Wiltshire Council has announced that its investment in EVs is saving it over £54,000 in 2025, alongside significantly cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality. Of the council’s 181-vehicle fleet, 83 (c.46%) are now electric or hybrid, with plans to fully transition by 2030. The shift not only supports the council’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 but also delivers long-term cost savings. Contractors are also contributing; for example, Hills is trialling a fully electric refuse collection vehicle. Idverde has cut emissions by 94% since 2022 using electric equipment and alternative fuels, and M Group has reduced CO2 emissions by 203 tonnes in 2024–2025 by switching to hydrotreated vegetable oil, a biofuel. The Councilemphasised that the EV transition benefits both the environment and taxpayers, offering better value for money. The initiative reflects Wiltshire’s broader commitment to sustainability and cleaner, more efficient public services.
Midland Bluebird (part of McGill’s Group) has announced it is adding 30 Yutong battery-electric single-deck buses to its fleet in Larbert, Scotland, as part of a £14m investment in zero-emission transport. Supplied by Pelican Bus & Coach, these buses are supported by the ScotZEB challenge fund. This marks McGill’s 3rd order of Yutong buses, following successful deployments in Glasgow. Infrastructure upgrades at the Larbert depot will support the new fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. Since acquiring Midland Bluebird from First Bus in 2022, McGill’s has seen an 8% YoY increase in passenger numbers, which the company attributes to improved services and cleaner transport options. McGill’s Group emphasised the importance of delivering greener, more comfortable travel for local communities. The move aligns with Scotland’s broader goals for decarbonising public transport and improving air quality.
Macquarie Asset Management has announced it has launched a $3bn fund, named Macquarie Green Energy Transition Solutions (MGETS), to accelerate the global shift to net-zero emissions. Exceeding its initial target due to strong investor demand, the fund will support clean energy infrastructure and technologies across developed and emerging markets. Over 65% of the fund is already committed to 12 projects, including battery storage (Eku Energy), sustainable aviation fuel (SkyNRG), and EV batteries (Verkor). MGETS targets sectors such as renewable power, grid upgrades, clean fuels, carbon capture, and electric transport. The fund blends equity and debt financing, attracting institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds seeking both returns and climate impact. It also backs emerging technologies like green hydrogen and advanced batteries, helping bridge the funding gap for innovations not yet scaled. Macquarie’s initiative reflects a broader trend in climate finance, with global clean energy investment projected to reach $4.5t annually by 2030. MGETS aims to deliver both financial returns and measurable carbon reductions, positioning Macquarie as a leader in sustainable investing.
Ballard Power Systems is set to unveil its latest hydrogen fuel cell module, the FCmove-SC, at the upcoming Busworld event in Brussels. This new single-cell module is designed specifically for the transit bus market, offering a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution for zero-emission public transport. The FCmove-SC builds on Ballard’s existing FCmove platform, known for its durability and efficiency, and is tailored to meet the growing demand for clean energy in urban mobility. The FCmove-SC is engineered to simplify integration into buses, reduce the total cost of ownership, and enhance performance in various climates and operating conditions. It reflects Ballard’s commitment to innovation in hydrogen fuel cell technology and supports the global shift toward sustainable transportation. The launch at Busworld highlights Ballard’s strategic focus on the European market, where hydrogen-powered buses are gaining traction as cities aim to decarbonise their fleets. This development is expected to strengthen Ballard’s position as a leader in the hydrogen mobility sector.
Xiaomi has officially entered the European EV market by opening its 1st international EV research and design centre in Munich, Germany. This strategic move marks a significant step in the company’s plan to launch its EVs in Europe by 2027. The Munich facility, named the Xiaomi EV Europe Research and Development and Design Centre, will focus on intelligent driving systems, vehicle dynamics, and next-generation automotive design. It aims to tap into Europe’s rich automotive talent pool by hiring local engineers and collaborating with research institutions and industry partners. Xiaomi’s decision to base the hub in Germany reflects its growing presence in the country’s motorsports scene, including a partnership with the Nürburgring circuit, which now features a Xiaomi Curve. The company’s first EV, the SU7 sedan, saw massive success in China, with 200,000 units delivered in just 119 days. This new centre will help Xiaomi tailor its vehicles for European consumers and support its broader smart ecosystem strategy, Human x Car x Home. Furthermore, this strategic move also highlights the Chinese OEM trying to learn about the consumer differences between the 2 regions, in order to replicate its domestic success in Europe.
China has announced it will require EV exporters to obtain official permits starting January 1st, 2026, in a move aimed at tightening oversight of its rapidly growing EV industry. The new rules, announced by the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs, mandate that companies must register and receive approval before exporting EVs. This policy shift is seen as a response to increasing international scrutiny over China’s EV dominance, particularly from the USA and the EU, which have raised concerns about overcapacity, unfair subsidies, and national security risks. The permit system will apply to all battery-electric, plug-in hybrid, and fuel-cell vehicles. While the government says the goal is to ensure product quality and protect the global reputation of Chinese EVs, analysts believe it also gives Beijing more control over which companies can expand abroad. This could help consolidate the fragmented domestic EV market by favouring(stronger) players such as BYD and Geely. The move comes amid rising trade tensions, with the EU launching a probe into Chinese EV subsidies and the USA imposing steep tariffs. By regulating exports, China may be trying to pre-empt further backlash while maintaining its global EV leadership. This policy could potentially reshape global supply chains and influence how Chinese automakers approach international markets.
Kia America has introduced its new Plug & Charge technology to simplify public EV charging for its customers. This feature enables automatic vehicle authentication and payment at compatible charging stations, eliminating the need for separate apps and/or physical payment cards. Once activated via the Kia Access app, drivers of eligible models, such as the 2025 EV6 and 2026 EV9, can plug in their vehicle, and the system will handle the rest: identifying the car, initiating the charge, and processing payment securely in the background. Plug & Charge is integrated with Kia’s connected vehicle platform and works through the Kia Charge Pass. It enhances convenience, security, and ease of use, making EV ownership more intuitive. The technology reflects Kia’s broader strategy to build a seamless and smart EV ecosystem, aligning with its Human x Car x Homevision. By reducing friction in the charging process, Kia aims to support the transition to sustainable mobility and improve the overall user experience.
Deals
Futurail, a European deep-tech startup, has raised €7.5m in seed funding led by Asterion Ventures and Leap435, with participation from other investors including EIT Urban Mobilityand Heroic Ventures. The startup is developing a full-stack autonomy system for self-driving trains, aiming to address inefficiencies in the rail sector such as delays, underutilisedcapacity, and high operational costs. It plans to use the funds to expand its team, accelerate product development, and conduct (pilot) projects with European rail operators. Futurail envisions a future where autonomous trains can operate more flexibly and sustainably, helping to shift more freight and passenger traffic from roads to rails. This aligns with broader EU goals for greener, more efficient transportation infrastructure.
Enakl, a Moroccan-French urban mobility startup, has secured $1.4m in pre-seed funding led by Catalyst Fund, with participation from Renew Capital, Digital Africa, Station F, and 15 angel investors. This startup focuses on providing intelligent, safe, and eco-friendly shared transit options for daily commutes. Enakl partners with corporations and local transport operators to offer affordable, accessible services that reduce congestion and carbon emissions. Currently operating in Casablanca, the platform manages over 15,000 monthly bookings and is growing at 20% per month. The company plans to expand across Africa and enhance its AI-powered technology to optimise routes and improve user experience. Enakl’s model aims to set a new standard for inclusive and sustainable urban mobility in the region.
Telo Trucks, a California-based EV startup, has raised $20m in an oversubscribed Series A funding round to accelerate production of its compact electric pickup, the TELO MT1. Thisfunding round was led by Yves Behar and (Tesla co-founder)Marc Tarpenning, with support from investors like E12 Venturesand TO VC. Designed for urban environments, the MT1 combines the utility of a full-size truck with the footprint of a MINI Cooper. It offers a 6,600-pound towing capacity, a 5-foot bed expandable to 8 feet, seating for 5, and up to 350 miles of range. With over 12,000 pre-orders, representing $600m in potential revenue, Telo is gaining strong market traction. The company has demonstrated exceptional capital efficiency, developing two prototypes with just $8 million in prior funding. Telo aims to meet federal regulations and begin production, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable urban mobility.