Studies on the future of electrification and hydrogen, Kia, Ionity, Cupra and much more

Researchers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) have explored the significance of electrification and hydrogen in modeled scenarios for the transition to climate neutrality in the EU, as published in the journal "One Earth." Their conclusion is that to achieve climate neutrality, 42 to 60 percent of total energy consumption needs to come from electricity and 9 to 26 percent from hydrogen-based energy by 2050. The researchers thus advocate for a massive expansion of power generation from renewable energies and increased electrification to reduce carbon emissions. Across all scenarios, the direct use of electricity is the dominant strategy for cars, heating buildings, and in the industry. Hydrogen and synthetic fuels from electricity are projected to be needed mainly for aviation, shipping, the chemical industry, and as electricity storage, according to the study's initiators. They also expect that the share of earth energy in the total energy mix will be only about 15 percent, particularly affecting sectors like truck transport and industrial high-temperature process heat. Overall, the demand for electricity in the EU is expected to increase by 80 to 160 percent in 2050, depending on the extent of hydrogen imports and the role of electrification and hydrogen in uncertain sectors. By then, about twice as much electricity would need to be generated as today, the study believes. 

A survey on bidirectional charging, commissioned by Kia and conducted by YouGov, reveals strong interest among German drivers in using electric vehicles as a mobile energy storage, provided the vehicle and the wallbox meet the necessary requirements. The survey found that an average of 81 percent of respondents who own or have an electric car in their household are interested in using their electric car for bidirectional charging, especially in the context of Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), which allows for the supply of electricity to the home network. Furthermore, 75 percent of respondents expressed interest in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology, which enables the supply of electricity to the public grid. 

A research team from the Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea has developed a lithium-ion battery system that, thanks to gel-polymer electrolytes and micro-silicon particles, has the potential to increase the range of electric cars to up to 1,000 kilometers. The use of micro-silicon instead of nano-silicon, combined with a stable gel polymer electrolyte, could significantly increase energy density by 40 percent while simplifying the manufacturing process. 

Meanwhile, IBU-Tec Advanced Materials has initiated a new project in the research field of sodium-ion batteries. Together with partners such as the Jungheinrich AG and cell manufacturer UniverCell Holding GmbH, the company aims to develop a cathode active material based on sodium iron phosphate and polyanionic compounds by 2026. The goal is to produce active material on a 20-50 kg scale, which will later be processed into electrodes and integrated into battery modules. The innovative sodium-ion battery systems (NIB systems) are intended to eventually replace lead-acid batteries and be used, for example, in electric material handling vehicles. Other potential applications include energy storage in solar or wind power plants or electric vehicles. 

A team from the Bergische Universität Wuppertal and the Hochschule Bochum has started a research project named "Pilot4CircuLEV" on sustainable production paths for Light Electric Vehicles (LEV) within a resource-efficient circular economy. To establish an efficient circular economy, determining the lifespan of LEVs and their components will be a central aspect of the research work. This includes making statements about the long-term reliability and failure behavior of batteries. The goal is to analyze the lifespan of LEVs and their operational data and components to determine the optimal timing for reuse in another application, i.e., the second life of the battery, or the disposal of the batteries. 

Germany's largest online vehicle marketplace, mobile.de, in collaboration with automaker Hyundai and Aviloo, a provider of battery diagnostic tests, launched a pilot project for battery certificates for electric vehicles. These certificates aim to increase transparency in the purchase of used electric vehicles by providing reliable information about the battery's condition. The pilot phase, initially set for six months, allows car dealers to sell their vehicles on mobile.de with a battery condition certificate issued by Aviloo, thereby benefiting from improved visibility, more leads per listing, and faster sales opportunities. The related listings will be discoverable on mobile.de through a new search filter and by markings on the search result and detail pages. Mobile.de plans to extend this offering to other interested brands in the future. 

Volvo Cars has announced a new strategy to unify the model names of their electric vehicles. Starting with the 2025 model year, the current names XC40 Recharge Pure Electric and C40 Recharge Pure Electric will be replaced by EX40 and EC40. This change is part of Volvo's efforts to expand their all-electric lineup and simplify the recognition of its electric vehicles for customers. With the introduction of additional models such as EX30, EX90, and the van EM90, Volvo is also bringing three more full electric vehicles to the market. The plug-in hybrids will be identifiable by the addition of T6 or T8, indicating the respective power level of the engine combination. The XC40 name will remain for the conventionally powered compact SUV with an internal combustion engine. 

Ionity, a joint venture of leading automakers dedicated to creating a high-performance charging network for electric vehicles throughout Europe, has reached a significant milestone: the activation of 600 charging locations across 24 European countries. This includes a total of 3,382 HPC (High Power Charging) points, with an additional 96 charging parks under construction. By 2025, the joint venture plans to operate more than 1,000 locations with around 7,000 charging points. The locations are strategically placed not only along highways but also near major cities and along heavily traveled arterial roads to ensure comprehensive coverage and accessibility. 

Volkswagen is expanding its ID series with the ID.7 Tourer, based on the mid-size ID.7 sedan and described by Volkswagen as a fusion of the classic Variant, Passat, and Arteon. The two available battery options – 77 kWh for the ID.7 Tourer Pro and 86 kWh for the ID.7 Tourer Pro S – are expected to offer a range of up to 685 kilometers (approx. 426 miles). The ID.7 Tourer also introduces a range of technology features. The 77-kWh battery can be charged at up to 175 kW at compatible fast-charging stations, while the Pro S with an 86 kWh battery can reach up to 200 kW at peak. For the ID.7 Tourer Pro, the standard charging process from 10 to 80 percent is expected to take 28 minutes, and under 30 minutes for the ID.7 Tourer Pro S. 

Cupra, the performance brand from SEAT, has unveiled the Born VZ, a more powerful version of its compact electric car. The Born VZ is set to offer 240 kW (326 hp), a maximum torque of 545 Nm, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.7 seconds, and a top speed of 200 km/h (124 mph). In addition to increased performance, the Born VZ is expected to travel up to 570 kilometers (approx. 354 miles) on a single charge. The battery can be charged at up to 185 kWh at a fast-charging station using direct current (DC), with a rapid charge from 10 to 80 percent taking about 25 minutes. 

The Mobility House, a provider of charging and energy management systems, is making its charging and energy management solution "eyond" available to energy providers. Previously, private electric vehicle (EV) owners with home charging units could earn additional revenue and contribute to the energy transition through unidirectional and soon bidirectional charging. Now, The Mobility House is offering the same solution to energy suppliers. Energy providers can now offer their customers a home electricity tariff that actively reduces charging costs by flexibly utilizing the EV battery. The "eyond" solution consists of three components: a Smart Charging app, a green electricity tariff for the household, and the EV aggregation platform. EV drivers can control their home charging processes using the app, while The Mobility House aggregates the battery flexibility of connected vehicles in the background and markets it in short-term trading. ENERVIE – Südwestfalen Energie AG will be among the first partners to adopt the offer. 

Measuring 199.90 meters in length, 38 meters in width, and with a speed of 20 knots, the French shipping company CMA CGM celebrated its first call of the "CMA CGM Indianapolis" in Bremerhaven on Monday. The car carrier, with its 12 flexible decks, can load and transport around 7,000 vehicles across the seas to distant countries on each voyage – powered by LNG. The RoRo ship's hybrid propulsion system, equipped with two 2,000 cubic meter LNG tanks, allows it to cover long distances on the world's oceans. In Bremerhaven, the ship also celebrated another premiere: its first LNG bunkering, conducted with a tanker from the company Gasum, marking a significant step for ships equipped with LNG hybrid propulsion. Its next destination is Singapore. 

E-bike motor manufacturer Fazua, a subsidiary of Porsche Ebike, is supporting the nonprofit organization World Bicycle Relief (WBR). Fazua has committed to donating one percent of its online shop revenue for the year 2024 to World Bicycle Relief. This financial support will directly contribute to providing bicycles designed to facilitate access to education, employment, and health facilities in rural areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. 

Dacia has given its only electric vehicle, the Spring, a striking facelift. It will make its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show. 

U.S. electric car manufacturer Lucid is bringing the new Air Pure Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) to Germany, boasting a range of up to 747 kilometers (464 miles). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. At fast-charging stations, the range can be increased by up to 400 kilometers (249 miles) in 20 minutes. 

Porsche has introduced new E-Hybrid versions of the Panamera. The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid and the Panamera 4S E-Hybrid are now joining the lineup.