Shifts in Mobility and Sustainability: Innovations, Policies, and Challenges
Dear readers,
Solid-state battery technology in China is gaining traction, with innovations revitalising stocks and funds after a prolonged slump.
Meanwhile, electric vehicles (EVs) are on track to dominate global car sales, with significant regional variations in adoption rates.
India is advancing urban infrastructure with initiatives like Chennai's Smart Parking Management System and Telangana's tax exemptions for EVs, aiming to reduce pollution and traffic congestion. Both measures reflect a push for sustainable urban development.
Japan is considering a China-made tram system to address Mount Fuji's environmental challenges.
In South Korea, LG Energy Solution's partnership with Bear Robotics highlights the growing robotics market. A train fire in Gyeonggi underscores the need for enhanced safety in public transport.
Vietnam continues its efforts to promote road safety and environmental sustainability, commemorating victims of traffic accidents while advocating for long-term reforms.
Jürgen Germeys
China
固态电池频频“放电”概念股闻风起舞主题基金一扫颓势
Sina Finance | Local Language | News
Solid-state batteries are emerging as a crucial technology, gaining momentum due to recent innovations showcased at a dedicated conference. Battery manufacturers and automakers are increasingly focused on this segment, driven by a global demand for safer, high energy-density solutions. Significant advancements in research and development have led to rising stock prices and revitalized energy funds after a three-year lull.
China Daily | English | News
Smart e-mobility is projected as an irreversible trend in the automotive industry, with forecasts indicating that battery electric vehicles (BEV) will comprise at least 64 percent of new car sales by 2040. Regional variations exist; Europe could reach a 99 percent BEV share, while China is estimated at 70 to 85 percent. The United States is expected to see a BEV ratio of 42 to 60 percent, and the rest of the world around 50 percent.
India
Hindu Business Line | English | News
Chennai is implementing a Smart Parking Management System (SPMS) to enhance parking management across the city, which has over 6 million registered vehicles. This initiative will create designated parking zones and no parking restrictions under an Area Level Parking Management Plan within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.
CUMTA will oversee the SPMS, focusing on on-street and off-street parking in ten key clusters, including T Nagar, Marina, and Anna Nagar. The plan aims to tackle unregulated parking, which negatively impacts traffic flow, pedestrian safety, the environment, and local businesses.
The Economic Times | English | News
The Telangana government has introduced a 100% exemption from road tax and registration fees for electric vehicles (EV) purchased and registered in the state. This benefit will be available for two years, until December 31, 2026, as part of a new EV policy effective November 18.
Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar highlighted that the initiative aims to promote a pollution-free environment in Hyderabad. The exemption applies to various electric vehicles, including two-wheelers, four-wheelers, commercial passenger vehicles like taxis, and light goods carriers. For electric buses, the exemption is valid for their entire operational life if operated by the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation or solely for employee transport by any industry.
Japan
Japan Today | English | News
Japanese authorities are proposing a trackless, rubber-tired tram system, manufactured by China's CRRC, to reduce the carbon footprint and overcrowding at Mount Fuji. This decision replaces an earlier light-rail plan due to environmental and cost concerns raised by local stakeholders. Yamanashi Prefecture, home to the most popular climbing route, is set to announce details soon.
米ＥＶ?電池業界団体、トランプ氏に税制優遇措置の継続を要請
Yahoo Finance | Local Language | News
The Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA) has urged President-elect Trump to retain tax breaks for electric vehicle (EV) sales and production, citing concerns that their removal could impact key Republican-supporting states. Reports indicate Trump’s team may eliminate a $7,500 tax credit for EV buyers.
South Korea
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Digital Daily | Local Language | News
LG Energy Solution will provide cylindrical batteries to Bear Robotics, focusing on enhancing competitiveness in the global robotics market. Both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a battery cell supply contract, with LG starting the exclusive supply of 2170 batteries for Bear Robotics' service and industrial robots next year.
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Maekyung | Local Language | News
The Trump administration's potential second term may lead to relaxed regulations on autonomous vehicles, with a focus on creating a federal framework within the Department of Transportation. Preliminary discussions are underway in Congress regarding a bipartisan bill for these federal regulations.
Currently, licences for autonomous vehicles are granted at the state level. Establishing federal authority would streamline the approval process for Tesla's robotaxis and remove significant hurdles for fully autonomous driving efforts, particularly if regulations permit cars to operate without human oversight.
Joongang Ilbo | English | News
A fire erupted on an electric train at Giheung Station on the Suin-Bundang Line in Gyeonggi on November 18, 2024, at 7:32 a.m. The blaze ignited on a stationary train bound for Gosaek Station, prompting the immediate evacuation of around 600 passengers. Firefighting personnel, totaling approximately 80 with 34 pieces of equipment, extinguished the fire by 7:55 a.m.
No injuries were reported. In response, southbound trains at Giheung Station temporarily passed without stopping, while northbound services and the Yongin EverLine light rail continued normal operations. The Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) suspects the fire was caused by an electrical power supply device located on top of the train and will conduct an investigation.
The Yongin city government issued a safety warning, confirming the incident and the adjusted train services. Regular operations at Giheung Station resumed by 8:55 a.m.
Yonhap | English | News
LG Energy Solution Ltd. (LGES) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bear Robotics, a U.S. firm specializing in AI and autonomous service robots. LGES will be the exclusive supplier of cylindrical batteries for Bear Robotics' key products, including the Servi Plus and Carti 100, starting next year.
The agreement also fosters collaboration on new technologies, aiming to enhance both companies' positions in the expanding global robotics market. Furthermore, LGES plans to diversify its business by exploring opportunities in urban air mobility, vessels, and robotics, which are anticipated to experience substantial growth.
Vietnam
H??ng t?i chi?n l??c giao th?ng an toàn, thu?n ti?n, than thi?n m?i tr??ng và kh?ng có ng??i t? vong
VTV News | Local Language | News
On November 17, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha attended the Memorial Ceremony for Traffic Accident Victims at Bai Dinh Pagoda, marking the 13th year of global commemorations. He expressed condolences to families affected by traffic fatalities and highlighted the ongoing struggle against high casualty rates.