Porsche, Lion E-Mobility, TU Wien, XPeng and more

A significant breakthrough in wireless charging for electric vehicles was recently achieved by US researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Volkswagen. As part of a project funded by the US Department of Energy, they successfully wirelessly charged a Porsche Taycan at 270 kW. The wireless multi-phase charging system, integrated into the vehicle's underbody, utilizes electromagnetic coupling coils with a diameter of just under 50 centimeters. It achieves an efficiency of over 95% and can increase the vehicle's charge level by 50% in just ten minutes. This system offers 8 to 10 times higher power density compared to existing wireless charging systems. The developers plan to further improve the system and reduce costs to make it accessible to a wider audience.

Lion E-Mobility, a company specializing in the development and production of battery technologies, has successfully tested a "Light Battery" that uses direct cell cooling ("immersion cooling"). A German premium vehicle manufacturer has already conducted road tests, during which the battery demonstrated performance reportedly 30% above the current market standard. This technology aims to make batteries more efficient and powerful, which is particularly beneficial for vehicles with 400- and 800-volt systems.

The Technical University of Vienna is working on an innovative energy management strategy for hydrogen vehicles. The project, named "FC-IMPACT," aims to optimize energy distribution between the fuel cell and the buffer battery to improve efficiency and extend the fuel cell's lifespan. The predictive energy management system takes into account factors such as speed, altitude profile, traffic, and weather to minimize the vehicle's energy consumption.

In an initial test, the system demonstrated how the battery is charged by the fuel cell before a climb to efficiently meet the energy demand during steep ascents. This approach reduced hydrogen consumption by six percent.

Chinese electric car manufacturer XPeng has announced the launch of fast charging stations with a power output of 800 kW. This charging capacity will allow electric vehicles to be charged in an extremely short time. According to the press release, the new liquid-cooled ultra-fast charging station is set to hit the market in the third quarter of 2024, likely only in China. The "plug-in start time," which refers to the time between plugging in and the start of the charging process, is expected to be less than 13 seconds.

Leapmotor is planning a major expansion into Europe. Together with Stellantis, Leapmotor has already shipped its first models, the C10 and T03, to Europe. These vehicles are expected to make a significant impact on the European market and help Leapmotor build a strong presence in the coming years.

The Leapmotor C10 is an electric SUV in the D-segment with a range of 420 kilometers according to WLTP standards. The vehicle is based on the company's self-developed LEAP3.0 technology architecture, which includes intelligent electrical technology and an advanced cockpit. The T03, on the other hand, is a small five-door vehicle with a range of 265 kilometers, designed for urban use. Leapmotor plans to increase its number of sales outlets in Europe to 500 by 2026, ensuring comprehensive service coverage for its customers.

Chinese electric car manufacturer Nio unveiled its latest developments focused on intelligent driving and technological innovations at Nio Day 2024. A standout feature is the new Shenji NX9031 chip, specifically designed for autonomous driving, which is said to be four times more powerful than the current industry leader. This chip will be used in the luxury sedan ET9, scheduled for delivery in early 2025.

Nio also introduced its new operating system, SkyOS, which promises faster system response and greater reliability. SkyOS will be used alongside Banyan 3, an AI-based user interface, in Nio’s upcoming vehicles. Additionally, Nio plans to further expand its intelligent driving systems. The NAD 2.0 architecture will be enhanced by the World Model, a generative model for assisted driving. This system is designed to make optimal decisions within milliseconds from possible scenarios, significantly improving the safety and efficiency of the vehicles.

Geely has introduced its latest electric SUV, the E5, in China. This model, based on the global intelligent electric vehicle platform (GEA), will be offered in five variants, all powered by a 160 kW electric motor. The differences lie in the battery capacity: the more affordable versions come with a 49.5 kWh battery, offering a range of up to 440 km according to the Chinese testing cycle, which is equivalent to approximately 370 to 390 km under WLTP standards. The higher-end versions are equipped with a 60.2 kWh battery, extending the range to 530 km under CLTC (about 460 km WLTP). Geely plans to launch the E5 not only in China but also in other international markets.

Fiat has taken an innovative step in electric mobility by integrating the charging cable directly into its electric vehicles. This development aims to enhance the user experience and practicality of electric vehicles. By storing the charging cable within the vehicle itself, the need to carry external cables, which are often cumbersome and difficult to store, is eliminated.

This new feature could be particularly attractive to urban EV users who frequently lack access to fixed charging stations and need flexibility. The integration of the charging cable may also help increase the acceptance of electric vehicles by making the charging process simpler and more convenient. Fiat is demonstrating its commitment to addressing the everyday challenges of electric mobility and maximizing convenience for its customers.

Aehra, a rising electric vehicle startup based in Milan, has announced the names of its first two models. The company, which specializes in luxury electric vehicles, offered a first look at its debut model in November 2022—an SUV in the luxury segment, now named "Impeto." This SUV is expected to deliver between 550 and 600 kW of power and offer an impressive range of over 800 kilometers. Production of this model is slated to begin in mid-2026.

In addition to the SUV, Aehra will also launch a sedan named "Estasi," which is also set to go into production in mid-2026. Both models feature spectacular gullwing doors and share similar drivetrain technology. The vehicles will be equipped with a specially developed battery, created in collaboration with Miba Battery Systems, that enables exceptional range for both models.

Aehra plans to build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Abruzzo region of Italy. This facility will not only ensure vehicle production but also create 540 new jobs. The company aims to produce 25,000 units per model per year, positioning Aehra as a significant player in the luxury electric vehicle market.

Group1 has introduced what could be a revolutionary battery technology: the world’s first potassium-ion battery in the 18650 format. These batteries could serve as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to the currently dominant lithium-ion batteries. A key advantage of potassium-ion technology (KIB) is that it does not use critical minerals such as nickel, cobalt, copper, or lithium, which helps reduce dependency on supply chains.

Group1’s KIB technology is designed to use commercially available graphite anodes, separators, and electrolyte formulations. With a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts and an energy density of 160 to 180 Wh/kg, the battery is expected to offer performance comparable to today’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. Additionally, Group1 has developed a cathode material called "Kristonite," which belongs to the class of potassium Prussian white compounds. According to the company, this material offers the best combination of performance, safety, and cost compared to LFP or sodium-ion batteries.

The technology company Foxconn, globally recognized as the manufacturer of iPhones, has begun constructing an electric car factory in Zhengzhou, China. This "pilot factory" marks a significant step for the Taiwanese company as it seeks to expand its expertise from electronics manufacturing into the automotive industry. The factory, being built on a 700-hectare site, will not only produce electric vehicles for well-known automotive brands but also develop and manufacture solid-state batteries.

In recent years, Foxconn has increasingly focused on new business areas such as semiconductors, robotics, and electric vehicles, and it plans to further expand its presence in the automotive industry. The company is reported to have already supplied components to Tesla and developed several car prototypes, including the Model C, which could potentially be introduced to the North American market next year. With an investment of around 128 million euros, Foxconn is signaling its intent to play a significant role in the electric vehicle industry.

The European Union is promoting the sustainable transformation of mobility through the "Mobility Transition Pathway" (MTP). The EU Commission has invited companies from the bicycle industry and other stakeholders to participate in shaping this initiative. The goal is to make the mobility economy in Europe more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

The Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV) has been instrumental in the development of the MTP and emphasizes the importance of the bicycle industry's involvement. Companies and organizations have the opportunity to submit their feedback on the proposed measures by September 1, 2024. These submissions, known as "pledges," should include concrete commitments on how the companies plan to contribute to the achievement of MTP goals. The Mobility Transition Pathway encompasses various areas of action, including sustainability, innovation, and securing the workforce.

Hamburg is experiencing a remarkable increase in bicycle usage. No other German city has seen as many people switch from cars to bicycles. The reasons for this shift are varied: improved cycling infrastructure, increased bike parking options, and initiatives promoting cycling have all contributed to more Hamburg residents choosing bicycles as their primary mode of transportation.

This trend aligns with the city's goals of making transportation more sustainable and reducing CO2 emissions. The expansion of the bike lane network and the creation of bicycle streets have made cycling safer and more attractive. For many Hamburg residents, the bicycle is no longer just a leisure tool but an essential means of daily transport.

Amazon has opened a new micromobility center in Berlin, specifically designed for package delivery by e-cargo bikes. Located in the APCOA parking garage at the Alexa shopping center, this hub serves as a base for delivering over 1.5 million packages annually to some of Berlin's most populous districts, including Spandau, Reinickendorf, and Pankow.

This initiative is part of a €400 million investment by Amazon aimed at electrifying and decarbonizing Germany's transportation network. Amazon already delivers packages using electric cargo bikes in six German cities, including Munich and Freiburg. The company now operates more than 50 micromobility centers in over 40 cities across Europe.

Tesla is currently testing higher charging capacities at select Supercharger stations in the U.S., with observed levels slightly over 320 kW, compared to the usual 250 kW for V4 and V3 stations. The rationale behind these tests is that while Tesla vehicles can only charge at a maximum of 250 kW, Tesla is increasingly opening its chargers to third-party brands, some of which have vehicles capable of DC charging at up to 400 kW.

Leasing provider Businessbike has deepened its collaboration with refurbished specialist Rebike Mobility to extend the lifespan of leased bicycles. This partnership aims to refurbish used service bikes and put them back into circulation. Each refurbished bike will undergo a thorough reconditioning process to ensure it is in excellent condition before being leased or sold again.

Munich-based company Twaice has introduced a new simulation model for sodium-ion batteries. This model is designed to help battery operators, researchers, and engineers better understand and optimize the characteristics and aging of sodium-ion batteries. Twaice aims to maximize the reliability and longevity of these batteries with its new model, which will be officially unveiled on August 20.