⚡ Watts up? It seems that new electric vehicle designs are getting more and more innovative each day, and the JiYue Robo X is no exception. It will even feature autonomous racetrack driving that’s powered by AI, I’m not sure whether that sounds cool, or outright terrifying! Speaking of autonomous, the cars inside of BMW’s Dingolfing plant are now driving themselves around the production line. Learn more on those stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day!

QotD: In the US, how many public EV chargers were installed in 2023?

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

JiYue Unveils the Robo X – An AI-Powered Electric Supercar

🚗 China’s electric vehicle market continues to push boundaries, with JiYue unveiling the Robo X supercar. This cutting-edge EV combines bold aesthetics, advanced technology, and exceptional performance.

• The Robo X departs from JiYue's earlier utilitarian designs, flaunting an aggressive shark-inspired front, hood scoop, and striking rear wings. It has already won the German Red Dot Design Award for its aesthetics.

• Technologically advanced; it features AI-driven capabilities, including autonomous driving on the streets and racetracks, highlighting a focus on automation.

• Powered by a quad-motor, liquid-cooled system, it accelerates from 0-60 mph in a blistering 1.9 seconds and offers a 400-mile range, though intensive track use may reduce this.

• Production is expected in 2027, with reservations available for under $7,000, though pricing remains uncertain.

JiYue’s Robo X represents a significant leap for the brand, showcasing Chinese innovation at its finest and setting new benchmarks for high-performance EVs.

INFRASTRUCTURE

MAN Celebrates Completion of Battery Manufacturing Plant in Nuremberg

🔋 MAN Truck & Bus has reached a significant milestone in its shift to electromobility with the completion of a large-scale battery production facility in Nuremberg. The new factory, spanning 17,000 square metres, will begin full-scale production in April 2025, supporting the growing demand for electric trucks and buses.

• The facility, built with a €100 million investment, will initially produce 50,000 battery units annually, aiming to double capacity to 100,000 by 2030.

• Advanced processes, such as laser welding with an 8 kW disc laser, will enhance the precision and quality of battery cell connections.

• Current small-scale production at the site will transition to next-generation battery development and reconditioning as the facility ramps up.

• The Free State of Bavaria contributed €30 million to support research and development, with MAN collaborating with the Technical University of Munich on future innovations.

This initiative highlights MAN’s commitment to advancing electromobility while reinforcing Bavaria’s role as a hub for innovation in green technology.

CLEAN ENERGY

RWE and Peabody Partner to Develop Solar and Energy Storage Pipeline on Reclaimed Mine Lands

☀️ RWE and Peabody have partnered to transform reclaimed mining lands in the Midwest into renewable energy hubs, focusing on solar and energy storage projects. This collaboration combines RWE’s clean energy expertise with Peabody’s land resources and reclamation capabilities, showcasing a commitment to sustainable innovation and community revitalisation.

• RWE has acquired a majority stake in R3 Renewables LLC, a Peabody-led joint venture, and will oversee a 5.5 GW pipeline of projects across Indiana and Illinois, including seven wholly owned projects.

• These developments will utilise former mining sites to generate renewable energy, offering the potential to power over 850,000 homes while coexisting with agricultural land.

• The projects aim to stimulate local economies by creating jobs, boosting tax revenues, and enhancing energy security and sustainability.

• Peabody’s leadership emphasised the alignment with their sustainability goals, while RWE’s Andrew Flanagan highlighted the economic and environmental benefits for rural communities.

This initiative exemplifies how reclaimed lands can drive a green future while supporting economic growth.

TECHNOLOGIES

BMW Group Enables Automated Driving for New Vehicles

📱 BMW Group is accelerating production automation with its Automated Driving In-Plant technology under the BMW iFACTORY framework. After testing at its Dingolfing plant, Europe’s largest, the CE-certified system is now entering series operation, with plans for rollout across other BMW facilities, including Leipzig, Regensburg, and Oxford.

• AFW enables vehicles like the BMW 5 Series, 7 Series, and MINI Countryman to autonomously navigate production routes over a kilometre long, using Europe’s largest LIDAR infrastructure and a cloud-based coordination system.

• The technology, developed with Swiss partner Embotech AG, functions independently of vehicle equipment and improves production efficiency and logistics.

• Leipzig aims to automate driving for 90% of its models by 2025, with BMW’s upcoming plant in Debrecen, Hungary, integrating the technology from the outset.

• BMW plans to expand AFW applications to testing and distribution areas, blending external sensors with onboard systems for enhanced capabilities.

This innovation marks a significant step in production automation, setting the stage for broader autonomous driving technologies.

WATT ELSE?

• Xiaomi’s second electric vehicle to be launched early 2025

• Replacing an EV battery could cost less than fixing a gas engine

• Ørsted celebrates commencement of the mockingbird solar centre

• Melexis and Geely illuminate the future of automotive lighting design

⭐ 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: 33,000