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Your weekly intelligence on EVs and Transportation Decarbonization
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Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. dropped by about 5% in the third quarter of 2024, while hybrid sales continued their rapid growth, according to data released last week by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Overall, the combined market share of hybrids and EVs reached a record high at nearly 20%.


EIA also reported that EV costs remain high at an average price of about $56,000, 16% higher than the industry average before accounting for consumer tax credits. Over 70% of the EVs sold in the third quarter were classified as luxury vehicles. 


Significant uncertainty remains around what the incoming Trump administration will do about EV programs and incentives established by under the Biden administration, E&E News reports. The nominees to lead the departments of Energy and Transportation will have the ability to roll back many of the Biden administration’s clean energy programs, but red states that have benefited from the funding may be reluctant to see it go. 


While many of the Biden administration’s EV policies — including the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards and consumer tax credits — appear to be at risk, other programs could be more difficult to roll back. Major changes to the $2.5 billion Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) program and the $5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program would require congressional approval. 


Business Insider reports that the Biden administration is racing to approve funding from the two programs, which would make it harder for Republicans to claw the money back. The Department of Transportation said it has already approved about $2.4 billion in NEVI funding and about $1.3 billion of the CFI funding. 


In aviation news, the airline industry is struggling to decarbonize because of challenges with sustainable aviation fuels and a reluctance from the industry to reduce the number of flights taken, the Conversation reports. The industry also has a strong influence on policy; in Australia and in the U.K., the airline industry dominates government task forces on aviation decarbonization, vastly outnumbering climate scientists. 


Reuters reports that the Biden administration will not be able to finalize guidelines on new clean fuel production tax credits for the airline and biofuel industries, creating an uncertain future for the program. The development of the guidelines has spurred arguments between fuel producers and climate advocates over the climate benefits of ethanol. 


All that and more in this week’s Intelligence Report: 


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Aircraft
Electric Vehicles
Heavy-duty Vehicles
Shipping
Transportation Decarbonization

 
 

Aircraft

International

Airlines are not committing to green hydrogen-based fuels -- oil companies are mostly to blame'

Transport & Environment calls for policymakers to increase pressure on the sector to encourage uptake of e-kerosene. Hydrogen Insight


International

Jet zero? Why net zero in aviation can't get off the ground

Air passenger numbers are projected to increase from around 4 billion to over 10 billion by 2050. This growth could double carbon emissions over the same period. The Conversation


International

Why Airports Need to Start Planning for Net-Zero Aviation Now

Even with new technology and sustainable fuels facing hurdles, long-term planning needs to account for future airport needs. RMI


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Electric Vehicles

California

California considers electric vehicle incentive if Trump kills federal EV tax credit

Critics say Newsom's pledge to provide EV rebates will be expensive, and that the state needs to be more transparent about the overall price of switching to electric vehicles. ABC7


California

Khanna: Excluding Musk, Tesla from California EV credits 'just foolish'

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) criticized California for a recent proposal that would cut Tesla out of receiving electric vehicle credits during a CNBC appearance. The Hill


California

PG&E teams up with Itron to launch EV Connect pilot program in early 2025

Specifically, PG&E and Itron are working on a customer-focused pilot program to develop and test the management of EV charging loads in real-time. Daily Energy Insider


Illinois

A piece of Pritzker's EV-manufacturing strategy is in peril

A small but significant part of JB Pritzker's bet on electric vehicles is in the hands of Canadian banks and investors. Crain's Chicago Business


Illinois

Illinois expands electric vehicle infrastructure with $25.3M in grants

Illinois is accelerating its efforts toward a greener future with a major investment in electric vehicle infrastructure. Gov. JB Pritzker recently announced $25.3 million in grants aimed at building new electric vehicle charging stations across the state. KWQC


International

Almost $3B wiped off Stellantis as electric vehicle crisis grows

The ousting of Carlos Tavares as boss of Vauxhall's owner is unlikely to save its Luton van plant, industry experts have warned. Stellantis' arch cost-cutter announced he would axe the factory with the loss of up to 1,100 jobs only recently. The Telegraph


International

EU Aid for EV Batteries Seeks to Stave Off Chinese Competition

EV battery manufacturers relying on Chinese components risk being cut out of more than $1 billion in EU subsidies as the bloc aims to boost its own production and supply chains. Bloomberg


International

Exclusive: Northvolt seeks to sell electric industrial battery business by year-end

The rush to sell is the Swedish company's latest effort to strengthen its finances and shrink the business to focus on battery cell production, rather than being an all-in-one-shop for making and recycling electric vehicle batteries. Reuters


International

Jaguar reveals 'Type 00' concept car, first under controversial new brand identity

Famed British carmaker Jaguar revealed its new vehicle design direction with the introduction of an all-electric concept car called "Type 00." CNBC


International

This Low-Cost EV Battery (Kind of) Runs on Salt, and It's Having a Moment

Sodium-ion batteries are poised for growth, with recent announcements from the world's largest battery maker and a new initiative from U.S. national labs. Inside Climate News


International

Volkswagen exits controversial Xinjiang plant amid political pressure

Facing political pressure and dwindling demand for gas-powered cars, Volkswagen is ending its operations in China's Xinjiang region, marking the end of a contentious chapter. Autoblog


Michigan

GM to sell its stake in Michigan battery plant to LG Energy Solution

The deal, which is expected to close early next year, does not change its ownership stake in the Ultium Cells joint venture, which operates battery plants in Ohio and Tennessee. Reuters


Montana

Missoula explores future of electric vehicles with community event

As technology advances, Missoula is considering the increased presence of electric vehicles (EVs) in the community. The Missoula Metropolitan Organization is hosting an open house to discuss the potential rise of EVs as a primary mode of transportation in the area. Montana Right Now


Tennessee

Tennessee university to receive federal funding for EV battery recycling project

Researchers at Tennessee Tech University will receive a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to help improve electric vehicle battery recycling. Waste Dive


U.S.

Automakers to Trump: Please Require Us to Sell Electric Vehicles

Donald J. Trump promised to erase Biden tailpipe rules that are designed to get carmakers to produce E.V.s. But Detroit wants to keep them. The New York Times


U.S.

Biden is racing to boost EV charging networks before Trump takes office

The Biden administration said in 2021 it would invest $7.5 billion in building a national EV-charging network. Officials are now racing to approve the next round of funding before Donald Trump takes office. Business Insider


U.S.

Electric Vehicles Improved But Still Less Reliable Than Gas Models: Survey

Consumer Reports subscribers who participated in surveys throughout 2024 reported that electric vehicles experienced 42 percent more issues on average than gasoline-powered cars. Newsweek


U.S.

Elon Musk's MAGA Embrace Upends the Meaning of Tesla Ownership

The politics surrounding the electric vehicle company have shifted since the world's richest man threw his support behind Donald Trump. Bloomberg


U.S.

EVgo and GM Surpass 2,000 Public Fast Charging Stalls in the US

EVgo and GM have built fast charging stalls in more than 390 locations in 45 metropolitan markets across 32 states. North American Clean Energy


U.S.

The Complicated Future of Electric Vehicle Policy

Electric vehicle policy is far more complicated than meets the eye, and until our infrastructure can meet the needs of a society powered by individually owned electric vehicles, it might be smart to find alternative ways to reduce emissions from transportation. Harvard Political Review


U.S.

US proposes $7.54 billion loan to Stellantis, Samsung SDI battery joint venture

The conditional commitment award must still be finalized and includes $6.85 billion in principal and $688 million in capitalized interest for the StarPlus Energy joint venture. Reuters


U.S.

US share of electric and hybrid vehicle sales reached a record in the third quarter

Combined sales of hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles increased from 19.1% of total new light-duty vehicle sales in the United States in 2Q24 to an estimated 19.6% in 3Q24. Energy Information Administration


U.S.

Why The Road Ahead For Rivian Is Filled With Challenges

Rivian, one of the biggest electric vehicle players in the US, is now facing production delays and serious competition from competitors. Yahoo


Washington

Once a must for wealthy Seattle-area liberals, Teslas feel Elon backlash

For Tesla drivers in and around Seattle, the mood these days can feel a little charged. In a metro area famous for its Democratic majorities, driving an electric vehicle whose maker, Elon Musk, just helped reelect Republican Donald Trump can earn its own special version of the Seattle freeze. The Seattle Times


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Heavy-duty Vehicles

International

Lion Electric Extends Loans, Cuts Workforce

Lion Electric, a leading manufacturer of all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles, has announced additional amendments to its senior credit instruments and further workforce reductions. The EV Report


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Shipping

International

Electric ferry builder lands first US sale

The Swedish boat manufacturer Candela plans to open a U.S. plant to navigate obstacles created by the Jones Act. Climatewire


International

Hapag-Lloyd concludes long-term offtake agreement for green methanol

The green methanol will consist of a blend of bio- and e-methanol, ensuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of at least 70 percent, and comply with all current sustainability certification requirements. Hydrogen Central


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Transportation Decarbonization

California

Should California Subsidize Out-of-State Biofuels or In-State Electric Vehicles?

The state could divert the billions spent every year on imported biofuels toward EVs and EV infrastructure. Kleinman Center for Energy Policy


U.S.

Chris Wright and Sean Duffy hold the keys to Trump's EV plans. How far will they go?

The president-elect's picks to head DOE and DOT will wield significant authority over the billions of dollars pouring into the electric vehicle industry. E&E News


U.S.

Exclusive: Biden administration will not finalize clean fuel tax credit guidance

The tax credit, the engine behind President Joe Biden's ambitious plan to generate 3 billion gallons in production of sustainable aviation fuels by 2030, was due to become effective Jan. 1, but a lack of detailed guidance from the U.S. Treasury would render the program dormant. Reuters


U.S.

States get $1.2B to build roads, highways with low-carbon materials

The Biden administration awarded grants to 39 state departments of transportation. But the program is vulnerable to cuts under Trump. Canary Media


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