37 / 2024

1. BMW plans to launch the first production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028

BMW Group plans to produce a hydrogen fuel cell car in 2028. The cooperation with Toyota will be intensified. The hydrogen car will offer customers another purely electric drive option with zero local emissions in a BMW. Driven by innovation and technological expertise, BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation are offering a new generation of fuel cell drive technologies. Customers can look forward to a wide range of mobility solutions for the future. BMW and Toyota are united in their efforts to advance the hydrogen economy. The expansion of the cooperation is aimed at the further development of locally emission-free technology.

Hydrogen serves as a complement to electric mobility when battery electric drive systems are not a perfect solution. As a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonization, hydrogen serves as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources. In addition, hydrogen can bridge the supply and demand gap, creating a more stable integration of renewable energy into the grid.

Read more about the efforts of BMW and Toyota here .

2. JobRad subsidiary Genvelo plans reorganization

Paul & Prediger repositions itself by rebranding. The name, brand identity and B2B2C focus of the online store are new. The company was originally founded in 2019 by JobRad founder Ulrich Prediger , with the name "Paul & Prediger". It recently became part of the JobRad Group. Genvelo will launch its own fashion collection for the first time in the fall of 2024. Customers will be able to purchase functional and fashionable clothing from Genvelo, suitable for both cycling and business. The focus will be on certified manufacturers who produce in a sustainable and resource-conserving way and who closely safeguard consumer protection. Employers are given the opportunity to brand the products themselves. Employees can also receive Genvelo vouchers as a benefit from their employer.

Read all the details about Genvelo's reorganization here .

3. Mazda and Panasonic Energy Strengthen Partnership for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Mazda Motor Corporation is paving the way for the next generation of electric vehicles: Together with Panasonic Energy Co, Ltd, the Japanese automaker is introducing the supply of next-generation high-voltage cylindrical lithium-ion batteries. These will be used in new battery-electric Mazda models expected to be available from 2027.

The agreement announced today is part of the mid- to long-term partnership previously announced by both companies. Together, they will expand battery production and technology development to ensure a stable supply. This is in line with Mazda's corporate plan, which is divided into three distinct phases up to 2030, to further strengthen production of electric vehicles. In response to market changes and customer needs, Mazda plans to launch an electric car based on a specially developed EV platform in 2027.

Read more about Mazda's partnership with Panasonic Energy here .

4.  Cylib to build battery recycling plant in North-Rhine-Westphalia

The sustainable battery recycling company cylib has started constructing its first industrial plant in Europe. The battery recycling plant will be located in the Chempark Dormagen in North Rhine-Westphalia, which is managed by Currenta. The industrial site is set to start operations in 2026 with an annual recycling capacity of approximately 30,000 tons of spent batteries. The plant will also create around 170 jobs in the region.

By reintroducing sustainably sourced secondary raw materials, cylib is creating a circular battery economy and making a positive contribution to more resilient European supply chains. In addition, the company's proprietary process creates local, resource-efficient production of sustainable raw materials in North-Rhine-Westphalia.

Cylib recovers all elements from lithium-ion batteries using its unique proprietary process. As a result, the environmental footprint can be reduced by 30 percent compared to conventional methods. The recycling plant will serve customers in the automotive, battery and chemical industries.

Read more about the cylib project here .

5.  Hanover Airport is the first German airport with a fast-charging park and charging lounge

The energy supplier Enercity has set up a fast-charging park with a charging lounge at the new Blötz site of Hanover Airport ( Flughafen Hannover ) . Customers can benefit from eight fast-charging stations with a capacity of up to 400 kilowatts (kW). Enercity is committed to further expanding the charging facilities at Hanover Airport. The initiative was subsidized by the German government with around 100,000 euros.

The project also stands out for its sustainability. The lounge was reportedly built using a sustainable wood construction method and contains ecological wood fiber insulation panels. Customers can watch their vehicle charge through the large viewing window. There is also a photovoltaic system on the roof that generates green electricity, directly used for the ongoing charging process. Targeted lighting control ensures that energy is only used for lighting in the lounge when guests are in the lounge.

Find out more about enercity's fast-charging park here .

6. Comeback of the Renault R17

Fans of Renault 's historic model have reason to rejoice, as the manufacturer is bringing back the iconic 1971 Renault 17 as a modern reissue. The show car is the result of a collaboration with French designer Ora Ïto. This collaboration with one of the most avant-garde designers of his time is one of a series of unique projects with which Renault is reinterpreting vintage cars and giving them a new stage since 2021. This series of projects aims to demonstrate once again how Renault harmonizes the brand's heritage with design and innovation. The show car will be on display at the Renault stand at Paris motor show.

The Renault 17 was launched in 1971. Visually, it combined a clean, angular design with high-tech, reflecting the idealistic spirit of the 1970s. The sports coupe was available as a convertible and a coupe. More than 92,000 units were produced between 1971 and 1979.

Learn more about the features of this historic classic here .