⚡ Watts up? Ever wanted to use augmented reality to aid you in navigation whilst driving? Well, according to Mercedes, that may soon be a reality (pardon the pun). Some great news for renewable energy also, as it has accounted for around 24% of US electricity so far this year, up from 22.8% in 2023. Learn more on those stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day!

QotD: As of June this year, how many electric cars were on UK roads?

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Rivian Receives Conditional Commitment for up to $6.6 Billion Loan from the U.S. Department of Energy

🚗 Rivian Automotive has secured a conditional loan commitment of $6.6 billion from the U.S. Department of Energy to boost electric vehicle production. This significant investment aims to strengthen Rivian’s role in the EV market and support the growth of the domestic EV ecosystem.

• The loan will finance a new manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, Georgia, focusing on midsize R2 SUVs and R3 crossovers.

• The facility, built in two phases, will produce up to 400,000 vehicles annually, with phase one slated for 2028.

• Expected to create 7,500 operational and 2,000 construction jobs, the project highlights Rivian’s long-term growth and profitability strategy.

• Advanced environmental and construction methods will ensure sustainability while preserving natural spaces and supporting nearby communities.

• CEO RJ Scaringe emphasised the role of this funding in strengthening U.S. EV leadership and creating affordable, high-performing vehicles.

This initiative highlights Rivian’s commitment to scaling production and reinforces the United States’ role in the global transition to electric vehicles.

INFRASTRUCTURE

PowerCo and NOVONIX Sign Binding Offtake Agreement

🔋 NOVONIX Limited has finalised a supply agreement with PowerCo SE, Volkswagen’s battery-focused subsidiary, to provide over 32,000 tonnes of synthetic graphite from 2027. This deal underlines both companies’ commitment to advancing global electric vehicle battery production.

• PowerCo, managing Volkswagen’s battery operations, has announced gigafactories in Germany, Spain, and Canada, targeting 200 GWh annual capacity.

• NOVONIX will supply synthetic graphite from its Riverside facility in North America, which begins commercial operations in 2025 and initially produces 20,000 tonnes annually.

• The Riverside project, supported by $203 million in U.S. federal funding, is the first large-scale synthetic graphite production site in the region.

• NOVONIX plans a second facility in the south-eastern U.S., starting with 30,000 tpa and potentially scaling to 75,000 tpa, aiming for 150,000 tpa total production.

• Additional funding discussions with the U.S. DOE are underway to support these ambitious expansions.

This partnership solidifies NOVONIX’s role in powering the global EV transition with its battery materials.

CLEAN ENERGY

Renewable Energy Powered 24% of US Electricity – According to EIA

☀️ Renewable energy in the US experienced significant growth in 2024, with output increasing nearly 9% year-over-year in the first three quarters. Solar power led this surge, achieving remarkable gains and reinforcing the role of renewables in the energy landscape.

• Solar power generation rose 25.9%, with utility-scale solar growing by 30.1% and rooftop systems increasing by 16.2%, contributing over 7% of US electricity.

• Wind energy, the largest renewable source, grew by 6.6%, accounting for 9.9% of electricity generation. Together, wind and solar made up 17% of the total.

• Renewables collectively provided 24% of the nation’s electricity, up from 22.8% in 2023, far outpacing traditional sources like natural gas (+4.1%) and nuclear (+1.3%).

• Drought conditions reduced hydropower output, but wind and solar combined generated 14.5% more electricity than coal and nearly equalled nuclears share.

Ken Bossong of the SUN DAY Campaign highlighted renewables’ crucial role in the electricity supply and economy, emphasising their potential for continued growth.

TECHNOLOGIES

Mercedes-Benz’ Future of Augmented Reality

📱 Mercedes-Benz has unveiled ground-breaking concepts that merge technology, sustainability, and personalisation, showcasing its vision for the future of mobility. These innovations, many of which extend beyond traditional automotive design, highlight the company’s focus on integrating advanced technology and eco-conscious practices into daily life.

• Augmented reality technologies will transform navigation and vehicle personalisation, while mixed reality enables real-time virtual design collaborations for designers.

• Sustainability efforts include biodegradable silk, recycled plastic-based leather, and solar paint, a coating that generates energy for up to 7,456 miles annually.

• Neuromorphic computing, developed with the University of Waterloo, promises to cut energy use for safety systems by up to 90%.

• Innovations in braking systems and power electronics aim to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions.

These advances, debuting partially in the new CLA-Class, showcase Mercedes’ commitment to redefining mobility with sustainability and innovation at its core.

WATT ELSE?

• Large eCitaro order for Daimler Buses from Hamburg

• BYD announced launch of next-gen blade battery in 2025

• Sources say Volkswagen has taken major write-down on Northvolt stake

• Alternus Clean Energy announces acquisition of LiiON

• Tesla launches Actually Smart Summon in Europe and the Middle East

⭐ Thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter!

Feel free to share us around and check us out on social media, all support is greatly appreciated.

Answer: 1,145,000