Major oil and power companies are adapting to the rapid electric vehicle adoption by converting traditional petrol stations into multi-modal power hubs globally, forming alliances to deploy ultra-fast charging hardware alongside fossil fuel pumps. In China, BYD signed an agreement with Sinopec to accelerate Flash Charging systems deployment, while in Southeast Asia, partnerships like Shell Pilipinas and Ayala Group are installing charging points nationwide. State utilities in countries like Malaysia and Indonesia are also pursuing retail partnerships to expand charging infrastructure. Initiatives in the electric vehicle sector include the expansion of charging stations, commercial fleet solutions, and battery swapping operations, with Singapore implementing high-tech solutions like liquid-cooled rapid chargers and solar power generation to promote sustainable transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
Author: Cleantechnica
-
European Countries Cut Tens of Billions of Euros of Fossil Fuel Imports from Wind & Solar Power Growth
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union accelerated its plans to increase renewable energy capacity, resulting in wind and solar power making up 30% of electricity supply by 2025. This shift displaced coal and gas power, with gas generation falling by 15% and coal by 38%. The rapid deployment of wind and solar power saved the EU €72bn in fossil fuel imports between 2022 and 2025, with the largest savings coming from Germany, Spain, and Italy. This shift highlights the importance of transitioning to renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on foreign nations and mitigate climate change.
-
Lucid Aims To Knock Tesla’s Robotaxi Off Its Perch
Lucid Group, a Saudi-US EV startup, is making strides in the self-driving fleet market by partnering with Uber, Nuro, and Hertz to introduce 20,000 driverless Lucid taxis in major US markets. With a focus on showcasing its self-driving technology and increasing sales of their Gravity SUV and Air sedan, Lucid is aligning production with demand and working on robotaxi technology. Despite competition from companies like Waymo and Amazon's Zoox, Lucid is moving forward with its cost-cutting plan to focus on the Robotaxi partnership. Meanwhile, Tesla faces challenges with the Cybercab and brand reputation issues, but remains the top-selling EV brand in the US.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/05/lucid-evs-robotaxi-driverless-tesla-cybercab-elon-musk/
-
The Fast Lane: 3 Ways Geothermal Companies Can Get More Heat
Geothermal energy has enormous potential for generating power, with advancements in drilling technologies and high-temperature alternators making it more efficient and cost-effective. Technologies like heat-resistant sensors and the GEOPHIRES modeling tool are helping developers assess the economic potential of geothermal projects and improve monitoring capabilities. By accessing licensable technologies from U.S. Department of Energy national laboratories, companies can enhance their operations and maximize profits. The focus on critical minerals research and tools like GEOPHIRES are key for understanding the long-term economic benefits of geothermal energy, making it a reliable and profitable solution for clean energy production.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/04/the-fast-lane-3-ways-geothermal-companies-can-get-more-heat/
-
Students To Help Identify Retirement Options for Energy Technologies
The Technology Recycling and Repurposing (T-ReX) Collegiate Competition, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, challenges students to recycle or reuse components from decommissioned energy technology. In Phase 1, teams develop proposals to recover materials like steel, copper, and rare earth magnets from wind turbines. Those advancing to Phase 2 can visit NLR's Flatirons Campus to select equipment for their designs. The competition aims to provide hands-on experience in energy, manufacturing, and materials industries, promoting recycling and supporting communities. By engaging with local communities, teams learn about challenges in retiring energy projects and spread awareness about recycling benefits, encouraging the reimagining of energy technologies for new purposes.
-
VinFast Debuts Electric Scooter Lineup and Battery-Swapping Network in the Philippines
VinFast has introduced its electric two-wheeler division in the Philippines, expanding their retail footprint with plans for 30,000 exchange hubs nationwide. The company aims to solve the urban charging conundrum through infrastructure by deploying automated battery-swapping cabinets. Their product portfolio includes three models with dual under-seat battery slots and water and dust resistance ratings, targeting urban commuters with high speeds and long ranges. VinFast's subscription model separates vehicle ownership from battery ownership, with a monthly fee for battery usage, as they aim to shift the region towards electric vehicles to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.
-
Fuel Cell Trucks And Buses Need More Green Hydrogen
Stakeholders in the zero emission field are advocating for green hydrogen to replace fossil fuels, with pathways like electrolysis, biomass-to-hydrogen, and plastic waste-to-hydrogen being explored. Research on converting brown seaweed into green hydrogen shows its potential as an economical and carbon-neutral source. Studies on seaweed growth rates and alkaline thermal treatments are improving hydrogen production efficiency. Water electrolysis for green hydrogen production is gaining traction, with industrial use cases like green ammonia supporting ventures shielded from global fuel market disruptions. Battery-electric vehicles are expected to dominate the road freight sector, while hydrogen fuel cell transport plays a complementary role in specific applications like long transport routes or regions with insufficient charging infrastructure. Ventures like Ballard, Bosch RexRoth, Clean Energy Fuels Corp., and Hyroad Energy are making strides in fuel cell buses, advanced pumping systems, hydrogen fueling stations, and hydrogen refueling stations for commercial truck fleets.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/02/fuel-cell-buses-trucks-green-hydrogen-innovation/
-
Ember’s Electric Coaches Show Intercity Bus Electrification Is Already Here
Edinburgh is leading the way in electrifying its transit system, with Lothian operating about one in five battery-electric buses. Ember, based in Edinburgh, has successfully launched the UK's first all-electric intercity coach service, operating over 100 electric coaches across Scotland. Ember's electric coaches can travel up to 350 miles on one charge, with charging facilities in multiple locations. Scotland's zero-emission bus program supports Ember's purchase of 100 Yutong coaches, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of electrifying long-distance transportation in urban areas. Scheduled regional and intercity coach services can be practical in a battery-electric market when designed around electricity from the beginning.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/02/ember-electric-intercity-coaches-scotland/
-
Janus Battery Swap Trucks Show The Way
CleanTechnica has highlighted CATL's joint venture to introduce electric truck swap infrastructure to Europe, with turnkey solutions for swap stations and batteries. Janus Electric in Australia has developed a method of converting overhaul-ready five-year-old diesels to electric propulsion, offering a cost-effective path to electrification for fleet owners. Converting a diesel to electric is much cheaper than manufacturing a new electric truck, about a quarter of the cost. Battery swap employing a Battery as a Service (BaaS) model reduces costs and risks for fleets, with old battery packs sold to the second use market as they age. Janus swap takes about four minutes and does not require grid upgrade, offering advantages over fixed battery electric trucks. The section discusses the advantages of slow-charged swap trucks compared to fixed battery trucks, including reduced grid demand, lower charging costs, extended battery life, and grid support. Janus Electric CEO Ben Hutt highlights the importance of their technology for immediate use cases without waiting for national charging infrastructure. The article mentions that swap trucks can use fast charge infrastructure, reducing the need for interoperability during infrastructure buildout. Janus Electric is rapidly expanding and offering an easy upgrade path to fleet owners looking to transition from diesel trucks.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/08/01/janus-battery-swap-trucks-show-the-way/
-
Zambia’s Government Delivers On Its Promise To Ramp Up Electricity Generation Capacity, With Solar Playing A Key Role
Zambia has made significant progress in addressing its renewable energy challenges by rapidly increasing its solar generation capacity. The country aims to boost its generation capacity from 4.5 GW to 10 GW, with a focus on solar energy, through collaborations with local and international partners. Key reforms in the energy sector, such as the commissioning of the 200 MW Chisamba Solar Plant and the implementation of the Net Metering Programme, have contributed to increased electricity access and reduced fees for rural and peri-urban households. With the goal of transitioning from an electricity deficit to a surplus, Zambia is on track to achieve a diversified energy mix and reach 10,000 MW by 2031, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy sources.