BASE, P3 Charging Index, Battery Study, Xiaomi and more

The EU-funded BASE project ("Battery Passport for Resilient Supply Chain and Implementation of Circular Economy") aims to improve the traceability and sustainability of batteries. Coordinated by the Fraunhofer Institute for Energy Infrastructures and Geothermal Energy (IEG), the three-year initiative focuses on developing a digital battery passport, which will become mandatory in the EU by 2027. 

The passport will document the entire battery lifecycle, including manufacturing year, material composition, recycling information, operational parameters, and charging cycles. This data will enhance transparency, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable usage. BASE leverages blockchain technology for secure and transparent data storage, while AI-powered analyses provide performance and safety insights. 

Pilot projects include electric buses from Mercedes-Benz Turkey and Ford Otosan’s EV platforms, as well as maritime applications and stationary energy storage systems. The initiative also aims to improve environmental impact and resource efficiency, representing a major step toward a circular economy. 

Long-distance EV performance isn’t just about energy efficiency but also charging speed. The P3 Charging Index evaluates exactly that. In 2024, the Porsche Taycan emerged as the leader in the category of long-range EVs, thanks to its low power consumption and sustained charging plateau of 300 KW. In just 10 minutes, the Taycan can recharge enough power for a 262 kilometers drive. 

With a score of 1.28, it outperformed rivals like the NIO ET5 Touring, KIA EV9, Xpeng G9, and Mercedes-Benz EQS. In the mid-range category, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 RWD came out on top, beating competitors like the KIA EV6, Polestar 2, VW ID.7 Pro, and Tesla Model 3. Combining upper and mid-range categories, the Taycan leads with 383 kilometers charged in 20 minutes, while the Ioniq 6 offers a solid alternative with 346 kilometers in the same time frame. 

A study by the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center found that EV batteries can last up to 40% longer under real-world driving conditions compared to previous assumptions. Researchers observed stop-and-go driving patterns and compared them to the constant loads simulated in lab tests. Surprisingly, the dynamic nature of real-world driving — frequent acceleration, braking, and extended parking —  was less taxing on batteries. 

Based on two years of testing 92 commercially available lithium-ion batteries under various discharge profiles, the study suggests that current lab tests don’t fully capture real-world scenarios. This insight could help automakers optimize battery management systems to significantly extend battery lifespan. Future research will focus on understanding chemical aging mechanisms and developing algorithms to maximize battery sustainability. 

Xiaomi has unveiled its second EV, the YU7, marking its debut in the SUV segment. With 508 kW of power split between two electric motors (220 kW front, 288 kW rear), the vehicle boasts a top speed of 253 km/h. 

The battery, supplied by CATL, is expected to offer a capacity of 94.3 to 101 kWh, utilizing lithium-ion technology. The YU7 is slated for release in June or July 2025. 

The EasyPark Group and Hubject have partnered to expand Europe’s EV charging network. EasyPark, known for smart parking solutions, will integrate Hubject’s eRoaming technology into its services. This collaboration provides access to over one million charging points through the intercharge platform. 

Hubject, a leading provider of Plug&Charge solutions and eRoaming services, connects more than 2,000 business partners across 60 countries. This partnership aims to deliver a seamless charging experience for EV drivers. 

Japanese semiconductor manufacturer Rohm and Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC are collaborating on gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor development. GaN technology promises significant energy savings and smaller components, ideal for onboard chargers and inverters in EVs. 

The partnership focuses on advancing GaN-on-silicon process technologies to make GaN benefits more accessible. Both companies plan to expand their production capacities to meet growing demand. 

Marelli has introduced an enhanced battery management system (BMS) incorporating electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Previously limited to lab tests, EIS is now being integrated into mass-market applications, enabling precise real-time monitoring of battery health within each pack. 

The current “EIS-ready” version will be followed by a “Full EIS” model in 2025, offering higher-frequency measurements and more detailed analysis of individual battery cells. Cloud connectivity and AI-driven analytics will improve calculations for metrics like state of charge (SoC) and remaining useful life (RUL), enhancing EV battery reliability and safety. 

The Diamant Zing Gen 3 targets commuters, tour riders, and recreational cyclists with a lighter aluminum frame — 20% lighter than its predecessor — bringing the bike’s weight to around 23 kg. It can support a system weight of up to 136 kg, making it robust yet agile. 

Powered by a Bosch Performance CX motor (fourth generation), it delivers 85 Nm of torque and up to 340% pedaling assistance. Three battery options are available, with the largest offering up to 200 kilometers of range. 

The Zing Gen 3 comes in two versions: the Zing Trip Plus, featuring a high-end suspension fork, powerful brakes, and advanced lighting, and the Zing Trip Core, which offers a solid base configuration. Both models include features like Apple AirTag mounts and Bosch ConnectModule for theft protection and tracking.