Buildings & Transport

EV Revolution: Transforming Global Mobility Through Innovation and Accessibility

In 2024, global electric vehicle (EV) sales reached over 17 million, accounting for more than 20% of all new cars sold, with China dominating the market. China's EVs comprised nearly half of its car sales, while emerging markets in Asia and Latin America also saw remarkable sales growth, with electric car sales increasing by 60% and 50%, respectively, in 2024. Brazil's sales more than doubled, and even Africa experienced significant growth, particularly in Egypt and Morocco. Affordability has been a key driver of this expansion, with global average EV prices decreasing. While EVs in Germany and the United States remained more expensive than conventional cars, in China, two-thirds of EVs sold were cheaper than their conventional counterparts. Battery technology and cost reductions have contributed to improved EV affordability, with the most significant price declines in China. Advances in battery technology have also revolutionized charging capabilities, with batteries now able to charge a significant portion of their capacity in just minutes. Charging infrastructure has expanded globally, doubling the number of public charging stations since 2022. However, the presence and capacity of chargers vary by region. In the commercial sector, electric trucks sales grew substantially in 2024, with total cost of ownership in China being lower for electric compared to diesel trucks in certain cases, indicating an economic incentive for adoption. Looking ahead, EV sales are projected to continue growing, with a dramatic increase in market share expected by 2030. China remains the leader, with EVs expected to represent 80% of its total car sales by 2030. Europe and Southeast Asia show strong growth potential as well, with significant policy support and manufacturing capacity. The global transition to electric mobility is anticipated to displace over 5 million barrels of oil per day by 2030, highlighting the important implications for energy security and environmental impact. The trend signifies a major transformation in transportation, emphasizing the economic and environmental benefits of early adoption.

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 Transforming the Grid: Electric Vehicles as Key Players in the Energy Landscape
Buildings & Transport

Transforming the Grid: Electric Vehicles as Key Players in the Energy Landscape

The "Solution Booklet: Electric Vehicles and the Grid" discusses the increase of EVs in Europe, the necessity for robust charging infrastructures, strategic city planning for EV integration, technical, societal, and governance aspects of smart charging and V2G technologies, as well as innovative solutions and economic considerations for successful EV and energy grid synergy.

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Charging Ahead: How Electric Vehicles Are Powering a Sustainable Future for the Next Generation of Innovators
Buildings & Transport

Charging Ahead: How Electric Vehicles Are Powering a Sustainable Future for the Next Generation of Innovators

The paper discusses the rapid global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), driven by falling battery costs, government incentives, and a growing commitment to environmental sustainability. Advances in technology, like solid-state batteries and Vehicle-to-Grid systems, are enhancing EV capabilities and integration into energy grids. Despite challenges like charging infrastructure and ethical material sourcing, EVs are increasingly seen as crucial for cleaner transportation and climate change mitigation, impacting energy systems, creating new economic opportunities, and transforming urban environments.

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The smart city puzzle: cities, platforms and service provider
Buildings & Transport

The smart city puzzle: cities, platforms and service provider

Working in smart city projects requires to bring together different players in this very diverse eco-system, from IT to product suppliers, service providers, finance, social innovators and of course the cities with their various departments. A good way to start is looking at top notch smart city projects as well as knowledge, matchmaking and IT platforms.

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Revolutionizing Urban Living: Insights from the STARDUST Project
Buildings & Transport

Revolutionizing Urban Living: Insights from the STARDUST Project

The STARDUST project exemplifies sustainable urban transformation through smart integration in energy, mobility, and ICT in "lighthouse" and "follower" cities, focusing on renewable infrastructure, innovative technologies, regulatory adaptability, stakeholder engagement, and novel business models to foster replicable sustainable city initiatives.

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Mayors Leading the Charge: A Deep Dive into the Eurocities Survey
Buildings & Transport

Mayors Leading the Charge: A Deep Dive into the Eurocities Survey

The Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2024 indicates that European mayors prioritize climate action, seek EU support for sustainability, and face funding and housing challenges amidst global pressures. Innovation drives urban transformation, with collaborative governance being crucial for tackling complex, interconnected issues.

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Innovative financial solutions to fight energy poverty
Buildings & Transport

Innovative financial solutions to fight energy poverty

How social housing associations and EU projects are using innovative financial and solidarity mechanisms to combat energy poverty, emphasizing the dual benefit of social welfare and environmental sustainability through the refurbishment of buildings for energy efficiency.

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Overview of main actors in the e-mobility ecosystem
Buildings & Transport

Overview of main actors in the e-mobility ecosystem

The paper addresses the EU's transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as key in decarbonizing transport sector emissions, crucial to achieving 2040 climate targets. The EV ecosystem involves various stakeholders, including OEMs, CPOs, and DSOs, working together towards electrification. Policies like RED, AFIR, EPBD, and the Sustainable Battery Regulation support this shift, while investment in EV infrastructure is projected to significantly increase. Data sharing is emphasized as essential for ecosystem efficiency.

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Revolutionizing Transit: Europe's Top Smart Mobility Solutions
Buildings & Transport

Revolutionizing Transit: Europe's Top Smart Mobility Solutions

Europe advances smart mobility, driven by sustainability and urbanization challenges. EU policies promote electric and autonomous transport, integrating innovations like IoT, MaaS, and AI. Case studies from Barcelona, Stockholm, and Amsterdam highlight smart solutions reshaping urban travel, setting global benchmarks.

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New R&D Funding Opportunity to Upscale Circular Economy Practice in Cities
Buildings & Transport

New R&D Funding Opportunity to Upscale Circular Economy Practice in Cities

CircularPSP, a consortium of eight European CE cities, is investing €5.64 million in CE R&D to expedite the circular practice adoption in municipalities and local businesses. The call for tender targets suppliers to create innovative CE solutions, with the bid deadline set for April 1, 2024.

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