Kia, Polestar, Leclanché, Siemens, Engwe

The United States has announced a massive $3 billion investment in the battery industry. The goal is to strengthen domestic production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce dependence on foreign suppliers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the funding will be allocated through grants and loans to support the establishment of new production facilities, modernization of existing plants, and the development of advanced battery technologies. This initiative aims to boost the U.S.’s competitiveness in the global market while reducing the carbon footprint of domestic production.

A breakthrough in battery research could lead to a significant extension of battery life. A team of U.S. researchers has developed an innovative approach that could extend the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries by up to 20%. The key is optimizing battery charging cycles—rather than consistently charging the battery to 100%, it's recommended to charge it to 80-90% only while varying charging cycles. This method is expected to reduce voltage and temperature fluctuations within the battery, minimizing wear and tear and thus extending its lifespan. According to the researchers, this approach can be integrated into existing battery management systems without major changes, making it a cost-effective solution for extending battery life. This could allow electric vehicles to remain operational for longer and reduce the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new batteries.

Kia has introduced an innovative route planning feature with over-the-air (OTA) updates for its electric vehicles. This new feature allows drivers to plan and update charging routes directly in their vehicles without visiting a service center. The OTA updates ensure that the vehicle software is always up-to-date, integrating new features and improvements seamlessly. The route planning considers factors like charging stations, the availability of fast chargers, and current traffic conditions to provide the most efficient route for the driver.

Swedish electric car manufacturer Polestar is expanding its portfolio by introducing its first e-bike. With this new product line, Polestar aims to enter the growing electric bicycle market and reinforce its commitment to being seen as a brand for sustainable mobility. The e-bike, developed in partnership with Swedish bicycle manufacturer Allebike, features Polestar's signature modern, minimalist design. It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and a powerful electric motor, offering a range of up to 100 kilometers.

Swiss battery cell manufacturer Leclanché has introduced a new battery cell featuring enhanced anode material. This development promises higher energy density and longer lifespan, which could significantly improve the efficiency of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage systems. The new battery cell uses a silicon-graphite-based anode material instead of the conventional graphite, enabling an energy density increase of up to 20%. Additionally, the new anode material is expected to reduce charging times and ensure a longer battery lifespan. Leclanché plans to begin mass production of this battery cell in the coming years, aiming to further enhance the performance of electric vehicles.

Siemens has announced plans to spin off its charging infrastructure business into a standalone company to better capitalize on growth opportunities in the e-mobility market. This new entity will focus exclusively on developing, manufacturing, and selling charging solutions for electric vehicles, allowing it to respond more agilely and flexibly to rapidly changing market demands. Through this restructuring, Siemens hopes to respond to innovations more quickly and bring new technologies to market more efficiently. The company plans to offer charging solutions for private households, public spaces, and fleet operators. Besides hardware, Siemens will also develop software solutions to manage charging networks intelligently and efficiently.

E-bike manufacturer Engwe has unveiled the LE20, a new cargo e-bike with a range of up to 350 km. Equipped with a powerful motor and a large battery, the cargo bike offers multiple support levels that can be adjusted according to the rider's needs. With a robust frame and a maximum load capacity of up to 200 kg, the bike is versatile and capable of transporting groceries, children, or even larger items with ease.