"Mobility Transition Pathway", Battery Factory Study, Fiat, Renault, "Car of the Year" Award

The European Commission kicked off the implementation of the "Mobility Transition Pathway" action plan. This initiative for the sustainable transformation of Europe's mobility sector is part of the Green Deal and the European Industrial Strategy. It was developed in collaboration with national and regional authorities, industry partners, NGOs, and the bicycle, automotive, rail, and shipping industries. Its goal is to identify the challenges, opportunities, conditions, and necessary actions for a successful green and digital transformation, enhancing the resilience of the ecosystem. Therefore the report includes some 112 specific actions. 

A recent study by Porsche Consulting and the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA) sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for Europe in the global billion-dollar battery factory market. According to the study "Battery Manufacturing 2030: Collaborating at Warp Speed," approximately 200 battery factories are currently under construction or planned to be completed within the next decade. Currently, only eight percent of the high-tech equipment in these factories stems from Europe, posing the risk of technological dependence. The study, therefore, emphasizes the need for closer cooperation among European machinery manufacturers, offering integrated factory solutions together to increase market share. 

Germany's National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure released a new report on public charging infrastructure. With approximately 20,000 new charging points added in 2023, the total number exceeded 100,000 charging points. Particularly, AC charging points and HPC connections (over 150 kW) saw significant growth. In comparison with 2022, the amount of charging points increased by 31 percent, and the charging capacity grew by 36.5 percent. According to the National Control Center, this means more charging power is available per charging point, leading to shorter charging times and potentially reducing the need for more charging points. Furthermore, the average charging capacity installed per station has also increased. Despite focusing on powerful rapid chargers, which now account for more than half of the installed charging capacity, there is a regional variation in the distribution of new additions. In this context, Swedish energy giant Vattenfall announced this week it plans to invest around 100 million euros annually in expanding the charging infrastructure in Germany by 2028. 

In China, the expansion of charging infrastructure remains a major goal. According to Nikkei Asia, Huawei plans to build 100,000 fast-charging stations across China this year in partnership with others, at locations such as stores and highway rest stops. For the planned stations, charging capacities of up to 600 kW are aspired, with the goal of enabling "one kilometer per second" charging. The HPC network's charging stations will be compatible with all electric vehicles. Huawei intends to ensure the high charging capacities of up to 600 kW through a cooling system based on a liquid coolant, according to the report. 

Researchers are now developing and comparing new methods for recovering lithium iron phosphate (LFP) from batteries as part of the "DiLiRec" project. Over the next three years, the research consortium will primarily focus on battery cell sorting and disassembling, as well as the delamination of electrodes, to enable efficient battery recycling. The separation of the so-called active material is expected to be supported by automated and digitalized processes. Particularly, the project participants are investigating two methods for recovering LFP cathode material from cylindrical cells: In direct recycling, LFP as active material is to be entirely recovered and reutilized in a processed form. And in the standard recycling process, precursors of the LFP synthesis will be isolated. They will then serve as secondary raw materials. 

As part of the European research project "DigiCell," researchers have been working since the beginning of the year on digital tools to optimize the manufacturing of battery cells. These tools are expected to increase the efficiency of production processes and simultaneously improve the quality of the cells produced. The use of artificial intelligence and machine learning aims to reduce production errors and enhance battery performance. Specifically, the project involves developing new measurement tools for materials and creating multiscale, digitally integrated battery models through machine learning. The focus is not only on improving lithium-ion batteries (LiB) but also on exploring innovative cell solutions beyond lithium. 

Simultaneously, a new consortium project, coordinated by the University of Würzburg, is working on developing a sodium battery based on protected cathode materials, aqueous electrode fabrication, and hydrolysis-resistant electrolytes. This battery is expected to perform nearly on par with today’s reference cells. Recyclability is also a goal: Plans include cells with at least 25 percent recycled electrode material without significant loss of performance. 

Fiat has provided a glimpse into the electric future with the unveiling of five concept vehicles. These concepts are set to evolve into production models by 2027, including a city car, a pickup truck, a sedan, an SUV, and a versatile recreational vehicle. The first production model is expected to be unveiled in July 2024, with subsequent models debuting annually through 2027. These new models will adhere to a unified philosophy where functionality is always paired with fun. They are planned to share a wide range of technologies on a common global platform, be manufacturable worldwide, and meet diverse regional requirements. The future vehicles will optionally be equipped with electric, hybrid, or combustion engine technologies and will be distinguished by efficient space utilization and sustainable materials. 

The Scenic E-Tech Electric has won the "Car of the Year 2024" award, securing one of the most coveted titles in the European automotive industry. The announcement was made this week in Geneva. In the final round, the Scenic E-Tech Electric edged out competitors such as the BMW 5 Series, BYD Seal, Kia EV9, Peugeot E-3008/3008, Toyota C-HR, and Volvo EX30. The "Car of the Year" award, established by European magazines in 1964, involved an independent jury of 59 automotive journalists from 22 countries this year. This makes the Scenic E-Tech Electric the seventh Renault model to receive the prestigious "Car of the Year" title. 

At Geneva International Motor Show, Renault not only clinched the "Car of the Year" award but also unveiled the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, a new electric compact car. It's the first electric vehicle to utilize the brand-new Ampere platform AmpR Small, designed for compact electric cars. The car will initially be available in three motor configurations: 110 kW/150 hp, 90 kW/120 hp, and 70 kW/95 hp, along with two battery sizes offering a range of 300 kilometers (42 kWh) and up to 400 kilometers (52 kWh), respectively. The 110-kW version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in less than 8 seconds and from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) in less than 7 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 150 km/h (93 mph). The R5 is also Renault's first model equipped with the new bidirectional 11-kW AC charger, featuring both V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) for connecting devices to the car battery and V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) for feeding electricity back into the grid. The market launch is scheduled for late 2024. 

BYD marked world and European premieres at Geneva International Motor Show. The company showcased the Seal U, available in Europe from March, presenting its plug-in version DM-i in Switzerland. Additionally, they revealed the European premiere of the luxury e-offroader U8 from the Yangwang brand, along with two new models from Denza, a brand established with Mercedes in 2010. These included the plug-in hybrid minivan D9, previously unveiled at IAA MOBILITY in Munich last fall, and the crossover N7. In total, BYD featured eight models at the Geneva event. 

Furthermore, the BYD affiliate Yangwang shared details about the production version of the electric sports car U9, announced at the beginning of 2023. BYD aims to introduce the Yangwang U9, an electric super sports car, equipped with four motors each delivering 240 kW – totaling 960 kW. The U9 is said to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.36 seconds, with a top speed of 309 km/h (192 mph), according to BYD. 

Additionally, BYD celebrated the maiden voyage of the Explorer No.1 this week, the first of eight car carriers, the company plans to build in the future. 

BYD marked world and European premieres at Geneva International Motor Show. The company showcased the Seal U, available in Europe from March, presenting its plug-in version DM-i in Switzerland. Additionally, they revealed the European premiere of the luxury e-offroader U8 from the Yangwang brand, along with two new models from Denza, a brand established with Mercedes in 2010. These included the plug-in hybrid minivan D9, previously unveiled at IAA MOBILITY in Munich last fall, and the crossover N7. In total, BYD featured eight models at the Geneva event. 

At Geneva International Motor Show, MG Motors introduced the new electric brand IM ("Intelligent Mobility"), set to offer purely electric vehicles in Europe starting in 2025. Alongside this announcement, the company also debuted the MG3 Hybrid Plus, a hybrid vehicle with a combustion engine. The IM brand aims to open new technological horizons and provide an exceptional driving experience characterized by cutting-edge electric drives, advanced driver assistance systems, and intelligent, connected services. 

IM's initial focus will be on sedans and SUVs. The first model introduced in Geneva was the IM L6, a purely electric sedan. It is designed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just under three seconds and offers a range of more than 600 or 800 kilometers (approximately 373 or 497 miles), depending on the model variant with either a lithium-ion or solid-state battery. 

Micro Mobility Systems is expanding its vehicle lineup with the Microlino Lite, an L6e version of the electric cabin scooter designed specifically for teenagers aged 15 and up. Unveiled at Geneva International Motor Show, the Microlino Lite, like all L6e-class vehicles, can be driven with a moped license in the European Union and promises ample space and comfort despite its compact size. With a top speed of 45 km/h (about 28 mph) and a range of up to 180 kilometers (approximately 112 miles), the Microlino Lite targets a younger audience seeking a sustainable and weather-protected mobility solution, according to a press release. 

Automotive supplier Vitesco Technologies is preparing for the series production of an innovative high-voltage box designed to make the charging, conversion, and distribution of electricity in electric vehicles more efficient. The modular system is set to integrate several functions into one unit, including an AC charger capable of charging up to 22 kW, a DC converter, and power electronics that distribute high-voltage energy throughout the car and enable DC charging up to 800 volts. By pre-integrating these components, the system aims to reduce space requirements in the vehicle, making electromobility not only more efficient but also more cost-effective. The company also plans to utilize silicon carbide semiconductors, which are expected to provide charging efficiency of more than 95%. Additionally, the high-voltage box will support bidirectional charging. Two undisclosed car manufacturers have already shown interest. 

Tern Bicycles introduced the Orox, an all-terrain electric cargo bike that promises an exceptionally long range. Equipped with a mid-drive motor and dual-battery technology, the e-cargo bike can exceed 300 kilometers (about 186 miles) on a single charge and has room for two small or one large passenger, a dog, or heavy luggage. 

Škoda Auto has reached a significant milestone in its electric mobility offensive: the production of 200,000 units of the Enyaq and Enyaq Coupé. The anniversary vehicle, a white Enyaq Coupé Sportline, rolled off the assembly line on February 16th. 

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the new Tesla Roadster in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The production design is expected to be completed and unveiled by the end of this year, with deliveries starting in 2025. 

Apple has reportedly canceled its electric car project, known as "Titan," after a decade of development, according to Bloomberg. Most of the automotive division's staff are said to be moving to the artificial intelligence department. 

Polestar has begun manufacturing the Polestar 3 in Chengdu, China. An additional production line is set to start in mid-2024 at the Volvo plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, USA.