Latest news with #electrification
The Australian
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Australian
BHP signs deal with China's CATL despite US Pentagon blacklist
Mining heavyweight BHP has struck an agreement with two of China's most powerful battery manufacturers, including one currently blacklisted by the United States Department of Defence. The memorandums of understanding (MoU) signed this week will see Chinese battery giants - BYD's battery subsidiary FinDreams, and Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL), collaborate on electrifying heavy-duty mining equipment, developing fast-charging infrastructure, and advancing battery recycling technologies across BHP mines. CATL is the largest EV battery supplier in the world, with clients ranging from Tesla, Volkswagen and Toyota. MORE: Massive car companies stop all US imports Chinese battery manufacturer CATL's domestic car business chief technology officer (CTO) Gao Huang speaks at CATL Tech Day ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show in Shanghai on April 21, 2025. (Photo by WANG Zhao / AFP) MORE: Car giant's $7 billion loss, 20k staff sacked But in January this year, the Pentagon added CATL to its official blacklist, flagging it as a 'Chinese military company' with links to Beijing's military-industrial complex. US Representative House Select Committee on China chairman John Moolenaar warned that companies like CATL were a serious threat to the country. 'We cannot allow these loaded guns to threaten our economy and security,' he told CBT news. The designation, under Section 1260H of the US National Defence Authorisation Act does not act as a ban, but warns American entities from investing in the company due to national security concerns. BHP did not address the blacklisting in its statement but BHP group procurement officer Rashpal Bhatti said the move is part of its long term strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2050. 'This strategic relationship marks further progress in BHP's work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from our operations and enable support for further developments within the global resources sector,' he said. MORE: Inside China's total domination of Australia BHP is moving to transform their haul truck fleets into battery-electric powered machines. Picture: Supplied CATL head of overseas business Tan Libin said it would collaborate with BHP on a number of areas. 'Together with forward-thinking resources companies like BHP, we aim to demonstrate how advanced battery technologies can decarbonise mining operations, logistics, and product delivery, accelerating a more sustainable, efficient future while creating long-term value and transforming the global resources industry through innovation,' he said. While the transition to electric mining fleet is a great step forward, experts say it also introduces new safety risks that must be carefully managed. According to Swinburne University School of Engineering Professor Weixiang Shen said mine sites expose battery systems to 'extremely harsh' conditions, including heat, dust, vibration and humidity, all of which increase the risk of failure. He said fast charging can cause batteries to overheat rapidly, combined with the risk of internal short circuits or electrical sparks during equipment switching, this can lead to thermal runaway, a dangerous chain reaction that can result in fires or explosions. Scenic aerial golden hour sunrive over Broken Hill mining city in Far West NSW of Australia. Escape 13 April 2025 Hotlist Photo - iStock 'Mitigating these risks requires the development of purpose-designed battery energy and thermal management systems capable of real-time monitoring, control and cooling as well as explosion-proof enclosures, all tailored to mining environments,' he said. 'Together, these systems provide robust protection against environmental hazards, ensuring the safe and reliable operation of battery-powered equipment in mining applications.' Professor Shen added that lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which offer better thermal stability than other chemistries, are currently considered the safest option in high-risk settings like mine sites. BYD and CATL are currently dominating the global battery market. According to South Korean research firm SNE Research, CATL and BYD held 38.1 per cent and 17. 4 per cent of global EV battery market share from January to May this year. In China, CATL accounted for 43.7 per cent of battery installations in June alone. Currently the company has a market capitalisation of approximately A$263.61 billion. As of December 2024, CATL also holds nearly 63 per cent market share in the premium electric vehicle market, having supplied nearly 2.22 million cars so far. Danielle Collis Journalist and Reporter Danielle's background spans print, radio and television, she has contributed to outlets such as The Age, ABC, Channel Nine and many more. For more than four years, Danielle has worked as Liz Hayes' producer and investigative journalist on her show 'Under Investigation', covering everything from corporate scandals to Australia's most baffling crime cases. Danielle's covered a range of topics from breaking news, politics, lifestyle and now motoring. Danielle Collis
The Australian
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Australian
Bentley's EXP 15 concept previews luxury brand's electric future
Bentley's drive for the future is as bold as its vehicles. A daring new concept car, the EXP 15, paves the road ahead for a brand that has juggled tech and tradition for decades. Though Bentley originally planned to release its first EV in 2025, we are still waiting to see what form that car will take. Like many brands, Bentley has pushed back its electrification plan to make sure it delivers something customers are ready for. Bentley's EXP 15 concept. Picture: Supplied Bentley factory in Crewe. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: Jet pilot tech tested for drivers The company is now focusing on a new goal of offering a complete line-up of electric vehicles by 2035. A key detail in the company's strategy is to ensure that the Bentley Dream Factory in Crewe is fully operational for EV production by the time they start rolling out their first EV product. Bentley has recently opened a new paint shop and an 'Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch', marking a significant milestone in transforming the 85-year-old site for a new era of electrification. Bentley says the new facilities aim to set a new benchmark in next-generation, digital, flexible, and high-value manufacturing operations. it is now shifting its focus to constructing a new logistics centre, with the completion timeline aimed for later this year. We still don't know much about the new full-electric vehicle being launched in 2026, except that it is a luxury urban SUV. Bentley's factory in Crewe. Picture: Supplied The brand prides itself on attention to detail. Picture: Supplied Bentley recently revealed the EXP 15 concept electric vehicle, which gives us the best idea yet of what the brand's first EV might look like. The EXP 15 draws design inspiration from the marque's renowned 'Blue Train' Speed Six of 1930 and features an all-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain that will ultimately replace its iconic V8 and W12 engines. Bentley's EXP 15 concept points to an electric future. Picture: Supplied The EXP 15 concept has bold styling. Picture: Supplied MORE: Luxury vans to shock Australia With its radical three-door layout and emphasis on tactile controls, the EXP 15 offers an exciting preview of Bentley's commitment to performance and luxury in an electric era. Bentley's design director Robin Page said the car is an opportunity to explore new approaches. 'It's clear the SUVs are a growing segment, and we understand the GT market (through four generations of Continental GT), but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing,' he said. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box design, and others again something more elevated. 'The EXP 15 falls somewhere in between, with raised ride height and a sloped fastback-style roof line, but many familiar elements from Bentley's two-door and four-door models.' At the front, slim vertical LED lights frame a bold new take on Bentley's iconic upright grille. Bentley has chosen to retain the upright grille as a way to maintain one of its most iconic design elements. Although electric vehicles do not require a grille for cooling, Page noted that the grille would evolve into a form of 'digital art.' EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) Behind it, it retains Bentley's signature 'endless' bonnet line, but rather than hiding a combustion engine, it conceals two luggage compartments beneath piano-hinged covers inspired by the 1930 Bentley Gurney Nutting coupe. The top of the bonnet also debuts Bentley's new logo. At the back of the car, the pillars beside the rear window taper inward, giving it a sleek 'boattail' shape that enhances the wide rear wheel arches. The tailgate features two high-mounted spoilers that connect seamlessly to slim, C-shaped tail-lights. These lights frame a new design element known as the 'Prestigious Shield,' which showcases the Bentley badge. Inside, the EXP 15 features a radical three-door, three-seat layout, which takes inspiration from the one-off 'Blue Train' Speed Six. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) MORE: The best car of the 21st century There's a single door on the driver's side in true coupe style, while the passenger side gets a two-door saloon set up. How does this configuration make logical sense? Well, according to the brand, it does. Here's why. Bentleys are traditionally bought by people who like to drive themselves and occasionally be driven. The least important seat in the car is the front passenger's, so it's been replaced with a luxury pet bed or additional luggage storage space. EXP 15 concept. (Picture: Supplied) The dashboard is shaped like the Bentley wings and includes physical tactile switches, as customers are increasingly tired of digital buttons and prefer the responsiveness of physical controls. Bentley has not released specific technical details about the EXP 15's powertrain, but the confirmed all-wheel-drive electric system, likely featuring two motors, suggests that Bentley's future EVs will uphold their legacy of both performance and luxury. Although the EXP 15 is just a concept and won't be arriving at any dealerships in Australia, we can expect to see features from this innovative design integrated into the luxury brand's first electric vehicle. James Chung Digital Content Creator James is a Digital Content Creator at and is part of the News Corp Australia's digital real estate team. His previous experience includes working for Sky News Australia.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
What the £100M electrification scheme will mean for train users as it is completed
A £100m electrification of the railway between Wigan and Bolton is officially complete after overhead power lines were entered into service this weekend. Overnight on Saturday (26 July), Network Rail teams unveiled new train driver signage and removed barriers at stations which have seen platforms extended in the final stage of the major multi-year investment. It follows successful test train running and regulatory sign-off in recent weeks to commission the newly installed infrastructure along the 6.5-mile route between the two towns. Wigan to Bolton electrified railway on first morning fully open to electric trains (Image: Network Rail) READ MORE: Bolton to Wigan rail electrification to 'go live' on January 1 Wigan to Bolton trainline electrification hits 'major milestone' Wigan to Bolton railway line to be funded to completion The £100m investment from the Department for Transport, announced in 2021, has been delivered by Network Rail in partnership with its supply chain and train operating partners. Now complete it means cleaner and quieter trains are able to run under electric power along the route. It also enables operators to run longer trains with more carriages over further distances in future, improving train connectivity across the North West of England. Team on site during energisation of the overhead electric lines between Wigan and Bolton.j (Image: Network Rail) Since 2022 the project has seen: 21 kilometres of power lines installed 414 new overhead line equipment stanchions erected Six road bridges and one footbridge completely reconstructed Modifications to 17 bridges and two-level crossings Signalling and track upgrades completed Platform extensions at Hindley, Westhoughton and Ince station. Kathryn Berry, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: 'It's a very proud moment to see this newly electrified railway line enter into service after many years of hard work to modify bridges, level crossings and stations to make way for the overhead power lines. 'I'd like to thank our supply chain, local partners, train operators and lineside neighbours for their patience during construction. Now complete train services will be able to run in electric mode, providing quieter and more reliable journeys, whilst improving air quality for communities along the 6.5-mile route.' First shot of an electric train leaving Wigan North Western and Bolton under electric power (Image: Network Rail)Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "The electrification of the line between Wigan and Bolton is great news for our customers and the communities we serve. This investment will support faster, more reliable and more sustainable journeys in the future, helping us deliver a better, greener railway for the North. I'd like to thank customers for their patience whilst this upgrade work has been underway." Electrifying this section of railway is said to give greater operational flexibility for train operators and bring this part of the rail network in line with upgrades to a train maintenance facility at Wigan Springs Branch. It will also reduce the number of diesel trains running on the route improving air quality for local people. The platform extensions are said to have have future-proofed Westhoughton, Hindley and Ince stations for longer trains with more seats to serve those communities in the years to come. The Wigan-Lostock electrification project was announced by the Department of Transport in September 2021. It's part of the wider Manchester and North West Transformation Programme (MNTP). Other MNTP projects include the third platform at Salford Crescent. Finished platform extensions at Westhoughton station copy (Image: Network Rail) The project has been delivered by Network Rail in conjunction with its principal contractor Keir which carried out all the buildings and civil engineering work to alter the existing infrastructure including bridges, and installing the stanchions for the overhead lines. The overhead lines themselves were installed by contractor SPL Powerlines. New overhead line stanchions and cables on Wigan to Bolton route (Image: Network Rail)Lee Farmer, SPL Powerlines project delivery director, said: 'We're proud to have delivered the overhead line electrification between Wigan and Bolton, a vital step in creating a more sustainable and efficient rail network across the North West. This milestone marks the culmination of many years of hard work by our teams on the ground and close collaboration with our industry partners. By enabling greener, faster, and more reliable train services, this project brings long-term benefits to both passengers and local communities.'
CBC
4 days ago
- Business
- CBC
China's electrified economy
Andrew Chang explains how China has weaned off global oil markets by electrifying its economy.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
GE Vernova (GEV) Acquiring Alteia for AI-Grid Tools
GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) is one of the best 52-week high stocks to buy now. On July 21, the company confirmed plans to acquire France-based Alteia as it seeks to bolster its arsenal of artificial intelligence tools that utility companies use to review their grids. Christian Lagerek/ The company already offers Alteia's software through its GridOS Visual Intelligence. The acquisition will enhance the system by integrating visual and operational data. The acquisition also comes at a time when GE Vernova is experiencing growth in its electrification software segment. RBC Capital Markets expects robust growth in the electrification software segment, based on mid-single-digit percentage growth rates in recent years. That's because GE Vernova is capitalizing on the growing demand for power from data centers, which are used in AI and cryptocurrency technologies. Power demand is expected to hit all-time highs this year. GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:GEV) develops and provides technologies and services for the energy industry, specifically in power generation, grid solutions, and electrification. It's a key player in the global energy transition, aiming to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions. While we acknowledge the potential of GEV as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best Biotech Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Steve Cohen and 11 Growth Stocks That Could Double by 2027. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
