China has pulled ahead in the electric van market due to several key factors, including favorable duty cycles, affordable pricing, and supportive policies. The country has successfully integrated electric vans into urban logistics, with high market penetration rates, highlighting the importance of creating conditions for electric vehicles to succeed at scale in the logistics sector. The financial benefits of transitioning to electric vans, particularly in terms of cost savings associated with fuel and maintenance expenses, are emphasized. An analysis of Class 2b and 3 vans in the United States found that over a five-year ownership period, battery electric vans were cheaper to own than diesel vans for a 200-mile range. The section stresses the importance of a holistic approach to clean logistics, as the country that makes it cheaper benefits from cleaner streets and better economics.
Author: Cleantechnica
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Iran Conflict Costing Shipping Industry €340 Million A Day
Efficiency measures, electrification, and e-fuels are key solutions to reduce the shipping industry's exposure to fuel price shocks and supply disruptions. The cost gap between fossil fuels and e-fuels has narrowed, making alternative fuels more competitive. T&E's analysis shows that investing in European e-fuels and energy efficiency measures can help avoid future fossil fuel shocks. Scaling up domestic e-fuel production and electrifying ships like ferries can reduce pressure on the fuel market and strengthen energy security. T&E calls on European policymakers to accelerate the transition towards a more resilient and competitive maritime industry, with a focus on promoting green e-fuels in the maritime sector through financial aid and strengthened targets in FuelEU Maritime.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/27/iran-conflict-costing-shipping-industry-e340-million-a-day/
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From Fuel Shock to Financial Stability in Hawaiʻi
Hawai'i is looking to transition to a more sustainable energy system to reduce its reliance on imported fuels and lower costs. The state's decarbonization report shows that the transition will be cheaper in the long run compared to continuing with the current system. Investments in utility-scale renewables, batteries, grid upgrades, and other infrastructure will be necessary, but the declining costs of core technologies like solar and storage make the transition feasible. By shifting towards local renewable energy sources, Hawai'i can reduce its fuel-driven electricity prices and create a more resilient and cost-effective energy system. The state's financing strategy includes securitizing clean-energy finance and supporting distributed investment at scale, with a focus on utility-scale assets, major grid upgrades, and various financing options for different sectors.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/26/from-fuel-shock-to-financial-stability-in-hawai%CA%BBi/
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Here Comes More Lithium For EV Batteries, Made In The USA
EnergyX, a US startup, is making strides in producing battery-grade lithium domestically using Direct Lithium Extraction technology, with support from the US Department of Energy and private investors. Their demonstration plant in Texas is set to produce 250 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent annually, focusing on cost optimization for EV battery production. The Project Lonestar facility aims to enhance US energy security and defense readiness by supplying critical materials for military technology, highlighting the importance of domestic production for national security. The push for more electric vehicles in the US military underscores the need for alternative supply lines for critical minerals, reducing reliance on China and boosting the US's position in the global lithium refining industry.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/26/here-comes-more-lithium-for-ev-batteries-made-in-the-usa/
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Oʻahu 2050: A Hard-Charging Roadmap to a Zero-Carbon Energy System
The roadmap for Oʻahu's energy future includes building a foundation of rooftop and canopy solar, batteries, EV charging, and district-cooling projects by 2030. The goal is to eliminate oil generation and H-POWER as power sources and decarbonize liquid fuels by the 2040s. The transition aims to reduce harm, lower costs, strengthen resilience, and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. The decision on the next steps belongs to Hawaiʻi's communities, workers, institutions, and leaders.
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Why Nature-Based Investments Produce Results
Nature-based solutions are crucial for climate mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity protection, with the UN Environment Program calling for increased investment to $571 billion annually by 2030. These investments not only have the potential to lift people out of poverty, create jobs, and boost the economy but also prevent climate change damages. Financial institutions are recognizing the risks of nature loss and are incorporating nature-based investments to enhance long-term financial performance. To make nature-based investment a viable asset class, transparency, predictability, auditability, and alignment with global standards are necessary, as emphasized by participants in a workshop focusing on systemic change and transformative integration of nature-based solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/25/why-nature-based-investments-produce-results/
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Over 1,200 New EV Charging Stalls Deployed By EVgo In 2025
EVgo, a US EV charging company, deployed over 1,200 fast charging stalls in 2025, growing their network to 5,100 stalls across 47 states. They saw a 50% year-over-year increase in revenue, reaching $384M in 2025. The presence of more public EV chargers supports EV adoption, with private sector companies leading the expansion. Fast chargers are preferred for longer trips, delivering 10-80% charge in under 40 minutes. This growth in EV charging infrastructure is a positive development for the climate.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/22/over-1200-new-ev-charging-stalls-deployed-by-evgo-in-2025/
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Copper’s Battery-Equipped Induction Range Makes Electrification & Storage Accessible
Copper's electric range, named "Charlie," features a convection oven and induction cooktop with a unique battery system that allows for extended oven use without the need for costly electrical upgrades. The battery can be charged over time and programmed to take advantage of off-peak power or solar energy. This innovative design aims to make electric cooking more accessible, especially in older buildings with limited electrical capabilities. By integrating batteries into appliances like refrigerators and EV chargers, people can shift when they draw electricity from the grid, helping stabilize the grid and increase renewable utilization. This approach makes storage more available to more people, especially in apartments, and can lead to greater adoption of electrification, ultimately making the benefits of climate solutions more accessible to a wider range of people.
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MAGA Influencers Love Solar Power, And So Does Elon Musk
Right wing pundits Katie Miller and KellyAnne Conway, along with Tesla CEO Elon Musk, have shown support for solar power. The US Department of Agriculture plays a significant role in administering grants and loan guarantees for farmers to save on energy costs through solar projects, with the REAP initiative providing opportunities for wind and solar power since 2002. However, under the Trump administration, there was a freeze on REAP disbursements, leading to a loss of over $1 billion in funds, and new restrictions imposed by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins limited opportunities for farmers. Tennessee has lost 9% of its farmland over a 20-year period, primarily due to real estate development, not solar industry growth, prompting the establishment of a $25 million fund to buy conservation easements from farmers. Trump has approved large solar projects in Nevada, with a push for solar power by conservative influencers and stakeholders in the AI industry, while Elon Musk plans to add 100 gigawatts of solar to the US grid and boost domestic solar manufacturing.
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New York Build Expo: Heat Pumps Take Center Stage
The New York Build Expo showcased a focus on heat pumps, with big names like Midea, GE/Haier, and Daikin presenting various types for windows, interior use, and hot water. Challenges of integrating heat pumps into existing buildings were discussed, along with industry consolidation and limitations in very cold weather. The section also highlighted solar solutions in the context of climate solutions, including insights on New York City's Local Law 97 and the importance of tax credits and incentives. Additionally, creating a market for recycled plastic and sustainable materials like mass timber and foamed glass aggregate were emphasized, showing a shift towards a more environmentally friendly built environment in NYC.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/20/new-york-build-expo-heat-pumps-take-center-stage/