👋 Watts up? Volkswagen’s battery subsidiary, PowerCo, has just entered into a partnership with Patriot Battery Metals, investing almost $50 million for a 9.9% stake in Patriot. The partnership aims to boost EV battery production in both Europe and North America, guaranteeing 100,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually. Speaking of EVs, Infineon has revealed its newest radar MMIC, catered towards SAE Level 2+ to Level 4 autonomous driving systems. Learn more on these stories, and others, in todays issue.

We hope you have a great day!

QotD: Roughly how many onshore wind farms are there in the UK?

MARKETS

Data provided by Stock Analysis*

ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Expect to see Honda’s 0 Series Prototypes at CES 2025

🚗 Honda is set to showcase two prototypes from its upcoming 0 Series electric vehicle line at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. This series aims to feature at least seven models by 2030, aligning with Honda’s push towards electrification.

• The 0 Series debuted conceptually at CES 2024 with designs for a sporty Saloon and a van-like Space-Hub. A teaser suggests the new prototypes will include an evolved Saloon and an SUV design.

• Production for the midsize SUV and Saloon is expected around 2026, targeting the U.S. market.

• Advanced features will include a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with 480 hp, air suspension, and a stability system influenced by Honda's ASIMO robot.

• Inspired by Formula 1, the platform boasts a lighter structure, reducing weight by 220 pounds.

• New software includes a proprietary operating system and automated driving updates.

If you’re planning on attending CES 2025 in January, Honda’s stand will definitely be worth the visit.

INFRASTRUCTURE

PowerCo and Patriot Battery Metals enter Partnership

🔋 PowerCo SE, Volkswagen Group’s battery subsidiary, has partnered with Patriot Battery Metals Inc., marking Volkswagen’s entry into the lithium supply chain. This strategic move supports PowerCo’s vertical integration and ensures long-term access to essential battery materials.

• Volkswagen has invested $48 million for a 9.9% stake in Patriot Battery Metals.

• The partnership guarantees 100,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually for ten years, sourced from Patriot’s Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project, which boasts one of the largest lithium resources in the Americas.

• The collaboration supports PowerCo’s upcoming gigafactory in St. Thomas, Canada, with a 90 GWh capacity, its largest facility.

• The agreement includes environmental, social, and governance initiatives, including waste management, water conservation, and First Nations engagement.

• Both companies aim to create a sustainable, cost-effective lithium supply chain to meet North American and European battery demands.

This milestone investment highlights Volkswagen’s commitment to an electrified future and strengthens both the European and North American EV battery supply chain.

CLEAN ENERGY

£77 Billion to be spent Rewiring Great Britain

☀️ Energy companies in Great Britain have outlined plans to invest up to £77bn over five years to upgrade electricity infrastructure. These investments support climate targets and could generate approximately 100,000 jobs.

• National Grid plans to invest £35bn by 2031, including £11bn for network upgrades and £24bn for expanding capacity to meet the UK’s 2030 clean energy goals. This could double energy transport capacity and attract inward investment.

• SSE has proposed a £22.3bn investment in grid infrastructure, including £16bn for offshore wind farm connections. An additional £9.4bn could bring its total to £31.7bn, supporting 37,000 jobs.

• ScottishPower will spend £10.6bn on substations, power circuits, and lines to connect 19 GW of green energy, aiming to lower household energy bills and create 12,400 jobs directly and indirectly.

Ofgem must approve these plans, balancing the need for investment with the potential impact on consumer energy bills. Overall, these upgrades are pivotal to meeting the UK’s clean energy objectives.

TECHNOLOGIES

Infineon Reveals Final Samples of 28nm Radar MMIC

📱 Infineon Technologies has unveiled the RASIC CTRX8191F, a 28nm radar MMIC designed to tackle the challenges of detecting pedestrians and vehicles in dense urban environments for SAE Level 2+ to Level 4 autonomous driving systems.

• The CTRX8191F delivers a superior signal-to-noise ratio, detecting objects up to 380 metres away, with configurations supporting up to eight transmitters and receivers.

• Cascading units at low frequencies minimises reliance on costly RF materials, while the launcher-on-package design enables the use of economical waveguide antennas.

• Its advanced digital PLL generates complex waveforms with sub-1-microsecond flyback time, improving adaptability across applications.

• Infineon’s CARKIT development tool simplifies prototyping, offering raw ADC data transmission, example code, and customisable waveguide antennas for tailored radar configurations.

Infineon’s CTRX8191F and CARKIT promise to drive cost-effective innovation in radar systems, accelerating the adoption of autonomous driving technologies.

WATT ELSE?

• 56% of Spain’s electricity is renewable

• Power Integrations unveils wide-creepage switcher IC

🙏 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: 2,600

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