Articles tagged with "clean-transportation"
Battery Ferries: Helios, China Zorrilla, & BC Ferries Compared - CleanTechnica
The article discusses three significant battery-electric ferry projects that highlight the rapid transformation of maritime travel through electrification. Viking Line’s Helios, expected in the early 2030s, is a fully electric ferry designed to operate on an 80-kilometer route between Helsinki and Tallinn, carrying 2,000 passengers, 650 cars, and substantial cargo entirely on battery power. Another pioneering vessel, the China Zorrilla, a high-speed electric catamaran built by Tasmania’s Incat for Buquebus, will serve the shorter Buenos Aires–Colonia del Sacramento route, covering about 93 kilometers. Both projects exemplify advances in battery-electric ferry technology aimed at reducing emissions and improving sustainability in maritime transport. In British Columbia, Canada, BC Ferries has contracted China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard to build four hybrid-electric ferries to replace its aging C-class vessels. These ferries, designed as diesel-battery hybrids with plans to transition to full electric as shore charging infrastructure
energyelectric-ferrybattery-propulsionmaritime-electrificationhybrid-electric-ferriesclean-transportationsustainable-energySmaller, Lighter, Cheaper Electric Van From Volkswagen In Development - CleanTechnica
Volkswagen is developing a smaller, lighter, and more affordable electric multipurpose vehicle (MPV) that could serve as a practical family alternative to larger, less efficient SUVs like the ID. Buzz. While the ID. Buzz generated significant excitement due to its nostalgic connection to the original Volkswagen bus, its high price—$72,385 for the US First Edition—has limited its market success, particularly in the US. The ID. Buzz has found moderate success in Europe, primarily as a commercial and taxi vehicle, benefiting from its compact size suited for congested city environments. The new electric MPV concept draws inspiration from earlier Volkswagen prototypes such as the 2016 Budd-e, which featured a large battery and promising range for its time. Volkswagen is revisiting these MPV designs to create a vehicle with a smaller footprint, lighter weight, and more affordable price point than the ID. Buzz, targeting family buyers who want a practical, high-utility electric vehicle. Key design features under consideration include
energyelectric-vehiclesVolkswagenID.Buzzbattery-technologyclean-transportationMPVEVs At 28.5% Share In Germany - Volkswagen Group Takes Half Of All BEVs - CleanTechnica
In May 2025, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) achieved a 28.5% market share in Germany, a significant increase from 18.5% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 18.0% of sales, while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) made up 10.5%. Year-to-date, plugin EVs hold a 27.4% share, up from 18.3% in 2024, reflecting a steady transition toward electrification in the German auto market. Volkswagen Group played a pivotal role in this growth, doubling its BEV volumes year-on-year in May and contributing 82% of the BEV sales increase, while capturing half of all BEV sales that month. This surge has helped plugin vehicles surpass petrol-only cars in market share for three consecutive months, with hybrids (HEV and MHEV) also maintaining strong presence but showing signs of plateauing. The Volkswagen ID.7 was
energyelectric-vehiclesBEVPHEVVolkswagenautomotive-marketclean-transportationChina's EV Moves in UK & EU Progressing - CleanTechnica
China’s electric vehicle (EV) market is the world’s most advanced, with EVs comprising about half of new car sales domestically. However, intense competition and the challenge of scaling profitably have prompted Chinese automakers to expand exports, particularly targeting Europe—the world’s second-largest EV market. Chinese EV companies face high tariffs imposed by the European Union, which argues these tariffs counteract heavy Chinese government subsidies and promote fair competition. Recent negotiations between China’s commerce ministry and the EU on setting minimum prices for Chinese-made EVs are reportedly in the final stages, suggesting potential easing of trade tensions. In the UK, Chinese automakers have made significant inroads, with companies like BYD capturing nearly 10% of the EV market following rapid sales growth. BYD, the world’s leading EV manufacturer, continues to expand its presence by introducing competitively priced models tailored to European consumers. This expansion coincides with a broader European market trend where major automakers, including Volkswagen and Renault, are competing fiercely in the small EV segment. BYD’s launch of the affordable Dolphin Surf compact hatchback, priced as low as €19,990 with respectable driving ranges, exemplifies the growing appeal of Chinese EVs in Europe and the potential for market disruption. Overall, Chinese EV makers are strategically leveraging their cost advantages and product offerings to challenge established European brands, particularly in the small car segment where affordability is key. The evolving tariff negotiations and successful market penetration in the UK signal a shifting landscape in the European EV market, with Chinese manufacturers poised to play an increasingly influential role.
electric-vehiclesEV-marketChina-EV-exportsEuropean-Union-tariffsBYDautomotive-energyclean-transportation3,000km EV Road Trip From Johannesburg To Simola Hillclimb To Raise EV Awareness In South Africa - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the challenges and emerging progress of electric vehicle (EV) adoption in South Africa, where high import duties, taxes, and limited BEV model availability have kept prices significantly higher than comparable internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. For instance, EV import taxes reach 25%, compared to 18% for ICE vehicles, and an additional ad valorem tax often doubles the cost of EVs relative to similar ICE models. This has resulted in the South African EV market being dominated by premium models, though more affordable options like the BYD Dolphin and Volvo EX30—currently the country’s bestselling BEV—are beginning to enter the market, signaling a gradual shift. To promote EV awareness and demonstrate their practicality, Ryan Jarrett undertook a 3,000 km roundtrip electric road trip from Johannesburg to the Simola Hillclimb event in a Volvo EX30. Covering multiple provinces and diverse environments, Jarrett’s journey included strategic charging stops and showcased the ease of long-distance EV travel within South Africa. The event itself featured EVs competing successfully, with some ranking among the fastest cars up the hill, underscoring the growing presence and performance of electric mobility in the country. Such initiatives aim to accelerate EV adoption by raising public awareness and confidence in electric vehicles as viable alternatives to ICE cars in South Africa.
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-adoptionbattery-electric-vehiclesclean-transportationSouth-AfricaEV-awarenessEVs Take 94.9% Share In Norway - Renault 5 First Customer Deliveries - CleanTechnica
In May 2024, plugin electric vehicles (EVs) dominated the Norwegian auto market with a combined market share of 94.9%, up significantly from 82.3% a year earlier. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) alone accounted for 93.9% of sales, while plugin hybrids (PHEVs) made up just 1.1%. Overall vehicle sales increased 39% year-on-year to 14,260 units. The Tesla Model Y continued its strong performance, securing the top spot for the third consecutive month with 2,344 units sold, representing over 16% of the passenger auto market. Other notable models included the Toyota BZ4X, Volkswagen ID. Buzz, MG4, BYD Sealion, and the Volvo EX90, which entered the top 20 for the first time. The market dynamics in early 2024 have been somewhat erratic due to factors such as manufacturers clearing older non-plugin stock ahead of stricter EU safety regulations and tax changes on non-BEVs, especially PHEVs. This has led to fluctuations in sales patterns, but the market is expected to stabilize with BEVs maintaining a dominant share between 94% and 98%. Newcomers like the Renault 5 have started customer deliveries and showed promising initial sales (59 units), hinting at potential growth. Other new entrants such as the Opel Frontera and Mazda 6e have also appeared, though some models like the Citroen e-C3 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 showed signs of sales plateauing or temporary dips. Overall, Norway’s EV market continues to grow robustly, with BEVs firmly established as the preferred choice among consumers.
energyelectric-vehiclesbattery-electric-vehiclesNorway-EV-marketTesla-Model-Yclean-transportationautomotive-industry-trendsYesterday’s Congressional Attack on Clean Transportation - CleanTechnica
energyelectric-vehiclesclean-transportationpollution-reductionclimate-actionzero-emission-technologiesautomotive-innovationSodium Batteries: Yet Another Sign EVs Are Here To Stay
energysodium-batterieselectric-vehiclesEV-technologybattery-innovationsustainable-energyclean-transportationJob posting: Policy Advisor
clean-energyrenewable-energyclean-transportationclimate-actionpolicy-analysisdecarbonizationelectric-vehiclesEVs Take 32.1% Share In The UK – Volkswagen Leads
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-marketbattery-electric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridsUK-automotive-industryclean-transportationCalifornia’s New Hydrogen Subsidy Sinkhole: 13 Cars, Millions Spent, Negative Impact
energyhydrogenclean-transportationzero-emission-vehiclesCaliforniasubsidiescarsharingGlobal Ferry Electrification Accelerates: 70% Of New Orders Go Electric
electric-ferriesmaritime-electrificationclean-transportationbattery-systemsdecarbonizationsustainable-shippinggreen-technologyElectric Cars Are More Reliable Than Gas Cars — New Study
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-reliabilityautomotive-technologyclean-transportationsustainable-energybattery-technology