Electrify America has partnered with 4 Gen Logistics to launch a new charging station at the Port of Long Beach (California). This facility includes 30 hyper-fast chargers, each capable of delivering up to 350kW, designed to support 4 Gen’s growing fleet of zero-emission Class 8 drayage trucks. This initiative is part of Electrify America’s $25m Green City investment, aimed at reducing emissions in Southern California. The chargers will enable the fleet to run multiple daily shifts between the Inland Empire and the ports, significantly contributing to the region’s sustainability goals. This project will help companies transition to electrification assets, aligning with California’s mandate for all drayage trucks to be zero-emission by 2035. The collaboration underscores the commitment needed to achieve cleaner transportation and improved air quality in the area.
The COP29 Presidency has urged industry and government stakeholders to endorse the Hydrogen Declaration. This declaration, part of the COP29 Action Agenda, aims to accelerate the global adoption of clean hydrogen technologies. It encourages stakeholders to commit to scaling up hydrogen production, establishing international standards, and recognising certification schemes. The declaration is not part of the official COP negotiations but seeks to catalyse action and ambition across various sectors. The COP29 Presidency emphasises the importance of hydrogen in achieving climate goals and fostering sustainable energy transitions. The final text of the declaration, published after public consultation, will be formally launched at the COP29 climate summit in Baku this November. This initiative is designed to complement the formal UNFCCC negotiations and provide additional avenues for commitment and action.
Arriva has announced it has expanded its zero-emission fleet in Madrid by deploying 21 new electric buses from BYD. These buses will operate in the city of Móstoles, supported by a newly electrified depot capable of charging 22 vehicles simultaneously. This initiative is part of a €20 million investment aimed at decarbonizing Arriva’s operations in Madrid. The 12-metre buses can travel up to 300km on a single charge, while the 13-metre models can cover 450km, thus making them ideal for longer routes. This deployment supports Madrid’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 and aims to improve air quality.
Mercedes-Benz has opened Europe’s first integrated battery recycling plant in Kuppenheim, Germany. This facility uses a mechanical-hydrometallurgical process to recover over 96% of valuable materials like lithium, nickel, and cobalt from old batteries. The plant, which operates on 100% green electricity, aims to produce enough recycled materials for more than 50,000 new battery modules annually. This initiative supports Mercedes-Benz’s goal of creating a circular economy and reducing reliance on primary raw materials. The project also involves partnerships with technology firm Primobius and several research institutions. This plant is a significant step towards sustainable electric mobility and aims to enhance raw material sustainability in the automotive industry.
FirstGroup has announced it has acquired London-based Anderson Travel, including its subsidiaries Anderson Tours and London Mini Coaches. This acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, adds around 40 modern coaches to FirstGroup’s fleet. Anderson Travel, founded in 1988 by Mr. Mark Anderson, offers private hire, tours, and contracted school services. For FY23 the company reported revenues of £7m and earnings (before interest and taxes) of £1m. Mr. Anderson will continue to lead day-to-day operations as the business integrates into First Bus. This purchase is part of FirstGroup’s strategy to expand its presence in the UK coach market, following its acquisition of York Pullman earlier this year. The move aims to enhance FirstGroup’s service offerings and support long-term growth in the adjacent services market.
GM has announced it has invested $10m in Forge Nano, a materials science company specialising in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) technology. This investment aims to enhance GM’s battery materials, focusing on improving performance and reducing costs. Forge Nano’s Atomic Armor technology applies thin-film coatings to battery materials, optimising their chemistry and structure at the atomic level. This partnership will see Forge Nano develop prototype lithium-ion battery cells at its Colorado HQ, showcasing the capabilities of its technology. With this investment, Forge Nano plans to expand its battery material coating business and semiconductor footprint. The funding also positions Forge Nano to further innovate in battery material performance and durability, contributing to the development of next-generation EV batteries.
Deals
Vay, a German remote-driving startup, has secured €34m from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to help expand its remote-driven vehicle technology across Europe. This funding will help expand its footprint in Germany and Belgium by launching its commercial services, where it has partnered with car-share provider Poppy. Vay’s technology involves teledrivers remotely controlling vehicles from a station equipped with steering and pedal controls, using camera sensors to navigate. Vay is also exploring remote-driving technology for trucks and has a partnership with Peugeot for delivery vans.
Monogoto, a software-defined connectivity solutions startup, has raised $27m in a Series A funding round led by Toyota Ventures. Investors such as Samsung Next, Assembly Ventures, and Team8 also participated. This funding will accelerate Monogoto’s global expansion and enhance its go-to-market efforts. Monogoto’s platform simplifies device connectivity for enterprises and developers by offering API-driven solutions across public, private LTE/5G, and satellite networks. The company aims to provide secure, accessible, and context-aware services that support a wide range of industries such as automotive, retail, and smart cities.
Rabbit Mobility, an Egyptian micromobility startup, has raised $1.3m in a funding round led by 500 Global and Untapped Global. The funds will support Rabbit’s expansion across Egypt and North Africa, enhancing its fleet of (electric) scooters. The company has grown significantly, with over 450,000 users completing more than one million rides. This investment will help Rabbit Mobility improve user experience, expand its fleet, and potentially achieve profitability by the end of the year.
Fin, a British sustainable logistics provider, has announced it has raised $7m in a Seed round led by MaC Venture Capital. This funding will allow it to expand its operations in Britain alongside launching in New York in H1 25. It will enable Fin to scale its fleet of e-cargo bikes from 100 to 600 vehicles. The company currently delivers between 7,000 and 14,000 parcels daily in London fulfilling the growing demand for eco-friendly logistics solutions in urban environments. Fin’s proprietary AI-powered platform optimises delivery routes, ensuring efficiency and transparency for clients and customers.