with a dozen automakers to license its battery technology. It is offering them technology licensing and support to build and operate battery plants, giving the automakers access to state-of-the-art technology and CATL new revenue opportunities. Read more at cnevpost.com 🇨🇳
15. 5. 2024 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson warn against following the US in imposing tariffs on Chinese electric cars. Both countries are in favour of maintaining global trade without restrictions and warn that a wider trade war in which we block each other’s products is not the right way forward for industrialised countries. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
15. 5. 2024 New US tariffs on Chinese imports, pushed through by Joe Biden, will hit electric cars and semiconductors. Tariffs on chips will double to 50% and on batteries for electric cars will even quadruple to 100%. These steps may affect prices and production in the US and unleash another battle of the price war between the major powers. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
15. 5. 2024
Leapmotor T03 – the first model from Stellantis in Europe will cost less than 20,000 euros and will be available from September in 9 European countries, among which Slovakia is not. With an LFP battery with a capacity of 41.3 kWh, it has a range of 403 kilometres. More at carnewschina.com 🇬🇧
14. 5. 2024 The carbon price for households is likely to exceed the projected €45 per tonne from 2027. Increases in the price of emissions for heating and road transport are likely to have negative impacts on consumers. The controversial carbon tax is set to reconcile the consequences of an €87 billion fund. Read more at euractiv.sk
14. 5. 2024 Europe’s largest battery startup – Sweden’s Nortvolt – is building or planning to build a total of five gigafactories in Europe and two in North America. One of them is a joint venture with Sweden’s Volvo. In the first phase, their total annual capacity is to reach 150 GWh with a maximum expansion to 220 GWh. Read more at manager-magazin.de 🇩🇪
14. 5. 2024 The Philippines plans to build three new nickel processing plants to follow Indonesia’s lead in developing its processing industry. They also want to increase capacity and use nickel to produce batteries for electric vehicles. Read more at mining.com 🇬🇧
13. 5. 2024 China’s CATL, the world’s largest battery maker, plans to start small-scale production of solid electrolyte batteries by 2027. On the TRL scale of 1 to 9, which uses technology and production maturity as a rating system, CATL’s development of this technology is currently at level 4, and they want to take it to level 7 to 8 by 2027, but this does not yet mean mass production. Details at cnevpost.com 🇨🇳
13. 5. 2024 The world’s largest manufacturer of electric cars, Chinese carmaker BYD, has confirmed that it is considering building another factory in Europe from 2025. It would be the second plant after the already announced production in Hungary. BYD’s strategy is to become the leading manufacturer of electric cars in Europe by 2030. Details at reuters.com 🇬🇧
13. 5. 2024 South Korea is investing $7 billion in its battery industry to increase independence from China and meet U.S. requirements under the IRA. Support includes favorable government loans and tax incentives. Read more at wsj.com 🇺🇸
12. 5. 2024 According to a Wall Street Journal report, President Joe Biden’s administration plans to impose heavy tariffs on Chinese electric cars, with the rate rising from 25% to 100%. This move would have a huge impact on trade relations and the electric car sector. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇺🇸
12. 5. 2024 The H2 Carinthia project in Kärnten, Austria, which was supposed to turn the region into a hydrogen powerhouse, faces problems such as prohibitive costs and a shortage of hydrogen. The plan to use hydrogen to power 40 buses will therefore not happen. Read more at kleinezeitung.at 🇦🇹
12. 5. 2024 Germany’s Frauhofer Institute has opened the first phase of a research and test centre for battery cell production in Münster. The FFB Fab will provide a total of 20,000 square metres of production and research space and enable the joint development of battery technologies with German companies. The construction of the centre was funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research together with the government of North Rhine-Westphalia. More at ffb.fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
11. 5. 2024 European Commission trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis told POLITICO’s Brussels Playbook that the investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles is “progressing” and hinted that Brussels could impose tariffs “before the summer break.” On the other hand, the heads of several carmakers, including Mercedes and BMW, for which China is the world’s biggest market and fear reciprocal measures from China, have spoken out against the tariffs. For more information, see politico.eu 🇪🇺
11. 5. 2024 France is planning an expansion of electric vehicles with a target of 800,000 EV sales by 2027 and a reinforcement of the infrastructure with 400,000 charging points by 2030. The strategic agreement with the government comes during a visit by the Chinese president. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
10. 5. 2024 BMW boss Oliver Zipse has said that European CO2 reduction targets should be adjusted to a phased approach with continuous reductions every year rather than after five years. He also spoke out against imposing a target on imports of Chinese electric cars, as more than half of the vehicles so imported are Chinese-made brands of European carmakers. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
10. 5. 2024 Emmanuel Macron and Xi Jinping also discuss economic rules and trade sanctions. The cognac trade war against wind turbines and electric cars looks to be defused for now. Read more on euractiv.sk.
10. 5. 2024 China’s BYD, the world’s largest maker of electric vehicles, achieved 10.6% year-on-year net profit growth ($631m) and 4% revenue growth in Q1 2024. However, this represents the lowest quarterly growth since 2022, driven by lower demand for its EVs and the ongoing price war in the Chinese auto market. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
9. 5. 2024
New engine technology being developed by German start-up DeepDrive with the support of BMW could have a significant impact on the electric car market. The twin-rotor engine could increase EV range to more than 800 km and save manufacturers more than €1 billion in mass production. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
9. 5. 2024
In 2023, electric cars and plug-in hybrids will account for 38% of all car sales in China, while their popularity is growing more slowly in the US and Europe. However, global sales of electric vehicles continue to rise, with one in two cars sold expected to be electric in 2035. 5 interesting charts on electromobility with commentary by Tomáš Hrivňák on dennikn.sk
9. 5. 2024 Berlin’s EV charging demand will increase sevenfold by 2030, from 300 MWh per day to 2,000 MWh per day. To ensure that the expansion of charging infrastructure in the city is already on the right track, the City of Berlin has presented a comprehensive charging infrastructure strategy 2030. Read more at emo-berlin.de 🇩🇪
8. 5. 2024 Polestar and StoreDot break fast charging record! Their Model 5 with a 77 kWh battery charges from 10% to 80% in 10 minutes thanks to new silicon battery cells. Fast charging sets the stage for the future of electric mobility. Read more at store-dot.com 🇬🇧
8. 5. 2024 Singapore puts in place ambitious plans for electromobility: banning the sale of cars with internal combustion engines from 2030. The country wants to install 60,000 charging points, including ultra-fast chargers. However, high car prices and ownership discourage many drivers. Read more at restofworld.org 🇬🇧
7. 5. 2024 New methods for recycling batteries from electric vehicles dispel the myth of their negative impact on the environment. The new practices can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to the traditional supply chain, reducing the environmental ‘payback’ period of EVs to less than 15,000 miles. Each additional mile means a lower carbon footprint compared to conventional engines. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
7. 5. 2024 The Association for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technology (VDE) has analysed the readiness of the German automotive industry for the transition to electromobility. The new study reveals two main problems: a shortage of skilled labour and low productivity growth. The biggest impact is felt by the mass market, which may mean that by 2035, cheap electric cars will be predominantly from China. Read more at vde.com 🇩🇪
6. 5. 2024 Germany exported 786,000 electric cars last year, an increase of 58% year-on-year. The Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Belgium were the biggest customers. Imports rose 23.5% to 446,000, with more than a quarter of the vehicles coming from China. Read more at destatis.de 🇩🇪
6. 5. 2024 Recurrent’s study of a sample of 15,000 EVs found that lithium-ion batteries had a significantly lower incidence of failures after 2016. This progress means that EV batteries are becoming increasingly reliable thanks to innovations in mass production. Read more at recurrentauto.com 🇬🇧
6. 5. 2024 An ADAC survey showed that electric cars have a lower failure rate than petrol or diesel cars. For vehicles registered in 2020, they recorded 1.9 fewer failures per 1,000 registered vehicles. For vehicles registered in 2021, the difference is even greater: up to 3.6 fewer failures. Read more at adac.de 🇩🇪
6. 5. 2024 Norwegian battery startup Morrow has signed an off-take agreement for its 5.5 GWh LFP batteries. Morrow is able (like other Scandinavian startups Northvolt in Sweden and Freyr in Norway) to use cheap and widely available renewable energy to decarbonise production. The abundance of RES is a key factor for battery production, as carbon-free production is demanded by customers. Read more at energy-storage.news 🇬🇧
5. 5. 2024 The development of public charging infrastructure has so far kept pace with EV sales. However, the focus needs to be on building and availability of fast chargers. The International Energy Agency (IEA) report can be found at iea.org 🇬🇧
4. 5. 2024 Sales of electric buses in the EU grew by 23.3% year-on-year. Germany leads the market with an increase of 20.7%. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
3. 5. 2024 Renault reduces the Renault 5’s production time to less than 10 hours, which is 4 hours faster than comparable models. Renault technical director Gilles Le Borgne says the more efficient processes will contribute to more affordable electric car prices. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
3. 5. 2024 Advances in the affordability of electric vehicles are key to the development of electromobility, according to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). It expects price parity with ICE in most markets outside China by 2030. The report can be found at iea.org 🇬🇧
2. 5. 2024 Austrian motorway operator ASFINAG is thickening charging points on motorways – it wants to add 3,000 points by 2035. After strengthening the energy infrastructure, it is preparing international tenders to select operators for charging hubs at dozens of rest areas. Read more at derstandard.de 🇦🇹
2. 5. 2024 Tesla is undergoing a major transformation. Elon Musk has fired the entire Supercharger team. The departure of key executives is related to a new focus on AI and autonomous driving. Musk says the company’s future depends on “Full Self-Driving”. Read more at techbyte.co.uk
2. 5. 2024 The lack of public charging stations in Europe could threaten the decarbonisation of transport in the near future. The European Union needs to urgently increase the number of charging stations to meet climate targets – and that includes Slovakia. Read more at euractiv.sk
2. 5. 2024 Sales of electric trucks in the EU are down 4% year-on-year, with an increase mainly in Germany. However, market share is up on last year. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
1. 5. 2024 In a survey commissioned by the German Academy of Technical Sciences, three-fifths of Germans questioned whether electric cars are actually more environmentally friendly. Have they not read our research on the total life cycle emissions of electric cars? 🙂
1. 5. 2024 Support for electric mobility in Germany is declining, with only 17% of people considering buying an electric car, down from 24% in 2021. The problem is high costs, concerns about low range and doubts about the environmental benefits. Read more at t-online.de 🇩🇪
1. 5. 2024 According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales of electric cars are growing and are likely to reach 17 million in 2024, accounting for more than a fifth of new car sales. The report can be found at iea.org 🇬🇧
30. 4. 2024 Which cars impressed and which ones disappointed at the biggest electric car show in Beijing? A summary of tips from the 278 electric cars on display was brought to you by autonews.com.
30. 4. 2024 Sales of electric vans in the European Union rose 12.6% year-on-year to almost 400,000 units. Italy and Germany significantly dominate the market. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
30. 4. 2024 Volvo’s CEO expects the new SPA2-based models to reach the market faster thanks to the experience gained from the development of the EX90. Software modelling improves efficiency and reduces the speed at which a vehicle can be put on sale. Read more at europe.autonews.com 🇬🇧
30. 4. 2024 Volkswagen has unveiled the new electric ID.UX brand for China and the ID Code concept, which introduces a new generation of SUVs designed specifically for the Chinese market. It offers progressive design and advanced technology with a focus on the younger generation. Read more at autonews.com
29. 4. 2024 According to Rhodium’s analysis, the EU would have to impose tariffs of 50% on imports of Chinese electric cars to stop the influx. Despite expected tariffs of 15-30%, the profits of companies like BYD would remain significantly higher in the EU than in China. Read more on dennikn.sk
29. 4. 2024 The GranCabrio Folgore, Maserati’s third all-electric car, is more than €25,000 cheaper than the combustion-engined variant in Italy. In doing so, it offers both more power and better acceleration. Read more at autonews.com
29. 4. 2024 EV sales in the EU are growing three times faster than the installation of charging stations. By 2030, the EU will need eight times more charging points per year to meet CO2 targets. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
29. 4. 2024 The market for new cars in Slovakia grew by less than six per cent year-on-year in the first quarter of the year, data from the Association of the Automotive Industry showed. The position of the leader was consolidated by Skoda with a share of 21.85 percent.
29. 4. 2024 The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published the Global EV Outlook 2024 report, which analyses the future of electromobility with a focus on affordability, policies and technological advancements. The report can be found at iea.org 🇬🇧
29. 4. 2024 The Slovak company InoBat has produced the first batteries labelled “made in Slovakia”, making Slovakia the fifth country in Europe capable of producing certified battery cells. The company is also expanding in terms of personnel and preparing a gigafactory with a zero carbon footprint. Read more at inobat.eu
29. 4. 2024 Renault has held talks with Chinese companies Li Auto and Xiaomi on electric and intelligent vehicle technologies, opening the door to potential technology collaborations. Renault is already working with Geely on thermal and hybrid powertrains. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
28. 4. 2024 The strike at the MA France plant caused production to stop at three European Stellantis plants in Poissy, Hordain and Luton. Discussions are ongoing to resume production. Read more at europe.autonews.com 🇬🇧
28. 4. 2024 According to the European Court of Auditors’ report, alternative fuels face challenges in the sector’s long-term strategy. Fuel availability, cost and sustainability are the main issues. Battery electric vehicles appear to be the only viable alternative to internal combustion engines. However, the European battery industry is lagging behind the world leaders, which may jeopardise local development. Read more at eca.europa.eu 🇬🇧
27. 4. 2024 According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), sales of electric vehicles will increase significantly, with a focus on accessibility and charging infrastructure. Electric vehicles are expected to take more than a fifth of the global market. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
27. 4. 2024 A new approach to financing zero-emission tractor-trailers includes leasing models and government incentives. The European Clean Transport Alliance proposes 15 measures for the transition to electro-mobility in freight transport. Read more at clean-trucking.eu 🇬🇧
27. 4. 2024 The McKinsey study highlights opportunities and challenges in the European market for individual battery components. Market growth expected to reach 17% per year by 2030 implies an increase in local production, as the battery is not just about manufacturing cells – it also involves stacking them and equipping them with other components such as electrolytes and separators, opening the door for the development of the industry. Read more at mckinsey.com
27. 4. 2024 Milence plans to expand the truck charging terminal in France with additional MCS-equipped stations before the end of this year, supporting further expansion and availability of charging for all truck brands. Read more at milence.com
26. 4. 2024 Chinese battery maker CATL unveiled the new Shenxing Plus LFP battery with a range of 1,000 km per charge at the Beijing Auto Show. At the same time, it can charge really fast – it can charge up enough energy for 1 km of driving in 1 second. a 10-minute charging break will thus mean an increase in range of 600 kilometres. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
26. 4. 2024 Jozef Kabaň, a former Volkswagen designer, is starting a new chapter at the Chinese company SAIC. With his wealth of experience and innovative ideas, he can strengthen SAIC’s position in the global market. Read more at cardesignnews.com 🇬🇧
26. 4. 2024 Mercedes-Benz Trucks has successfully implemented the MCS standard for megawatt charging, paving the way for greater availability and range of electric trucks, while also reducing charging times. Read more at daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
26. 4. 2024 The UK became Europe’s largest market for battery passenger cars for the first time in the first quarter. According to Schmidt Automotive Research, the UK has finished clearly ahead of other European countries in the number of new BEV registrations. Read more at schmidtmatthias.de 🇩🇪
26. 4. 2024 Daimler Truck has started testing eActros 600 customer vehicles with Contargo and Remondis. These electric trucks are being tested in real-world conditions and the trials include the use of the trucks on longer routes. Details at daimlertruck.com
25. 4. 2024 At the Beijing Motor Show, Chinese carmakers will unveil 110 new models of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, adding to the 400 models already on the market. The move will strengthen China’s position while boosting innovation and the speed of development. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
25. 4. 2024 According to a study by the Postdam Institute for Climate Research, based on data from the last 40 years, a climate crisis could reduce the income of the world economy by up to 19% by 2050. These losses would be six times higher than the cost of mitigating two degrees of warming. Read more at pik-potsdam.de 🇩🇪
25. 4. 2024 Germany’s ADAC has conducted tests to determine the real-world range of electric cars from brands ranging from Dacia to Mercedes-Benz to give an insight into their real-world performance and consumption. The reduction in consumption means the possibility of using smaller batteries, which reduces weight and costs. Details can be found at adac.de 🇩🇪
24. 4. 2024 According to a forecast by consultancy Roland Berger, the transition to clean energy and electric drives is causing a sharp increase in global demand for specific raw materials. In 2040, for example, demand for lithium will be 15 times higher than in 2020 and for nickel 2.5 times higher. Similarly for copper, neodymium and other minerals. Read more at rolandberger.com 🇩🇪
24. 4. 2024 German tests of Chinese EVs have found that these vehicles are of high quality. Chinese models are not only affordable, but also safe and perform well in Euro-NCAP crash tests. Manufacturers are also quick to address problems identified, such as with the Smart #1 and the Ora Funky Cat. Read more at adac.de 🇩🇪
23. 4. 2024 The Western European pure electric vehicle (BEV) market slowed in the first quarter of 2024, with growth of just 3.5% to 433,520 units, a small increase on last year. This suggests a slowing market. Details at schmidtmatthias.de 🇩🇪
23. 4. 2024 Prices of domestic wallboxes have dropped significantly in recent years. The German automobile club ADAC explains why it is not worth considering charging an electric car from a conventional socket: while the wallbox loses 6-10%, the socket gases 13-24%. At a volume of 2,000 kWh per year, this makes up to twice the difference. Read more at adac.de 🇩🇪
22. 4. 2024 Despite renewable electricity generation in Europe reaching an all-time high last year, temperatures on the continent are rising twice as fast as in the rest of the world. The economic damage attributed to climate change amounted to EUR 13 billion in Europe last year (euronews).
22. 4. 2024 Nissan will start producing solid-electrolyte batteries by 2029. Japan’s third-largest carmaker will first test prototypes at a pilot plant in Yokohama before building production capacity. The new generation of batteries will charge faster and are expected to have a longer lifespan than Li-ion batteries. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
22. 4. 2024 The Italian government has put the squeeze on Stellantis, and so Alfa Romeo’s new electric model will not be called the Milano, but the Junior. The Italians insisted that the model so named must be produced here, but the concern preferred to rechristen it and under the new name it begins production at its Polish plant in Tychy. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
21. 4. 2024 Chinese carmaker Chery is entering the European market and will build its first factory here. Together with Spain’s Ebro, they will apparently revive the Barcelona plant this year, which was abandoned by Nissan in 2021. The move represents an important part of Chery’s expansion into Europe. More at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
21. 4. 2024 The influential German automotive industry association VDA rejects the introduction of tariffs on Chinese vehicles. It argues that anti-subsidy measures would not solve the problems of the European car industry. Automakers could lose Chinese markets if a trade war breaks out, which would also jeopardise the transformation towards electromobility and digitalisation. Read more at handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
20. 4. 2024 BMW receives permits and begins construction of a new battery plant in Bavaria, Germany. The plant, which will employ 1,600 people, will be used to produce battery packs for the next generation of BMW Neue Klasse electric vehicles. Read more at bmwgroup.com 🇩🇪
19. 4. 2024 VW ID Buzz autonomous robotaxis, driven by Mobileye technology, will offer a solution to the driver shortage and new services in public transport. Test operations have begun in urban areas of Hamburg, Germany, and are expected to reach commercial operation in 2026. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
19. 4. 2024 Sixt, Europe’s largest car rental company, plans to have 70% to 90% of its fleet in Europe electric by 2030. The move underlines the company’s commitment to electro-mobility and its efforts to respond to the growing demand for eco-friendly solutions. Read more at wiwo.de 🇩🇪
18. 4. 2024 Volkswagen together with China’s Xpeng have developed a new CEA platform for electric vehicles with the aim of reducing production costs in China by 40% compared to the current German platform and speeding up development by a third. The aim is to increase competitiveness in the Chinese market. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
18. 4. 2024
The Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region with the support of the Catching-Up Regions initiative reconstructed the premises of the United School in Vlkanova for more than 4 million euros. The original workshops have been transformed into a state-of-the-art centre focused on electromobility, where pupils have a model of an electric car specially adapted for teaching purposes. The article was carried by the print edition of MY regional newspaper Horehronie.
18. 4. 2024 SEVA also brings you the latest electromobility news on LinkedIn(join). We recommend there the Bloomberg article that declared Amazon (by the way, also a member of our association) as the largest operator of non-public charging infrastructure in the US. Read more.
17. 4. 2024 Editor Oto Váhovský prepared a report on electric freight transport from the eFleetDay 2024 event for Televizne noviny on Markiza. You can also find it on our website SEVA in the EV TV – videos about electromobility section.
16. 4. 2024 Check out Peter Frol’s new gallery of photos from eFleetDay 2024, the largest professional conference on electromobility in Slovakia. If you’ve been, you’ll find yourself there!
16. 4. 2024 Nissan wants to mass-produce electric cars with a new generation of solid electrolyte batteries within five years. They are to be cheaper and faster to charge, which would mark a revolutionary leap in the development of electric mobility. Read more at apnews.com 🇬🇧
16. 4. 2024 A new – bonus – episode of our podcast FULL FRONT AIR is out – this time directly from the eFleetDay 2024 event, which took place in Šamorín on April 10th. In the first part of the three-part series, we spoke to several experts about the electromobility ecosystem in general. Listen in and subscribe!
16. 4. 2024 MAN Truck & Bus is expanding its eTruck portfolio of electric trucks. At IFAT, it presented the new eTGX and eTGS chassis. These models offer more than a million configuration options and include different wheel spans, cabs, engine outputs and battery combinations. They promise a battery life of up to 1.6 million km or 15 years. More at mantruckandbus.com 🇩🇪
16. 4. 2024 Tesla is looking to reorganize after the first drop in shipments in nearly four years. Current economic conditions and strong competition in the Chinese market are the main challenges. The company has announced layoffs of more than 10% of its workforce. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
15. 4. 2024 A new study by the Kiel Institute shows that Beijing heavily subsidises its domestic industry in sectors such as electric mobility or wind power. Total subsidies in China can be up to 9 times those in other OECD countries such as the US or Germany. According to the analysis, one of the main beneficiaries is electric car manufacturer BYD, which received €220 million in 2020 and even up to €2.1 billion in 2022. Read more at ifw-kiel.de
15. 4. 2024 Volkswagen is investing €2.5 billion in the expansion of its manufacturing and innovation centre in Hefei, China, which is expected to speed up technology launches by 30%. Read more at reuters.com
14. 4. 2024 The European Commission has endorsed a legislative package for green energy that includes ambitious targets for reducing emissions and developing renewable energy sources by 2030. The measures also include the approval of €267 million in state aid for Košice Volvo. More at europa.eu 🇪🇺
14. 4. 2024 In Europe, we have seen a significant increase in registrations of EVs made in China. In February, they accounted for up to 20% of the total number of EVs sold, with a year-on-year increase of 45%. However, purely Chinese brands accounted for only 16% of this – the rest belonged to Tesla, Volvo, Dacia and MG. However, according to JATO’s analysis, a significant proportion of Europeans still refuse to abandon internal combustion powertrains. Read more at jato.com 🇬🇧
14. 4. 2024 Global EV sales reached 1.2 million units in March 2024 and totalled 3.1 million in the first quarter, with growth of 21%. Sales were up 31% in China, 13% in the US and Canada and 7% in Europe. Details on LinkedIn Rho Motion 🇪🇺
14. 4. 2024 BMW and Croatian electric supercar manufacturer Rimac have entered into a long-term partnership to jointly develop and produce innovative high-voltage battery solutions for selected battery-electric vehicles. Read more at bmwgroup.com 🇩🇪
13. 4. 2024 The Council of the European Union has approved the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which sets targets for the installation of charging infrastructure and requirements for the pre-treatment of electrical wiring in buildings. These steps will facilitate the charging of electric vehicles across the EU. Read more on LinkedIn AVERE 🇪🇺
13. 4. 2024 Volkswagen boss Oliver Blume points out that up to two-thirds of the company’s investments are in the field of electromobility. However, he faces difficulties in convincing the general public of its benefits. High-quality products and affordable charging infrastructure will be key. Read more at faz.net 🇩🇪
13. 4. 2024 As of today, a new AFIR regulation is in force that will accelerate the development of charging infrastructure in the European Union. Member States must meet strict requirements, including adjusting the capacity of public charging stations in proportion to the number of registered electric vehicles. More at avere.org 🇪🇺
13. 4. 2024 MOL Group has opened the largest green hydrogen plant in Central and Eastern Europe in Hungary with an investment of €22 million. The plant is expected to produce 1,600 tonnes of carbon-neutral hydrogen annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 25,000 tonnes. Read more on teraz.sk
13. 4. 2024 Škoda sells the most pure electric cars in Slovakia, with brands such as Kia and Volkswagen topping the ranking. The market for new cars in Slovakia is growing slightly and this trend should be maintained throughout 2024. Read more in Martin Domcek’s article on pravda.sk
12. 4. 2024 Hospodárske noviny in cooperation with TopSpeed.sk brought the outcome of the eFleetDay conference. They noted that the proposed measure to reduce the tax burden when using a company electric car for private use offers benefits primarily for corporate customers. Read more at hnonline.sk
12. 4. 2024 Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are becoming popular again as an intermediate solution in the transition to clean electromobility. They offer 40-80 km of pure electric driving before the combustion engine is plugged in. However, they produce far more emissions than manufacturers claim. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇺🇸
12. 4. 2024 European truck and bus bosses are launching a zero-emission manifesto while the EU sets ambitious targets for reducing CO2 emissions. Europe needs at least 50,000 charging stations and 700 hydrogen refuelling stations to meet its emissions targets. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
12. 4. 2024 Volvo boss Martin Lundstedt predicts that electric trucks will not take off until after 2027, when the EU introduces charging for transport emissions. Infrastructure and the availability of green energy will also be important. Read more at euractiv.sk
11. 4. 2024 The European Parliament has given final approval to new rules to reduce CO2 emissions from trucks and buses, aimed at reducing pollution and meeting the EU’s climate targets. By 2035, city buses are to be completely emission-free. The final step is political approval of the agreement in a trilogue by the EU Council. Read more at europa.eu 🇪🇺
11. 4. 2024 The eFleetDay 2024 event confirmed its position as the largest professional conference dedicated to electromobility in Slovakia. Almost 500 participants from 160 companies had the opportunity to share experiences in the development of electromobility, test drive dozens of electric vehicles, as well as develop contacts and relationships in networking. Read more and see the photo gallery.
11. 4. 2024 Finnish company Kempower is launching a 1.2 MW megawatt charging system for electric trucks. The satellite-equipped system offers high-capacity CCS or MCS outlets for maximum compatibility. The technology enables flexible charging with dynamic power distribution among multiple outlets, reducing charging time and costs. Read more at kempower.com
10. 4. 2024 A research project supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy is investigating bi-directional charging with the DPD fleet in Basel. The aim is to use car batteries as flexible energy storage in order to stabilise the grid and provide electricity at peak times. The project will run until autumn 2025 and includes the development of a model to calculate the total cost. Read more at dpd.com 🇬🇧
9. 4. 2024 Scania introduces further innovations in electric mobility: expanding the range of BEV models for various applications with a range of up to 520 km, new powertrains and batteries with a minimal carbon footprint. The range now also includes heavy-duty trucks with customised solutions. Read more at scania.com
9. 4. 2024 Milence, a subsidiary of global electric truck manufacturers, has unveiled details and components of the charging ecosystem for its ultra-fast charging hubs for electric trucks. These are essential to ensure smooth and reliable operation for heavy-duty electric vehicle drivers. Read more at milence.com 🇬🇧
8. 4. 2024 SEVA invites you to the largest Slovak conference on electromobility in companies – eFleet Day 2024, which will take place on Wednesday, 10 April at the x-bionic® sphere Šamorín. Together with mojelektromobil.sk we have prepared discounted prices for companies and free entry for municipalities.
8. 4. 2024 China dismisses accusations from the US and Europe of overproduction in electromobility as unfounded. The Minister of Economic Affairs claims that Chinese companies are successful in the market thanks to innovation, not subsidies. The European Commission is investigating possible unfair subsidies. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
8. 4. 2024 Tesla is ending development of a long-promised low-cost model, apparently the result of a price war in China. The project will focus on the development of autonomous vehicles for taxis, which it plans to unveil as early as August 8 this year. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
8. 4. 2024 The IKEA Foundation’s support for transport electrification can reduce emissions in dozens of developing countries in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. The $100 million grant can save about 43 gigatons of CO2 by 2050. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
7. 4. 2024 Kia plans to introduce 15 EV models and sell 1.6 million EVs a year by 2030. It will focus on expanding charging infrastructure and improving battery performance. It will invest in promoting sustainable mobility and ESG management. Read more at kianewscenter.com 🇬🇧
6. 4. 2024 Opel wants to sell only electric vehicles in Europe within six years at the latest. Stellantis’ European boss Uwe Hochgeschurtz believes that the price of electric cars will fall by then, also thanks to the cooperation with China’s Leapmotor. He criticised the German government for ending subsidies claiming that people underestimate the potential of battery development. Read more at firmenauto.de 🇩🇪
5. 4. 2024 Fastned and leasing company Arval have launched an attractive charging offer to make life easier for EV drivers in Europe. The offer includes access to an extensive network of chargers and an information pack full of useful tips for electromobility. The aim is to promote sustainable mobility and reduce CO2 emissions. Read more at fastnedcharging.com 🇬🇧
5. 4. 2024 By 2030, 42% of newly registered trucks in Europe will be powered by battery electricity. The fleet is set to grow by up to six times by 2025. Shell is looking for ways to make electric and diesel vehicles cost-equivalent, although until recently it was blazing the hydrogen technology trail. More at linkedin.com 🇬🇧
5. 4. 2024 Three large investments in the production of parts for electric vehicles are coming to Trnava and Žilina, with a total volume of a quarter of a billion euros. Ivan Haluza writes about the details in an article on Denník E. Read more
5. 4. 2024 Fact: The European Union invests more in automotive R&D than Japan and the United States combined! Discover how this is changing the automotive world and what it means for our car companies. ACEA infographic 🇪🇺
4. 4. 2024 SEVA invites you to the largest Slovak conference on electromobility in companies – eFleet Day 2024, which will take place on Wednesday, 10 April at the x-bionic® sphere Šamorín. Together with mojelektromobil.sk we have prepared discounted prices for companies and free entry for municipalities.
4. 4. 2024 Reversible charging presents new opportunities for flexibility in distribution systems. However, to fully exploit it, we need to eliminate double taxation. This is the only way to ensure a smooth transition to a more flexible and sustainable energy system. Read about the activities of the European Electromobility Association at avere.org 🇪🇺
4. 4. 2024 Buses show an example of rapid electrification: almost 16% of new buses sold in the EU are electric, a 250% increase in 5 years. More support from European politicians is needed to achieve CO2 reduction targets. Read more at futuredriven.eu 🇪🇺
3. 4. 2024 The new SAPI report points to the growing share of renewables in Slovakia’s energy mix, but highlights the need to develop wind and geothermal energy. Significant progress in photovoltaics shows the potential for a greener future, with the installed capacity of solar power plants increasing by almost half last year to 840 megawatts. Read more at sapi.sk
3. 4. 2024 Listen to the podcast Electromobility in Slovakia, recorded by Patrik Križanský, Director of SEVA, and Michal Chabada from mojelektromobil.sk together with Ľuboš Kasal, as part of the programme Contacts on RTVS. The recording of the show is available on Spotify.
3. 4. 2024 The automotive sector in the EU provides nearly 13 million direct and indirect jobs. ACEA infographic
3. 4. 2024 In Poland, the Stellantis concern will start production of a cheap electric car of the Chinese brand Leapmotor, designated T03, which will have a range of 280 km, as early as June this year. The factory is located in Tychy, near the Czech and Slovak borders. Read more on mojelektromobil.sk
2. 4. 2024 Japanese carmaker Nissan aims for electrified vehicles to account for 60% of global sales by the end of the decade. Among other things, it wants to reduce the price of the next generation of electric cars by 30% and achieve price parity with internal combustion engine cars by the end of the decade. Read more at nissannews.com 🇬🇧
2. 4. 2024 Sweden’s Norvolt has started construction of its gigafactory for batteries in northern Germany. The factory will have an annual capacity of 60 GWh, employ 3,000 people and use renewable energy from wind farms. Among others, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economic Affairs Robert Habeck attended the ceremony. Read more at northvolt.com 🇬🇧
2. 4. 2024 The European Commission report states that CO2 emissions from cars and vans are 20% higher than laboratory test data. For plug-in hybrids, actual emissions are up to 3.5 times higher than predicted. Read more at climate.ec.europa.eu 🇬🇧
1. 4. 2024 According to a Bloomberg Green analysis, 31 countries have already crossed the key point of EV adoption, where 5% of new sales are pure electric vehicles. This milestone signals the beginning of mass adoption and a rapid change in technology preferences. Thailand and Turkey are the latest additions to the list of countries with advanced EV adoption. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
31. 3. 2024 Xiaomi’s entry into the EV segment comes with the SU7, aimed at combining mobile and automotive technologies and inspired by Porsche. With a price tag of up to 65 thousand euros, Xiaomi is trying to address the market at a time of economic and market challenges. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
31. 3. 2024 Electric cars can recuperate (get electricity back into the battery from braking) at an average of 22%. In tests, ADAC found that the Dacia Spring recovers 35% of its energy, the Tesla 40%, the BMW i7 up to 50% when driving downhill. Heavier cars recover better, but at the same time consume more. In cities they recover the most, on the highway the least. Read more at adac.de 🇩🇪
30. 3. 2024 Hyundai Motor Group is investing $51 billion to develop electric vehicles and new mobile services, with plans to employ 80,000 people. More than half of the investment will go to research and development, including software-designed vehicles. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
30. 3. 2024 After successful completion of testing, the Basel fire brigade will be equipped with eight electric rescue vehicles. The self-driving all-wheel drive electric vehicles are equipped for harsh conditions – bad weather, high gradients, higher load capacity – and achieve a realistic range of 320 km. Read more at fluxmobility.ch 🇬🇧
29. 3. 2024 The new Citroën e-C3 electric car from Trnava will become a “weapon” in the fight against Chinese electric cars. The aim is to surpass the production maximum of 400 thousand vehicles per year. Read more on dennikn.sk
29. 3. 2024 Czech Transport Minister Martin Kupka has announced that the take-up of electromobility in the Czech Republic will be faster. With 4,313 charging points, the current infrastructure can handle over 90,000 EVs, which is more than the number of existing full battery vehicles. Read more at ceskenoviny.cz
29. 3. 2024 Kia boss Song Ho-sung sees a temporary slowdown in demand for electric cars, but is convinced that the era of electric cars will come sooner or later. He stated that there is no doubt about it. To strengthen the electric portfolio, Kia will start selling the EV3 model as early as this year with a price tag of around $35,000. The EV1 and EV2 models should follow in the lower category. More at kedglobal.com 🇬🇧
28. 3. 2024 Hyundai Mobis, the world’s sixth largest automotive supplier, which is also building a new electric motor plant in Nováky, has unveiled a new integrated front panel designed specifically for electric vehicles. This retains the traditional “grill” but achieves significantly lower air resistance, increasing range by around 20 km. Read more at kedglobal.com 🇰🇷
27. 3. 2024 Milence has announced the first charging hub for electric trucks in France. The hub is located close to a logistics centre ideally located between Paris and Le Havre and is due to open in April. It will provide four high-performance CCS chargers with a capacity of 400 kW each. Read more at milence.com 🇫🇷
27. 3. 2024 Volvo ends production of diesel cars, the last diesel XC90 leaves the production line. Diesels accounted for half of the brand’s global sales between 2012 and 2016. The shift towards electromobility is linked to the growing pressure on diesels and is heading towards a fully electric brand by 2030. Volvo has produced diesel-powered vehicles since 1979. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
27. 3. 2024 Hyundai and truck maker Iveco are extending their joint partnership to include the production of electric trucks. They began collaborating on the production of commercial vehicles in March 2022 and the move is expected to expand the joint portfolio from smaller emission-free vehicles to larger ones. Read more at ivecogroup.com 🇬🇧
26. 3. 2024 Coal-fired power generation in Slovakia ended today. After 58 years, the TG5 and TG6 turbine generators at the Vojany Power Plant were shut down. New uses are now being sought for the site, with renewables, battery storage, green hydrogen production and more in the cards. Remediation and reclamation of environmental burdens will start after the units are shut down. Read more on seas.sk.
26. 3. 2024 Scania is launching a commercial pilot programme for depot-to-depot autonomous transport using Plus technology. This is to help customers increase transport efficiency, reduce emissions and improve road safety, but also to address the growing global shortage of drivers. Read more at scania.com.
26. 3. 2024 Renault is in talks with potential partners to recycle lithium and other metals from used electric vehicle batteries. It wants to process 9,000 batteries already this year. The aim is to reuse more strategic raw materials and become the first European car manufacturer to recycle batteries on an industrial scale. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
26. 3. 2024 Chinese carmaker and the world’s largest manufacturer of electric cars BYD wants to be perceived as a European company, not just a Chinese one that trades in Europe, according to its European boss Michael Shu. It is building a production factory in Hungary and gradually expanding its sales network in Europe. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
26. 3. 2024 In their study, the German company Siemens and the truck manufacturer MAN ask politicians for greater prioritisation and concrete measures to support the construction of charging infrastructure for electric freight. Read more at press.mantruckandbus.com 🇩🇪
25. 3. 2024 Plug-in hybrids are gaining popularity as a transition technology to full electrification, despite higher costs. BMW and Audi plan to maintain or increase their sales over the next decade. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
25. 3. 2024 The main benefit of wind parks is that they do not produce any emissions and thus help to fight climate change. Almost two thirds of Slovaks would be in favour of building wind turbines near their homes – writes Irena Jenčová on EURACTIV.sk
25. 3. 2024 Shell, one of the world’s largest oil companies, has increased its target for the number of public charging stations installed by 2030 from 54,000 today to a total of 200,000. The company’s priority markets for the development of charging infrastructure will be China and Europe, where demand for public charging is growing. It is also investing in carbon and hydrogen capture. Read more in a detailed report on shell.com 🇬🇧
25. 3. 2024 The charger manufacturer ABB and the car manufacturer MAN have successfully demonstrated megawatt charging on an electric truck. Charging with 700 kW and 1000 A, respectively, can charge an electric truck from 10 to 80% in half an hour. Megawatt charging (MCS) is starting to be installed on the ultra-fast charging hubs for electric freight that are starting to spring up along Europe’s motorways. Read more at abb.com 🇬🇧
24. 3. 2024 Renault and Volvo launch Flexis SAS, a joint venture for the production of all-electric vans on the SDV platform. With an investment of 300 million euros and production starting in 2026, they are moving towards decarbonising logistics. Read more at renaultgroup.com 🇬🇧
23. 3. 2024 On the Flumserberg they are testing an eco-friendly novelty – the Prinoth Husky E-Motion electric rattrack. With a fast charger and energy from a hydroelectric power plant, it is an example of sustainable ski slope grooming. Read more at flumserberg.ch 🇩🇪
23. 3. 2024 The new European emission targets are financially beneficial for Slovakia because it could save on fossil fuel imports. The European Commission recommends that Member States reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040. Fossil fuel imports would replace domestic energy sources, saving up to €2.8 trillion a year. Read more in Irena Jenčová’s article on EURACTIV.sk 🇸🇰
22. 3. 2024 Stellantis is expanding its presence in the EV sector by collaborating with China’s Leapmotor to produce the T03 in Poland. This is intended to be the next step towards affordable EVs. Read more at Reuters.com 🇬🇧
22. 3. 2024 The energy sector and industry in Slovakia accounted for two-thirds of total emissions in 2022. The SHMÚ reports a nearly 10% decline in emissions, but emissions in the transport sector, on the other hand, grew by 3.5%. Read more at euractiv.sk
21. 3. 2024 Ahead of the European elections, Renault boss and ACEA President Luca de Meo calls in an open letter for mobilisation for a successful automotive renaissance. He sees a 10-year period of transformation as an opportunity for industrial renewal in Europe and calls the initiative a new Marshall Plan for electro-mobility. Read more at renaultgroup.com 🇬🇧
21. 3. 2024 Battery diagnostics company AVILOO advises on how to protect electric vehicle batteries from wear and tear. Owners should limit full charge cycles and charge batteries in the 20-80% range. Fast charging should only be used sporadically. It is important to pre-heat the battery before charging in cold weather. Read more at aviloo.com 🇬🇧
21. 3. 2024 Hildegard Müller, head of the influential German Automotive Industry Association (VDA), has made it very clear that Germany must stand firmly by electromobility. “Germany is the centre of electric car production and the second largest manufacturer in the world. In the future, electric cars will be produced in Germany for the whole world.” Read the interview on kurier.de 🇩🇪
20. 3. 2024 Audi boss Gernot Döllner hinted at the carmaker’s strategic direction in an interview with Germany’s Automobilwoche: “It’s clear to us: shortly after 2030, our customers will predominantly drive electric cars. We are clear on that, that’s where we want to go”. Read the full interview here.
20. 3. 2024 Large Scandinavian industrial companies are joining together to form a battery recycling chain. Norway’s Hydrovolt, founded by Norwegian firm Norsk Hydro (owner of Slovalco, among others), and Swedish battery manufacturer Nortvolt will supply battery recyclate to Finland for further processing. There, it will be used in the next recycling phase by Fortum of Finland. Read more.
19. 3. 2024 Another pairing of irreconcilable rivals: Honda and Nissan want to collaborate on the development and production of key components for electric and autonomous vehicles. They want to be better able to face competition from Chinese carmakers. Reuters writes about the merging of competitors. 🇬🇧
19. 3. 2024 The Chinese government has quietly asked BYD and Geely, the largest domestic EV makers, to significantly increase their chip purchases from Chinese manufacturers. The aim is to reduce dependence on Western manufacturers and boost the competitiveness of China’s semiconductor industry. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
19. 3. 2024 In the Czech Republic, subsidies for electric cars and private/public charging stations have been launched. The form is substantially different from the existing subsidy programmes in Slovakia. More in the article on teslamagazin.sk
19. 3. 2024 The boss of Germany’s Bosch, one of the largest global suppliers to the automotive industry, is convinced of the transition to electromobility. He sees it as a growing market, which of course does not develop linearly, but in waves. But as it is not growing at the same rate in all regions of the world, it will take 30 to 35 years before the majority of vehicles are electrified. Read more 🇩🇪
18. 3. 2024 Hospodárske noviny found out that Kia will be in Žilina from next year to produce an electric vehicle in the size of Ceed, probably with the EV2 and another model. They will apparently build on the legacy of the Ceed and Sportage. Read more in Róbert Turza’s article.
18. 3. 2024 Ford launches the first electric ambulance based on the Ford E-Transit. The project is designed to demonstrate the practicality and reliability of e-mobility in the ambulance service. With a range of 316 km, the E-Transit can be charged to 80% in 35 minutes. Read more at ford.com 🇩🇪
17. 3. 2024 The Austrian charging station operator Smatrics has opened an ultra-fast charging hub on the A8 motorway in Upper Austria with a total of 75 charging points with outputs of up to 400 kW. The number of ultra-fast charging points in Austria has increased a total of six times in the past two years. Read more at presseportal.de 🇩🇪
17. 3. 2024 The Belgian car manufacturer Van Hool, which has been making buses since 1947, is facing existential problems. One of the reasons for this is the low ability to face competition in the electric bus sector. An example of its problems is the recent loss of a tender for the supply of 92 e-buses to its Chinese competitor BYD. Read more at vrt.be 🇬🇧
16. 3. 2024 SEVA invites you to a free Introduction to Electromobility webinar designed for all those who want to be inspired to switch to zero-emission transport. The speakers will be
Andrej Anger (Kia Sales Slovakia) and Patrik Križanský. Join us on Wednesday 27 March at 10:00. Register here.
16. 3. 2024 Despite the current lower demand for electric vehicles, Volkswagen boss Thomas Schäfer is convinced that the sector is heading in the right direction towards electromobility. His vision is an acceleration of vehicle development and an emphasis on digitalisation. In response to competition from China, the Group is still preparing an electric car with a price below 20,000 euros under the project name Amsterdam. Read more at businessinsider.de 🇩🇪
15. 3. 2024 Skoda has unveiled the Epiq electric vehicle study with a planned price starting at 25,000 euros, an elevated SUV design and a family-oriented interior. The model will offer 490 litres of storage space and a range of 400 km. It will be manufactured in Spain and is expected to be launched on the market next year. Read more at ceskenoviny.cz 🇨🇿.
15. 3. 2024 Volkswagen plans to launch the ID1 electric car in 2027, which will be the successor to the e-Up. The carmaker is exploring four different concepts with the aim of achieving a price below 20,000 euros and is also considering partnerships with competitors or intra-group development using the Skoda brand. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
15. 3. 2024 The Korean company SK on, one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers with a gigafactory also in Hungary, is aiming with its development to achieve a rechargeable range of 300 km in 5 minutes. They have improved the capabilities of their batteries by increasing the proportion of nickel in their Li-ion batteries. Read more on Business Korea
14. 3. 2024 The first and very important discussion on the future of freight transport was attended today in Bratislava by more than 50 representatives of state institutions and the private sector. The round table was organised by SEVA and APZD. Read more.
14. 3. 2024 Bavaria has seen strong interest in subsidies for non-public charging stations for freight transport. In the first call, 95 applications were submitted for 304 charging points with a total subsidy of €11.3 million. A second call is expected in the second half of the year. Read more at bayern.de 🇩🇪
14. 3. 2024 Massive construction of ultra-fast charging hubs for trucking is expected in Europe. The first megawatt charging points have already been installed in five locations as part of the HoLa project, which also involves truck manufacturers Daimler Truck, MAN, Scania, Traton and Volvo as partners. Hundreds of similar hubs with charging points ranging from 350 kW to 1 MW are expected to spring up in Germany alone. Read more.
13. 3. 2024 Korean battery manufacturers have unveiled innovations to improve the performance of electric vehicle batteries in winter conditions. SK On is launching the Winter Pro battery with a 16% increase in charging capacity and the SF battery, which charges to 80% in 15 minutes. Samsung SDI promises charging in 9 minutes by 2026. Korean manufacturers control nearly half of the global market outside China. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
13. 3. 2024 Automakers will start reaping the benefits of software-designed vehicles as early as this year, which will bring new opportunities for subscription revenue, such as the addition of ChatGPT to VW and Stellantis vehicles. For more information, visit autonews.com 🇬🇧
12. 3. 2024 The electric bus in Zlín saved 65 tonnes ofCO2 emissions and covered 250 thousand kilometres in four years of operation. Practical experience shows high efficiency and great environmental benefits. Read more at mojelektromobil.sk 🇸🇰
12. 3. 2024 Finnish firm Valmet Automotive, which makes custom cars (including battery “packs” for electric vehicles), says Chinese brands can enter the European and US markets through custom manufacturing. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
11. 3. 2024 In the US, there are concerns about the risk that China could flood the local EV market, threatening the domestic industry. In response, they are introducing incentives and programs to encourage domestic EV production and investigating the safety risks of Chinese imports. Read more at reuters.com 🇺🇸
10. 3. 2024 Volkswagen and XPENG have announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop smart electric vehicles for the Chinese market. This collaboration aims to efficiently meet the needs of Chinese customers. They plan to reduce time to market by more than 30%. Read more on the Group’s website 🇬🇧
9. 3. 2024 At InterBattery 2024, Samsung SDI showcased super-gap battery technology, coupled with a plan to mass-produce batteries with the highest energy density. It delivers, for example, ultra-fast charging in 9 minutes up to 80% or more than 20 years of life. Read more at samsungsdi.com 🇬🇧
8. 3. 2024 Electric vehicles will be cheaper to produce than internal combustion vehicles from 2027. New production methods reduce production costs and assembly time. While this will accelerate price parity, repairs of electric vehicles after serious accidents will become more expensive. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
7. 3. 2024 The Czech Ministry of Transport is launching a call for support for the construction of fast charging stations for trucks with a budget of CZK 1 billion from the Renewal Fund. Projects can receive up to 75% of the total eligible costs. The acceptance of applications starts on 14 March 2024 and ends on 29 May 2024. Read more on opd.cz
6. 3. 2024 The European Commission is considering tariffs on Chinese electric cars after finding that they may be receiving unjustified subsidies. The investigation into Chinese battery EVs is due to end by November, but temporary tariffs could be introduced as early as July. Customs registration will start from 7 March. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
5. 3. 2024 The government faces criticism that it has planned “only” 228 ultra-fast charging stations near motorways, even though companies and experts are proposing at least 400 such stations to meet the needs of modernisation and a greener future for transport. The issue is discussed by Natália Silenská in an article on euractiv.sk
5. 3. 2024 The government wants to help electromobility: a discount on a motorway vignette or a contribution to a new car are at stake – writes the portal startitup. The final decision on subsidies and other forms of support should be known within a few months.
5. 3. 2024 According to data from the International Energy Organization, electric cars (hybrids and all-electric) will account for 14 percent of all new cars sold in the world in 2022. In the EU, the growth rate declined slightly last year, but accelerated in China. The analysis was prepared by Radovan Geist on Euractiv.
4. 3. 2024 The Renault 5 EV, a small electric car with a retro design, will come with two battery sizes and a range of up to 400 km. Sales start in May, but the carmaker announced that it already has more than 50,000 customers on a “waiting list” that could receive the vehicles in the autumn. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
4. 3. 2024 The Korean company Mobis plans to invest 180 million euros in the production of electric motors in Nováky, which will create 300 jobs. The investment is related to the electrification of the Žilina Kia automotive plant. The construction of the factory is scheduled to start in July with an expected start of operations in December. Read more on hnonline.sk
4. 3. 2024 The European People’s Party (EPP) has changed its position on the “ban” on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. In the latest draft of its manifesto for the forthcoming European Parliament elections, the party says it will no longer oppose the ban, although it has previously stressed the importance of technological neutrality and refused to force manufacturers to switch to electric vehicles.
4. 3. 2024 More than ten million electric cars were sold worldwide last year for the first time. Year-on-year, their number rose by a quarter, while sales of cars with internal combustion engines rose by five percent. Together with hybrids and plug-in hybrids, EVs account for more than 30 percent of all global sales. Read more.
4. 3. 2024 Chargers from the Recovery Plan have a “smaller time lag” due to high interest – writes Irena Jenčová on Euractiv in a great article on electromobility and charging infrastructure from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
3. 3. 2024 A new study by Porsche Consulting estimates the battery cell market will grow from $20 billion today to $550 billion over the next decade. This will also mean a major opportunity for European technology manufacturers to produce them in 2030, to the tune of $85 billion. The analysis can be downloaded here.
3. 3. 2024 The British government will extend the subsidy scheme for electric taxis until April 2025. The subsidy per electric taxi is £6,000 and so far a total of over 9,000 vehicles have been supported with over £50 million. Read more.
3. 3. 2024 Major automakers are launching new 800-volt electric vehicle platforms that aim to cut charging time in half (such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5). Although the infrastructure is primarily geared towards 400-volt vehicles, new EVs must be designed to run on all chargers, even if they do not reach 350 kW. Read more at Bloomberg 🇬🇧
2. 3. 2024 Swedish energy firm Vattenfall wants to invest 150 million annually for the next 5 years in the construction of charging stations in Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. Two thirds of the chargers would be installed by partners who have land available, with Vattenfall providing the long-term operation in addition to the construction. Read more.
2. 3. 2024 Iveco will supply 200 of its Heuliez brand electric urban buses, worth €125 million, to the French transport operator Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM), which provides transport in Marseille and the region. Details can be found here.
1. 3. 2024 The next generation of the popular Dacia Sandero is expected to be launched in an electric version. However, this will not happen until 2027 or 28, Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot said. With 235,839 units sold in 2023, the small hatchback has become the second best-selling car in Europe. Read more.
1. 3. 2024 Sweden is launching a new support scheme for the purchase of electric vans up to 3.5 t. The purchase subsidy is up to a maximum of 30% of the difference between the price of the electric and combustion versions, or up to a maximum of SEK 50,000 (approx. EUR 4,400). The subsidy call is to run until 1 October 2025. Read more.
1. 3. 2024 Truck and bus manufacturer MAN plans to set up new centres for the rapid repair of batteries in its vehicles in the next two years. In addition to sites in Germany and Spain, new locations will be added in Italy, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Poland. Read more.
29. 2. 2024 The Danish Road Administration Vejdirektorartet has launched a tender for four concessions for the construction and long-term operation of charging hubs at motorway rest areas in the Southern Denmark region. Read more.
29. 2. 2024 Today in Košice, the government is holding a retreat dedicated primarily to the promotion of electromobility. SEVA Director Patrik Križanský is also attending the meeting at the site of the Volvo plant in Valaliki. You can read about what of SEVA’s proposals finally made it into the government resolution here.
29. 2. 2024 Ionity, the largest operator of ultra-fast charging hubs on Europe’s motorways and co-owned by 7 car companies, has reached the milestone of 600 charging sites in operation. Details can be found here.
28. 2. 2024 Vinci Autoroute, the largest motorway operator in France, has launched a tender for the construction and long-term operation of high-performance charging hubs at several motorway rest area locations. Read more.
28. 2. 2024 Following the ACEA president, the head of Stellantis has also reiterated his support for the transition to electro-mobility by 2035: “The EU decision has created a transitional situation until the industry is sufficiently efficient in the production of electric cars for the technology to sustain itself.” Read more.
28. 2. 2024 Polish manufacturer Ekoenergetyka (a member of SEVA) will supply Swedish bus company Nobina with 140 high-efficiency charging stations (120 to 180 kW) for several bus depots in Stockholm. Details here.
27. 2. 2024 In recent weeks, there has been speculation in Brussels that the “ban” on incinerators from 2035 will be reconsidered. But today Luca de Meo, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), said the industry has already invested billions of euros in electrification – and these would be lost if the automotive industry abandoned the phase-out of internal combustion engines. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
27. 2. 2024 Battery makers CATL and BYD, which have a share of around 60% of the global market, are pushing for further price reductions of LFP battery cells. This may intensify the price war, but will ultimately benefit the user and greener transport. Read more cnevpost.com 🇬🇧
27. 2. 2024 The Košice editorial office of RTVS prepared in the Regina programme not only a reportage about practical experience with the use of the electric car at the Košice-Západ Municipal Office, but also an interview with the director of SEVA, Patrik Križanský. Watch the recording in the RTVS archive.
27. 2. 2024 Renault has unveiled the Renault 5 at the Geneva Motor Show, priced at under €25,000. With a retro-futuristic design, it offers an affordable alternative in the small EV segment with a 40 or 52 kWh battery and a range of 300-400 km. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
26. 2. 2024 The Renault Scenic has been named Car of the Year 2024 at the Geneva Motor Show, marking Renault’s seventh overall victory in the 61st edition of the competition. Four electric models were among the finalists, underlining the importance of electromobility. Read more at caroftheyear.org 🇬🇧
26. 2. 2024 Germany’s largest portal for the sale of used (but also new) vehicles, mobile.de, has started a pilot test with Hyundai Deutschland to certify the battery status of used electric vehicles. This improves the decision-making process for customers, increases transparency and promotes buyer confidence. Read more mobile.de 🇩🇪
25. 2. 2024 General Motors chief Mary Barra says this year will be the year of implementation. Among other things, GM needs to sort out battery production for its electric models and convince investors that they can produce their Utlium propulsion system efficiently. GM wants to make its electric portfolio profitable in the second half of the year. Read more at efreep.com 🇺🇸
24. 2. 2024 Who can be bothered by falling EV prices? Leasing companies! They are demanding concessions from EV manufacturers, including vehicle buyout agreements, to protect the $1.2 trillion market from further declines in value. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
23. 2. 2024 Jana Liptáková writes about the pitfalls of travelling by electric car from Bratislava to Košice. Also based on data from SEVA, she found that such a journey requires careful planning, although the number of public charging points is currently sufficient given the number of vehicles. Read more at spectator.sme.sk
23. 2. 2024 At the Antwerp plant of BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, the head of the European Commission, Mrs von der Leyen met more than 70 industrial players. The companies called for a “revision” of the European Green Deal to take more account of industry’s investment and legislative needs to reduce emissions. Read the details on Euractiv.
23. 2. 2024 The European car industry needs to innovate to compete with China and Tesla. Traditional brands such as Volkswagen and Renault are looking for new strategies, including collaborating to develop affordable electric cars. The coming months will be crucial for the industry. Read more in Zina Oláhová’s article on sita.sk 🇸🇰
22. 2. 2024 The Swiss national road authority ASTRA has launched a tender for the construction of fast-charging hubs in other locations. The selected companies will be obliged to build and then operate the charging hubs for electric vehicles within three years. Read more.
21. 2. 2024 The Norwegian Public Roads Administration is testing electric snow ploughs on motorways. After a week of testing, which included heavy snowfall, the NTB concluded that the electric plough offers a good technological solution for environmentally friendly winter road maintenance. Read more.
21. 2. 2024 Dacia has redesigned its Spring model, the cheapest battery electric vehicle in Europe, giving it a new exterior, a brand new interior and an even lower price. The Spring has improved performance and will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Read more.
21. 2. 2024 Up to a quarter of jobs in the automotive supply chain in Germany could be lost by the end of the decade. The reason for this is the transition to electromobility. Suppliers will face even greater challenges than carmakers, especially because of the trend towards “in-sourcing”. Read more.
21. 2. 2024 Daimler Trucks and the German motorway company Autobahn GmbH have tested the battery-powered eActros 600 in demanding winter operation. The vehicle was tested on the motorway with a trailer for the preventive application of brine on the road surface as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional road salt. eActros 600 has a range of up to 500 kilometres. Read more.
20. 2. 2024 Volvo Cars is building the Mobility Innovation Destination Torslanda test centre at its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden. The centre will enable testing of advanced technologies such as wireless charging, V2G charging and autonomous driving. It will also be used for testing in conditions close to urban environments. Read more.
20. 2. 2024 China’s largest battery manufacturers including CATL, BYD, EVE Energy and Gotion have formed the National Innovation Platform for Solid Electrolyte Batteries (CASIP) together with universities with the support of the government. The aim is to work together to develop a technology that is expected to be a major breakthrough in the battery industry by 2030. Read more.
20. 2. 2024 Stellantis reports a profit from the sale of electric vehicles and, unlike its competitors, has no plans to reduce production. “We are continuing full speed ahead with electrification,” CEO Carlos Tavares said after the company reported a third consecutive year of record profits. Read more at cnn.com 🇬🇧
20. 2. 2024 Beer producer Heineken is launching the first cross-border transport of its beer from the Dutch Den Bosch plant to its German distribution centre in Duisburg by electric trucks. It will use Mercedes eActros 300 electric trucks for this. Read more.
20. 2. 2024 At the Audi factory in Győr, Hungary, preparations have begun for the production of the new generation of MEBeco electric motors. The drives will be installed in small electric cars of the Volkswagen Group (VW ID1 and ID2). Read more.
19. 2. 2024 Stellantis is investing €103 million to convert its plant in Szentgotthárd, Hungary, from the production of internal combustion engines to the production of electric motors. They will be designed for the STLA vehicle platform, which will also be used to build the Citroën ë-C3 at the carmaker’s Trnava plant. Read more.
18. 2. 2024 ACC, a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis and Saft, has secured €4.4 billion in financing for its battery plants. It is building Gigafactories in France, Germany and Italy. Read more.
16. 2. 2024 The BETT project in the UK has published a useful tool for assessing the economics of electric trucks for urban distribution. Download the evaluation model based on real data and you’ll find that electric trucks are already delivering a lower total cost of ownership (TCO) than diesel ones! Read more at cenex.co.uk 🇬🇧
16. 2. 2024 Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has eased concerns about the possible closure of the group’s plants in Italy. He reiterated his commitment to produce one million vehicles in Italy by the end of the decade. The promise to cooperate with the Italian government could reduce tensions. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
16. 2. 2024 Ford is responding to the growth of the Chinese EV market in Europe and emphasising the need for an affordable EV. CEO Jim Farley asks his team to create a profitable plan for an affordable EV within 12 months. Read more at apnews.com 🇬🇧
15. 2. 2024 Živé.sk editorial team started to analyse whether the range of electric cars is actually decreasing in connection with low temperatures. Their findings will especially surprise sceptics who fear unroadworthy EVs in the winter months. Why does this work in Norway, for example?
14. 2. 2024 In Poland, a programme is being launched with Recovery Plan funds that will complement existing subsidies for electric heavy-duty vehicles (eHDVs) with additional measures, including support for charging infrastructure and changes in legislation. The subsidy per tractor unit can reach up to €173,000, with the total package for 2024-2028 amounting to one billion zlotys. The aim is to ensure the competitiveness of Polish truckers. Read more at pspa.com.pl 🇵🇱
14. 2. 2024 The French government has suspended subsidies for low-income people to lease electric cars because of the huge demand. The program was supposed to support 50,000 leases, but it has far exceeded all expectations – writes startitup.sk
14. 2. 2024 “Electric vehicles have caused a permanent decline in real emissions since 2020 that we have not seen before,” says Czech auditor Jindřich Doležal in a Euractiv article. The Commission has responded well to the situation after the “dieselgate” scandal – in three years we have reportedly achieved more than in the decade before.
14. 2. 2024 In Germany, large petrol station operators are discussing the obligation to build at least one fast charger at every petrol station by 2028. This would apply to every company that operates at least 200 petrol stations. Read more at welt.de 🇩🇪
13. 2. 2024 Ford is focusing on smaller EVs, responding to customer preferences and advancing its EV strategy. The company’s CEO Jim Farley confirms that major investments will go into the development and production of smaller models. Read more at zeit.de 🇩🇪
13. 2. 2024 According to an analysis by Germany’s CIMA Institut für Regionalwirtschaft, the investment by Swedish firm Nortvolt in the German town of Heide, with a capacity of 60 GWh per year, will bring a total of 3,000 direct and almost 9,000 indirect jobs. In terms of added value of production, it will generate €942 million annually in the region.
13. 2. 2024 Renault has confirmed that the cancellation of the IPO of its Ampere division will not affect the agreed investments by Nissan and Mitsubishi. Partnerships and projects are continuing as planned. Read more on reuters.com 🇬🇧
13. 2. 2024 Germany’s Fraunhofer ISI has published a study comparing different national strategies to develop the battery industry. It compares policies and measures adopted in China, Germany, Japan, the USA, South Korea and the European Union. PDF download.
12. 2. 2024 Despite the overall cost savings, Volkswagen wants to continue to invest 180 billion euros by 2028, the bulk of which VW plans to spend on the development and production of new electric car models. Read more.
12. 2. 2024 Kia has converted its Gwangmyeong plant in Korea exclusively for the production of two new electric car models. It will produce only EVs this year, including the EV3 small sport-utility vehicle and the EV4 mid-size sedan. The goal is to sell 1 million EVs by 2026. Read more at koreaherald.com 🇬🇧
12. 2. 2024 Bloomberg reported that global investment in energy transformation reached a record $1.8 trillion in 2023 (up 17% year-on-year). Electrified transport was the main driver of this spending on clean technology adaptation. Electromobility overtook renewable energy and accounted for more than a third of total investment.
11. 2. 2024 Autobahn GmbH has completed a tender for nearly 1,000 fast charging points at 200 motorway rest areas in Germany. The contracts were awarded to Fastned, E.ON, Autostrom Nord and TotalEnergies. They must build at least 4 ultra-fast charging points at the selected rest areas by 2026. Read more at electrive.net 🇩🇪
11. 2. 2024 Volvo launches its first truck model developed exclusively with electric drive. The FM Low Entry is optimised for safe and efficient driving in urban areas. With a range of up to 200 km and fast charging, it is designed especially for urban distribution and municipal services. Read more at volvotrucks.com 🇬🇧
8. 2. 2024 Euractiv writes that Slovakia is failing to transform its car industry and is already watching its neighbours’ backs: we are lagging behind in attracting investment and in registering new electric cars. Moreover, the education system is failing to respond to the need for skilled employees.
8. 2. 2024 A public call to the government: in addition to manufacturers, those who should buy and use electric cars should also be supported. In addition to SEVA, ZAP SR, APZD and the chambers of commerce of France, Germany and Austria have signed the call to speed up the introduction of support programmes for the purchase of electric vehicles.
7. 2. 2024 A fight is under way in Brussels today to approve rules that would restrict the use of internal combustion engines in trucks and buses, following the example of cars. However, Euractiv reports that Germany is likely to abstain in the vote, which would mean the ban would not pass. Synthetic fuels are re-entering the debate.
6. 2. 2024 The PACT Alliance in the US, founded by companies such as Daimler Truck, Volvo Group and Navistar, is focused on promoting electric trucks. By 2030, nearly 700,000 charging stations will be needed in the US for one million electric vehicles in classes 4-8. Read more at pactcoalition.org 🇺🇸
6. 2. 2024 Hyundai will launch the Casper electric mini crossover in Europe for less than €20,000, entering competition with low-cost EVs from Renault, Stellantis and VW. First deliveries are expected by the end of the year. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
6. 2. 2024 Hyundai and Iveco have signed an agreement to supply an all-electric light commercial vehicle for Europe, which will be based on Hyundai’s global eLCV platform. The van, with a GVW of between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, is due to be unveiled at IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024. Read more at ivecogroup.com 🇬🇧
6. 2. 2024 Peugeot has revealed its ambitious plans for a more sustainable future. Peugeot’s range of 100% electric vehicles will be expanded with two new models: the Peugeot E-408 and the Peugeot E-5008, bringing the total number of cars and light commercial vehicles to 9 and 3 respectively. Read more at stellantis.com 🇬🇧
5. 2. 2024 MAN achieved first place with its electric bus model City E, and the automaker is now first in the electric bus market with a share of 13.3%. The largest markets for MAN are Germany, Sweden, Spain, Norway and Belgium. The City E is produced at MAN’s Starachowice plant in Poland. Read more 🇩🇪
5. 2. 2024 On the Euractiv portal you can read the opinion of SEVA Director Patrik Križanský on the necessity of a “refresh” of Slovakia’s economic policy. Where could we look for inspiration in the strategic direction of our industry?
5. 2. 2024 Audi development chief Hoffmann: “The speed of the Chinese players is enormous.” From 2026, Audi wants to bring out new models only in electric versions, and from 2033 it plans to stop producing combustion vehicles. Read more 🇩🇪
5. 2. 2024 BMW has completed the first stage of the conversion of its Austrian BMW Group Werk Steyr plant, where it plans to start pre-production of new electric motors for its next generation of BMW Neue Klasse electric cars from the summer. Read more 🇩🇪
4. 2. 2024 In its study, the German Federal Office for the Environment confirmed that electric vehicles are greener than any other propulsion alternatives. Compared to the petrol version, passenger electric cars are 40% more environmentally friendly. The emission savings from using an electric car will increase even further (to 55% by 2030) thanks to the further expansion of renewable energy sources. Read more 🇩🇪
4. 2. 2024 The German conservation group Deutsche Umwelthilfe presented its study focusing on 10 facts about electromobility. Among other things, according to the study, electric cars are already greener than vehicles with combustion engines. Read more 🇩🇪
3. 2. 2024 The Citroen ë-C3 can already be ordered with a price tag starting at 23,300 euros. This small electric car starts production at the Trnava plant with deliveries in the spring. It is expected to bring Stellantis’ electric cars closer to more mainstream users. The concern informed 🇩🇪
2. 2. 2024 Chinese carmaker BYD has signed a contract for land to build a plant in Szeged, Hungary. It plans to start production of its electric cars within three years. Read more 🇬🇧
1. 2. 2024 Zuzana Kollárová, in an analysis on Denník E, noticed what SEVA has been saying for a long time: tax benefits and clear accounting rules would be beneficial for the faster introduction of electric vehicles in companies. For example, the Slovak Action plan for electronobility foresees a reduction in charges for the private use of company cars.
1. 2. 2024 France has launched a social leasing programme to promote electro-mobility in lower-income households. It offers EV models from Renault, Stellantis, Nissan and Hyundai without a down payment, with monthly costs starting from €40. The €400 million programme aims to support the purchase of 25,000 EVs. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
31. 1. 2024 In December 2023, sales of new battery electric vehicles in the EU recorded their first decline since April 2020 (-16.9% to 160,700 vehicles). This is mainly related to the significant decline in Germany, where the subsidy programme has ended. Overall, sales in 2023 will exceed 1.5 million units, an increase of 37% compared to 2022. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
31. 1. 2024 Toyota more than quadrupled last year with sales of 104,018 electric vehicles. However, the brand is still a long way off its target of selling 1.5 million EVs by 2026. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
30. 1. 2024 Did the Hungarians overdo it with the batteries? Local economists warn that Orbán’s plans to turn the country into a battery power have no rational background. Our neighbours cover up to 10 per cent of investment in gigafactories, while in Sweden, which has both much more favourable conditions and greener energy, the support is less than half a per cent. An interesting insight is provided by Ágoston Renczes in the pages of the Dennik E.
30. 1. 2024 Despite the global challenges, sales of electric cars in the EU grew by 37% in 2023, reaching a market share of 14.6%. This is a strong signal to manufacturers and policy makers of the need for increased support for electro-mobility. Read more at acea.auto 🇪🇺
29. 1. 2024 Hyundai has big ambitions for electromobility despite the slowdown in demand. As part of its long-term commitment to developing an electrified future, the company plans to launch 31 electric vehicles by 2030. Read more at ecomento.de 🇩🇪
29. 1. 2024 MAN will launch the eTGX and eTGS electric trucks with variable battery configurations for different applications. Three months after the sales announcement, the manufacturer reports 700 orders. The goal is to reach 50% of electric trucks in Europe by 2030. Read more at mantruckandbus.com
28. 1. 2024 Hyundai and Kia have introduced ‘Active Air Skirt’ technology for electric vehicles, which reduces aerodynamic drag and increases range and stability. This innovation in aerodynamics could be the key to more efficient e-mobility in Slovakia. Read more at hyundai.com 🇬🇧
28. 1. 2024 Despite targets to reduce CO2 emissions, the actual emissions of most cars in the European Union have remained unchanged over the last 12 years. The new tests are closer to real-world conditions, but there is still a gap between laboratory and actual emissions. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
27. 1. 2024 Iveco Group has chosen BASF as its partner for the recycling of electric vehicle batteries – from collection to processing and extraction of raw materials for the production of new batteries. The move is part of Iveco’s circular economy strategy and aims to increase the lifespan of batteries and reduce their overall environmental impact. Read more at basf.com 🇬🇧
27. 1. 2024 Poland is introducing an ambitious programme to encourage the purchase of zero-emission trucks, with subsidies of up to around €170,000 per vehicle. A total budget of €230 million will boost green transport and the competitiveness of the sector in the country that has the most trucks on Europe’s roads. Read more 🇵🇱
27. 1. 2024 Swiss building materials manufacturer Holcim has decided to electrify its fleet and has ordered 1,000 eActros 600 from Mercedes-Benz Truck. These tanker-bodied trucks have a range of 500 km and their introduction marks a significant step in sustainability. Read more at daimlertruck.com 🇩🇪
27. 1. 2024 Up to 88% of the new taxi vehicles registered in Norway last year were electric vehicles. Electric passenger cars accounted for 82% of total sales in the country. The challenge now is to ensure that there are enough charging stations. Read more at elbil.no 🇳🇴
26. 1. 2024 U.S. EV sales in 2023 are up 42.4% from the previous year to more than 4.7 million units. EVs recorded a 9.84% share of total vehicle sales. Less than three thousand hydrogen vehicles were sold. Read more 🇺🇸
25. 1. 2024 Elon Musk warns that Chinese EV makers could “destroy” competitors unless trade barriers are put in place. Tesla has lowered the prices of its models, but has still been overtaken by BYD as the world’s best-selling EV brand. Read more 🇬🇧
24. 1. 2024 The truth about electric car emissions: are they really greener? The short answer is “yes, they are”. Our colleague Aaron Fishbone has prepared a longer reading for you based on five renowned analyses. Read more.
24. 1. 2024 Mercedes me Charge is now available at more than 1.5 million charging points from more than 1,300 operators worldwide. This provides owners of Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles with easy access and transparent pricing. Read more at mercedes-benz.com 🇬🇧
23. 1. 2024 For the Trnava Citroën ë-C3, the Li-ion batteries will be supplied by China’s SVOLT using LFP chemistry, known for example from Tesla and Chinese brands. The technology is cheaper, safer and more durable, but achieves a lower energy density than nickel, manganese and cobalt cathode solutions. Read more at svolt-eu.com 🇬🇧
22. 1. 2024 The MAN Truck & Bus brand achieved a significant increase in vehicle sales in 2023 with a total of 116,000 units delivered. Sales of electric buses rose to 771 units. Read more at mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
22. 1. 2024 Daimler Truck sees sales of battery electric vehicles increasing by 277% to 3,443 units in 2023, confirming the growing interest in electromobility in the freight transport sector as well. In total, it sold more than 526,000 trucks and buses. Read more at daimlertruck.com.
22. 1. 2024 ZF plans to cut more than a quarter of its jobs by 2030, and Bosch has announced similar plans. ZF is one of the largest employers and suppliers to the automotive industry and has plants in Slovakia, for example in Trnava, Levice and Nové Mesto nad Váhom. Read more at automobilwoche.de 🇩🇪
22. 1. 2024 Several suppliers in the automotive industry are facing problems due to low profitability. According to CLEPA, the European automotive supplier association, more than half of companies are already below the 5% profitability required for a sustainable business. This trend threatens innovation and the development of sustainable mobility. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
21. 1. 2024 South Korea is set to revolutionise electromobility with LFP batteries from SK On. Scheduled to start production in 2026, it could bring a significant advance in the affordability of electric vehicles. LFP chemistry is experiencing a global boom at the expense of the NMC type familiar in European EVs. SK On already has a gigafactory in Hungary. Find out more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
21. 1. 2024 Ford launches production of its first all-electric Explorer vehicle for Europe. Priced at under €45,000, it competes with models such as the Cupra Tavascan and Nissan Ariya. Production in Cologne will replace the Fiesta, while the brand plans to produce other EV models on its own platform in Valencia. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
20. 1. 2024 Volvo Cars expects tremendous growth in the electric vehicle market. CEO Jim Rowan spoke at the Davos Economic Forum about strong demand momentum, particularly in Europe, despite sceptical predictions from competitors. Volvo plans to halve the share of EVs in sales by the middle of the decade and to sell only EVs by 2030. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
20. 1. 2024 Stellantis has unveiled a new platform that will be used for the larger electric vehicle category of the group’s multiple brands. It will be able to integrate larger batteries with a range of 800 km and, based on an 800 V architecture, will enable significantly faster charging. Read more.
19. 1. 2024 Tesla is slashing prices of its models in Europe in response to slowing demand for electric vehicles. Stellantis, on the other hand, is avoiding a price war and keeping its prices stable. The company’s CEO, Carlos Tavares, warns of the risks of reckless price cutting. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
18. 1. 2024 The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached agreement on the final form of the Regulation for reducing CO2 emissions from heavy goods transport. This means only zero-emission urban buses from 2035 and a 65% reduction in truck emissions by 2035 and up to 90% by 2040. The agreement now needs to be confirmed by the plenary of the European Parliament and by ministers in the EU Council. Read more 100bus🇬🇧
18. 1. 2024 December 2023 saw the first decline in battery EV sales since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. 160,700 units sold represents a 16.9% year-on-year decline. Nevertheless, 1.5 million EVs were sold in 2023, 37% more than in 2022. BEVs’ share of sales reached 14.6% in 2023. Source
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17. 1. 2024 The European Commission has announced an ambitious plan to promote electro-mobility, aiming to increase the efficiency and availability of charging points across the EU. Funding is also being increased to support innovation in the sector. More at europa.eu 🇬🇧
16. 1. 2024 Hydrogen cars are a flop, writes the website obnovitelne.cz. Registrations of these vehicles in Germany have dropped by 70%, with only 263 registrations last year. The significant drop in interest may be a signal for future trends in electromobility.
16. 1. 2024 Statistics from insurance companies and firefighters in the Czech Republic prove that electric cars are more reliable than traditional cars in terms of fire risk. Insurance companies, for example, record so few of these fires that it makes no sense for them to even bother with them. Read more at obnovitelne.cz
15. 1. 2024 Berlin has almost doubled the number of public charging stations for electric cars in 2023, with 2,360 in operation today (more than we have in the rest of the country). This makes the city a leader in charging infrastructure in Germany. Read more at berlin.de 🇩🇪
15. 1. 2024 Siemens is expanding its range of fast-charging solutions for electric buses and trucks with the acquisition of Heliox. This includes solutions for charging from 40 kW up to megawatt capacities. Read more at siemens.com 🇬🇧
15. 1. 2024 Once again, the Czechs have beaten us to the punch and introduced the measures that SEVA has long proposed before we did. From the new year, the tax for private use of company electric cars has been lowered to 0.25% of the purchase price. This step promotes eco-mobility and reduces costs for employees. More at zakonyprolidi.cz 🇨🇿
14. 1. 2024 Vienna is leading by example in the field of sustainable mobility. By 2031, more than 1,200 urban vehicles will be converted to electric, and already 36% of commercial vehicles in the city’s fleet are electric. Read more at wien.gv.at 🇩🇪
13. 1. 2024 Of the 13.6 million EVs sold in 2023, 9.5 million were pure EVs. December sales reached a record 1.5 million vehicles. The future belongs to EVs! Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
12. 1. 2024 BMW will convert its main plant in Munich exclusively to the production of electric vehicles by 2027. By 2030, the brand plans to sell more than half of its vehicles with pure electric drive. Read more at handelsblatt.com 🇩🇪
12. 1. 2024 The MAN Truck & Bus and ABB E-mobility collaboration brings innovation to electro-mobility – the goal is to bring a megawatt charging system for heavy trucks and long-distance vehicles to market by 2025. Read more at mantruckandbus.com 🇬🇧
11. 1. 2024 Hungary is investing $2 billion in infrastructure in the Debrecen industrial centre, which will make it the fourth largest battery producer in the world. Investments will go into logistics support, road construction and water treatment. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
10. 1. 2024 In the last three years, the Czech insurance company Kooperativa has dealt with a total of 217 car fires. More than 70% of the fires involved diesel vehicles (152), followed by petrol vehicles (60), three cases of LPG and two cases of hybrid vehicles. Not a single electric vehicle fire was recorded. Read more at obnovitelne.cz
10. 1. 2024 Stellantis will close the legendary factory in Bielsko-Biala, Poland, which for 75 years produced internal combustion engines for the Fiat brand. According to local unions, the reason is expected to be reduced demand for internal combustion engines due to the switch to zero-emission vehicles. Almost 500 people will lose their jobs. Read more.
10. 1. 2024 How are the battery factories being fought over? The European Commission has approved €902 million in state aid to Germany to support the construction of Northvolt’s gigafactory. The plant in Heide will reach an annual capacity of 60 GWh, enabling the production of batteries for almost one million electric cars per year. Read more at ec.europa.eu 🇬🇧
10. 1. 2024 Despite subsidy cuts in some European countries, sales of electric vehicles will continue to grow in Europe. It is expected to reach around 3.4 million units in 2024, an increase of 8% despite the transitional challenges. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
9. 1. 2024 The EV market is set to grow by 22% this year, with global sales of EVs (battery and plug-in hybrids) expected to reach 16.7 million units, 70% of which will be pure electric cars. The EV share of the global market will reach around 20% (pure electric 14%). This is according to a Bloomberg NEF analysis 🇬🇧
9. 1. 2024 Stellantis announced that it has reduced software development for its vehicles from several months to one day, thanks to Amazon’s solutions. It is able to test multiple solutions in a virtual cockpit, the best of which it then puts into practice. This is a significant step towards savings in the development of new models. Read more at reuter.com 🇬🇧
7. 1. 2024 Volvo Cars set a new global sales record last year with 708,716 vehicles sold, an increase of 15%. Sales of electric cars grew by a remarkable 70%, confirming the segment’s position within the Volvo brand. Read more at volvocars.com 🇬🇧
6. 1. 2024 PowerCo (part of the Volkswagen Group) has made significant progress in testing its solid electrolyte battery. This technology is expected to significantly increase charging speeds, improve safety, and extend the life and range of electric vehicles. Read more at volkswagen-group.com 🇬🇧
5. 1. 2024 In Australia, the BYD Atto 3 electric car helped save the life of 11-year-old Levi, who was on dialysis. Equipped with V2L technology, which is capable of feeding power from the electric car’s battery back into the grid, the vehicle provided power for his dialysis machine during a widespread black-out. Read more at obnovitelne.cz
5. 1. 2024 At the end of the year, Germany received the first payment from the Recovery Plan, which they applied for back in September and which also funds subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles and the construction of charging stations. This is a practical confirmation that direct support for the purchase of vehicles is also possible from the Recovery and Resilience Plan, as SEVA has long proposed. Read more.
4. 1. 2024 BYD state-of-the-art facility in Szeged, Hungary will be the first of its kind built by a Chinese automotive company in Europe and will have the advanced car production line. The new production facility will incorporate the most advanced global technology and highly automated production processes to create a leading global new energy passenger vehicle manufacturing facility. Read more at byd.com
3. 1. 2024 The Italian government aims to renew one of the oldest fleets in Europe with subsidies for the purchase of electric cars worth €930 million. The financial incentives are to be up to €13 750 for citizens with an annual income of less than €30 000. Read more at bloomberg.com 🇬🇧
3. 1. 2024 Milence has launched a new charging hub for electric trucks in the Netherlands. Charging services are available for all brands via a user-friendly app. Read more at milence.com 🇬🇧
2. 1. 2024 Chinese company BYD has become the world’s largest manufacturer of electric cars. In the last quarter of 2023, it overtook Tesla by more than 42,000 vehicles. China has already overtaken the US, Germany and South Korea in car exports.
2. 1. 2024 Cooling in China? BYD sold nearly three million vehicles in 2023, an increase of 62 percent. In the fourth quarter alone, the company sold a record 526,409 all-electric vehicles, and today (Jan. 2) we’ll find out if it has overtaken Tesla globally for the first time. More on aktualne.cz
2. 1. 2024 Dachser is introducing the first emission-free tractor unit in long-distance national transport in the Czech Republic. The Volvo FH Electric truck will cover the 330 km route from Kladno to Hradec Králové without emissions, supporting greener transport. More at dachser.sk
1. 1. 2024 Advances in battery technology are opening the door for faster charging of electric vehicles. Thanks to new battery cell and pack designs, new vehicle models will charge at 4C, which means a full charge in 10-20 minutes. Read more at frauhofer.de 🇩🇪
30. 12. 2023 A new analysis by the Fraunhofer Institute and PWC highlights the key potential for vehicle electrification in the EU. By 2030, savings of more than a billion tonnes of CO2 and reduced vehicle ownership costs can be achieved. Read more at fraunhofer.de 🇩🇪
28. 12. 2023 Hyundai starts construction of a new research centre in Germany, focusing on autonomous systems and electromobility. The 25,000 m² centre will emphasise eco-design and renewable energy. Read more at hyundai.be 🇩🇪
26. 12. 2023 China’s BYD will add another Hungarian factory in Szeged to the Komárom plant. The move will create thousands of jobs and strengthen BYD’s position in Europe. There are growing concerns in Brussels that the Chinese are doing this to avoid paying import tariffs. Read more at reuters.com 🇬🇧
22. 12. 2023 Gotion, which together with INOBAT will build a battery gigafactory in Slovakia, has commissioned a similar joint-venture in Thailand. The annual capacity is to be 2GWh at the beginning, later to be expanded to 8GWh. The LFP batteries designed for Neta Auto have a capacity of only 38 kWh, but can provide a range of up to 400 km. Read more at en.gotion.com.cn 🇬🇧
21. 12. 2023 Volkswagen’s St. Thomas battery gigafactory in St. Thomas, Canada, has completed preparatory work with the aim of starting production in 2027. The nearly €5 billion investment, which Slovakia also applied for, will create 3,000 jobs. Read more at volkswagen-group.com 🇬🇧
21. 12. 2023 The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association(ACEA) has published an update on new vehicle registrations in the EU. The market share of electric vehicles reached 16.3%. Belgium contributed significantly with an increase of 150%. Read more at acea.auto 🇬🇧
21. 12. 2023 The European Commission has failed to tighten limits on exhaust emissions from cars and trucks, as conservative politicians and the car industry say they would have made them more expensive. Euractiv writes about the Euro 7 standard.
20. 12. 2023 The first column of the future Volvo plant was erected in the Valaliky Industrial Park. Production is planned here from 2026 and the annual capacity is to gradually reach 250,000 electric vehicles.
20. 12. 2023 Volkswagen (SEVA member) is investing more than €3.5 billion in its second European battery gigafactory. Near Valencia, they will produce batteries for 800,000 cars a year and more than 30 percent of the energy for the factory will be supplied by a new solar power plant. Read more at battery-news.de
20. 12. 2023 GreenWay (SEVA member) is preparing more than 300 ultra-fast chargers in Croatia. The €30 million project will kick off in Slunj in January. The 100-400 kW stations will be located on strategic corridors and in urban areas. Read more at balkangreenenergynews.com 🇬🇧
19. 12. 2023 Battery production is moving towards greater sustainability. Interest in the recycling and reuse of batteries is growing, contributing to reducing their environmental impact. These changes are crucial for the future of electromobility. Read more in Roland Berger’s analysis 🇬🇧 or a summary here on the SEVA website.
19. 12. 2023 South Korea is investing $29 billion over the next five years to develop the battery industry. Direct financial support and tax breaks are expected to strengthen the global competitiveness of Korean companies operating in the battery segment. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
18. 12. 2023 The battle for premium locations for charging stations is on. Investment by the big players in the industry will mean consolidation and by the end of the decade the logos on chargers will be quite different to what we see today. Read about the Reuters analysis here at SEVA.
18. 12. 2023 The most pessimistic estimate of Guillermo Mancholas, the head of Jaguar Land Rover (member of SEVA) in Nitra, is that the demand for electric cars will grow by 40 percent within 5 years. More interesting information can be found in an interview with Daniela Krajanova on Denník N.
17. 12. 2023 What are the findings after extinguishing the first electric car fire in an underground garage in Prague? Read what challenges this dreaded situation brought for firefighters and rescue services in our neighbours in an article on Mojelektromobil.
16. 12. 2023 Stellantis (a SEVA member) has announced that it has already received 10,000 orders for the new Citroen Ë-C3 electric model, which will be produced in Trnava. Read more at stellantis.com.
14. 12. 2023 Thanks to SEVA’s activities and publications, the topic of electromobility and the construction of charging infrastructure is increasingly entering the mainstream media. Here is an article based on the quarterly evaluation of our association on the portal cas.sk.
13. 12. 2023 Tesla will recall more than 2 million vehicles in the US for the safety of using Autopilot. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA continues to monitor the brand after a year-long investigation. Read more at europe.autonews.com 🇬🇧
13. 12. 2023 What is the truth about the life cycle emissions footprint of EVs and how do EVs compare to ICE vehicles? Aaron Fishbone has searched for answers in reputable sources and analyses, and SEVA brings you his findings.
13. 12. 2023 The first real firefighters’ response to an electric car fire in an underground garage in Prague revealed the need for better infrastructure planning. Successful response depended on happy accidents. Read more at mojelektromobil.sk
12. 12. 2023 A Fire Protection Task Force has been established within the SEVA Infrastructure Working Group. We talked about its objectives and the current state of fire protection in Slovakia with Boris Bukovský, who moderates the discussion of experts within this platform, in the podcast FOR FULL PRUDD. Listen to the latest episode.
11. 12. 2023 Volvo (SEVA member) will introduce the EM90 electric van and the new EX30 to strengthen its position in the markets in China, Europe and the USA. The move underlines the brand’s determination to move away from the production of internal combustion engines ahead of the planned restriction on their sale in the EU from 2035. Read more at edison.media 🇩🇪
11. 12. 2023 Nissan (a SEVA member) has announced that the third generation LEAF will come with more advanced batteries that will offer 30% higher density. It will also introduce new Juke and Qashqai models next year. The company is investing £423 million to produce 100,000 vehicles a year in Sunderland, England. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
11. 12. 2023 Volvo Cars (a SEVA member) is committed to a radical 75% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030. The company plans to use near-zero-emission aluminium and steel, which will further reduce the emissions footprint and contribute to sustainability. Read more at volvocars.com 🇬🇧
10. 12. 2023 A groundbreaking step from Volkswagen: the ID. models allow the vehicle to be used as home energy storage. The “Vehicle to Home” function means more efficient use of electricity. Read more at volkswagen-newsroom.com 🇩🇪”
10. 12. 2023 Fiat will unveil the new Pandina electric model, which will be produced on three continents. The vehicle offers a range of 320 kilometres and should be available for less than 25 thousand euros. Read more at electrive.net 🇩🇪
9. 12. 2023 Daimler Buses and Mercedes-Benz Energy are transforming used batteries from eCitaro buses into stationary energy storage units. This project pushes the boundaries of sustainability and demonstrates the possibilities of battery recycling in transport. Read more at daimlertruck.com 🇬🇧
8. 12. 2023 The new Nissan Juke will come to market around 2027 in an electric version with a price comparable to petrol models. “Developing three EVs at the same time allows us to reflect customer expectations,” said Nissan Europe’s David Moss. Read more at autocar.co.uk 🇬🇧
7. 12. 2023 Starting in 2028, Volkswagen will electrify its entire fleet of transporters, starting with the Crafter. This is part of VW’s new Project Space, which responds to changes in the market. Read more at manager-magazin.de 🇩🇪
6. 12. 2023 Kaufland launches 8 electric 40-tonne eActros 300 trucks from Mercedes-Benz, which will ensure CO2-free deliveries to 10 branches. At the same time, the first E-Ladepark with 8 stations for large-scale logistics with an annualCO2 saving potential of up to 900 tonnes is opened in Möckmühle. Read more at kaufland.de 🇩🇪
6. 12. 2023 Stellantis and Ample are working on an EV charging solution that would swap out dead batteries in a vehicle for charged ones. The collaboration starts with the Fiat 500 in Madrid. Read more at Automotive News Europe 🇬🇧
5. 12. 2023 A whistleblower has taken 100 GB of internal data out of Tesla and claims that we are all part of an experiment on public roads and the autonomous systems in the brand’s vehicles are not safe. They brake sharply in response to non-existent obstacles, for example. Read more on sme.sk
5. 12. 2023 Milence and Hitachi Energy are developing a revolutionary 1,000A MCS charging system that will enable fast charging of heavy trucks in 30 to 40 minutes with 15 high-performance 400kW CCS chargers. Read more at electricdrives.tv 🇬🇧
1. 12. 2023 Denmark will extend measures in favour of electric cars and postpone tax increases in the new budget. Promoting the sale of these vehicles is key to the transition to clean mobility. Today, more than 177 000 electric cars are already on Danish roads. Read more at autonews.com 🇬🇧
1. 12. 2023 Kia (a SEVA member) is planning a major expansion of its Slovak operation in Teplice nad Vahom. The investment of 108 million euros will lead to the adaptation of production lines for electric vehicles and the retention of jobs. The government will reportedly support the investment with EUR 30 million. Read more on dennikn.sk
30. 11. 2023 Mobilityportal.eu published an interview with SEVA Director Patrik Križanský. The topic was also the subsidy schemes for direct support for the purchase of electric vehicles.
30. 11. 2023 In Sweden, Einride’s first Smartcharger station has opened. It offers fast, easy and efficient charging of electric trucks. Similar hubs are key to the development of greener transport, especially in urban areas. Read more at einride.tech 🇬🇧
30. 11. 2023 The President of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) presented a manifesto and roadmap for a competitive European mobility ecosystem, signed by the CEOs of all leading European vehicle manufacturers. Read more on the SEVA website.
29. 11. 2023 European automotive suppliers are losing ground in global markets. While exports amounted to €26 billion in 2018, they fell to just €10 billion last year. The trend was highlighted by the Automobilwoche portal, and we have prepared a short summary.
28. 11. 2023 Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares has opened a new centre for recycling and other circular economy activities in Mirafiori, Italy. This division is expected to generate billions of euros in revenue for the Group in the future. Read more.
28. 11. 2023 Mercedes has opened its first own ultra-fast charging hub with 300 kW charging points after the USA and China already in Germany. By the end of next year, it plans to build more than 200 of them in Europe. Read more at automobilwoche.de
27. 11. 2023 Nissan (SEVA member) confirms its commitment to the transformation to electromobility with concrete steps. It is investing £1.12 billion in the production of the new Qashqai and Juke at the UK’s largest plant in Sunderland, which will create hundreds of jobs. Read more at standard.co.uk 🇬🇧
24. 11. 2023 The director of SEVA, Patrik Križanský, evaluated the announced construction of a gigafactory for battery production and the development of electromobility in Slovakia in general on RTVS’s Morning News. Watch the recording 🎥
24. 11. 2023 The American semiconductor manufacturer Onsemi has opened a state-of-the-art testing laboratory in Piešťany. It focuses on developing solutions for electric and hybrid vehicles and offers special technology for developing and testing semiconductor components made of silicon and silicon carbide. Read more at www.electrive.com 🇬🇧
23. 11. 2023 Scania (a SEVA member) plans to produce heavy trucks exclusively from green steel made with hydrogen technology by 2030. The agreement with Sweden’s SSAB foresees the first deliveries of such steel from 2026, with volumes gradually increasing until full decarbonisation. Read more at hydrogeninsight.com 🇬🇧
22. 11. 2023 Northvolt has introduced a cutting-edge sodium battery that offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for energy storage. It provides high energy density and is safe even at high temperatures. The first generation of these cells is designed for energy storage, but future applications in electromobility are also envisaged. Read more at northvolt.com
22. 11. 2023 Amazon (a SEVA member) will expand its offering to include online vehicle sales. From the middle of next year, it will start selling the Hyundai brand, with the offer to be expanded later. Customers will order and pay for the car like any other item on offer from the global retailer. Read more at techcrunch.com 🇬🇧
21. 11. 2023 SEVA’s recommendations have been taken on board by the Czech brothers: they are launching a generous subsidy programme for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles from the Recovery Plan, even including trucks and the construction of charging stations. As of 2018, this is the sixth such programme in the Czech Republic. Read more at e15.cz
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents 14 major European car, van, truck and bus manufacturers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group and Volvo Group.