Electromobility Monitor, Varta, ZSW, Skoda, Nissan and much more

The Biden Administration in the U.S. has made a significant regulatory adjustment concerning tax credits for electric vehicles. It now allows automakers to continue importing graphite from China for the production of electric vehicle batteries. This exception from the original provisions, which aimed to shift supply chains to the U.S. or allied countries, has been extended for an additional two years until 2027. Despite some criticism, the U.S. government views this as a necessary step to continue promoting electromobility without disproportionately burdening the automotive industry.

According to recent studies by the German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW), Germany continues to show a positive trend in electromobility. The latest "Electromobility Monitor" from the association highlights the rapid expansion of the charging infrastructure, with the number of public charging points increasing by 40% to a total of 118,163. Despite this growth, the average utilization of the charging points remains relatively low at 12.5%, which the BDEW attributes to the exceeding of European minimum targets. The BDEW emphasizes the need for a stronger focus on affordable electric vehicles for the mass market to achieve the goal of 15 million electric cars by 2030.

Researchers at Graz University of Technology are working on improved methods to evaluate used lithium-ion batteries for second-life applications. The current standard methods, which primarily rely on reduced charging capacity and increased internal resistance, are insufficient, according to the researchers, to accurately determine the condition of a battery for reuse. The team has therefore identified 31 different metrics, 13 of which are considered meaningful for assessing the aging condition and determining the potential for further use without critical data protection issues. These include metrics such as the charge and discharge capacity, the temperature difference between poles during charging, or the relaxation behavior of the battery cell after charging.

Battery manufacturer Varta has launched a project called ENTISE aimed at advancing the development of sodium-ion battery technologies. The project's goal is to develop a cost-effective, high-performance, and environmentally friendly battery alternative. According to the project's leaders, a key component of the initiative will be producing sufficient quantities of necessary materials to create durable laboratory samples and prototypes in cylindrical cell design. The final product will be a small series of cylindrical cells that "allow for a reliable property evaluation in practical application scenarios such as electric vehicles and stationary storage systems," according to Varta.

The Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) has initiated a new pilot plant for the production of cathode materials for batteries. This facility enables the manufacturer-independent production of battery materials and their precursors up to 100 kilograms. According to ZSW, this quantity of material will allow for the construction of full-sized batteries that could later be used in vehicles, among other applications.

Skoda has introduced the new concept study, the Enyaq RS Race, designed to combine sustainability in motorsport with an enhanced emotional appeal of the brand. According to Skoda, the study also serves as a platform for the development and rigorous testing of electric technologies for future battery electric production models. The Enyaq RS Race is based on the serial electric vehicle, the Enyaq Coupe RS, which has a power output of 250 kW (340 hp) and incorporates aerodynamic elements from the current Skoda Fabia RS Rally2. Specific details about technologies or performance features have not been fully released yet. However, a real vehicle is expected to emerge from this study that will be lower, wider, lighter, and particularly more dynamic, as announced by Daniel Petr, Senior Designer at Skoda, in a press release.

Nissan has introduced the Evalia variant of its Townstar, available with up to seven seats and offered with a purely electric drive. Equipped with a 45-kWh battery, the Townstar Evalia EV boasts a range of up to 165 miles, providing ample space for family and multi-passenger transport. The battery can be charged from 15% to 80% in just 37 minutes at a power of up to 80 kW. The vehicle shares its technology and platform with the Renault Kangoo.

Swiss bicycle manufacturer Flyer has unveiled its first light electric mountain bike, the Uproc SL:X. Designed for sporting activities, this lightweight electric mountain bike features a 130 mm travel suspension, weighs from 18 kg, and comes equipped with a Bosch SX motor and a 400 Wh battery.

Volkswagen has announced a comprehensive upgrade for the ID.3, focusing mainly on software and interior improvements, and in one variant, also on the drive system.

Hyundai is investing nearly a billion dollars in Motional, a company specializing in fully electric robotaxis. This year, Motional aims to launch a robotaxi service using driverless, fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 vehicles.

Renault has unveiled the new hybrid SUV, Symbioz. It features a hybrid E-Tech 145 drivetrain that includes a four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 69 kW (94 HP) and two electric motors—one with 36 kW and a starter generator with 18 kW—combined with a 1.2 kWh battery. The total system power is 107 kW (145 HP).