⚡ Watts up? Molyon, a battery start-up based in Cambridge, has just raised $4.6 million in funding to help develop its next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries. These batteries supposedly boast double the energy density when compared to lithium-ion alternatives. Speaking of battery innovation, Chevy’s new Equinox EV has beaten the Tesla Model Y and others in its range test, not only that, but it’s also one of the most affordable electric vehicles with a 300+ mile range. Learn more on those stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day, and to our American readers, happy Thanksgiving!

QotD: Which country has the highest electric car usage per capita?

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The New Chevy Equinox Beats Tesla Model Y In Range Test

🚗 General Motors has achieved a remarkable turnaround in its electric vehicle strategy, with the Chevy Equinox EV emerging as a standout model. Once hampered by software issues and delays, GM now showcases a competitive edge in range and affordability, positioning the Equinox EV as a key player in the market.

• The 2025 Chevy Equinox EV outperformed its EPA range estimate of 319 miles, achieving 356 miles in an Edmunds test, surpassing rivals like the Tesla Model Y by 46 miles.

• Starting at $35,000 ($27,500 after federal tax credits), it offers exceptional value as the most affordable EV exceeding 300 miles of range.

• Powered by an 85-kWh Ultium battery, its efficiency of 3.45 miles per kWh outshines competitors like the Tesla Model 3 and Cadillac Lyriq.

• Positive sales reflect its appeal, with nearly 10,000 units sold in Q3, making it GM’s best-selling EV.

However, a proposed tariff on Mexican imports could challenge its momentum. Still, the Equinox EV highlights GM’s growing competitiveness in the EV sector.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Battery Start-up Molyon Raises $4.6M for Sustainable Battery Development

🔋 Molyon, a Cambridge-based spinout developing next-generation lithium-sulfur batteries with double the energy density of lithium-ion alternatives, has secured $4.6 million in funding. Co-led by IQ Capital and Plural, the investment will support the establishment of a pilot manufacturing facility and expand its expert team.

• Li-ion batteries face challenges due to their low energy density, reliance on critical materials, and limited range, fuelling interest in alternatives like Li-S batteries.

• Molyon’s innovation addresses a key barrier in Li-S technology by stabilising sulfur with metallic molybdenum disulfide, enabling energy densities of 500 Wh/kg and hundreds of charge cycles.

• Building on 15 years of University of Cambridge research, Molyon aims to initially focus on lightweight applications like drones and robotics, with potential to double EV range.

• The funding, bolstered by institutional grants, positions Molyon to disrupt the $85 billion global battery market.

Molyon’s breakthrough represents a transformative step in battery technology, promising enhanced performance and sustainability for diverse applications.

CLEAN ENERGY

Maxeon Solar Exits Global Markets to Double Down on U.S. Growth

☀️ Maxeon Solar Technologies, based in Singapore, is shifting its focus exclusively to the US market to enhance growth and profitability. This strategic pivot involves divesting its non-US assets and leveraging its established American presence and planned domestic manufacturing.

• Maxeon will lease a New Mexico facility through 2029, aiming to produce 2GW of solar panels annually by early 2026.

• Non-US sales and marketing operations will transfer to TCL Group, which will manage these markets under TCL SunPower International.

• TCL Group will also acquire Maxeon’s Philippine production facilities, bolstering its global solar solutions portfolio.

This alignment enables TCL to build a strong international solar business, while Maxeon focuses on scaling its US manufacturing and market share.

TECHNOLOGIES

indie Announces Automotive System Basis Safety IC Solution With Leading European Tier 1

📱 indie Semiconductor has unveiled a cutting-edge safety-integrated chip for vehicle powertrain applications, developed in collaboration with a major European Tier 1 automotive partner. The solution offers advanced safety monitoring features and has achieved ASIL-D certification, the highest safety standard under ISO 26262 for road vehicles.

• The ASIL-D certification, awarded by SGS-TÜV Saar, validates the chip’s robust safety features, including precise voltage monitoring, logic error detection, and a window watchdog for failure response.

• indie’s rigorous development processes and on-chip failure detection capabilities were integral in meeting ISO 26262 standards.

• This innovation enhances safety in critical automotive systems, strengthening indie’s reputation in driver safety and electrification technologies.

With production scheduled for late 2025, the certified chip positions indie to secure contracts with major automakers and Tier 1 suppliers, advancing its leadership in automotive innovation.

WATT ELSE?

• Volkswagen Group and SAIC strengthen long-standing partnership with new joint venture agreement

• Kalmar and Elonroad partner to pilot dynamic EV charging

• New competence centre in lower Bavaria returns battery cell raw materials to the loop

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Answer: Norway