E.ON, Stellantis, Volkswagen, SAIC, Renault and more

Energy provider E.ON has achieved a significant milestone in the expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, now boasting 500,000 charging points across Europe. E.ON's network spans several countries, covering both urban and rural areas from Norway to Italy and from the UK to Poland, with plans to expand further. This comprehensive coverage supports the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and includes fast-charging stations along major transport routes as well as standard charging points in residential and workplace settings.

Stellantis has announced a collaboration with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to develop battery cells for more affordable next-generation electric vehicles. This initiative aims to research and create cost-effective, high-performance batteries intended for use in Stellantis' gigafactories, which are operated through joint ventures.

The partnership will focus on advancing state-of-the-art cells that offer increased performance, longer lifespans, and a lower carbon footprint at competitive prices. The research program will also include lifecycle assessment as well as the development and validation of battery cells.

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their joint venture, Volkswagen and Shanghai-based state-owned corporation SAIC have announced plans to develop two new all-electric models and three plug-in hybrid models in China and Germany, set to launch starting in 2026. Currently, SAIC VW offers electric vehicles based on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) that have been adapted for the Chinese market. The forthcoming BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) and PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) scheduled for release between 2026 and 2030 are designed to technologically bolster the joint venture and mark a new chapter in their collaboration.

Renault's electric vehicle subsidiary, Ampere, is partnering with the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) to integrate Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries into its vehicles. Ampere aims to reduce costs and improve profit margins by introducing this battery technology. To achieve this, they are establishing a European supply chain, with CATL providing LFP cells from its factory in Hungary. The existing supplier, LG Energy Solution, will contribute both NMC and LFP battery cells from Poland.

A key component of the new battery strategy is the introduction of Cell-to-Pack (CTP) technology in collaboration with LG Energy Solution. This approach eliminates the module level, arranging cells directly in the battery pack, which further reduces costs. Ampere anticipates that these measures will save about 20 percent on battery costs by 2026.

A potential candidate for the new LFP batteries is the new E-Twingo, set to begin mass production in Slovenia in 2026.

Chinese automaker Geely has introduced a new, enhanced Lithium Iron Phosphate battery called the "Aegis Short Blade Battery." This battery employs Blade technology, featuring very long and thin cells that are directly integrated into the battery pack, increasing energy density at the pack level and improving rapid charging capabilities.

The Aegis battery uses long, thin carbon nanotubes for ion transmission and special additives to enhance permeability. This results in a battery with an energy density of 192 Wh/kg, an average charging rate of 2.45C, and a lifespan of 3,500 cycles with minimal loss of capacity. The charging time from 10 to 80 percent is 17 minutes and 4 seconds.

Chinese media reports that the battery will be used in the E-SUV Galaxy E5, a model introduced in May by Geely’s subsidiary Galaxy, targeted at the Chinese market.

The Leapmotor C16, a new electric SUV, has been launched in China. Available in two versions, a fully electric model (EV) and an Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), the EV variant features a 215 kW electric motor with 360 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.37 seconds. It is equipped with a 67.7 kWh LFP battery pack, offering a range of 520 kilometers (323 miles) as per the Chinese CLTC standard. Charging the battery takes about six hours with an AC charger, and from 30 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes using a DC fast charger. The EREV variant includes a 170 kW electric motor with 320 Nm of torque, supplemented by a 1.5-liter engine and a 50-liter fuel tank. This setup accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.46 seconds, offering a pure electric range of 200 kilometers (124 miles) and a combined range of 1,095 kilometers (680 miles) with the combustion engine.

Extreme H has introduced its first hydrogen-powered race car, the Pioneer 25, set to compete in 2025. The race car utilizes the same drivetrain and chassis as the electric race cars from the Extreme E series but is equipped with a 75 kW fuel cell system from Symbio. Since the fuel cell cannot provide enough power for the 400 kW drivetrain on its own, a 36 kWh buffer battery is used.

Compared to the battery-electric race car Odyssey 21, which weighs 1,650 kilograms, the Pioneer 25 tips the scales at 2.2 tons. Despite the increased weight, the performance remains nearly identical, with an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.5 seconds.

Nayax, an Israeli specialist in cashless payment solutions, has unveiled the EV CloudPay payment terminal for electric vehicle charging stations. This terminal is set to revolutionize the existing payment infrastructure for EV charging by supporting over 80 cashless and digital payment methods, eliminating the need for multiple mobile apps or charge cards.

EV CloudPay operates on a cloud-based system capable of managing payments across multiple charging stations. It utilizes the global OCPI protocol as its communication foundation, ensuring wide compatibility and easy integration.

At Eurobike, Bosch introduced a series of new features aimed at enhancing the riding experience through artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations include personalized route planning and automated shifting, designed to make electric-assisted riding more enjoyable and efficient.

One highlighted feature is AI-based route planning, which adjusts to individual riding preferences. The "Range Control" function manages battery charge to ensure riders reach their destination with sufficient power. Additionally, the new Eco+ mode is designed for maximum energy efficiency, allowing for longer distances without recharging.

Bosch also offers automated shifting solutions developed in collaboration with TRP and Shimano. These electronic shifting systems enable smooth and silent gear changes, enhancing riding comfort. Users can customize their shifting settings through the E-Bike Flow App.

ZF Friedrichshafen showcased its "ZF Bike Eco System" at Eurobike, designed to fit nearly all types of e-bikes and can be installed on a bicycle with significantly less effort compared to current e-bike drives in the market. The system’s key component is the "CentriX" drive unit, featuring a compact 90 Newton-meter mid-motor. The "CentriX" is notable for its compact size and is compatible with both chain and hub transmissions.

ZF offers two performance levels: the CentriX 90, which provides 90 Nm of torque and a maximum output of 600 watts, and the CentriX 75, with 75 Nm of torque and a maximum output of 450 watts. The 48-volt battery is integrated into the bicycle's downtube, available in capacities of 504 or 756 watt-hours. The control unit, the "Core Controller," is integrated into the top tube and can optionally be equipped with a 2.8-inch touchscreen mounted on the handlebar. The "ZF Bike Eco System" is designed as an open system, providing interfaces and integration options for third-party providers.

Sharp Consumer Electronics has introduced the Milano E-Bike, notable for its fully disassemblable frame. This feature allows for exceptionally space-efficient transport and easy storage of the e-bike. The Milano's battery can also be detached from the frame and easily replaced if defective. The battery has a capacity of 252 Wh, which should provide a range of up to 80 kilometers. The motor delivers 250 watts of power, assists up to 25 km/h, and is located in the rear wheel hub.

At the EUROBIKE AWARD this week, an independent expert jury recognized particularly innovative and high-quality products in the bicycle and ecomobility sector. Over 300 product and project innovations were submitted across nine categories! This week, the 45 winners were announced.

The Gold Award winners included the CS200 Exclusive Cargo Bike from Ca Go Bike, an innovative, reusable, and foldable bicycle packaging from Circular logistics GmbH, the Tern Orox cargo bike concept from Hermann Hartje KG, the compact LAX Bike from Lax Cycles, the City E-Bike Diem 10 from Orbea, the Cargobike Carrie vario from Riese & Müller, the E-Bike RED AXS from SRAM, the URSUS Invisible Connect R97 with ANS as an innovative bike stand solution from Ursus Spa, the SON 29 S hub dynamo from Wilfried Schmidt Maschinenbau, and the Buffalo Bicycle Utility S2 developed by World Bicycle Relief in partnership with SRAM, Trek, and Specialized.

The Green Award was given to the Verde KinetiCore helmet from Lazer Sport, and the Start-Up Award went to PIKAPAK for the world's first package backpack.

A research team in Karlsruhe has investigated using public transport for parcel delivery. They presented a prototype of a delivery tram car and the concept of the "Logiktram": the sender loads packages into a so-called E-Trailer at their logistics center. The vehicle then autonomously drives to the nearest tram stop to board. The tram car is equipped with a designated spot for the delivery vehicle, securely anchored to stay in place even during emergency braking. Before boarding, passengers are notified via announcement about the non-human guest. This delivery trailer departs the tram at a predetermined stop—transferring to another tram if needed. At the destination, a person attaches the E-Trailer to a bicycle to deliver the packages. Once the delivery route is complete, the E-Trailer is returned to the tram stop to head back. Project initiators believe that cargo trams could help mitigate the increase in package traffic with a sustainable urban and regional delivery concept. Test operations in Karlsruhe are slated to start in 2027.

Audi has announced the integration of the AI-based chatbot ChatGPT into its infotainment system via the Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, set to be available for about two million Audi models from the 2021 model year starting in July.

Skoda has revealed the launch date for its new electric vehicle, Elroq, scheduled for 2025. Positioned as a compact SUV, the Elroq aims to expand the company's electric mobility range with advanced battery technology and considerable range.

DJI, known for its drones, is entering the e-bike market with the Avinox drive, a new propulsion system designed specifically for e-mountain bikes. The newly founded company Amflow also introduced the first e-MTB equipped with the DJI Avinox system—the Amflow PL.

Meanwhile, the e-bike startup TARRAN has unveiled the T1 Pro, an e-cargo bike featuring innovative functionalities like automatic support wheels and a smart control system.

E-bike manufacturer Cowboy has introduced new software features designed to enhance the riding experience. These include a range forecast function that precisely predicts remaining battery life based on real-time data and individual riding habits, and a Smart Motor Assistant that adjusts motor support automatically according to the terrain and riding conditions.