Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Cleantechnica

  • Mahle Introduces Range Extender For Electric Trucks

    Mahle, a tier-one supplier to the automotive and trucking industry, has introduced a new range extender system for heavy trucks at the IAA Transportation trade show in Germany. The system aims to address the limited range and inadequate charging infrastructure for battery electric trucks, allowing for flexible range without compromises and efficiency without restrictions. The system includes an efficient high-voltage generator driven by a compact internal combustion engine, which can easily be integrated into existing battery electric vehicle platforms. A truck equipped with the Mahle system has a range of over 800 km, emitting about 80 percent less carbon dioxide in range extender operation compared to a conventional diesel engine, and virtually no emissions if powered by renewable fuels. Additionally, Mahle is introducing a new Contactless Transmitter (MCT) electric motor for heavy commercial vehicles that does not require rare earth elements, offering advancements in electric motor technology to help move the electrification of heavy trucks forward.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/20/mahle-introduces-range-extender-for-electric-trucks/

  • Princeton Critical Minerals Raises $16M to Scale Lithium Production Technologies

    Princeton Critical Minerals (PCM) has raised $16 million to expand sales and commercial deployments of its brine-based lithium production platform in the U.S. and South America. The company's technology improves efficiency and scalability of lithium production from brine sources, addressing increasing demand for critical minerals used in energy storage, electrification, and AI infrastructure. PCM's systems aim to increase throughput while reducing energy use, chemical consumption, and operational complexity in lithium production. The company has successfully deployed its technology in Chile and is preparing for commercial deployments in the U.S. to meet the growing global demand for lithium. PCM is field-testing new technologies in Chile to enhance evaporation and optimize processes using AI, in order to increase lithium production efficiency and meet growing demand. The company plans to scale manufacturing, expand commercial deployments, and build U.S.-based production capabilities with new funding. PCM aims to support the global critical mineral supply chains for energy storage, electrification, and digital systems. The successful deployment of Lilypad has led to plans for additional pilot projects in Chile, with growing demand from major lithium producers.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/20/princeton-critical-minerals-raises-16m-to-scale-lithium-production-technologies/

  • SolarAnywhere® Supports Solar PV & Unmanned Flight!

    Piotr Lichota at the Warsaw University of Technology is using SolarAnywhere data to optimize launch times for solar-assisted UAVs for environmental monitoring, agriculture, and search-and-rescue missions. The success of solar UAV technology is heavily dependent on weather conditions, with dynamic low-altitude cloud cover in regions like Central Europe posing a challenge. By developing a simulation framework using SolarAnywhere data, Piotr is able to model UAV flight duration probabilities more accurately, allowing for adjustments in solar-to-wing area ratios, battery capacities, and takeoff times to increase mission success rates. This approach facilitates the transition towards risk-oriented design for green technology applications, offering a promising solution for climate experts looking to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solar UAV technology.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/19/solaranywhere-supports-solar-pv-unmanned-flight-2/

  • 16 Agrivoltaic Projects on Local Farms Move Forward in New Jersey

    The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has approved 16 agrivoltaic projects, totaling 52.06 MW of clean, renewable energy produced on agricultural land. This is the first round of projects under the Dual-Use Pilot Agrivoltaics program, combining solar power with various agricultural activities to support farmers in making their operations more profitable while adding capacity to the grid. The success of these projects will inform the establishment of a permanent agrivoltaics program in New Jersey, showcasing a promising solution for sustainable energy production and agricultural practices.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/19/16-agrivoltaic-projects-on-local-farms-move-forward-in-new-jersey/

  • Sunrun to Supply Voltus with Energy Capacity for AI Hyperscaler Agreements

    Sunrun and Voltus have partnered to support Voltus's Bring Your Own CapacityTM programs for AI hyperscalers, utilizing energy capacity from residential storage-plus-solar systems in PJM and MISO grid regions to meet growing electricity demand. This collaboration aims to maximize distributed resources like home batteries, solar, smart thermostats, and EVs to strengthen grid reliability, affordability, and growth as demand increases. Voltus and DER partners generate cash by maximizing the value of flexible load, distributed generation, energy storage, energy efficiency, and electric vehicle resources in various markets. For more information, visit the Voltus website and sign up for CleanTechnica's Weekly Substack for in-depth analyses on climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/17/sunrun-to-supply-voltus-with-energy-capacity-for-ai-hyperscaler-agreements/

  • Autonomous Electric Freight Trucks Scaling Up In Europe

    Einride and DAF Trucks are partnering to integrate Einride's autonomous driving system into DAF's premium vehicle platform for autonomous long-distance trucking, aiming to commercialize SAE Level 4 autonomous electric freight transportation. This collaboration addresses industry challenges such as driver shortages and rising operating costs, with experts defining and testing the integration of the autonomous drive system within DAF's electric truck platform. The initiative reflects the rapid evolution of scalable autonomy solutions for heavy-duty transport, showcasing a commitment to innovation and future-proofing the logistics sector for a more efficient, safer, and sustainable freight ecosystem.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/17/autonomous-electric-freight-trucks-scaling-up-in-europe/

  • New Science Says Scrapping A Working Gas Car For An EV Is Usually Greener

    A new study by J. Elliott Campbell and Roland Geyer compares the environmental impact of continuing to operate combustion vehicles versus replacing them with battery-electric vehicles, finding that retiring combustion vehicles early and replacing them with EVs can reduce cumulative emissions by 44% over a 16-year period. The study emphasizes the importance of early retirement of internal combustion vehicles in reducing emissions and highlights the need to target high-mileage pickups and inefficient SUVs for scrappage payments. A modern vehicle-retirement program should incentivize the retirement of high-emission vehicles while promoting the availability of affordable transportation options, including used EVs, to accelerate fleet turnover towards electric vehicles without compromising access to affordable transportation.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/16/scrapping-working-gas-car-for-ev-can-be-greener/

  • ForeFront Power Completes Its First Erthos Solar Energy System for the City of Fresno

    ForeFront Power has achieved commercial operation of its first Erthos solar energy system at the City of Fresno's Northeast Surface Water Treatment Plant, eliminating the need for structural steel and reducing development costs. The system, part of a larger solar energy and smart battery storage portfolio for the City of Fresno, is expected to save over $122 million in ratepayer dollars by 2045. With a high energy density and cost-effective maintenance, the Erthos Earth Mount Solar system offers higher generating capacity per acre and adaptability to natural topography. ForeFront Power and Erthos are working together to optimize system performance, with the ErthBot PV array cleaner ensuring efficient operation.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/16/forefront-power-completes-its-first-erthos-solar-energy-system-for-the-city-of-fresno/

  • Community-Led Climate Resilience With The Solution Project Help People To Thrive

    The Solutions Project, founded by Marco Krapels, Mark Jacobson, and Mark Ruffalo, has launched a new website showcasing community-led climate resilience projects across the US, from California to the Northern Mariana Islands. Initiatives like the Solar Generator Loaner Program in the Northern Mariana Islands and the resilience hubs in California are rooted in principles of trust, mutual aid, and Just Recovery, focusing on community-led solutions to climate challenges. In Texas, the Harris County Climate Justice Plan prioritizes prevention over disaster response, investing in mitigation to save the county $6 for every $1 spent. These efforts highlight the importance of community input and collaboration with grassroots organizations to promote 100% renewable energy and create a sustainable, safe, and equitable future for all.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/15/community-led-climate-resilience-with-the-solution-project-help-people-to-thrive/

  • Gas Stations are Changing Globally. How Has It Changed in Your Town? (Part 2: Europe)

    Legacy retail networks in Western markets are undergoing a transformation towards electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with companies like BP Pulse, TotalEnergies, Circle K, and Fastned leading the way. These developments are driven by strict regulations, surging electric vehicle adoption, and the shift towards clean energy solutions. Operators are integrating on-site battery energy storage systems and power purchase agreements tied to renewable generation to support electric vehicle charging. The conversion of gas stations into electric vehicle charging hubs in urban areas like London, Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam reflects a broader shift towards clean energy and sustainable community spaces in Europe.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/15/gas-stations-are-changing-globally-how-has-it-changed-in-your-town-part-2-europe/