- IAA MOBILITY Weekly
- Fraunhofer, Toyota, Suzuki, Audi, CATL and more
Weekly news
Fraunhofer, Toyota, Suzuki, Audi, CATL, Scout and more
Post from November 01, 2024
Post from November 01, 2024
- IAA MOBILITY Weekly
- Fraunhofer, Toyota, Suzuki, Audi, CATL and more
Fraunhofer study shows the potential of bidirectional charging, Toyota and Suzuki strengthen their partnership on electric vehicles, Audi introduces new A6 e-tron versions, CATL unveils the new Freevoy battery for long hybrid range, Scout Motors reveals Terra and Traveler concept vehicles, Hyundai presents high-performance electric test model RN24, Möve Bikes turns to 3D printing and titanium for new bike models, Stockholm launches the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, Mahle presents the XS drive system for light e-bikes, Stellantis expands its Free2move Charge Go service, Merida launches the eFLOAT series for urban mobility, Decathlon extends repair initiative with the Revice project, and THOK introduces its exclusive TP4 series for mountain bikers.
Fraunhofer study shows the potential of bidirectional charging, Toyota and Suzuki strengthen their partnership on electric vehicles, Audi introduces new A6 e-tron versions, CATL unveils the new Freevoy battery for long hybrid range, Scout Motors reveals Terra and Traveler concept vehicles, Hyundai presents high-performance electric test model RN24, Möve Bikes turns to 3D printing and titanium for new bike models, Stockholm launches the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, Mahle presents the XS drive system for light e-bikes, Stellantis expands its Free2move Charge Go service, Merida launches the eFLOAT series for urban mobility, Decathlon extends repair initiative with the Revice project, and THOK introduces its exclusive TP4 series for mountain bikers.
- 1. Fraunhofer Study Shows Potential of Bidirectional Charging
- 2. Toyota and Suzuki Strengthen EV Partnership
- 3. Audi Adds New A6 e-tron Versions
- 4. CATL Unveils New Freevoy Battery for Extended Hybrid Range
- 5. Scout Motors Debuts Terra and Traveler Concepts
- 6. Hyundai Unveils High-Performance Electric Test Platform RN24
- 7. Möve Bikes Adopts 3D Printing and Titanium for New Models
- 8. Stockholm Launches First Electric Hydrofoil Ferry
- 9. Mahle Introduces XS Drive System for Light E-Bikes
- 10. Merida Launches eFLOAT Series for Urban Mobility
A new study by the Fraunhofer Institute, commissioned by Transport & Environment, analyzed the economic potential of bidirectional charging systems in the EU. According to the analysis, electric vehicles could cover about 9% of the EU's annual electricity demand by 2040, saving up to €22.2 billion per year. By 2040, these savings could exceed €100 billion as EVs store excess solar and wind energy and feed it back into the grid during peak demand times.
Toyota and Suzuki are deepening their collaboration on electric mobility. Suzuki’s eVX model and a new electric SUV from Toyota will be built on the jointly developed 27PL platform in India, a cost-effective version of Toyota’s e-TNGA platform. The models, expected to reach Europe, will have a range of around 550 km with a 60 kWh battery pack. The production version of the Suzuki eVX is set to debut at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo in January 2025.
Audi is expanding its electric A6 lineup with the A6 Sportback e-tron and A6 Avant e-tron in several performance versions. Ranges will vary from 598 to 716 km. High-performance Quattro versions with all-wheel drive will deliver up to 315 kW and accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. With a charging capacity of up to 270 kW, the models can charge from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes.
CATL introduced the Freevoy battery for plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and range-extended EVs (EREVs), with an electric-only range of over 400 km. Featuring new 4C charging technology, the battery can charge enough for 280 km in just ten minutes. The combination of sodium- and lithium-ion cells is designed to optimize performance across temperatures and improve overall utilization by more than 10%. The Freevoy battery is already used in models by Li Auto and Changan and will be available in 30 vehicle models by 2025.
Scout Motors has unveiled the Terra and Traveler concept vehicles, inspired by rugged American pickups. Designed for off-road use, the Terra boasts a towing capacity of 4.5 tons, while the Traveler can tow up to 3.2 tons. These battery-electric models have a range of around 563 kilometers and a charging speed of 350 kW. Scout plans to begin mass production in South Carolina in 2027, with an annual capacity of over 200,000 units.
Hyundai introduced the RN24, a racing test platform with a 478 kW electric drive and an 84-kWh battery. Inspired by the World Rally Championship, the RN24 can reach 100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 240 km/h. This “rolling lab” serves as a development platform for high-performance EVs, offering precise handling with an adjustable suspension and advanced drive control. Hyundai plans to integrate this technology into future production vehicles.
Möve Bikes introduced 3D printing technology to manufacture titanium frames for greater stability and sustainability. The process follows a modular design: titanium joints are 3D-printed, tubes are cut, and the frame is assembled using a “Lego-like” system, followed by automated surface finishing. The first model, “Avian,” is set to launch in 2025 and could leverage titanium’s recycling potential of up to 98%. Möve plans to license this technology to major manufacturers in the future.
The Swedish capital has launched “Nova,” the world’s first electric hydrofoil ferry, operating between Ekerö and Stockholm. Using hydrofoil technology, the hull lifts above the water, reducing energy consumption by 80% and cutting travel time in half. With a capacity of 30 passengers and a speed of 25 knots (46 km/h), the ferry can travel up to 93 kilometers on a single charge. It can be charged at common fast-chargers and serves as a pilot project to promote emission-free water transport.
Mahle has unveiled the XS system, an innovative e-bike drive system specially designed for compact, lightweight bikes. Instead of an integrated battery, the system uses an external 171-Wh battery providing a range of up to 60 km. The system offers optional X20 and X30 motors with 55 Nm and 45 Nm of torque, weighing just 1.4 and 1.9 kg, respectively.
Merida is launching the eFLOAT series, a new line of e-bikes for urban use and recreational rides. The lineup includes the SUV-style eFLOAT CC and the cargo bike eFLOAT HD. The eFLOAT CC combines mountain bike features, like wide tires and a 120-mm suspension fork, with urban practicality, while the eFLOAT HD is designed for cargo, carrying up to 50 kg. Both models feature Bosch drive systems and battery capacities up to 700 Wh, with an optional range extender.