Articles tagged with "electrification"
China’s Geely is officially bringing its luxury EV startup Zeekr private
China’s Geely Auto is officially taking its luxury electric vehicle (EV) subsidiary Zeekr private, just over a year after the company’s public debut. The privatization follows Geely’s offer made two months prior, with Zeekr shareholders given the option to receive either $2.69 in cash per share or 1.23 newly issued Geely shares for each Zeekr share they own. Certain Hong Kong retail investors will receive cash by default. Zeekr’s board has approved the merger, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. The implications of Zeekr’s privatization on its existing partnership with Waymo remain unclear. Zeekr and Waymo have been collaborating to build vehicles for large-scale deployment in the U.S., with Waymo’s Zeekr vehicles already operating in the San Francisco Bay Area. TechCrunch has reached out to Waymo for further details on how the privatization might affect this deal. The article also notes
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-startupGeelyZeekrautomotive-industryelectrificationHyundai Motor IONIQ 6 N Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Setting New Benchmark for High-Performance Evs - CleanTechnica
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled the IONIQ 6 N, its second high-performance electric vehicle (EV), at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in England. Building on the success of the IONIQ 5 N, the IONIQ 6 N incorporates advanced technologies from Hyundai N’s motorsport programs and “rolling lab” initiatives, emphasizing the brand’s core principles of Corner Rascal, Racetrack Capability, and Everyday Sportscar. The car delivers exceptional handling and aerodynamic stability, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.2 seconds with N Launch Control and a top speed of 257 km/h, making it a powerful contender on both road and track. The IONIQ 6 N features significant engineering advancements, including redesigned suspension geometry, an improved N e-Shift system to reduce performance loss, and enhanced acoustic tuning for a more immersive driving experience. It produces 650 PS (478 kW) and 770 Nm of torque, supported
energyelectric-vehiclesHyundai-IONIQ-6-Nhigh-performance-EVautomotive-technologyelectrificationmotorsport-technology7 Rail Megaprojects Get More EU Funds than 84 Other Key Upgrades — New T&E Report - CleanTechnica
A recent Transport & Environment (T&E) report highlights that the European Union’s current rail funding strategy disproportionately favors a small number of large megaprojects over numerous essential rail infrastructure upgrades. Between 2021 and 2023, seven major projects—including Rail Baltica, Brenner base tunnel, and Lyon Turin tunnel—received 31% (€6.6 billion) of the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) transport funds, while 84 other critical upgrades shared only 27%. Although these megaprojects are important for integrating Europe’s rail network, their lengthy timelines and high costs have led to oversubscription of CEF funds, limiting investment in quicker, widespread improvements. The report also raises concerns about the underfunding of the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS), a standardized signaling system crucial for enhancing cross-border rail capacity and connectivity. ERTMS received just €0.7 billion (3% of CEF transport funds) from 2021 to 202
energytransportationinfrastructureEU-fundingrail-upgradesERTMSelectrificationThe Kia EV5: An Authentic SUV Powering Kia’s Electrification Vision - CleanTechnica
The Kia EV5 is a newly launched all-electric mid-sized SUV (C-SUV) designed to cater to modern families and active lifestyles. Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV5 combines bold, authentic SUV styling with a spacious interior and advanced electric performance. It joins Kia’s expanding electric vehicle lineup, which includes models like the EV3, EV4, EV6, and EV9, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to accessible and sustainable mobility. The EV5 is set for a global rollout starting in the second half of 2025 in Korea and Europe, with North American sales beginning in early 2026. The vehicle embodies Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, featuring a confident and robust exterior with well-balanced proportions, including a 4,610 mm length and 2,750 mm wheelbase. Its design highlights include a wide nose, three-dimensional ‘Star Map’ daytime running lights, rugged bumpers, and unique
energyelectric-vehicleKia-EV5electrificationsustainable-mobilityelectric-SUVautomotive-technologySome Interesting News From Two US Electric Vehicle Stakholders
Allison Transmission Holdings and Dana Incorporated, two longstanding U.S.-based propulsion firms with over a century of experience, recently completed a $2.7 billion transaction in which Allison acquired Dana’s off-highway business. This strategic move aims to expand Allison’s presence in global electric vehicle (EV) markets, particularly in emerging regions like Asia-Pacific, while broadening its commercial-duty powertrain and industrial solutions worldwide. Despite uncertainties in U.S. federal electrification policies, both companies are capitalizing on the growing global demand for EVs, with Allison intensifying its investment in EV-related research and development. For Dana, the sale of its off-highway business represents a significant financial gain—valued at seven times the expected 2025 adjusted EBITDA—and supports its strategic shift toward becoming a more focused supplier of light- and commercial-vehicle electrification solutions. Dana emphasizes its comprehensive in-house capabilities in electric drivetrains, including gearboxes, motors, inverters, and battery management systems, positioning itself
energyelectric-vehiclespropulsion-systemsdrivetrain-technologyautomotive-industryelectrificationmarket-expansionJon McNeill brings the operator’s playbook to TechCrunch All Stage
At TechCrunch All Stage 2025 in Boston on July 15, Jon McNeill, CEO of DVx Ventures and former Tesla president and Lyft COO, will present “The Operator’s Playbook for Building and Scaling Sustainable Companies.” McNeill challenges the common startup advice to prioritize product-market fit before scaling, arguing that premature or rapid scaling can hinder long-term success. Instead, he advocates for validating both product and go-to-market strategies before aggressively pursuing growth, emphasizing sustainable and disciplined scaling over speed alone. Drawing on his extensive experience founding six companies, scaling Tesla’s revenue from $2 billion to $20 billion, and helping Lyft go public, McNeill will share practical insights on capital efficiency, operating discipline, and building companies that prioritize profitability, impact, and long-term value. His session targets founders navigating hypergrowth and investors seeking new models that break from traditional venture capital approaches, offering a grounded, operator-focused roadmap for building enduring businesses. TechCrunch All Stage aims to provide actionable advice, networking,
energyelectrificationtransportationAIstartup-growthsustainable-companiescapital-efficiencyHyundai Motor Group Recognized by TIME as an “Automotive Dark Horse” on 2025 Most Influential Companies List - CleanTechnica
Hyundai Motor Group has been recognized by TIME magazine as an “Automotive Dark Horse” on the 2025 list of The 100 Most Influential Companies, marking its first inclusion on this prestigious annual ranking. This acknowledgment underscores Hyundai’s leadership in innovation and its transformative impact on the global automotive industry, particularly through its expanding portfolio of electric and hybrid vehicles. TIME highlights the Group’s strong growth, noting its status as the third-largest global automotive group by sales in 2024 and its success in meeting rising consumer demand for sustainable mobility solutions via both Hyundai and Kia brands. The Group is aggressively expanding its hybrid vehicle lineup beyond traditional compact and mid-size segments into the luxury market, aiming to capture a broader consumer base and maintain competitiveness amid rapid industry changes. In a significant move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities, Hyundai announced a $21 billion investment in U.S. production facilities through 2028, its largest commitment to American manufacturing to date. These strategic initiatives, combined with record financial performance and innovation in
energyelectric-vehicleshybrid-vehiclessustainable-mobilityautomotive-innovationmanufacturing-investmentelectrificationJon McNeill brings the operator’s playbook to TechCrunch All Stage
At TechCrunch All Stage 2025 in Boston on July 15, Jon McNeill, CEO and co-founder of DVx Ventures and former Tesla president and Lyft COO, will challenge the conventional startup advice of prioritizing product-market fit before scaling. His session, “The Operator’s Playbook for Building and Scaling Sustainable Companies,” emphasizes the importance of validating both product and go-to-market strategies before accelerating growth. McNeill advocates for scaling smarter rather than faster, focusing on building sustainable companies that balance profitability, impact, and long-term value. Drawing from his extensive experience—founding six companies, scaling Tesla’s revenue from $2 billion to $20 billion, and helping Lyft go public—McNeill will share practical insights on capital efficiency, operating discipline, and alternative approaches to venture capital. His goal is to provide founders and investors with an operator-first roadmap that prioritizes sustainable growth over rapid expansion. The session is part of TechCrunch All Stage, a founder summit designed to offer tactical advice, real
energyelectrificationsustainable-growthstartup-scalingtransportationAIcapital-efficiencyTrump's Iran Bombing Will Accelerate Global Electrification & Biofuels - CleanTechnica
The June 2025 U.S. bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the U.S. and Israel triggered a sharp surge in global oil prices, highlighting the vulnerabilities of heavy reliance on petroleum, especially in geopolitically sensitive regions like the Persian Gulf. President Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and demands for swift peace have intensified uncertainty in energy markets, contributing to inflation fears and renewed recessionary pressures in fragile economies such as the United States. This economic strain, dubbed the "Trumpcession," is squeezing American consumers through rising gasoline prices, paradoxically increasing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative transport options despite limited federal support. In contrast, China is responding strategically by accelerating its electrification and renewable energy initiatives, aiming to reduce its critical exposure to oil import disruptions. Already a global leader in EV production, battery manufacturing, and renewable deployment, China plans to expand EV quotas, invest heavily in battery factories, and build extensive charging infrastructure to enhance energy security. Similarly, the European Union views the crisis as
energyelectrificationbiofuelselectric-vehiclesrenewable-energybattery-manufacturingenergy-securityGeely Brings Electric EX5 to 6 Adriatic Countries - CleanTechnica
Geely Auto officially launched its electric SUV, the Geely EX5, across six Adriatic countries—Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro—on June 10, 2025. The EX5 is notable for being Geely’s first global model to receive EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (WVTA) certification, marking a significant step in the company’s global electrification strategy. The launch events in Serbia and Croatia attracted extensive media attention from regional automotive journalists, who praised the EX5’s advanced capabilities and technological innovations, anticipating that it will invigorate the regional electric vehicle market. Since entering the Serbian market in March 2023 through its regional partner SEEAG, Geely has introduced multiple models, including the Starray, Coolray, and EX5, catering to diverse customer preferences in design, performance, and sustainability. The brand has expanded its presence with 36 dealership outlets across the six countries, operating under a unified regional dealership model
energyelectric-vehiclesGeely-EX5automotive-technologyelectrificationsustainable-transportationnew-energy-vehiclesHow Minor Metals Could Cause Major Electrification Bottlenecks - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights a critical but often overlooked challenge in the global electrification transition: the supply constraints of minor or by-product metals such as indium, gallium, germanium, tellurium, selenium, and certain rare earth elements. Unlike primary metals like lithium and cobalt, whose production can be scaled more directly in response to demand, these by-product metals are produced only incidentally during the mining and refining of major metals like copper, zinc, nickel, and aluminum. This dependency means their supply is inherently tied to the extraction rates and market dynamics of unrelated primary metals, leading to unpredictable availability and price volatility that complicates strategic planning for industries reliant on these materials. Economically, the recovery of by-product metals is marginal and highly sensitive to market prices. For example, zinc refiners will only recover indium if its market price justifies the cost; otherwise, it remains in waste streams, causing intermittent shortages. This contrasts with primary metals, where steady demand typically supports sustained
energyelectrificationminor-metalssupply-chainrare-earth-elementsminingmaterialsWhat Happens When AI, EVs, and Smart Homes All Plug In at Once? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the growing challenges faced by the electric distribution grid as artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EVs), and smart homes increasingly demand more energy. It highlights that much of our energy consumption is invisible, powering everything from data centers and AI systems to e-mobility and smart home technologies. According to a 2025 study by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), US electricity demand is expected to rise by 50% by 2050, driven largely by a 300% increase in data center energy use and a staggering 9,000% rise in energy consumption for electric mobility and charging. The International Energy Agency warns that the rapid expansion of data centers could strain local power networks, risking more frequent blackouts if grid upgrades do not keep pace. The article emphasizes that the current grid infrastructure is ill-equipped to handle this surge in demand without significant investment and modernization. Utilities like CenterPoint Energy are proactively investing billions in grid improvements to meet future needs, anticipating substantial increases in peak electricity usage. Technological innovations, such as smart grid automation and advanced protection devices, offer promising solutions to enhance grid resilience and reliability. These technologies help manage energy fluctuations, improve efficiency, and reduce service interruptions, positioning the grid to better support the evolving energy landscape shaped by AI, EVs, and smart homes.
energyelectric-gridelectrificationdata-centersartificial-intelligenceenergy-consumptionsmart-homesRenewables Surge in South Korea as New Government Charts Electrified Future - CleanTechnica
South Korea’s new government has initiated a significant policy shift toward an electrified, decarbonized energy future, emphasizing a pragmatic and economically strategic expansion of renewable energy. The plan maintains nuclear power at current levels to provide stable baseload electricity while accelerating the phase-out of coal. This approach addresses South Korea’s historical vulnerability due to its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels—over 90% of its energy needs—which exposed the country to geopolitical risks and price volatility. The government’s vision centers on leveraging domestic renewable resources, particularly offshore wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) power, to reduce dependence on imports and environmental impacts. The envisioned energy system aims to deliver approximately 924 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually—matching current energy service levels but with far greater efficiency and lower emissions. Offshore wind is poised to be the cornerstone of this transformation, capitalizing on South Korea’s favorable maritime geography, especially in the Yellow Sea and near Jeju Island, where strong, stable winds can generate hundreds of TWh per year. This shift also aligns with industrial policy by enabling major shipbuilding companies like Hyundai Heavy Industries and Doosan to transition into offshore wind turbine manufacturing, promising significant economic benefits. Solar PV complements offshore wind by focusing on rooftop installations and floating solar farms, addressing land constraints while expanding renewable capacity. Overall, South Korea’s energy transition reflects a balanced, economically grounded strategy that integrates renewables and nuclear power to enhance energy security, reduce emissions, and foster industrial innovation. While nuclear remains a key baseload source, the emphasis on offshore wind and solar PV marks a decisive move away from fossil fuels, aiming for a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy system.
energyrenewable-energySouth-Koreaelectrificationoffshore-windsolar-photovoltaicnuclear-energyTransforming Canada: Mapping A 100% Electrified Energy Economy - CleanTechnica
The article "Transforming Canada: Mapping A 100% Electrified Energy Economy" explores Canada’s critical juncture in transitioning its energy system toward full electrification and renewable integration. Drawing on the author's experience with Ireland’s 2050 energy roadmap and collaboration with Canadian energy leaders, the piece highlights the opportunity for Canada to adopt a similarly ambitious, clean, secure, and affordable energy framework. Despite differences in scale, Canada and Ireland share challenges like decarbonization, energy independence, and affordability. Canada’s abundant renewable resources and technological capacity position it well for this transformation. Currently, Canada’s energy system is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, primarily oil and natural gas exports to the U.S. and increasingly Asia, which creates economic vulnerabilities amid global market and geopolitical uncertainties. Domestically, fossil fuels dominate heating, transportation, and industry, resulting in significant inefficiencies and energy waste—about 1,500 TWh of the roughly 2,500 TWh primary energy consumed annually is lost, mainly as waste heat from combustion processes. The author presents Sankey diagrams illustrating current energy flows and envisions a fully decarbonized, electrified Canadian energy economy. While the diagrams are preliminary, they underscore the scale of inefficiency in the current system and the potential gains from electrification and renewable integration. The article serves as an initial reflection and call to action for inclusive, forward-looking energy planning in Canada.
energyrenewable-energyelectrificationdecarbonizationenergy-policyclean-energyenergy-transformationGlobal EV Sales — BYD Song Beats Tesla Model Y on the World Stage! - CleanTechnica
electric-vehiclesEV-saleselectrificationBYDTeslaautomotive-marketclean-energyWizz Air’s Sewage-to-Fuel Deal Helps Blow Up Five Energy Myths - CleanTechnica
energydecarbonizationaviationbiofuelsliquid-fuelselectrificationclimate-changeBeyond the Harbor: Electrifying Short-Sea Routes and Hybridizing Blue-Water Shipping - CleanTechnica
energyelectrificationmaritimedecarbonizationbattery-technologyshippingsustainable-transportAll Your Fleet Electrification & Range Anxiety Problems, Solved - CleanTechnica
energyelectrificationelectric-vehiclesrange-anxietymobile-chargingbattery-technologyfleet-managementA Wishlist Of EVs At The 125th New York International Auto Show That I’d Like To See In Asia - CleanTechnica
electric-vehiclesEVsautomotive-technologyelectrificationclean-energysustainable-transportationbattery-technologyCold Ironing Takes Hold: Ports Achieve Cleaner Air by Electrifying Ship Berths - CleanTechnica
energyelectrificationemissions-reductionclean-powersustainable-portsshore-powermaritime-sustainabilityPowering Ports: Electrifying Harbor Craft & Ferries For Lower Costs & Emissions
energyelectrificationdecarbonizationmaritime-industrybattery-electric-solutionsemissions-reductionharbor-tugsPowering the Future: A 30-Year Roadmap to Zero-Emission Port Operations
energydecarbonizationelectrificationshippingport-operationsrenewable-energycarbon-emissionsElectric Depots: The Key To Electrifying Road Logistics
energyelectrificationbattery-electric-vehiclescharging-infrastructurelogisticsdepot-chargingsustainable-transportElectrified Cars From Volvo & Cupra That May Or May Not Come To America
energyelectric-vehiclesplug-in-hybridVolvosustainable-transportationautomotive-technologyelectrificationNew Jeep Compass Comes In Three Versions — Hybrid, PHEV, & Electric
electric-vehicleshybrid-technologyPHEVbattery-technologysustainable-manufacturingenergy-efficiencyelectrificationElectric Trucks Are Winning (Trump Is Losing)
electric-trucksEV-chargingelectrificationautonomous-vehiclestransportationemissions-reductionI-10-corridorGlobal EV Sales — EVs Now 21% of World Auto Sales in 2025
energyelectric-vehiclesEV-saleselectrificationbattery-electric-vehiclesautomotive-marketclean-technologyGreasing the Wheels of the Energy Transition to Address Climate Change & Fossil Fuels Phaseout
energyclimate-changerenewable-energyenergy-transitionfossil-fuelselectrificationenergy-models