Transport
Working towards a balanced energy mix: What role for hydrogen?
Hydrogen can store and deliver energy in a widely useable form, and it is one of the most promising alternative fuels for future energy applications. It is possible to produce it pollution-free, without carbon dioxide emissions and it decreases dependence on dwindling oil reserves.
Dutch launch prototype solar car with 720km range
The prototype of a solar-powered electric vehicle (EV) able to travel 720km on a single charge was officially unveiled in Katwijk, the Netherlands today (25 June).
EU countries urged to see ‘opportunity in climate change’
Climate change should be seen as an opportunity not a threat but the tools at the EU’s disposal need to be changed to deal with the coming challenge, according to officials, MEPs and climate experts.
China scraps list of recommended car battery suppliers: ministry
China has scrapped its list of recommended battery suppliers, the industry ministry said on Monday (24 June), a decision foreign companies said could open up the world’s biggest market for electric vehicle batteries.
Austro-German road-charging debacle reignites pan-EU toll debate
After the EU Court of Justice ruled against Germany's plans to introduce a highway toll, the debate about an EU-wide motorway toll has once again been ignited. An analysis by Herbert Vytiska.
Brexit planning hits UK with €122m transport bill
The UK’s transport ministry has revealed that its own Brexit planning measures will cost the country at least £109 million (€122 million) by the end of the year, with three-quarters of that spent on no-deal preparations.
Banks to include CO2 emission measures in shipping loan decisions
A group of leading banks will for the first time include efforts to cut carbon dioxide emissions in their decision making when providing shipping company loans, executives said on Tuesday (18 June). International shipping accounts for 2.2% of global carbon...
Toll trouble, big-bang batteries & plane progress
This is your weekly EURACTIV Transport Brief, the one port of call for all the news from the world of mobility and much more!
National energy and climate plans will not meet targets, EU warns
UPDATE: The European Commission warned EU countries today (18 June) that draft national plans for the coming decade are insufficient to achieve the bloc’s 2030 energy and climate targets. "Substantial" gaps have been identified on renewables and energy efficiency.
Next-generation European fighter jet cooperation ready for take-off
Germany, France and Spain inked on Monday (17 June) a framework agreement for the joint construction of Europe's largest arms project to date, the so-called Future Air Combat System (FCAS).
Transport decarbonisation targets will be revised if needed, EU official says
Although the new renewable energy directive (REDII) set compromise minimum targets helping to decarbonise the transport sector, the EU executive reserves the right to take action on the matter again if necessary, a Commission official has said.
Is Madrid really about to kill Europe’s most successful clean air zone?
Madrid’s clean air zone could be axed by the city’s new mayor, despite the reported benefits. Jens Müller urges the new leadership to take a look at the hard facts.Editor's picks
UN Environment official attacks agency’s own carbon offsetting policy
UN Environment published an unusually stark critique of carbon offsetting on Monday (10 June). On Tuesday, the article was taken down, following queries by EURACTIV’s partner Climate Home News.
Fiat-Chrysler-Renault merger still ‘interesting’, says French minister
French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday (13 June) that a Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger remained an “interesting opportunity” but added he would tell the French carmaker’s chairman that strengthening the Renault-Nissan alliance is the priority.
Swedish battery maker secures $1bn funding for Europe’s first ‘gigafactory’
Swedish start-up Northvolt Wednesday (12 June) announced it had secured funding, in large part from Volkswagen, for Europe’s biggest car battery factory, set to rival electric carmaker Tesla’s US “Gigafactory”. The battery producer said it had completed a $1 billion...
The EU is creating a sustainability label for raw materials
An EU research group is creating a certification method for raw materials, to be completed by 2021. The project is part of a push to sustainably mine the metals needed for Europe’s clean energy transition. But critics say certification is not the answer.
The Brief – Merger madness
Fiat-Chrysler’s offer to merge with Renault fell apart last week, with the Italian-American firm citing French government influence as an insurmountable challenge. How does this tally with Paris and Berlin’s quest to create so-called European champions to compete globally?
Scotland and Wales place hopes in battery power
Scotland and Wales plan to embrace battery power in order to solve their respective clean energy and employment challenges. Scotland will link a 50MW “super battery" to a wind farm, while Wales wants to invest in battery production.
Council conclusions, Fiat flip-flop & a big bike bill
This is your weekly EURACTIV Transport Brief, the one port of call for all the news from the world of mobility and much more!
LEAK: EU’s five-year plan doubles down on protecting borders
EU leaders want to focus on migration and protection of external borders, or the "integrity of our physical space", over the next five years, according to a draft of the so-called strategic agenda obtained by EURACTIV. Economy and climate action rank second and third.
UK scientists warn raw material output must surge to match EV growth
British climate targets will require the current annual global production of cobalt to double by 2050, in order to satisfy electric vehicle growth demands. A large increase in other raw materials will also be needed, according to UK scientists.
Paris loses patience with e-scooters
France’s capital city will make it illegal to park e-scooters on pavements and in parks. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has also ordered a speed limit cut to address the rising accident rate.
German lawyers advise against Dieselgate class action suit
Two of Germany's largest consumer protection groups have launched a class action lawsuit against the VW Group over Dieselgate. With proceedings set to start in September, some lawyers have warned plaintiffs of the risks they run by pursuing the case. EURACTIV Germany reports.