The Rhodium Group and MIT CEEPR have released Q3 25 data that illustrates US investment in clean energy and transportation reached a record $75bn, an 8% increase YoY and 9% higher than Q2 25. This surge was driven primarily by retail consumer purchases, which totalled $41bn, over half of all clean investments, reflecting strong demand for EVs, heat pumps, and distributed energy systems. EV sales were the dominant growth factor, rising 19% QoQ. Investments in utility-scale clean electricity and industrial decarbonisation climbed to $25bn, up 15% from Q3 24, thus signalling steady progress in large-scale solar and storage projects. Overall, clean investment accounted for 5.3% of total private investment in structures and equipment, a new peak. Over the past year, cumulative clean investments totalled $279bn, underscoring the sector’s resilience amid policy uncertainty and global supply chain pressures.
The UK Government’s 2025 Budget has introduced a major tax change for fleet operators: from January 1st, 2026, leased vans will qualify for a 40% first-year capital allowance. This marks the first time leased assets are included in the capital allowances regime, thus making leasing more financially attractive compared to outright purchases. Previously, leased vehicles were excluded from first-year allowances, limiting tax benefits to companies buying vans under the full-expensing regime. The new measure aims to improve cash flow, boost investment, and accelerate fleet renewal, particularly for SMEs that rely on leasing to manage costs. Industry leaders, including the BVRLA, have welcomed the move because of years of campaigning, though they noted leased cars remain excluded. While the 40% allowance is less generous than the 100% full-expensing relief for purchased vans, it creates a more level playing field. The allowance applies only to main-rate expenditure and excludes cars, so businesses must ensure compliance with the qualifying criteria.
Zeekr has announced it has officially launched in Germany, marking its 1st entry into the European market. The company introduced 3 models and aims to compete with established European automakers by offering advanced technology, competitive pricing, and strong performance features. Zeekr’s expansion reflects the growing influence of Chinese EV brands in Europe, where demand for EVs continues to surge amid stricter emissions regulations and sustainability goals. Germany, Europe’s largest auto market, is a strategic choice for Zeekr as it seeks to build brand recognition and thus aims to challenge rivals such as Tesla and BMW. The company plans to leverage its fast-charging lithium iron phosphate battery technology, which supports rapid charging and improved safety, to attract environmentally conscious consumers. Zeekr’s move is part of a broader push by Chinese automakers to gain a foothold in Europe, capitalising on cost advantages and technological advancements. The launch underscores intensifying global competition in the EV sector as Chinese brands aim to reshape the market landscape.
Getronics has released new insightful research that reveals that 69% of UK residents would be more likely to use buses if operators improved passenger-facing technology. The Getronics Bus Trust Tracker, based on a survey of 2,500 respondents, highlights that despite widespread access to bus routes, usage remains low: over half travel by bus less than once a week, and nearly one in five never use buses. Regional disparities are stark, with Greater London averaging 142 trips per year, compared to 49 in Wales and the South East. Key deterrents include delayed services & long journey times (30%), followed by overcrowding (24%). Respondents identified technological upgrades as critical to reversing this trend. The most requested features were accurate real-time route information (55%), advanced visibility of occupancy levels (53%), and better communication from operators (52%). Getronics emphasised that the gap between digital experiences in daily life and on buses undermines ridership growth, warning that current levels are insufficient to meet the UK’s Net Zero targets. The report concludes that investing in connected, reliable, tech-enabled services is essential for boosting bus patronage and thus creating a sustainable transport future.
Toyota has announced a strategic partnership with British Gas and The Mobility House to accelerate the development of European EV charging infrastructure. This collaboration aims to support Toyota’s growing electric and hybrid vehicle lineup by expanding access to reliable and efficient charging solutions across key European markets. British Gas will provide energy services and installation expertise, while The Mobility House will contribute advanced smart charging and energy management technologies, thus enabling integration with renewable energy sources and grid optimisation. The initiative focuses on creating a scalable charging network for residential, commercial, and fleet customers. It also includes plans for vehicle-to-grid capabilities, therefore allowing EVs to store and return energy to the grid, enhancing sustainability and reducing costs. Toyota’s move reflects its broader strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040 in Europe, aligning with EU climate targets and growing consumer demand for clean mobility. This partnership positions Toyota to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving EV ecosystem while promoting energy efficiency and grid resilience.
Perodua, Malaysia’s largest carmaker, has unveiled its first EV priced at c.$19,350, but notably without the battery included. The move aims to make EVs more affordable in Southeast Asia, where high costs have slowed adoption. Buyers will need to lease or purchase the battery separately, a strategy Perodua says will reduce upfront costs and encourage flexible ownership models. The EV, expected to launch in 2026, targets urban drivers and is designed for short-range commuting, aligning with Malaysia’s infrastructure and consumer needs. Perodua’s approach mirrors trends in China, where battery-swapping and leasing have gained material traction. The company plans to partner with local energy providers to establish charging and battery-swapping stations nationwide. This announcement comes as Malaysia pushes for 15% EV penetration by 2030, supported by government incentives and infrastructure investments. By offering a low-cost EV option, Perodua hopes to compete with Chinese brands entering the region and accelerate the country’s transition to cleaner mobility.
Air Liquide has announced it has deployed 2 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks in the Netherlands to deliver hydrogen to customers in Rotterdam, marking a significant step toward decarbonising logistics. The Man hTGX trucks, equipped with hydrogen ICE, will be operated by Schenk Tanktransport (Air Liquide’s local logistics partner). This rollout is supported by the Dutch government’s SWiM subsidy scheme, which helps offset the costs of trucks and refuelling infrastructure, thus making hydrogen transport more commercially viable. Air Liquide views this as a solid example of its commitment to transforming heavy-duty transport and expanding hydrogen mobility solutions. The company already operates hydrogen infrastructure in Rotterdam, including blue and green hydrogen projects such as the planned 200MW ELYgator electrolyser at Maasvlakte. This initiative complements Air Liquide’s broader European strategy, which includes deploying 19 hydrogen trucks by 2027 as part of a long-term logistics partnership.
Hyundai Motor Group has announced it is investing KRW 1.2 trillion to establish a Future Mobility Battery R&D Hub in Anseong, Korea, marking a major milestone in its EV strategy. The facility, located in Anseong’s Fifth General Industrial Complex, spans 197,000 m² with a total floor area of 111,000 m² and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026. Construction began in January 2025, and the hub aims to internalise core battery technologies, including cell design, process engineering, and integrated control systems, while supporting next-generation EVs, robotics, and Advanced Air Mobility. The campus will feature high-precision validation systems replicating real-world battery production processes, enabling iterative testing for safety and scalability. Research will focus on high-performance lithium-ion cells for EVs and Extended Range Electric Vehicles, alongside AI-driven predictive modelling and automation for enhanced efficiency. Hyundai’s goal is to create a fully integrated battery ecosystem, fostering cross-industry collaboration.
Deals
3ev Industries, Bengaluru-based electric 3-wheeler startup, has raised c.$13.5m in a Series A round led by Mahanagar Gas Ltd. Interestingly, this is Mahanagar’s 1st strategic investment in India’s electric mobility sector. Investors such as Thackersey Group and Equentis Angel Fund also participated. The capital raised will be used to scale production, strengthen supply chains, and expand charging, aftermarket, and conversion services. 3ev manufactures electric light 3-wheelers and operates a Battery-as-a-Service platform to support financing and aftermarket operations. This also simplifies financing, charging and maintenance for fleet operators.
Gravis Robotics, a Zurich-based startup focused on automating construction tasks, has raised $23m in a Series A funding round, led by IQ Capital and Zacua Ventures. Investors such as Pear VC, Imad, Sunna Ventures, Armada Investment, and Holcim also participated. Interestingly, the startup aims to address the growing labour shortage in the construction industry. The construction sector faces a severe workforce gap, which has led to rising costs and delays, thus accelerating the interest in automation. Bear in mind that, globally, governments are rushing to build wind farms and grid infrastructure to meet clean‑energy goals, tech companies are rushing to construct huge data centres to power AI, and cities desperately need more housing. Thus, the shortage in construction labour threatens to slow this. Gravis plans to address this and use the new capital to scale production, enhance its AI capabilities, and expand partnerships with major contractors. This funding underscores a broader trend of robotics and AI adoption in traditionally manual industries, positioning Gravis as a key player in reshaping construction workflows.