France Upgrades its Infrastructure

Updates from Skoda, Volvo Buses, and more.

👋 Watts up? Kempower and Mobilize have teamed up to upgrade France’s charging infrastructure along major highways, aiming to improve long-distance travel for electric vehicles. The project, initialised in January of last year, already has 15 stations in operation, with an additional 40 stations being constructed. Meanwhile, the Australian government has invested a further $2 billion towards clean energy projects, bringing its total investment up to $32.5 billion. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day!

MARKETS

Company

Share Price

Change

ChargePoint (CHPT)

0.94

-5.13%

Solaredge (SEDG)

12.52

-4.06%

Rivian (RIVN)

12.30

-3.08%

Maxeon Solar (MAXN)

6.31

-3.07%

Renault (RNO)

48.35

-2.64%

Vishay (VSH)

16.77

-2.50%

Data provided by Google Finance*

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Skoda Starts Production on its Most Affordable EV Model

// Skoda

🚗 Skoda Auto has begun series production of its all-electric Elroq compact SUV at its Mladá Boleslav plant in the Czech Republic. The facility will also produce the Enyaq electric SUV and the Octavia.

  • The plant can produce up to 600 Elroq units daily, supported by streamlined operations, including relocating some Octavia production to Kvasiny in 2024.

  • Built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, the Elroq starts at €33,000 and offers three battery options, with capacities up to 82 kWh and a range of up to 581 km.

  • The SUV features the new Modern Solid design language and caters to both new EV buyers and those switching from petrol or diesel vehicles.

  • Over 20,000 orders by late 2024 highlight strong consumer interest in affordable EVs like the Elroq.

Skoda’s flexible production approach and focus on affordability position the Elroq as a competitive offering in the growing electric vehicle market.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Kempower and Mobilize to Upgrade France’s Charging Infrastructure

// Kempower

🔋 Kempower has partnered with Renault Group’s Mobilize brand to establish Mobilize Fast Charge, a network of ultra-fast EV charging stations across France. The initiative supports France’s goal of expanding fast charging infrastructure along highways to improve long-distance EV travel.

  • Kempower will provide DC chargers for hubs located near Renault dealerships and highways, each equipped with six chargers offering speeds of up to 320 kW.

  • The project initially launched in January 2024 with a pilot in Bordeaux; 15 hubs are operational, with around 40 more in progress.

  • The 24/7 stations are accessible to all EV drivers, enhancing convenience and flexibility.

  • France aims to expand its charging network from 130,000 stations to 400,000 by 2030, addressing the need for more fast and ultra-fast chargers.

The Mobilize Fast Charge network addresses gaps in high-speed charging infrastructure, promoting seamless EV travel across France, whilst also aligning with Europe’s broader push for sustainable transport solutions.

CLEAN ENERGY

Australian Government to Increase Clean Energy Investments to $32.5 Billion

// Pexels

☀️ The Australian government has allocated an additional AU$2 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), aiming to attract AU$6 billion in private sector funding and increase the CEFC’s total capacity to AU$32.5 billion.

  • The CEFC has played a pivotal role in financing renewable energy, storage, and infrastructure projects, leveraging private investments at a rate of AU$4.85 for every public dollar.

  • Recent CEFC contributions include AU$1.4 billion to Neoen’s solar, wind, and battery projects, enabling 1.3 GW of renewable capacity, and AU$1.92 billion for the HumeLink transmission project in New South Wales.

  • Programmes like the Solar Sunshot initiative and Solar ScaleUp Challenge promote solar PV manufacturing and innovation, supporting Australia’s clean energy transition.

This funding highlights Australia’s commitment to renewable energy, while fostering job creation, manufacturing, and energy security under the “Future Made in Australia” programme.

TECHNOLOGIES

Volvo to Test Self-Driving Buses in Sweden

// Volvo Buses

📱 In spring of 2025, Volvo Buses will trial a self-driving support system for buses in Västerås, Sweden, in partnership with VL and Svealandstrafiken. The system, developed under the EU eBRT2030 project, enables buses to autonomously navigate bus stops, enhancing passenger safety and operational efficiency.

  • A Volvo 7900 Electric bus equipped with the system will operate on “route 1,” marking its first test in real urban conditions.

  • The system ensures consistent bus movements, improving safety and facilitating smooth boarding and alighting.

  • Benefits include reduced physical strain on drivers, lower vehicle wear, cost savings, and diminished environmental impact.

  • The technology has potential future applications, such as automating bus depot tasks like moving vehicles to charging stations.

The trial will last six months, with a scientific study conducted by Chalmers University of Technology to assess its effects on drivers and passengers. The initiative marks a significant step toward developing sustainable and autonomous public transport solutions.

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