⚡ Watts up? The European Commission has recently committed over €4.6 billion towards net-zero technologies, covering everything from electric vehicle batteries to hydrogen production. Meanwhile, Aptera is crowdfunding a further $60 million to help bring their funky 3-wheeler to production. If successful, they hope to produce around 7,000 units over the course of next year, one of which can be yours for the price of $25k. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Aptera Motors Seeking a Further $60 Million from Crowdfunding

🚗 Aptera, a California-based startup, has reopened its crowdfunding campaign to finalise the development of its solar-powered, three-wheeled electric vehicle and prepare for production. The company previously raised $135 million but needs an additional $60 million to bring its unique vehicle to market.

• Investors can purchase shares for $14.80 each, with a $1,000 minimum investment.

• Funds will support the SEV’s development, including testing a new inboard drive unit from Vitesco Technologies.

• Aptera targets production next year with an initial batch of 7,000 vehicles, contingent on securing funding.

• The SEV’s solar panels can provide up to 11,000 miles of annual range in ideal conditions, with a maximum total range of 400 miles per charge.

• Prices will range from $25,900 to $48,300, depending on configuration.

Aptera’s innovative SEV offers a compelling solution for sustainable commuting, but its future depends on successfully attracting the necessary investment.

INFRASTRUCTURE

European Commission Designates €4.6 Billion to Boost Net-Zero Technologies

🔋 The European Commission is advancing net-zero technologies through a series of initiatives to meet climate goals and bolster the European industry. With two calls for proposals totalling €3.4 billion and the launch of the European Hydrogen Bank's second auction, these measures aim to support renewable energy, hydrogen production, and innovative manufacturing.

• The €2.4 billion decarbonisation call targets renewable energy, energy storage, hydrogen, and heat pumps, with new resilience criteria to reduce supply chain dependencies.

• A separate €1 billion call focuses on electric vehicle batteries, addressing challenges in Europe’s battery value chain, with additional funding support from the European Investment Bank.

• The European Hydrogen Bank’s €1.2 billion auction promotes renewable hydrogen production, including €200 million for maritime projects, using a streamlined ‘Auctions-as-a-Service’ mechanism.

Deadlines for these initiatives are in 2025, with Info Days scheduled for December 2024. These efforts reflect the EU's commitment to innovation, emission reductions, and maintaining leadership in clean energy technologies.

CLEAN ENERGY

Panasonic Installs Hydrogen-based Renewable Energy Power Generation System in its UK Factory

☀️ Panasonic Corporation has introduced an advanced power generation system at its Cardiff factory in Wales, integrating hydrogen fuel cells, photovoltaic generators, and storage batteries. The initiative aims to power the microwave oven assembly facility entirely with renewable energy, aligning with Panasonic’s sustainability goals.

• The system includes 21 hydrogen fuel cell generators (5 kW each), a 372 kW photovoltaic system, and 1 MWh of storage batteries.

• Locally produced green hydrogen powers the fuel cells, which, with cogeneration technology, achieve up to 95% efficiency by providing heating and hot water for the factory.

• The photovoltaic system utilises a portion of the 760 kW solar array installed in 2022, while energy demand is managed using an advanced Energy Management System set to launch by March 2025.

• Data collection on power demand and weather will refine Panasonic’s EMS and improve energy efficiency.

This ground-breaking project highlights Panasonic’s leadership in hydrogen technology and renewable energy, whilst showcasing commitment to a carbon-neutral future.

TECHNOLOGIES

Marelli Reveals New Battery Management System Solution at the CTI Symposium

📱 Marelli, at the 2024 CTI Symposium in Berlin, unveiled a revolutionary Battery Management System for automotive use, featuring Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. This advancement enhances battery performance and lifespan by providing detailed insights into cell degradation, marking a first for large-scale, cost-effective implementation of EIS outside laboratory settings.

• Marelli’s BMS uses EIS to monitor lithium-ion battery health, predicting remaining useful life and detecting issues early to prevent thermal runaway.

• The “EIS ready” version improves impedance measurements at low frequencies, while the 2025 “Full EIS” BMS will expand capabilities with higher frequency monitoring.

• Advanced AI and cloud tracking optimise real-time battery assessments, improving State of Charge, State of Power, and overall efficiency.

• These innovations result in extended battery life, increased range, and enhanced vehicle performance.

Marelli’s pioneering of Battery Management System technology demonstrates its dedication to safety, reliability, and efficiency in EV battery management.

WATT ELSE?

• BYD partners with TAILG to develop batteries for electric 2-wheelers

• UPVFab joins European Commission project to lead the manufacture of photonic chips

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