EEA Report, E.ON Survey, Fraunhofer, Xpeng, Toyota, Lynk, and more

The average CO2 emissions from new light commercial vehicles have continued to decrease, falling by 1.6% from 2022. This reduction is linked to the increasing share of electric vehicles, according to preliminary data published by the European Environment Agency (EEA). In 2023, Europe registered 1.2 million new vans, which is a 20.2% increase from 2022. The share of purely electric vans reached 8% last year, with more than half of these vehicles registered in France, Germany, and Sweden.

A recent survey by E.ON reveals that 25% of electric vehicle drivers regularly cover distances of over 1,000 kilometers, matching the 30% of internal combustion engine vehicle drivers. This statistic highlights the growing acceptance and reliability of electric vehicles for long-distance travel. According to the survey, the top reasons cited by EV drivers for their choice of vehicle are comfort (57%), cost savings (39%), and sustainability (38%). The expansion of charging infrastructure and the increasing range of vehicles are key factors driving this trend.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Reliability and Microintegration (IZM) has developed a new, highly efficient on-board charger (OBC) designed to significantly reduce charging times for electric vehicles. This next-generation OBC leverages cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor components, which offer higher power density and efficiency. The new on-board charger achieves an efficiency of over 98%, marking a substantial improvement over traditional systems. The use of silicon carbide allows the new OBC to achieve higher switching frequencies, reducing the size of passive components such as coils and capacitors. This makes the OBC more compact and lighter, ideal for use in electric vehicles where space and weight are crucial factors. Additionally, the higher efficiency reduces energy loss and heat generation, extending the lifespan of the components and enhancing system reliability. It supports charging powers of up to 22 kW, accelerating charging at home or at public charging stations.  

Xpeng Motors and Didi have unveiled the jointly developed electric sedan M03. The company plans to equip the M03 with various levels of autonomous driving, making features previously found only in more expensive cars accessible to a broader audience. Deliveries of the M03 are set to begin in the third quarter, with production taking place at the plant in Zhaoqing, Guangdong. Specific technical details have yet to be announced.

Japanese automakers Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru have announced a partnership to develop new engines for electrified drivetrains. The new engines will be equipped with advanced technologies, including high-pressure direct injection, turbochargers, and variable valve timing. These technologies are designed to maximize engine efficiency and performance while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. Additionally, the companies are working on integrating electric drive components to facilitate the transition to fully electric drivetrains.

Lynk & Co, a brand under the Geely Group, has introduced its first fully electric vehicle, the Lynk & Co Z10. This model is based on the SEA platform (Sustainable Experience Architecture) and features an 800-volt battery that provides a range of 573 km with just 15 minutes of charging, and over 800 km on a full charge. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. There are three drivetrain options: The base model has a 200 kW motor and a top speed of 210 km/h. The mid-range version comes with a 310 kW motor and reaches 240 km/h. The top-end version combines a 310 kW motor with a second 270 kW motor, achieving a top speed of 250 km/h. This version also features all-wheel drive and the impressive acceleration time of 3.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

Honda and Mitsubishi Corporation have launched a new joint venture called Altna. The companies aim to optimize the costs of electric vehicles, extend battery lifespans, and enhance the resource cycle. Altna plans to start a battery leasing business, beginning with the new Honda N-VAN e:, set to launch in October 2024. Altna will retain ownership of the batteries and monitor their usage during the lease period to improve reliability. After automotive use, the batteries will be reclaimed for grid storage. Altna also plans to offer EV charging plans for optimized recharging expenses. By linking the energy control system with customers' electric vehicles, charging will automatically occur at the most cost-effective times. Long-term, Altna plans to offer Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) services, allowing electric vehicles to act as mobile power storage.

Folding bike brand Brompton has launched the exclusive “Maker Series,” in collaboration with precision watchmaker Bremont and the renowned shoe manufacturer Cheaney. The centerpiece of the “Maker Series” is a limited edition Brompton “P Line” titanium folding bike. In addition to the bike, the collection includes a specially designed Bremont watch, embodying the precision and craftsmanship of the British watchmaker. The set is completed with a pair of handcrafted Chelsea boots and a belt from Cheaney, known for their high quality and traditional craftsmanship. 

Velco, a company specializing in IoT technology for the bicycle industry, will integrate its technology into the fleet of Panot. This partnership aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of the electric bicycle fleet and provide users with an optimal riding experience. By incorporating Velco's Mobitrax technology, Panot's e-bikes will become smartbikes, offering a range of features including theft protection, real-time tracking, and maintenance tips via a mobile app. These features are intended to help minimize theft and vandalism and predict technical incidents. Panot also plans to use Velco's fleet management system to ensure monitoring and optimization of the fleet, allowing for efficient management and providing users with valuable usage data and statistics.

For the inauguration ceremony of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, about 30 boats will be equipped with electric and hybrid drives. This initiative is part of the IOC's comprehensive strategy to promote sustainable mobility on the water. A total of 20 boats have been retrofitted, and eleven more have been newly built to meet the requirements of the event. These vessels are part of a fleet of over 150 ships designed for commercial voyages in Paris.

Mahle SmartBike Systems has introduced the new X30 drive system for e-bikes, offering greater efficiency and versatility. This system is compatible with all components of the existing X20 system, allowing for easy integration and expansion. A key feature of the new system is the hub motor, which weighs only 1.9 kilograms and delivers 45 Nm of torque. Compared to mid-drive motors, the X30 motor offers 15% greater energy efficiency. This allows users to make their rides environmentally friendly and cover distances up to 190 kilometers. The system is also highly versatile, catering to various needs. It supports both Pedal Assist Sensors (PAS) and cadence and torque sensors, providing a tailored riding experience. The built-in torque sensor analyzes the rider's performance and adjusts motor power accordingly. Combined with artificial intelligence and machine learning, the e-bike can learn the behavior of its riders and adapt to users and their environment.