#1 Future Mobility News & Views

Welcome to the first edition of my new Newsletter – Future Mobility News & Views, a bi-weekly round-up covering the latest news and developments across the EV and Future Mobility industry.

Each fortnight, I’ll focus my attention on the latest investments around the world to the stand-out projects, technology breakthroughs, industry collaborations and policy topics whilst perhaps sharing a?few opinion pieces from my side.

If you haven't already, please connect and engage with me, and if you like what you read, feel free to subscribe.

Thanks in advance for reading???

Having recruited into the global E-Mobility sector since 2016 and in recently celebrating my 5th Anniversary at Hyperion Executive Search, this industry never ceases to amaze me. I could quite easily produce a newsletter every couple of days let alone bi-weekly as there is so much going on.

The past fortnight has been no different. Personally, I have been filled with a huge sense of optimism that we are closer than we think to a more sustainable future.

In the UK, we’ve had news of a new ￡4.7 billion Local Transport Fund to support Northern and Midlands-based local leaders which includes additional funding for EV charging that would have otherwise been wasted on HS2. We’ve also had news that Agratas, Tata Group’s global battery business, has confirmed that it will build a new multi-billion-pound electric vehicle battery manufacturing facility in Somerset which comes as a huge boost to the UK automotive sector and will create thousands of new jobs.

In a new report from our client Drax Electric Vehicles ? who we have placed a number of senior talents with, 48% of UK employers have already installed electric vehicle (EV) chargers, while a third are planning to do so over the next 12 months, emphasising the general shift towards EVs and the anticipated growth in EV infrastructure rollout that will no doubt enable more people and businesses to make the switch to electric.

Elsewhere, there has been lots going on with news of acquisitions, investments and developments. Perhaps most symbolically, as many of us already knew, Tesla proved they have long set the standard and are clearly winning the race of developing the biggest and best EV charging network globally. Further validation came from Jim Farley, CEO of Ford Motor Company who this week announced the Tesla Supercharger network would be added to Ford’s BlueOval Charge Network whilst later going on to praise Tesla’s leadership in helping “change the lives of so many EV customers through improved access to charging”.

As the saying goes "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win".??

Deals and Developments

On the deal front there has been lots going on...

Polestar – Raises almost USD 1 billion of external funding to deliver its business plan and achieve growth of +150,000 cars per year including the launch of its Polestar 3 and 4 models for which production has already commenced.

Spirii – The award winning global platform for EV charging is acquired by Edenred, a global leading provider of digital payment and mobility solutions, in a move that will further accelerate its growth across Europe, the US, and Latin America.

Powerdot - The Pan-European EV Chargepoint Operator completes a €100 million capital raise, led by Antin Infrastructure Partners and Grupo Arie which will support further rollout of destination EV charging Infrastructure across Europe.

ev.energy - the smart electric vehicle charging platform receives a $41M grant from the California Energy Commission to continue developing and scaling products for EV drivers in California to respond to dynamic grid signals and minimize their charging costs.

EDF and Global infrastructure investor Morrison have partnered to invest?up to €450m to grow their EV charging network?in France over the next 10 years.

And finally...

Sainsbury's EV charging network, Smart Charge continues to grab the headlines as the supermarket giant launches its 37th hub with 8 Ultra Rapid 150kW bays to bring a total of 315 Ultra Rapid Smart Charge bays to stores across the UK. Are we seeing one of the biggest, most reliable UK networks taking shape? Momentum is certainly on their side and with seven new locations in the space of one week, they are getting it done!

Insights

Here, I share some of my thoughts on the latest developments, reports and articles from across the sector...

The Wait for Affordable EV's continues.? Europe's electric car scene is booming, but are the only winners luxury carmakers and early adopters? New research suggests a concerning trend that affordable electric vehicles are lagging behind and to be honest, I would have to agree. Whilst...?Read more.?

Our Kids' (and Planet's) Right to Fresh Air.? For those who know me, the reason I do what I do, the reason I drive an electric vehicle is largely down to my Son - a beautiful, charming little boy who just happens to be severely asthmatic.Of course, if you already drive electric or have...?Read more.?

Plug In Hybrids - Yea or Nay? When we read news or articles, some of those “hit home” immediately while others don`t stay with you.? When I read the above headline, it did resonate a lot as we drive a Plug In Hybrid ourselves. And I ask myself every day - is it really...?Read more

Europe Vs US: Who Leads the EV Charging Race? In a recent article from Apricum, a strategy consulting and investment banking boutique focused on the energy transition, a look at the European and US EV charging landscape provided some key insights into the differences that exist between the...?Read more

So there we have it, another busy fortnight in the wonderful EV and Future Mobility sector. As always, it wouldn't be a normal couple of weeks in our sector without having to dismiss and challenge the copious amount of myths and FUD from the naysayers who continue to bash the progress being made by those of us looking to create a better future.

Fear not though, I continue to challenge and call out nonsense where I see it and look forward to attending the upcoming Solar & Storage Live event where I'll be joined by a number of industry veteran's on the panel discussion ‘EV Myth Busting – What More Needs to be Done?’.

Catch me there if you are attending and let's discuss how I can help you or your business to drive forward the clean energy and mobility transition. For now though, have a great weekend all.

Steve