Latest news with #BatteryElectricVehicles

News.com.au
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Everything you need to know about batteries and then some
Battery storage adoption growing in Australia as federal government rebates go live Lithium-ion batteries of different specific chemistries continue to dominate New technologies promising to increase energy capacity, power and safety Battery storage has been in the limelight with increasing frequency due in no small part to the Australian federal government's move to offer significant rebates for home storage systems from July 1, 2025. While the $2.3bn program to provide homeowners with a discount of about 30% on the upfront costs of installing small-scale batteries led to the various states adjusting their own programs – downwards for most part – it has led a big surge in interest. This interest has translated into real world numbers with solar and storage services provider SunWiz flagging that battery sales had surged past solar photovoltaic system sales for the first time ever in May 2025. Capacity of battery systems has also increased with the typical installed battery climbing from 10 kilowatt hours to 15kWh. With all that said and done, just what are batteries, what makes them tick and why are they important? An equally large driver – if not the greater at this point – is the increasing adoption of battery electric vehicles. Energy storage solution Typically, when one talks about battery storage, one is referring to rechargeable lithium-ion batteries much like those found in smartphones and other devices but scaled up to meet the needs of entire homes or even significant portions of an energy grid. Battery storage systems generally take excess energy produced by renewable energy sources such as home or grid-scale PV panels or wind turbines and store it away from use when it's dark or when the wind isn't blowing. They are widely considered to be indispensable towards achieving net zero emissions as they will backup renewable power, stabilise the grid and reduce (or remove) the reliance on fossil fuels during periods of peak demand. Altech Batteries chief financial officer Martin Stein agrees, telling Stockhead that while the world was ramping up renewable energy production, it is intermittent in nature as it is reliant on the sun shining or the wind blowing. 'However, power grids require 24-7 stability so the world needs batteries to store the excess energy so that it can return to the grid at night-time and when it is required,' he said. 'Energy arbitrage – essentially the purchasing of excess power when prices are low and then storing it for sale during peak usage periods – is also becoming as much as an investment proposition for battery storage as the grid stabilisation requirement.' Stein adds the Australian government's grants have placed batteries at the forefront of residential customers as a solution for their solar power requirements. It shouldn't come as a surprise then that the battery energy storage system market is growing at a 28% compound annual growth rate as it scales up to meet net zero targets. Battery components While other types of batteries might play more specialised roles in the future, like redox flow batteries for base load or longer duration energy, the most commonly used for now are still lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries take their name from their use of lithium as a key ingredient. Other minerals – often referred to as critical minerals – are also found in batteries with notable examples such as nickel, cobalt, graphite, iron and phosphate. The exact mix depends on the specific battery chemistry – notable examples of which are NMC (nickel manganese cobalt), NCA (nickel cobalt aluminium) and LFP (lithium iron phosphate). Such batteries have been in use since the 1990s though they were only used for small devices then. Drilling down into the nuts and bolts, the active parts of batteries typically consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode (the anode) and an electrolyte. The electrode is typically a metal oxide or phosphate while the anode is made from graphite. Lithium is found within the liquid electrolyte, which is typically a lithium salt in an organic solvent though research is underway to make affordable solid electrolytes that are expected to improve safety, energy density and charging speed. While there has been plenty of research since the 1990s to improve energy density, power and battery life (or charge cycles), the anode has reached the peak of what it can do using just graphite alone. Significant focus has also been placed on safety as attention on fires caused by lithium-ion batteries has led to growing demand for safer technologies. Developments This demand for safety is one of the reasons for the development of alternative technologies such as Altech Batteries' (ASX:ATC) CERENERGY solid state sodium batteries that use sodium chloride – common table salt – and nickel powder rather than critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite and manganese. The combination of this chemistry and solid electrolytes makes them significantly safer as they don't experience thermal runaway, have a longer lifespan and an operating temperature range from -40 degrees Celsius to 60C. 'That's where Altech's battery technology becomes very beneficial. It's very safe, very robust technology,' Stein said. 'I think the world is also becoming aware of the risks of the raw material supply chain, especially with China dominating a lot of these raw materials like graphite. 'The world wants to secure its energy storage. It wants raw materials that are readily available and abundant like the very cheap and readily available sodium chloride that is found in Altech's products.' Altech itself is currently focused on securing the finance to construct its battery plant in Germany. 'We are looking to mandate a leading European bank to run the debt process for the financing and we're looking at equity partners that would like to take a 49% stake in the project,' Stein added. 'Between those two avenues of finance, we're looking to raise the money to construct the plant and start producing these batteries. ' Other battery types Li-S Energy's (ASX:LIS) lithium-sulphur batteries resurrect an old idea that was unable to be commercialised due to poor cycle life but use unique nanomaterials and a new nano-composite to address the old challenges. The new batteries promise higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries while being lighter and greener. This makes them ideally suited to applications such as powering drones. It recently produced lithium metal foils from its facility in Geelong, Victoria. Meanwhile, Novonix (ASX:NVX) recently received a patent for its low surface area silicon alloy materials for possible use as anode active materials in lithium-ion batteries. This describes the process to generate battery anode alloy powders of high silicon content, relatively low surface area and relatively large particle size, which are desirable for stable, energy dense anode electrodes with the possibility of improving battery lifetime without sacrificing performance. On the silicon front, AnteoTech (ASX:ADO) is also making waves with its Ultranode silicon dominant anodes that address the expansion issue that blocks the use of silicon. Its anodes recently reached a key technical milestone after being used for 890 cycles with 80% capacity retention with 1070 cycles at 70% capacity retention for a 70% silicon anode. The technology allows anodes to be configured t a range of silicon content levels to suit diverse battery applications across EVs, drones, power tools and other specialty batteries including wearables. These improvements led giant car maker Mercedes Benz, which ordered evaluation material in October 2024, to acknowledge that they see value in the company's technology and that it will continue to engage with ADO as they progress their battery technology strategy.

IOL News
31-07-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Introducing the BYD Atto 1: South Africa's most affordable electric car arriving soon
BYD is set to launch the Atto 1 locally soon. Mostly, South Africans are turning to hybrid cars, with full BEVs seen as being expensive, and despite a relatively high number of charging stations, range anxiety is still a thing. From an initial slow uptake of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in South Africa, they're starting to make some inroads with a substantial year-on-year growth, albeit from a low base. Urban EV However, BEVs do make sense as a city runabout, which makes the announcement by BYD that it will be introducing the compact EV Atto 1 to South Africa, called the Dolphin Mini elsewhere, an interesting proposition. According to BYD, it's tailor-made for urban life to make EV ownership affordable, accessible, and fun for more South Africans. Grade levels BYD have not indicated which model they will be bringing in, but there are two available with the entry-level GL and higher-specced GS version. The GL is reportedly fitted with BYD's Blade battery with 30.1kWh and an estimated WLTP range of 250 kilometres, and the GS has a 38.9kWh battery with a WLTP range of 322 kilometres. At this stage, it's still speculation, and we'll know more once a launch date has been confirmed. Blade battery According to BYD, their Blade battery (it looks like a blade) provides superior safety, durability and performance. It uses lithium iron phosphate rather than lithium-ion batteries. They have put it through the Nail Penetration Test to test battery thermal runaway, simulating a serious accident. The Blade Battery gave off no smoke or fire, and the surface temperature only reached 30-60 degrees Celsius. In more tests that included being crushed, bent, heated in an oven to 300 degrees and overloaded by 260 percent there was no fire or explosion. BYD says it's aimed at students, young professionals, first-time buyers and city-based families.


The Hindu
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India, Japan officials meet, discuss PM's visit, bullet train project
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Japan next month, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with visiting Japanese Vice-Minister Funakoshi Takehiro in Delhi on Monday (July 28, 2025) to discuss strengthening ties, upcoming projects and smoothing out supply chain issues. Both sides are understood to have discussed the latest developments in the Shinkansen Bullet train project to connect Ahmedabad (Sabarmati) and Mumbai, including Japan's decision, reported by the Japan Times earlier this year, to gift India two of its latest E-10 Shinkansen trains, which will be simultaneously introduced in Japan and India. According to the latest schedule revealed in a Parliament response by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav last week, the Gujarat portion of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Railway will be completed by December 2027, and the entire project, which was initially due to be done in 2022, is now expected to be completed by December 2029. During his visit to Delhi, Mr. Funakoshi also met with P.K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, to discuss Mr. Modi's travel plans. 'The dialogue was instrumental in reviewing progress in various dimensions of our ties, exploring new areas of collaboration and contributing to further deepening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Japan,' said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement, adding that Mr. Misri and Mr. Funakoshi discussed 'political ties, defence and security, economic security, trade and investment, infrastructure cooperation, technology and people-to-people exchanges' during talks at Hyderabad House. In addition, officials on both sides have been discussing problems with the shortage of critical minerals required for batteries and rare earth magnets for Battery Electric Vehicles produced by Japanese manufacturers due to export restrictions from China. According to sources, companies such as Suzuki and Toyota have been particularly affected, as they factor in the lower cost of Chinese materials required for EV cars manufactured in India. In the long term, the sources said that India and Japan are considering collaborations for the development of rare earth materials here and other third countries like Vietnam. India and Japan hold annual bilateral summits, a practice that was derailed in 2024 due to elections in both countries and conflicting schedules, and the visit has been put off a few times until now. While a date for Mr. Modi's visit to Japan is yet to be announced, it is expected to be held in the second half of August. He is also expected to travel to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit on August 31-September 1, although officials did not confirm whether the two visits would be combined or separate. 'With an eye on Prime Minister Modi's visit to Japan scheduled within this year, the two sides confirmed that Japan and India will strengthen bilateral relations in a wide range of areas such as security, economy and people-to-people exchanges,' a Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement said. 'They also confirmed that both countries will further cooperate with each other, including within the framework of Quad [Japan-Australia-India-U.S.] to realise a 'free and open Indo-Pacific', it added. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is also expected to visit India for the Quad Summit, along with U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, later this year, possibly in mid-November. 'During the dialogue, Foreign Secretary and his counterpart reaffirmed the growing importance of the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership for peace, prosperity and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond,' the MEA statement said. (with inputs from Maitri Porecha)


Globe and Mail
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Electric Vehicle Market Poised for Growth, Expected to Hit USD 713.07 Billion by 2032
Rapid Technological Innovations to Propel Global Market Beyond USD 713.07 Billion by 2032 at 7.6% CAGR – Coherent Market Insights The Global Electric Vehicle Market is expected to be valued at USD 427.02 billion in 2025 and reach USD 713.07 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2025 to 2032. Consumer awareness and environmental sustainability are central to this transformation. Today's consumers are increasingly mindful of their carbon footprint and see electric passenger vehicles as a practical way to lessen their personal environmental impact. This shift goes beyond environmental concerns—it also reflects a lifestyle choice that embodies technological advancement and forward-thinking values. Request Sample Pages: Global Electric Vehicle Market Key Takeaways According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the global electric vehicle market size is slated toeach USD 713.07 Bn by 2032, up from USD 427.02 Bn in 2025, recording a CAGR of 7.6%. Passenger vehicles are expected to remain the top-selling vehicle type, accounting for 72.5% of the global electric vehicle market share in 2025. Based on propulsion technology, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) category is set to account for a prominent 67.8% share of the global market by 2025. Asia Pacific is projected to dominate the global industry, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the market share in 2025. Latin America electric vehicle industry is poised to exhibit fastest growth during the assessment period. Government Incentives and Green Mobility Push Spurring Market Growth Coherent Market Insights' new electric vehicle market report offers insights into major factors driving the industry's growth. These include rising government incentives and an increasing push for green mobility. Governments across the world are introducing new policies and financial incentives to make electric vehicles more accessible and attractive to consumers. This is expected to boost growth of the electric vehicle market during the forecast period. There is a growing emphasis on green mobility and sustainable transportation solutions, especially across developed and developing regions. This trend will play a key role in boosting sales of electric vehicles. Similarly, new stringent emission regulations are being implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pushes manufacturers to develop and promote EVs as well as encourage consumers to switch to cleaner alternatives. High Cost of Electric Vehicles and Limited Availability Restraining Market Growth The future electric vehicle market outlook looks bright. However, limited availability and high cost of electric vehicles, particularly premium models, may hamper market growth to some extent. Premium electric vehicle models come with a higher price tag compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This high cost deters many cost-conscious customers from choosing EVs, potentially reducing electric vehicle market demand. Similarly, many developing and underdeveloped regions face limited availability of EVs and a lack of supporting charging infrastructure. These challenges could further hinder the electric vehicle market growth during the assessment period. Ongoing Technological Advancements Creating Lucrative Growth Opportunities Growing demand for advanced, fuel-efficient vehicles is triggering a wave of innovation in the electric vehicle (EV) industry. Leading EV manufacturers are increasingly adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve vehicle performance, safety, and efficiency. Key innovations like solid-state batteries and advancements in lithium-ion battery chemistries are helping to extend driving range, reduce charging times, and enhance overall safety. These technological improvements are making electric vehicles more cost-effective and attractive to a broader range of consumers, thereby creating significant growth opportunities in the EV market. Impact of AI on the Electric Vehicle Market Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the EV market. This advanced technology is accelerating innovation and adoption in the EV sector, shaping the future of smart, sustainable mobility. Artificial intelligence enhances vehicle performance, optimizes battery management, and enables advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Similarly, AI-powered algorithms improve energy efficiency by predicting driving patterns and adjusting power usage in real time. AI offers safer and more efficient transportation by facilitating autonomous driving technologies and intelligent navigation systems. In manufacturing, AI streamlines production processes and predictive maintenance, reducing costs and downtime. Emerging Electric Vehicle Market Trends A key growth-shaping trend in the electric vehicle industry is the rising consumer acceptance. Consumers across both developing and developed regions are increasingly becoming aware of the environmental and economic benefits of electric vehicles. This is expected to fuel electric vehicle demand during the assessment period. Autonomous electric vehicles integrated featuring cutting-edge technologies are gaining immense traction as they offer an enhanced user experience. Their growing adoption will play a key role in boosting the electric vehicle market value throughout the assessment period. EV charging infrastructure is expanding significantly due to increasing investments from governments and electric vehicle charging companies. For example, in April 2025, four electric vehicle charging companies, including Ionity, Electra, Atlante, and Fastned, partnered to create Europe's largest and most trusted EV charging network. Such initiatives are expected to positively influence sales of electric vehicles. Analyst's View 'The global electric vehicle industry is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing government incentives, rising environmental concerns, stricter CO₂ emission regulations, ongoing innovations in battery technology, and the rapid expansion of EV charging infrastructure,' said a senior analyst at CMI. Current Events and Their Impact on the Electric Vehicle Market Event Description and Impact Solid-State Battery Pilot Production Begins (Toyota) Description: Toyota has begun limited production of solid-state batteries for prototype vehicles, with commercial availability targeted for 2027. Impact: If successful, this may prompt automakers to reallocate R&D toward next-generation battery technologies, including solid-state and lithium-metal batteries. Competitor Insights Key companies in the electric vehicle market research report: - Tesla Inc. - BYD Company Ltd. - Kia Motors Corporation - Volkswagen AG - Toyota Motor Corporation - Hyundai Motor Company - General Motors Company - Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. - Ford Motor Company - BMW Group - Renault Group - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation - Daimler AG - Geely Automotive - SAIC Motor Corporation Limited Market Segmentation Vehicle Type Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Passenger Vehicles Commercial Vehicles Propulsion Technology Insights (Revenue, USD Bn, 2020 - 2032) Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) Buy this Complete Business Research Report: Key Developments In May 2025, BYD introduced the Dolphin Surf EV to cater to rising demand for affordable vehicles across Europe. In November 2024, Kia officially unveiled a refreshed (facelifted) 2025 EV6 at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. The new electric vehicle features styling updates, a larger battery, new tech features, and a new NACS charging port. About Us: Coherent Market Insights leads into data and analytics, audience measurement, consumer behaviors, and market trend analysis. From shorter dispatch to in-depth insights, CMI has exceled in offering research, analytics, and consumer-focused shifts for nearly a decade. With cutting-edge syndicated tools and custom-made research services, we empower businesses to move in the direction of growth. We are multifunctional in our work scope and have 450+ seasoned consultants, analysts, and researchers across 26+ industries spread out in 32+ countries.


Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits with EVs urged to charge their cars in specific place this weekend
Brits who own an electric vehicle (EV) have been advised to follow one rule when charging their cars in the coming days to protect their motor's battery health and charging speed Brits with electric vehicles (EVs) are being urged to follow one simple rule when charging their cars this weekend, or risk damaging their battery. There's no denying the UK EV market is booming, with 29,634 new Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) — cars powered entirely by the electricity stored in a battery, as apposed to hybrids, which also use petrol engines — sold in January 2025 alone, and one in three used EVs now being available for under £20,000. This surge in new and used EVs means more drivers than ever are plugging in and making the switchover to greener motoring. As the EV revolution accelerates, experts are keen to ensure drivers get the most from their motors, particularly as the summer season brings fresh challenges for charging and battery care. Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar, has therefore shared some essential advice for EV owners about charging this weekend. The expert pointed out that the temperature of the location where you charge your car can make a big difference, stating: "On hot days, heat can slow your EV's charging or damage the battery if not properly managed. "This applies to temperatures above 30°C. Optimal charge temperature is 15 to 25°C." This advice isn't just relevant during heatwaves, as freezing temperatures can also trouble the efficiency of charging an EV's battery. Richard added: "Cold weather can also have the same effect as heat, resulting in a slower charge. During the summer months, it's best to charge your car in the shade and avoid fast charging repeatedly to reduce extra strain on the battery." This advice comes at a crucial time, as forecasters predict that the UK is set for a spell of unusually high temperatures this weekend, continuing into next week. The Met Office announced another incoming heatwave, with conditions set to remain sweltering for some time. This Friday — July 11 — is predicted to be the hottest day of the scorching run, with the mercury likely topping out at 32°C across the southeast of England and parts of the east coast. But nearly everywhere in the UK, including vast areas of Scotland, Wales and Ireland will see an extended spell of extreme heat. So as Britains gear themselves up for another heatwave, EV owners are being urged to seek out shaded spots or covered charging bays, whether at home or at public stations. By following expert advice and charging in the right place, drivers can protect their batteries, ensure reliable performance, and make the most of their EVs as the temperatures rise.