👋 Watts up? Scotland is set to build Europe’s largest battery energy storage system in Coalburn, aiming to store enough energy to power around three million homes. Phase one of the project was completed in November of 2023, with it’s next phase set for construction “imminently”. Meanwhile, Zeekr has announced its new RT Robotaxi, a re-design of their Mix minivan, built for Waymo’s autonomous vehicle operations. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

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QotD: When did Waymo have their first fully autonomous drive?

MARKETS

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ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Zeekr Announces the Zeekr RT Robotaxi

🚗 Zeekr has unveiled plans to produce the Zeekr RT, a customised version of its Mix minivan, for Waymo’s autonomous vehicle operations. This marks Zeekr's entry into the US market, with deliveries set for later this year. The Zeekr RT was revealed ahead of CES 2025 as the first mass-produced vehicle purpose-built for autonomous driving.

• The Zeekr RT is designed for full autonomy, featuring advanced manoeuvrability with a 4.95-metre turning radius.

• Based on the Zeekr Mix platform, it offers a 76 kWh battery with a 550 km range and rapid charging from 10% to 80% in around 10 minutes.

• Powered by a 310 kW motor, the Mix accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and costs around $39,000.

• Zeekr also unveiled an autonomous driving controller powered by Nvidia's advanced Drive AGX Thor SoC, debuting in an SUV in late 2025.

These developments highlight Zeekr’s technological ambitions as it prepares to compete in the US market.

INFRASTRUCTURE

ProLogium’s Fully Inorganic Electrolyte Battery Breakthroughs

🔋 ProLogium Technology introduced its fourth-generation lithium-ceramic battery (LCB) system, showcasing innovations that enhance EV safety, range, and affordability.

• The LCB achieves 380Wh/kg and 860–900Wh/L energy density, surpassing lithium iron phosphate batteries by up to 150%.

• Rapid charging reaches 60% in 4 minutes and 80% in 6 minutes, improving charging station efficiency.

• Exceptional safety features include non-flammable materials and resistance to thermal runaway, even under stress.

• The battery excels in extreme conditions, maintaining performance at -20°C and offering three times the ionic conductivity of traditional batteries.

• Advanced thermal management enhances heat dissipation, reducing reliance on active cooling during high-demand scenarios.

ProLogium’s sustainable approach enables over 80% material recovery, fostering a circular electric vehicle ecosystem.

CLEAN ENERGY

Scotland to Build Europe’s Largest Battery Energy Storage System

☀️ Construction is set to begin on Europe’s largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in Coalburn, South Lanarkshire, spanning two sites, including a former coal mine. The facility will store enough energy to power three million homes, playing a vital role in balancing the UK’s renewable energy grid.

• The project supports Scotland’s renewable energy ambitions, with nearly 90% of electricity in 2023 deriving from low-carbon sources.

• Developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), it will store surplus energy from wind farms and release it during high demand, with each charge lasting two hours.

• Phase one began in November 2023, with operations expected later this year. The second phase, on a former coal site, will start construction soon.

• CIP is also developing a 1GW BESS in Fife, bringing its UK storage capacity to 1.5GW.

Expected to reach full capacity by 2027, the Coalburn BESS highlights Scotland’s leadership in renewable energy innovation.

TECHNOLOGIES

FEV Unviels CogniSafe – an AI-Powered Driver Monitoring System

📱 FEV has introduced CogniSafe, an advanced Driver Monitoring System designed to improve road safety by addressing driver distraction, fatigue, and inattention. Leveraging deep learning and computer vision, the system operates in real time, even under challenging conditions, to enhance driver alertness.

• CogniSafe uses a network of visible light and infrared cameras to monitor gaze, head posture, and eye closure percentages, offering real-time insights into driver behaviour.

• The system detects unsafe actions, such as texting or drinking while driving, issuing warnings or taking active measures like emergency braking.

• Powered by AI, CogniSafe’s adaptive algorithms improve over time and function in diverse lighting and environmental conditions.

• The system integrates seamlessly with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, making it attractive to fleet operators and insurers promoting safer driving.

FEV’s innovation addresses human error, a factor in over 90% of road accidents, positioning CogniSafe as a vital tool for safer mobility and smarter vehicle systems.

WATT ELSE?

• Northvolt to continue operations amid concerns

• Zurich Airport and WeRide introduce autonomous shuttle service

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Answer: 2015

*As of 11:00am EST, on the same business day. Includes top movers.