2024-10-15
There’s plenty of news on battery development of EVs in the October 2024 issue of the Alternative Power Report published by Power Systems Research. You can also read about VW’s plans to restructure its labor force, as well as several articles on hydrogen power. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast and Technology Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
2024-10-14
The European Union has approved a tariff increase on Chinese electric vehicles, according to the report from Agence France-Presse. Politicians and industry representatives from several European countries had previously expressed opposition to the European Commission’s investigation, and China also condemned the EU’s move to impose additional tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles as a typical act of protectionism.
Several European diplomats told Agence France-Presse that despite strong opposition led by Germany, the EU still approved the imposition of high tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. According to the report, 10 countries, including France and Italy, supported the imposition of a tariff of up to 35.3% on top of the existing 10% tariff. Five countries, including Germany and Hungary, voted against, and another 12 countries abstained.
2024-10-12
Randon showcased its innovations at two major global mobility fairs. At the IANA Intermodal Expo in the U.S., it celebrated delivering its first container chassis semi-trailer with the e-Sys system to the North American market. This sale was made through its subsidiary, Hercules Chassis, to South Carolina Port Authorities. Randon also participated in the IAA Transportation fair in Germany, where it focused on expanding exports from its U.S. subsidiary, especially targeting the African market.
Source: Press Release Read The Article
PSR Analysis: This announcement opens doors for Randon to increase its market penetration in the U.S. and possibly expand into neighboring markets such as Canada and Mexico. Success with this technology in one of the largest global markets can also enhance Randon’s brand recognition, credibility, and export potential, especially in regions that prioritize advanced and sustainable logistics solutions. PSR
Fabio Ferraresi is Director Business Development-South America for Power Systems Research
Eneva, a natural gas operator, plans to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Virtu LNG’s truck fleet, starting in January 2025. This fuel will be used for the logistics and distribution operations of Yara Brasil, a global leader in plant nutrition.
The initiative will begin in Maranhão and is expected to expand to other states. The transportation contract was signed on September 24 at the ROG-e fair, a major oil and gas event.
NYK has announced the completion of an ammonia-fueled tugboat, which was produced through research and development in cooperation with IHI and ClassNK. This is the world’s first ammonia-fueled vessel designed for commercial use. It will be used for commercial operations in Tokyo Bay during a three-month demonstration voyage.
Source: New Energy News
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has outlined the framework for a new implementation plan for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is attempting to integrate the regional market. The plan will focus on digitalization and decarbonization of the economy as key objectives to be achieved by 2026-30. It will accelerate the integration of the market of 700 million people.
According to the draft plan, it will be structured around six goals, including creating an environment that encourages technological innovation, attracting investment in the green economy and building a food security system. It will include more than 200 specific implementation plans. The plan will be discussed at the ASEAN summit, which began in Laos on Oct. 9, 2024.
The plan includes creating a renewable energy supply network that spans member countries, making it easier for companies to provide financial services, such as fintech, across multiple countries in the region. In addition to digitizing trade transactions to facilitate trade, discussions are underway to include cooperation in the development of EV supply networks and infrastructure.
As India continues to embrace electrification across many sectors, agriculture stands as one of the next frontiers for transformation. Despite substantial progress in electric vehicles (EVs) for urban mobility, the Agricultural sector, particularly off-road machinery like tractors, remains largely unaddressed. Yet, with emerging technological innovations and government support, electric tractors are poised to revolutionize Indian farming.
Government Initiatives and the Current Landscape.India’s government has taken significant steps to encourage electrification in multiple sectors. Initiatives such as FAME I & II, the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and the Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) have propelled the EV market forward. By the end of FY2024, cumulative EV sales reached over 4.1 million units, primarily dominated by two-wheelers and three-wheelers. However, the agricultural sector remains an exception, with minimal progress in electrifying farming machinery.
Volkswagen Group has let it be known that it might need to shutter two factories in Germany. It also indicated it might need to end the “guaranteed employment” policy it has adhered to for decades that is designed to ensure workers there will always be a job for them within the Volkswagen family. The news has rocked the company and has been described as an earthquake by some in the German media
Layoffs, which are common in the industry, are not the Volkswagen way, but now it appears that this promise is in danger as the company struggles to adapt to the current market situation.
Source: Clean Technica Read The Article
PSR Analysis: There is much criticism of VW’s failure to grasp the opportunities presented by the electric and hybrid car markets. There is also a lot of criticism about those EV models that VW does build. This coupled with the fact that every fifth electric vehicle sold in Europe today is produced in China, means that the German auto industry is now in crisis and what it does next may determine if it survives. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
A European research consortium has produced a prototype solid-state battery using a new manufacturing process that reportedly achieves high energy densities and can be implemented on modern lithium-ion battery production lines.
The “SOLiDIFY” consortium, composed of 14 European research institutes and partners, developed a battery with a pouch cell with an energy density of 1,070 Wh/L, compared to 800 Wh/L in standard lithium-ion batteries
Geotab, an automotive telematics company, is using its in-depth access to EV data to track battery health. And its new study of 10,000 electric cars shows that their battery packs could outlast the vehicles themselves
With five years of data, the company recently released a new study that shows the average degradation per year is actually 1.8%. The company believes that it could translate to EV batteries lasting 20 years.
Source: Electrek Read The Article
PSR Analysis: When EVs first appeared, there was a lot of talk about needing to replace the batteries after five years. That soon became 10, 15 and now 20 years, and so proving many ICE doubter wrong. Battery replacement need not be a concern when buying an EV. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
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