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.
Category: Transportation
Cut emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift to Alternatives
– Electrify Vehicles
– Switch Fuels
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Australian sodium battery start-up claims major milestones as storage industry starts to look beyond lithium
Australian sodium battery startup PowerCap has achieved TÜV and PPP certification for its sodium-ion technology, positioning it as a viable alternative to lithium-ion batteries. The technology is gaining global attention due to its abundant raw materials and improved thermal stability, offering lower costs compared to other competing technologies. Major deals have been announced by companies in China and the US, with Australian utilities like AGL considering sodium-ion technology for future battery investments. Despite facing regulatory barriers, PowerCap has already achieved sales and is offering small modules for home systems and larger packs for grid-scale deployment. CEO Dane El Safty believes sodium-ion storage will gain momentum due to its safety and cost advantages. The company is looking to engage with distributors and partners globally, including in Australia, and sees promise in the EV market with sodium solid state technology, which could make batteries smaller and lighter. PowerCap predicts significant growth in the sodium-ion market within 5 to 10 years.
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EPA Stopped Updating the Data Behind Electric Vehicle Emissions. The Numbers Still Show EVs are Winners
Electric vehicles (EVs) have a significant impact on reducing carbon emissions compared to gasoline cars, with emissions equivalent to a hypothetical 100 mpg gasoline car based on current EV sales. The emissions from driving an EV depend on where the electricity comes from to recharge it, with places like upstate NY and California having very low emissions due to relatively clean grids. Even in regions with significant fossil fuel-powered generation, EVs are still a cleaner choice. Efforts are being made to gather necessary data for climate analysis through open source methods, as the Trump administration's interference has led to a lack of crucial information. The importance of switching from gasoline to electricity to cut emissions is emphasized, along with suggestions for alternatives like public transit, e-bikes, and walking to further reduce pollution.
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Renewables and electrification help build farm resilience amidst the fuel and fertiliser crisis
Farmers are facing challenges such as volatile markets, rising input costs, labor shortages, and climate variability, with impacts of droughts, floods, extreme heat, and unpredictable seasons being felt on farms. The need for resilience in the agriculture sector is highlighted, with a call for policies that support decarbonization and renewable energy integration. Farmers are increasingly investing in renewables like solar panels and wind turbines to reduce costs, improve resilience, and lower emissions. Collaboration between governments, industry, and farmers is essential to ensure a sustainable transition to a more climate-friendly agriculture sector. The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo is focusing on how agriculture can contribute to Australia's energy transition while remaining productive, aiming to make farming businesses more resilient, strengthen regional economies, and improve food and energy security, with farmers central to the conversation on achieving these goals.
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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/
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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/
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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/
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What the Electrification Action Plan Means for Transport
The European Commission's Electrification Action Plan focuses on increasing direct electrification in transport and other sectors to reduce energy demand, increase competitiveness, and lower energy prices. The plan emphasizes increasing EV sales and implementing Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology to provide flexibility in the grid. Proposed amendments to the EU Electricity Market Design Regulation aim to incentivize grid operators to invest in innovative grid technologies like V2G and promote flexible consumption among consumers. Recommendations include setting binding electrification targets for large corporate fleets and protecting the 2035 100% zero-emission vehicle target. To further accelerate electrification in both the trucking and shipping sectors, the EU should set common requirements for depot charging, include semi-public charging in funding programs, uphold ambitious CO2 targets for heavy-duty vehicles, and introduce binding zero-emission procurement targets for large shippers. The focus is on transitioning to electric vehicles and infrastructure to achieve climate goals and promote energy sovereignty.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/07/31/what-the-electrification-action-plan-means-for-transport/
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“Extraordinary moment:” World’s largest electric ferry, made in Australia, loaded on cargo ship for trip to South America
The world's largest electric ferry, Hull 096, has been loaded onto a heavy lift vessel for its journey to Argentina where it will operate entirely on battery power, carrying passengers and vehicles between Argentina and Uruguay. Featuring a massive lithium-ion battery installation, this ferry represents a significant milestone in sustainable maritime transport and showcases the future of high-speed, large-capacity ferry technology. The project has garnered international attention and will soon enter service with ferry company Buquebus on one of the world's busiest ferry routes, highlighting the potential for electric ferries to revolutionize the industry and reduce emissions.
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A plug-in solar solution that utilities and lawmakers can agree on
The momentum for plug-in solar systems is rapidly growing in the U.S. and Europe, with several states passing legislation to allow residents to use these systems in their homes. This legislation aims to help residents save money on energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while also potentially reducing or deferring future infrastructure upgrade costs for utilities. The need for a two-pronged approach in plug-in solar state legislation is emphasized, with a focus on establishing tiered wattage definitions and capping energy export to the grid at 400 watts to ensure safety and grid reliability. States like Utah, Colorado, and Maine are leading the way in creating regulations that support the safe and successful implementation of plug-in solar systems, promoting the widespread and safe adoption of solar energy as America's cost-saving energy future.