September 04, 2024
In Flamanville, France, electricity producer EDF has been able to start up a new nuclear power plant, Flamanville 3, after a 12-year delay. However, it will take another three months before the first electricity is pumped into the French grid. Flamanville 3 is France’s 57th nuclear reactor and, with 1,600 megawatts, will be the most […]
August 30, 2024
Polestar, the electric car brand of Geely and Volvo, announced the appointment of Michael Lohscheller as its new CEO. In October, he will succeed long-term CEO Thomas Ingenlath, who has held the position since 2017. The new appointment comes shortly after another significant change at the top of the board. On on October 1st, Lohscheller […]
August 30, 2024
Europe’s largest battery park, which the Giga Storage company plans to set up in Rotem/Dilsen-Stokkem (Belgium), will have a capacity of 700 megawatts, 100 megawatts more than initially planned. The battery park’s name is Green Turtle. In the meantime, the construction team has been assembled. Giga Storage agreed with Tractebel for technical support, and Stadsbader […]
August 30, 2024
According to data from ACEA, the European Manufacturers Association, new EU car registrations saw a modest increase (+0.2%) in July 2024. However, there were mixed results across the region’s four major markets: Italy (+4.7%) and Spain (+3.4%) recorded moderate gains, while the French (-2.3%) and German (-2.1%) markets experienced declines. Seven months into 2024, new […]
August 30, 2024
Several environmental organizations are suing the European Commission for not imposing sufficiently strict CO2 standards on member states under the 2015 Paris Agreement on global warming. First and foremost, they are calling for fossil-fuel-powered planes and ships to be removed from the EU’s list of sustainable investments, which they say is an example of greenwashing. […]
August 30, 2024
From 2021 to 2024, Europe’s EV charging network experienced an impressive average annual growth rate of 55.4%. This highlights our continent’s strong momentum in expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure. However, despite this rapid growth, Europe still faces a significant challenge in meeting the European Union’s ambitious targets. Belgium, with a spot in the top five […]
August 29, 2024
Driveco, a French operator of charging stations for electric vehicles, wants to install 1,500 charging stations in Belgium by 2030 and will allocate 15 million euros for this purpose. The company is already present in Belgium, with 70 charging stations in fifteen different stations, but the goal is to increase that number considerably in the […]
August 28, 2024
Sources familiar with the matter said on Tuesday that Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW AG will expand their tie-up in fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) operations in a bid to increase the competitiveness of their hydrogen-powered cars. Under the deeper partnership, which is due to be announced on September 5th, Toyota will provide key components, such […]
August 27, 2024
The Belgian public railroad company NMBS/SNCB will call for tenders this fall for the rollout of a large network of charging stations in its station car parks, reports the business newspaper De Tijd/L’Echo. The NMBS/SNCB charging station network is not extensive at the moment. The railroad company has 522 stations with parking facilities totaling 75,000 […]
August 27, 2024
After thirteen weeks of hard work, the Belgian Solar Team has arrived in South Africa to participate in the world’s most extreme Solar Challenge. In October 2023, they became world champions with their solar car, the Infinite, in the World Solar Challenge in Australia. Now, they’re ambitious to win the world’s most extreme challenge. The […]
August 26, 2024
This summer, electric vehicles began traveling in France. The number of charging sessions has exploded on the highway aires, but there was no capacity overdemand. In July, energy provider TotalEnergies noticed a strong increase (+127%) in charging sessions on highways and expressways’ fast-charger sites. During the same period, the number of charging points doubled. Between […]
August 26, 2024
The planned connection between the Belgian and Danish energy islands will be postponed or canceled. The Danish Minister of Energy, Lars Aagaard, thinks the prestigious project to bring power from Danish offshore wind farms to our country via a submarine cable is too expensive. Denmark plans to create two ‘energy islands’, one in the North […]
August 22, 2024
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz was introduced to the U.S. market last year, and there is already a proposition for a camper conversion. At the same time, VW itself is hesitating to launch an ID. Buzz California camper version in Europe for fear of lack of demand. On the contrary, an American converter, Peace Vans, already […]
August 22, 2024
Ford is recalibrating its electrification strategy yet again, canceling plans for a fully electric sport utility vehicle in a shift that may cost the carmaker around $1.9 billion. In addition to scrapping an all-electric three-row SUV that had already been delayed, Ford will postpone a next-generation electric pickup and reduce spending on EVs to 30% of […]
August 20, 2024
According to the Detroit News and Reuters, General Motors Co. is laying off more than 1,000 salaried employees globally in its software and services organization, including more than 600 employees working at its Global Technical Center in Warren (Michigan), to streamline its operations under new leadership. The layoffs represent about 1.3% of the company’s global […]
August 19, 2024
Electric sports car manufacturer Rimac recently presented the hyper-GT Nevera and wants to develop a hyper-sports car based on it. Rimac has pursued this idea in the further development of its first Nevera model. The R model is even more powerful and, above all, equipped with a more dynamic chassis. And… it is strictly limited […]
August 19, 2024
Dutch fast-charging chain Fastned saw its revenue in the first six months of 2024 grow by 45% to €37.8 million compared to the year before and claims to be in a prime position as a top 3 fast-charging company in Western Europe. Profitability rose, with underlying company EBITDA growing by 12% to €3.2 million. Still, […]
August 19, 2024
Porsche is responding to the slower electric ramp-up. Following the recent changes in the production of the electric Taycan, the production of the combustion-powered Cayenne is also being extended. Meanwhile, it has acquired 32% of the shares of battery specialist Varta. Porsche has cautiously adjusted its target that more than 80% of cars delivered in […]
August 16, 2024
Acura, Honda’s premium North American brand, has unveiled the Performance EV Concept at Monterey Car Week. The electric SUV coupé previews a production model coming in 2025, built on Honda’s own EV platform and produced in Ohio at the Japanese manufacturer’s new EV Hub. It’s no secret that Honda has some catching up to do […]
August 16, 2024
While Mercedes is fully concentrated on launching the all-electric G-Class EV, the engineers from Arcade Cars are feasting on a throwback to the seventies. The London firm unveiled a GE230 featuring no tailpipe emissions through the conversion to battery power. But old habits die hard. The all-electric G-Class, officially known as the G580 with EQ […]
August 16, 2024
Alarm bells are ringing on both sides of the Atlantic over the free fall of used EV prices. Studies indicate these are up to 40% lower than a comparable gasoline car. Facing surging pressure on their profits, some leasing companies are threatening to exit EV adoption and return to the drivelines that keep their business […]
August 16, 2024
The BMW Group has entered into a strategic alliance in Mexico with Vemo, an operator of public charging stations. As part of the partnership, BMW is investing in constructing 144 new charging stations in the country. Other alliances in different South American countries will follow. The new charging points in Mexico are to be installed […]
August 16, 2024
American EV manufacturer Tesla removed the basic version of the Cybertruck, which costs $60,990, from the US configurator before the first deliveries of this variant began. Therefore, the new entry-level price for the electric stainless steel pickup is $99,990. Tesla CEO Elon Musk once promised the Cybertruck with a base price of $39,990, but it […]
August 14, 2024
Hyundai has unveiled the first pictures of its new Santa Fe. The future mid-size SUV looks wildly different from its predecessor, with a boxy design accompanied by a modern light signature and large wheels. In contrast, the interior opts for technology, with a large curved display and, according to Hyundai, more refinement. The current generation […]
August 14, 2024
Parkwind, a Belgian offshore wind energy company, has installed the first electric ship-charging station at sea. The station runs on wind power and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maintenance and transport vessels. The charging system was installed in Parkwind’s third offshore wind energy project, Nobelwind, which is 29 miles (47 kilometers) offshore in […]
August 14, 2024
The Volkswagen Trinity was once regarded as the VW Group’s first upcoming electric flagship and was due to be launched in 2026. The launch seems to have been postponed to 2032, and the first VW product on the new SSP platform could be the full electric Golf. It was already clear that the 2026 date […]
August 13, 2024
The international insurance company Allianz Trade warns that the fall in prices of critical metals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, is hindering the global energy transition. According to the credit insurer, price drops create uncertainty and deter investors in sustainable energy. The postponement of investments is bad news for Europe. Brussels wants to catch […]
August 13, 2024
In an interview with the German newspaper Der Welt, Volkswagen Group CEO Oliver Blume has strongly supported the European Union’s planned ban on combustion engines by 2035. Blume affirmed that electric mobility is the clear path forward for the automotive industry and emphasized a niche role for e-fuels. In the interview, Blume aligned himself with […]
August 12, 2024
Sources familiar with the matter said on Sunday that Mitsubishi was in talks to join the Nissan-Honda alliance to play catch-up with foreign rivals in developing electric vehicles and advanced technology for next-generation vehicles. The deal has now been officialized. Former Nissan boss Carlos Ghosn says this is a ‘disguised take-over’ by Honda. The three […]
August 12, 2024
Scientists at Oxford University Physics Department have developed a revolutionary solar power-generating coating that can be applied on everyday objects from buildings over car bodies like future EVs to ‘wearables ‘ like a backpack or even your cellphone’s back. There is no need for silicon-based solar panels anymore, and it’s even more efficient. The technique […]
August 09, 2024
As a world-first global offshore wind leader, Ørsted has successfully deployed heavy cargo drones for operational work in the Netherlands. These emission-free drones replace the costly, more polluting ships that usually fit the bill. The launch is a pat on the back for offshore renewable energy production reaching net zero. Following successful tests at the […]
August 09, 2024
As a strong advocate for hydrogen mobility, Japanese carmaker Toyota faces headwinds over how it promotes and deploys the Mirai. The company has to deal with several lawsuits in California, while a group of scientists wrote an open letter asking to replace the vehicle as the official Olympic Games car. Hydrogen isn’t without merits, but […]
August 07, 2024
Schiphol Airport is the first worldwide to test a hydrogen-powered Ground Power Unit (GPU). The H2-GPU can power KLM Cityhopper aircraft on-site, for example, for lighting and power in the cockpit. These new GPUs are more environmentally friendly than battery-based and diesel GPUs. The test is part of the TULIPS partnership initiated by Schiphol and […]
August 06, 2024
Geely has launched the second electric model in its new Galaxy lineup, following the E8 electric saloon. The Galaxy E5 is a mid-size electric SUV with an affordable price tag, modern tech on board, and the company’s newest Aegis Short Blade Battery, which promises a 1 million-km lifespan. The Geely Galaxy E5 challenges other China-built […]
August 06, 2024
Chinese carmaker Geely has invested another 120 million pounds, or almost 140 million euros, in LEVC, the British manufacturer of London’s famous black cabs. The investment is the latest signal of growing Chinese involvement in the British EV market. The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which, in addition to Volvo, owns car brands such as Zeekr, […]
August 06, 2024
Samsung is upping the stakes in the race to commercialize solid-state batteries. At the SNE Battery Day 2024 event in Seoul, South Korea, the tech company announced that its pilot production line is now fully operational, with plans to transform into mass production by 2027. Early customers have already returned feedback on their solid-state oxide […]
August 06, 2024
According to a media report, a mid-size SUV will follow shortly after the new CLA four-door Mercedes, which is set to launch soon. This X174 model (internal codename) should be on the market at the end of 2025 and is labeled as ‘a Tesla Model Y fighter’. The news comes from Automotive News, which cites […]
August 05, 2024
As is commonly known, freezing cold temperatures affect an EV’s range. But how do extreme summer temperatures affect its battery capacity? When temperatures rise to 38 degrees Celcius, like in Southern Europe, that can shorten your range by 31%, an ongoing study by American Recurrent Motors Inc. shows, using data from 7,500 live connected cars. […]
August 02, 2024
The Belgian Flemish Region has selected 19 projects to receive financial support totaling three million euros for the roll-out of (semi-)public charging infrastructure for heavy trucks. This support is the result of the project call launched by the Flemish government in April 2024. One of the first significant projects to be realized in 2025 will […]
August 02, 2024
TotalEnergies will install up to 2,000 new charging stations on the streets of all 19 Brussels municipalities before the end of June 2025. The French multinational energy and petroleum company announced this in a press release. The news comes as quite a surprise because in recent weeks there has been a lot of fuss about […]
August 01, 2024
The British oil and gas giant BP is joining the Belgian dredging company DEME’s prestige hydrogen project in Oman. The company reported the latest news in a press release on Wednesday. DEME previously agreed with the Egyptian government to build a green hydrogen factory in Egypt. BP will become an equity partner and developer of […]
August 01, 2024
Last week, the Stellantis Group published its results for the first half of 2024, and they weren’t good. The net benefit for H1, € 5.6 billion, decreased by 48% compared to the record-breaking performance last year. Meanwhile, the manufacturer is confronted with delivery problems for its new, long-awaited enlargement of its electric portfolio. Turnover for […]
August 01, 2024
In the second quarter of 2024, BMW Group saw its earnings drop a bit due to a weak Chinese market and the investment costs for the ‘Neue Klasse’. On the other hand, the Munich-based carmaker was successful in selling more EVs. BMW is not the only one struggling with a demand slowdown in China. The […]
July 31, 2024
Number one car manufacturer Toyota’s global sales fell over 5% last month and decreased by 4.7% for the first half of 2024. This is mainly due to the decline in sales in Japan (-32%) and in China (-10.8%). The good figures for the U.S. and Europe couldn’t compensate for the ‘Asian’ loss in sales. Worldwide, […]
July 31, 2024
According to a new report from energy think tank Ember, for the first six months of 2024, wind and solar power were the main sources of electricity in the European Union rather than fossil fuels. For the first time, both renewable energy sources were also the largest in Belgium. “With the growth of solar and […]
July 30, 2024
Until now, China’s biggest EV car manufacturer, BYD, was best known for its low-cost electric cars. That hasn’t stopped the Chinese EV maker from taking on new market segments. Its latest: luxury electric supercars. BYD’s first electric supercar, the Yangwang U9, has entered production ahead of deliveries later this summer. Yangwang Yangwang was launched in […]
July 30, 2024
German meal delivery company HelloFresh wants to make the middle mile, the transport between the central distribution center and the hubs, even more sustainable with a pilot project in the Benelux. To do so, it will deploy a refrigerated electric truck, the company’s first. With the initiative, the meal box supplier will save some 191,000 […]
July 30, 2024
Chinese premium carmaker NIO has officially rounded the cape of 2,500 Power Swap Stations (PPS), of which 2,454 are located in China and 51 in Europe. Besides some local minor projects from Californian start-up Ample, NIO is the only one offering swappable batteries in Europe. But currently, only for its own models. However, NIO has […]
July 29, 2024
In the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, Mercedes-Benz Group sold 496,700 vehicles, 3.7% less than in the same period last year. The company blames decreased demand for electric vehicles and reduced sales in China for this decrease. Mercedes’s revenue decreased from €38.24 billion to €36.74 billion (-3.9%) in the same period. Earnings before Interest and […]
July 26, 2024
As ACEA President Luca de Meo emitted the thought a few days ago, banning ICE cars as of 2035, a requirement imposed by the EU, is getting complicated. Now he says there has been a ‘misunderstanding’ and that he stays “hyper-confident that electric drive will be the dominant technology in Europe and is the best […]
July 26, 2024
After years of delay, the starting signal has been given for constructing the first green hydrogen factory in Zeebrugge. The final investment decision was taken on Thursday. The 25-megawatt renewable hydrogen factory, Hyoffwind, is a project by Virya Energy (Colruyt family) and two partners: German industrial gas specialist Messer and Hyoffgreen. The latter is a […]
July 25, 2024
Ford’s energy transition has been challenging. Until now, America’s number two carmaker has lost money. Nevertheless, CEO Jim Farley says it will adapt its strategy and not change its vision on EVs. In Q2 2024, Ford lost $1.14 billion on its electric activities, which were compensated by good sales of all kinds of ICE vehicles […]
July 25, 2024
The latest edition of Ayvens’ Mobility Guide 2024 provides a comprehensive country-by-country analysis of EV readiness and electrification pace. Belgium (4) and Luxembourg (5) are joining the top five countries despite a general negative feeling among mostly private buyers. Norway remains number one, with the Netherlands and Finland following close by. The annual guide draws […]
July 25, 2024
General Motors has once again postponed the start of production of the electric pickups Chevrolet Silverado EV and the GMC Sierra EV. They won’t roll off the production line until mid-2026, about one and a half years later than initially planned. The Cruise Origin robotaxi has been scrapped altogether. General Motors had already rescheduled production […]
July 25, 2024
Renault Group and the government of Slovenia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce the next all-electric Twingo in the automaker’s factory in Novo Mesto starting in 2026. Renault CEO Luca de Meo has said the new Twingo is expected to sell for less than €20,000. It will replace the current model, which […]
July 24, 2024
Chinese lithium-ion battery cell maker Farasis Energy, which supplies Geely, Mercedes-Benz, and Turkish Togg, among others, claims to have successfully achieved durable NMC cells for a million-mile (1.6 million km) battery in lab testing. Battery packs using these cells can last a million miles over 15 years while retaining over 70% of their capacity, even […]
July 24, 2024
In the first half of the year (H1), the market for new cars in Belgium and Luxembourg shrank by 0.4%, with 263,408 registered new cars compared to 264,475 in 2023. 24.5% of them, or 64,429 units, were BEVs. While EVs are losing momentum in the EU, primarily due to the German market’s aversion to battery […]
July 24, 2024
Cadillac has revealed the Sollei Concept, an exquisite two-door convertible that is, in fact, a Celestiq, Cadillac’s new high-luxury limousine, minus a roof and two doors. Once heralded as one of the premier luxury marques worldwide, Cadillac’s status faltered as its cars increasingly shared parts with other, more common General Motors vehicles. That is set […]
July 23, 2024
Ford of Europe initially wanted to sell only EVs in Europe by 2030. The US carmaker now says it will continue to offer combustion engine vehicles and hybrids, citing the slowing EV uptake in Europe as the main reason for this. Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford’s Model E electrification division, spoke to the British magazine […]
July 22, 2024
For years, EVs have been in a state of grace. For different reasons, this is over now. Electric vehicles, especially in the United States, are in for more challenging times. Even more so if a certain Mr. Trump gets elected again. There are multiple reasons for that. The rise of the electric vehicle may have […]
