China dwarfs Europe on EV investments
European carmakers invested $25.3 billion in 2017-18 to manufacture electric vehicles in China, “seven times more than they invested in Europe”. Experts say this is because of China’s aggressive EV promotion, “requiring carmakers to manufacture EVs in its territory”. Campaigners say Europe does not have big zero emission vehicle plan, as it poses a threat to German auto industry.
Tesla’s Cobalt Usage To Drop From 3% Today To 0%, Musk Commits
Elon Musk committed to cut down use of cobalt in Tesla batteries from 3% to zero. The mining of the rare earth material in DRC is rife with rights abuses and use of child labour. The London Metal Exchange price of the battery input jumped from under $30,000 per ton in 2016, to $86,750 now.
VW to double EV-making capacity in China factory
VW has decided to double its EV factory capacity in China. The Foshan Plant produces around 300,000 vehicles per year for FAW-Volkswagen joint venture. China norms are pushing foreign carmakers to invest in EVs in the country.
VW invests big in solid-state batteries
Volkswagen is the latest automaker to invest in solid-state batteries for electric cars. The German automaker will invest $100 million in QuantumScape, a solid-state battery startup from Stanford. Solid-state batteries are seen as the next step in energy storage, yet to be commercialized.
Japan eyes solid-state battery dominance
In a massive push for solid-state batteries, Japan launched a public-private project to develop the technology: 23 companies, including Toyota, Nissan, Honda have signed up. Japan aims to reduce cost to $90 per kWh by 2030, and cut charging time to 10 minutes.
Uber starts paying drivers to buy electric
EV Champions – Uber’s new scheme in the US – will pay drivers higher rates if they drive an electric car. The pilot will run for a year in seven cities: Austin, Texas; Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco, California; Montreal; and Seattle. Drivers will get extra dollar per EV ride.
About The Author
You may also like
Battery recycling: The missing link in India’s EV supply chain?
New report shows ways to build an efficient e-bus ecosystem in India
Corporate watchdog accuses Toyota of misleading marketing, greenwashing
Electrifying India’s Roads: Financing EVs – Challenges, Progress and the Road Ahead
Five lithium and cobalt mines identified in overseas exploration