Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Transportation

Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels

  • EVs Will Come Roaring Back, Rivian Edition

    Rivian, a US startup, is making strides in the electric vehicle market by producing premium 100% battery-powered vehicles and announcing more affordable models to cater to a new wave of EV buyers. Their partnership with ChargeScape allows their EVs to serve as grid energy storage units, providing easier access to utility-based savings plans. With the expanding EV charging infrastructure and mainstreaming of vehicle-to-grid technology, Rivian's large battery capacity makes their EVs valuable assets for utilities. Despite potential changes in Georgia's electrification movement post-election, Rivian is moving forward with plans to build a new factory in Georgia with federal support, positioning themselves as key players in the climate solutions space.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/16/rivian-evs-us-plans-v2g-discounts-new-factory-georgia/

  • Clean energy just hit record investment

    The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.

    https://350.org/clean-energy-just-hit-record-investment/

  • BMW Reaches 2 Million Electric Vehicles, Focusing More & More On Smart Home Technology

    BMW Group has reached a milestone by producing its 2 millionth fully electric vehicle, a BMW i5 M60 xDrive sedan, at the Dingolfing factory in Germany. The factory now builds three electric BMW models and is expanding a partnership with SOLARWATT to integrate bidirectional charging, solar, and home energy storage for their vehicles. The market launch for this integration is planned for late 2026 in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands, showcasing BMW's commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/15/bmw-reaches-2-million-electric-vehicles-focusing-more-more-on-smart-home-technology/

  • Fortescue to lease electric haul trucks as part of land deal with traditional owners

    Fortescue has reached a new agreement with the PKKP Aboriginal Corporation for the ownership and leasing of electric haul trucks as part of their path to achieving zero emissions by the end of the decade. The agreement includes provisions for the PKKP to own new mining equipment and lease it to Fortescue, creating a new revenue stream. The partnership aims to work together to protect heritage, create opportunities, and support development in the Pilbara region, with protections for Country, heritage, and resources, as well as a framework for engagement and communication about heritage and mine plans.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/fortescue-to-lease-electric-haul-trucks-as-part-of-land-deal-with-traditional-owners/

  • Powering the Future: Why Energy Justice is a Youth Issue

    The article discusses the barriers young people in South Africa face due to lack of access to affordable electricity, impacting their education, job-seeking, and overall opportunities. The country's reliance on coal-fired power stations leads to air pollution, high electricity costs, and unreliable service. The Free Basic Electricity (FBE) program aims to support vulnerable households but faces challenges in reaching eligible families. The article suggests investing in renewable energy to provide clean, affordable, and reliable power to communities, ultimately benefiting education, employment, public health, and economic opportunity for South Africa's young people. The section emphasizes the importance of ensuring that future generations have access to affordable energy, economic opportunity, and a healthy environment as a right. It highlights the need for action and power to create a better future, rather than just promises. The author calls for building a powerful climate movement with the belief in a safe climate and a better future for all, focusing on creating a just, prosperous, and equitable world through the collective power of ordinary people.

    https://350.org/energy-justice-is-a-youth-issue/

  • Australian farmers call for on-farm electricification and clean tech support

    The Farmers for Climate Action (FCA) report, Energy Sovereignty for Regional Australia, advocates for the switch to locally produced, lower cost energy and sustainable biofuels in the agricultural sector. It emphasizes the need for accelerating electrification of farm equipment, such as irrigation and processing machinery, to reduce costs and increase energy security. The report calls for sensible tax policy reform to drive electrification technology while protecting farmers and associated industries. Highlighting the feasibility of using solar PV and battery storage for electric tractors, the report suggests policy support and incentives to accelerate the shift towards more sustainable practices in agriculture. Overall, the shift towards clean energy and electric machinery is seen as a major opportunity to cut costs and increase resilience in the agricultural sector.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/15/farmers-call-for-on-farm-electricification-and-clean-tech-support/

  • Fraunhofer Wants Solar Cells On Vehicles — To Help The Grid

    Fraunhofer ISE and the European research project SolarMoves are promoting the integration of solar cells into vehicles in Central and Southern Europe to reduce strain on the power grid and decarbonize the transportation sector. Companies like Sono Motors and Lightyear are exploring the production of solar-powered vehicles, which could generate up to 55-80% of their energy needs through Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics. Additionally, integrating solar panels on delivery vans, trucks, and trailers can significantly reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, with solar modules extending the range of electric trucks by up to 15 percent. The logistics sector stands to benefit greatly from the implementation of solar panels on vehicles with large roof spaces, as the investment costs could pay for themselves in less than two years for diesel trucks.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/13/fraunhofer-wants-solar-cells-on-vehicles-to-help-the-grid/

  • The Big ICE Meltdown — May’s China EV Sales Report

    In May, ICE model sales in China crashed 39% while EV market share reached a record 63%, with BEVs on track to surpass 40% market share by 2026. Domestic brands are leading the shift towards EVs, with 81% share among local brands, and seven of the top 10 best-selling models being pure electric. The article discusses the performance of various EV models in different size categories, highlighting the success of brands like Geely, Tesla, and Xiaomi. Despite overall sales declines for top brands, startups like Leapmotor and Tesla are seeing significant growth, indicating a shift towards new technology and electric vehicles in the automotive industry.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/13/the-big-ice-meltdown-mays-china-ev-sales-report/

  • Solar-powered floating shellfish farming tested in French lagoon

    A French consortium has launched the SolarinThau project in Thau Lagoon, southern France, which integrates floating solar panels with oyster farming to support the local shellfish industry and tackle energy and environmental issues. The prototype platform will undergo an 18-month trial period from July 2026 to December 2027 to assess its technical, environmental, and economic viability. The project is led by a consortium with funding from the French government and the Occitanie Region, showcasing a promising initiative in sustainable energy solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/11/solar-powered-floating-shellfish-farming-tested-in-french-lagoon/

  • 1M+ customers have connected solar to PG&E’s grid

    PG&E, the largest utility in the U.S. in terms of solar interconnections, has focused on modernizing the grid for safe and reliable two-way power flows, with a recent emphasis on virtual power plant deployment. Their investments in grid automation, advanced forecasting, streamlined interconnection, and the integration of solar paired with battery storage have positioned California as the top state for residential solar and overall solar capacity. Customers in California have access to rebates and credit rates for solar generation, with solar plus storage systems offering backup power during public safety power shutoffs. This has led to increased interest in solar and resiliency options in the state.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/a-million-customers-have-connected-solar-to-pges-grid/822676/