Articles tagged with "European-Union"
IAA Will Ensure Most EVs Sold in Europe Will Have Batteries Made in the EU, but Loopholes Threaten Its Impact - CleanTechnica
The proposed EU Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) aims to ensure that by 2027, nearly two-thirds of electric vehicles (EVs) sold in Europe will have batteries produced within the EU. The legislation sets local content rules requiring EV batteries to include key components such as cells, cathode active materials (CAM), and battery management systems (BMS) made in Europe, with increasing requirements by 2030. Additionally, EVs will need to incorporate green steel and have 70% of their non-battery components produced domestically. This move is intended to bolster Europe’s battery industry, enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. While Transport & Environment (T&E) welcomed the IAA as a positive step toward supporting local battery manufacturing and securing clean technology supply chains, it also highlighted significant loopholes that could undermine the law’s effectiveness. Notably, the inclusion of EVs from free trade agreement (FTA) countries for purchase subsidies and the extension of local content requirements to
energyelectric-vehiclesbatterieslithium-ionEuropean-Unionbattery-manufacturingclean-technologyThe Falling Cost Gap Between EU & Chinese Batteries - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the narrowing cost gap between European Union (EU) and Chinese battery production, emphasizing the importance of “Made-in-EU” criteria in public funding to support local battery manufacturing. Currently, EU-made batteries are significantly more expensive—about 90% higher than Chinese batteries—primarily due to limited economies of scale rather than inherent structural disadvantages. The analysis highlights that scaling up production within Europe, supported by policies such as the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), can reduce costs by nearly one-third through improved manufacturing efficiency, labor proficiency, and automation. By 2030, the cost difference could shrink to approximately $14/kWh from the current $41-43/kWh, translating to an additional €300-750 per electric vehicle, which is framed as a sovereignty premium ensuring economic security and resilience against geopolitical risks. The article stresses that access to batteries, components, and critical minerals is vital for Europe’s economic security, especially given vulnerabilities to trade weaponization seen with rare
energybatterieselectric-vehiclesEuropean-Unionmanufacturing-scalesupply-chain-resiliencebattery-materialsHow Can IAA Bring Local Cleantech Manufacturing? - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses the critical role of local content criteria within the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) as the primary mechanism to foster a resilient and locally based cleantech manufacturing industry, particularly in battery production. Given the strategic importance of batteries for Europe’s economic and military security, and the lack of significant EU Commission action on battery production support or trade defense, the article argues that conditioning public funding (such as EV subsidies) on meeting "Made in EU" requirements is essential. This approach is intended to create a viable business case for European battery manufacturers like ACC, Powerco, and Verkor, encouraging private investment and ensuring the survival of homegrown industry players. The article emphasizes that these local content rules do not restrict market access but serve as incentives for public support, with a gradual tightening of criteria from broader "friendshoring" to an EU-EEA focused framework. The article also addresses concerns about cost impacts, noting that while EU-made batteries might increase EV prices modest
energycleantechbattery-manufacturinglocal-content-criteriaEuropean-Unionindustrial-strategyelectric-vehiclesTesla Registrations Dropped 34.2% in November in European Union - CleanTechnica
In November 2025, Tesla experienced a significant decline in electric vehicle registrations in the European Union, with a 34.2% drop year-over-year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). This decline contrasts sharply with the overall growth of the electric vehicle market in Europe, where full battery-electric vehicle registrations increased by 44.1% and plug-in hybrid registrations rose by 38.4% compared to November 2024. Tesla's registrations fell from 18,430 in November 2024 to 12,130 in November 2025, causing its market share to shrink from 2.1% to 1.4%. This downturn in Tesla’s European sales is part of a broader trend seen in 2024 and continuing into 2025, marking the first annual sales decline for Tesla since the launch of the Model S. Despite some positive performances in specific markets or months, the overall trajectory shows Tesla struggling to keep pace with the growing
energyelectric-vehiclesTeslaEuropean-Unionautomotive-industryclean-energybattery-electric-vehiclesWhy EU Carmakers Are Digging Their Own Graves — It Is Just A Misunderstanding - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses why European carmakers, represented by ACEA, appear to be undermining their own future by requesting a delay in the EU's ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales. The author argues that this stance stems from either a misunderstanding of the automotive market or reliance on incorrect information. While ACEA has access to detailed monthly data on vehicle sales across 31 countries and multiple energy types, the problem lies not in the raw data but in how it is interpreted and contextualized. The complexity of metadata, classification rules, and the sheer volume of detailed information often obscures the clear trends, leading to flawed conclusions and decisions. Focusing specifically on the transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Europe, the author highlights that despite some setbacks—such as a drop in German BEV sales due to subsidy changes—overall BEV adoption is growing steadily, with about 7% growth in 30 countries in 2024. This growth, while modest
energyelectric-vehiclesautomotive-industryEuropean-Unionclean-energybattery-electric-vehiclesinternal-combustion-engineMissing in Action? Europe’s Mineral Finance Approach - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica discusses Europe’s current challenges and shortcomings in financing critical mineral projects essential for the clean energy transition. Despite multiple EU initiatives aimed at securing resilient supply chains for raw materials like battery metals, Europe lags significantly behind global competitors, particularly China, which has invested over USD 15 billion in such projects since 2020. In contrast, EU companies have invested only USD 1.7 billion, all in Argentina. A key issue identified is the fragmented and limited role of European Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in supporting extractive projects, especially compared to coordinated, whole-of-government approaches seen in countries like China, the US, and Canada. The EU lacks a strategic mechanism to deploy its substantial financing capacity (over EUR 100 billion) effectively and cohesively. The article highlights concerns about the current standards governing ECAs, noting gaps in due diligence, monitoring, disclosure, and grievance handling, which result in inconsistent and often minimal transparency regarding supported projects. This undermines efforts
energymaterialsmineral-financecritical-raw-materialsclean-energy-technologiessupply-chainEuropean-UnionCan’t Stop the Market: Why Europe Should Embrace LFP Batteries (Sustainably) - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the growing importance of lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in accelerating the mass-market adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly in Europe. LFP batteries offer significant advantages over traditional nickel-rich chemistries like NMC, including lower costs (around $94 per kWh versus $130), enhanced safety, and reduced reliance on socially and environmentally problematic minerals such as cobalt and nickel. These benefits have led to widespread adoption of LFP batteries in affordable EV models, with over 40% of electric cars sold globally in 2024 using LFP chemistry and projections suggesting this could rise to nearly 60% by 2030. Despite the clear benefits, Europe faces challenges in catching up to China, which currently dominates over 99% of the LFP battery and cathode production. The article argues that Europe must urgently embrace LFP technology and implement industrial policies to develop local manufacturing and supply chains. Some European companies and automakers, including VW’s
energylithium-iron-phosphate-batterieselectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyEuropean-Unionsustainable-energybattery-supply-chainEurope Pledges $600 Billion for Clean Energy Projects in Africa
The European Union has pledged $600 billion through its Global Gateway investment plan to support clean energy projects in Africa, aiming to address the continent’s critical energy deficit where nearly 600 million people lack electricity access. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that this clean energy transition would generate jobs, promote stability and growth, and help meet global climate goals. The initiative could create up to 38 million green jobs in Africa by 2030. Global Gateway, launched in 2021, focuses on infrastructure development worldwide but prioritizes Africa due to its vast deposits of critical minerals essential for technology and green energy, such as cobalt, lithium, copper, and manganese. The EU’s effort is partly a strategic response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which since 2013 has invested over $1.3 trillion globally in infrastructure, including significant energy investments in Africa. China’s involvement includes exporting large quantities of solar panels and securing influence through mining and infrastructure projects, positioning itself as a
energyclean-energyAfricaEuropean-UnionGlobal-Gatewaygreen-jobscritical-mineralsUrsula Kicks EU Car Industry into Gear Making Affordable Small BEVs - CleanTechnica
In her 2025 State of the European Union speech, Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to develop affordable, small battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to meet both domestic demand and global market growth. She announced a forthcoming "Small Affordable Cars" initiative aimed at fostering the production of clean, efficient, lightweight, and economically accessible electric cars built entirely within Europe, leveraging European supply chains. This move is intended to prevent China and other global competitors from dominating the emerging electric vehicle market and to ensure that Europe remains a key player in the future of automotive manufacturing. The article highlights that this initiative marks a shift in EU industrial policy, which historically focused on agriculture and limited interference in national industrial strategies to maintain a level playing field within the union. Previously, the EU relied on tariffs and regulations to protect its market, such as taxing Chinese BEVs to offset subsidies. However, the new approach signals a more proactive European-wide industrial policy, starting with defense and now extending to strategic sectors like automotive
energyelectric-vehiclesEuropean-Unionclean-technologyautomotive-industrysustainable-transportationelectric-mobilityOpinion: Why the EU needs to cut its reliance on Chinese drones
Dr. Robert Brüll, founder and CEO of FibreCoat, argues that Europe must reduce its heavy reliance on Chinese-made drones amid escalating geopolitical tensions and the increasing use of drones in modern warfare, particularly highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. Chinese drones currently dominate the market due to China’s focused industrial policies and strong state-private partnerships. However, recent US tariffs and China’s tightened export controls on drone components have caused price surges and supply delays, exposing Europe’s vulnerability and underscoring the urgent need for strategic autonomy in drone technology. Brüll emphasizes that Europe possesses the necessary resources—world-class research institutions, a tradition of scientific inquiry, and growing political will—to build a sovereign drone ecosystem. To achieve this, he recommends prioritizing funding for dual-use research with both civilian and defense applications, streamlining bureaucratic hurdles for startups, and ensuring defense funds reach innovative companies. Additionally, he calls for the establishment of a unified EU drone platform to coordinate research, share best practices, and accelerate innovation
dronesroboticsdefense-technologyEuropean-Uniondrone-manufacturingstrategic-autonomysupply-chainEurope’s $750 Billion Energy Pledge To Trump Is Pure Political Theater - CleanTechnica
In July 2025, the European Union and the United States announced a trade agreement in which Europe pledged to purchase $750 billion worth of U.S. energy products over three years, alongside significant investments in American infrastructure and manufacturing. This deal was hailed as a major diplomatic and economic victory for President Trump. However, analysts have criticized the energy commitment as largely symbolic political theater rather than a feasible economic plan, given the enormous scale and logistical challenges involved. Currently, the EU imports about $76 billion annually in U.S. energy, mainly LNG, petroleum, and nuclear fuels. Meeting the agreement's target would require tripling these imports almost immediately, which faces significant barriers. U.S. and European LNG infrastructure is already near capacity, and expanding export and import facilities would take years and substantial investment. Shipping constraints and long-term contracts with other suppliers further limit Europe's ability to increase U.S. energy imports rapidly. Additionally, European energy companies operate in competitive global markets and are unlikely to prioritize U.S. supplies
energyEuropean-UnionUnited-StatesLNGenergy-infrastructureenergy-tradeenergy-policy