⚡ Watt’s up? Last Friday was a great day for Daimler Truck, as they celebrated the start of the new eActros 600’s production, a step in the right direction for long-haul trucking. The same can’t be said for Northvolt however, as recent financial troubles have caused them to file for bankruptcy in the United States. Learn more on those stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day!

QotD: When was the first production electric car built?

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Daimler Truck Celebrates Launch of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 in Wörth

🚗 Daimler Truck has taken a major step in advancing sustainable transportation with the launch of series production for the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600, a battery-electric truck designed for long-distance haulage. The event at the Wörth plant marked a milestone in the company’s efforts to decarbonise freight transport, attended by industry leaders and government officials.

• The eActros 600 offers a 500-kilometre range per charge, targeting the high-emission long-haul trucking sector.

• Rhineland-Palatinate officials praised Daimler Truck’s innovation and its positive impact on global competitiveness.

• The Wörth plant integrates eActros 600 production alongside diesel models, emphasising scalable and sustainable manufacturing.

• Extensive workforce training in high-voltage and hydrogen technologies supports the transition.

• The site operates CO2-neutral and explores renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal power.

This launch of the eActros 600 amplifies Daimler Truck’s and Mercedes-Benz’ commitment to CO2-neutral logistics.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Northvolt – Europe’s Future EV Battery Champion – Files For Bankruptcy

🔋 Northvolt, a Swedish battery manufacturer central to Europe’s EV battery ambitions, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the US due to severe liquidity issues, with $30 million in cash against $5.8 billion in debt. The company aims to restructure operations while maintaining critical functions.

• Northvolt continues to operate its Swedish facilities but plans a reduced scale of operations.

• A $245 million financing package, including a $100 million loan from Scania, supports its restructuring process.

• Subsidiaries in Germany and North America, which operate independently of Northvolt AB, remain unaffected.

• Despite investments from key players like Volkswagen and BMW, production at its Swedish gigafactory is significantly below capacity.

• Interim Chairman Tom Johnstone remains optimistic, citing strong lender and customer support as the foundation for recovery.

Northvolt’s restructuring highlights the challenges of competing in the EV battery market, including high production costs and supply chain constraints, but the company remains committed to meeting rising electrification demands.

CLEAN ENERGY

Skyborn Partners with Octopus Energy to Enter France’s Offshore Wind Market

☀️ Octopus Energy, in partnership with Skyborn Renewables, has been pre-qualified for France’s ninth offshore wind tender, marking a key milestone in its global expansion into early-stage offshore wind projects.

• Skyborn Renewables, with over 20 years of experience, has completed notable projects like the 500 MW Fécamp wind farm and continues to develop offshore wind in France.

• Octopus Energy, since entering the offshore wind sector in 2022, has supported projects across Europe and launched the Vector Offshore Wind Fund to advance floating wind technology.

• France has ambitious targets to grow offshore wind capacity from 1 GW today to 18 GW by 2035 and 45 GW by 2050.

• Octopus plans to invest $20 billion in offshore wind by 2030, complementing its active investments in France’s renewable sector, including 360 MW of wind and solar projects.

This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to advancing France’s clean energy goals while expanding Octopus’s renewable energy footprint.

TECHNOLOGIES

Ilika Reaches Solid-State Battery Development Milestone

📱 Ilika has achieved a key milestone in its Goliath solid-state battery programme by successfully testing 10Ah cells, showcasing enhanced capacity for electric vehicle applications.

• The 10Ah cells build on earlier safety data from the Goliath D5 prototypes and represent a significant upgrade from the 2Ah P1 prototypes launched in July 2024.

• The next phase involves freezing the D7 design in Q1 2025, enabling the release of upgraded P1.5 prototypes by Q2 2025.

• The Goliath MVP stage, featuring 50Ah P2 prototypes, is targeted for late 2025, laying the groundwork for future licensing opportunities.

• Testing by Balance Batteries shows potential weight reductions of up to 100 kg in battery packs, improving EV range and reducing costs.

• CEO Graeme Purdy emphasised safety, scalability, and partnerships as critical to Ilika’s market strategy.

Ilika’s advancements in solid-state technology highlight its leadership in developing safer, lighter, and more efficient batteries for the EV market.

WATT ELSE?

• US Grants ENTEK with USD 1.3 Billion loan to support EV battery production

• Lotus axes its all-electric plan – focusing on EREV hybrids instead

• eInfochips signs global distribution agreement for Infineon automotive software

• Philippines to start construction on world’s largest solar and battery storage facility

• China witnesses rapid EV charging infrastructure growth

• Mercedes-Benz Vans partners with E.ON to accelerate charging infrastructure in Romania, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary

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Answer: 1884