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
2024-10-12
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
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
Ballard Power Systems, a large hydrogen fuel cell making company from Canada, has announced a massive overhaul that will slash its spending by 30%, including huge job cuts
According to Ballard CEO Randy MacEwen, there has been a notable slowing in both the development of clean hydrogen fuel production capacity, and the infrastructure used for the distribution of H2
Source: Hydrogen Fuel News Read The Article
PSR Analysis: Ballard has long been one of the leading Fuel Cell companies globally and the action of cutting costs by 30% and putting its entire China strategy at risk, will echo throughout the fuel cell industry. This is yet another body blow to this industry. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
2024-09-23
China plans to introduce restrictions on antimony exports, a move that could lead to another flashpoint with the West over control of critical minerals. Antimony is used in lead-acid batteries, as well as in solar panels and flame retardant applications. The US Department of the Interior has designated it a critical mineral. It also is essential for armor-piercing ammunition, infrared sensors and precision optics.
Analysts estimate the market was already facing a 10,000-ton shortfall before China’s restrictions. The US is critically dependent on China for antimony. It consumed 22,000 tons of antimony products in 2023. Domestic production amounted to just 4,000 tons. This mostly came from antimonial lead recovered from used lead-acid batteries
Source: Bestmag: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: There are a lot of minerals that are now being brought into sharp focus as the US looks at its critical minerals and finds that it is more reliant on other nations than previously thought. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
A spinoff from CalTech called Sienza Energy has come up with a new silicon EV battery that does away with cobalt. The secret is a nanoscale structure that resembles a plastic badminton birdie but delivers the triple threat of cost, performance, and safety
Conventional lithium-ion batteries deploy millions of micron-sized particles in their electrodes. In contrast, the Sienza EV battery boots the scale into nano-territory with billions of structures, resulting in a surface area 100 times that of conventional batteries. In addition to more efficient heat dissipation, the expanded surface area is a key factor in the improved performance of the new batter
Source: CleanTechnica: Read The Article
PSR Analysis: As a mineral, cobalt has some dark undertones with much concern being raised about the use of child labor in its mining, and since its cost is high, any move away from cobalt is appreciated. PSR
Guy Youngs is Forecast & Adoption Lead at Power Systems Research
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