TV BRICS has released data that shows Kyrgyzstan’s EV market experienced unprecedented growth by the end of 2025, marking a major shift in the country’s automotive landscape. The number of registered EVs surged to 15,278, a robust rise from 1,113 in 2022. Nearly 9,870 EVs were added in 2025 alone, thus representing a threefold increase in 2025. Although EVs still make up only 0.8% of the national vehicle fleet, the rapid expansion signals the emergence of a strong new market segment. Supporting infrastructure has expanded alongside this growth. Over 100 charging stations have already been installed in Bishkek, laying the groundwork for wider EV adoption nationwide. Additionally, the city is exploring a green taxi initiative in partnership with the National Investment Fund, aiming to introduce Kyrgyzstan’s 1st environmentally friendly urban taxi fleet. The broader automotive market is also evolving, with a notable shift toward newer and more efficient vehicles. The share of cars under five years old grew from 1.5% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, reflecting consumer interest in modern, less polluting options. Overall, Kyrgyzstan’s accelerating EV adoption highlights growing environmental awareness and the country’s early steps toward cleaner transportation solutions.
Germany has announced it has passed the Hydrogen Acceleration Act, a significant legislative step designed to speed up the country’s hydrogen industry. The law streamlines approval processes by reducing bureaucratic hurdles and digitalising permitting across the entire hydrogen value chain, including production, import, storage and transportation. A key feature of the Act is its designation of hydrogen infrastructure as being of overriding public interest until 2045, thus giving hydrogen projects priority in planning and regulatory procedures. The legislation supports both green and blue hydrogen, expanding eligibility for accelerated development to facilities converting hydrogen derivatives, liquid organic hydrogen carriers and synthetic fuels. It also enables faster approval for infrastructure related to importing renewable fuels and building large‑scale hydrogen logistics systems. By simplifying environmental assessments and speeding up procurement steps, the Act aims to strengthen (and inspire) investor confidence, accelerate project delivery and help Germany scale its hydrogen economy in line with its long‑term climate and industrial goals.
AFC Energy has announced it anticipates 2026 as a turning point, expecting its growing pipeline of hydrogen technologies to translate into commercial orders and sustained revenue. The company highlights significant progress in building the infrastructure needed to scale. Central to this is the LC30, a next‑generation 30kW fuel cell generator featuring lower costs, improved efficiency, and far fewer components than its predecessor, thus attracting early commercial interest. Alongside it, AFC is advancing the Hy‑5 ammonia cracker, designed to produce 500kg of hydrogen per day at a competitive price point, with delivery targeted for H2 26. Several partnerships reinforce this momentum, such as a joint development agreement with Komatsu. This aims to integrate ammonia‑to‑hydrogen technology into industrial engines, while another collaboration with a major S&P 500 company is progressing toward decentralised hydrogen production systems. A venture with Industrial Chemicals Group plans bulk hydrogen supply for UK industries, supported by recently secured regulatory permits that accelerate revenue timelines. Manufacturing capacity is also expanding through a strategic partnership with Volex, enabling large‑scale production of fuel cell generators. AFC’s JV with Speedy Hydrogen Solutions successfully deployed multiple systems throughout the year.
The UK Govt has announced that the NHS in England will receive a £4m funding boost to expand its EV charging infrastructure, thus enabling the installation of hundreds of new charging sockets across NHS sites. This investment is an extension of the Department for Transport’s NHS Chargepoint Accelerator Scheme and builds on earlier government support that has already delivered more than 1,000 charging points. The total government investment in NHS EV charging has now hit £22m, following additional allocations from both the Department for Health and Social Care and the Department for Transport in previous years. The expanded charging network will help electrify part of the NHS’s fleet of c.20,000 medical vehicles, supporting the decarbonisation of c.460 million miles of travel each year. By shifting to EVs, the NHS expects to save millions in fuel and maintenance costs annually, freeing up funds that can be reinvested directly into frontline patient care. Government officials emphasise that the investment not only supports cleaner air and reduced emissions but also improves operational efficiency across the health service.
Skoda has announced it has opened a new €205m EV battery assembly hall at its Mlada Boleslav plant, thus marking a significant expansion of its role within the Volkswagen Group’s electrification strategy. The facility positions Skoda as the Group’s largest producer of battery systems for EVs and the first in Europe to manufacture advanced cell‑to‑pack (CTP) batteries at scale. With an output capacity of more than 1,100 battery systems per day (up to 335,000 annually), the plant operates with a high degree of automation, including 131 industrial robots and 60‑second production cycles. The CTP technology streamlines manufacturing by integrating cells directly into the battery pack, thus eliminating module assembly and significantly reducing both cost and weight. By using standardised lithium iron phosphate cells, Skoda has achieved c.30% reduction in production costs compared to current MEB battery systems. This approach also enhances safety, simplifies construction, and supports long‑term sustainability goals. The new hall strengthens Europe’s battery value chain, supporting multiple Volkswagen Group brands and ensuring supply resilience as demand for EVs grows. It also reinforces Skoda’s long‑term commitment to the Czech Republic as a key hub for EV innovation, manufacturing, and decarbonisation across the full value chain.
The European Commission has announced it has approved a €1.1bn French state aid scheme aimed at boosting clean technology manufacturing as part of its wider transition to a net‑zero economy. The funding, delivered through tax credits available until the end of 2028, is designed to stimulate investment in expanding production capacity for key net‑zero technologies. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, batteries, and hydrogen‑related systems such as electrolysers, fuel cells, and ammonia crackers. The scheme supports costs related to essential components and critical raw materials, reinforcing France’s role in the European clean tech value chain. It also forms part of the EU’s broader Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, under which 8 such schemes have now been approved, unlocking over €10bn in clean manufacturing support across member states. By backing strategic industrial investments, the EU aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, secure supply chains, and accelerate the deployment of climate‑friendly technologies, while keeping competition distortions minimal.
Fleete has announced it has opened the UK’s largest dedicated commercial EV charging hub at the Port of Tilbury, thus marking a significant milestone in the transition to cleaner freight transport. The 5MW facility includes 16 ultra‑rapid chargers capable of supporting simultaneous charging for HGVs. Designed as part of a wider network of shared commercial charging hubs, the site enables fleet operators to access high‑powered charging without the need for costly depot upgrades. The hub was delivered in partnership with the Port of Tilbury and Thames Freeport, supported by government funding aimed at accelerating zero‑emission freight operations. Its strategic location within one of the UK’s busiest multimodal logistics gateways means it will serve the growing number of electric HGVs operating in and around the port, as well as those travelling along the A13 corridor into London. The facility is also expected to support major infrastructure projects whose contractors are increasingly switching to EVs. The project reinforces the region’s commitment to cleaner air, sustainable transport and economic growth. Furthermore, it demonstrates how industry and government collaboration can deliver large‑scale charging infrastructure for the freight sector.
A new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) Support Service has been launched in England to accelerate the rollout of public EV charging networks. Developed by the Department for Transport and delivered by Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting, the service expands existing support previously offered only to local authorities. Interestingly, it will now assist a broader range of public sector organisations involved in planning and delivering EV charging infrastructure. The service provides training, 1‑to‑1 guidance, technical modelling, mapping resources, and help with developing EV infrastructure policies. It also supports government schemes, including the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant. Since 2022, hundreds of millions of pounds have been invested through LEVI to accelerate public charger deployment, recruit specialist EV infrastructure officers, and stimulate private investment. By 2026, most LEVI‑funded authorities are expected to have completed procurement for new charge‑point operators, with the new EVI Support Service building on this progress. Its goal is to ensure charging networks are accessible, equitable, and future‑proof, helping public bodies plan effectively and meet rising demand for EV charging. The initiative marks a significant next step in scaling England’s EV infrastructure and supporting long‑term transport decarbonisation.
Deals
Einride has announced it has raised $113m through an oversubscribed PIPE (Private Investment in Public Equity) round as it prepares to go public via a SPAC merger. This funding strengthens the company’s position as it scales its autonomous and electric freight solutions globally. Einride, known for its electric trucks and autonomous Pods, aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable freight by offering digital, electric, and automated shipping services designed to reduce emissions and improve supply‑chain efficiency. The capital raise supports Einride’s continued expansion in key markets, including North America and Europe, where demand for low‑carbon freight solutions is rapidly increasing. The company plans to invest further in technology development, infrastructure deployment, and customer growth, positioning itself as a leading player in the shift toward intelligent, zero‑emission freight transport. The PIPE’s oversubscription signals strong investor confidence in Einride’s long‑term strategy, business model, and revenue potential. By integrating electrification, autonomy, and software‑driven logistics, Einride aims to modernise the freight sector and help organisations meet sustainability targets. The funding also provides financial stability as the company moves toward completing its public‑listing process, thus enabling it to scale operations, strengthen partnerships, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable freight technologies worldwide.
Plug, a Santa Monica-based digital marketplace dedicated to buying and selling used EVs, has secured $20m in a Series A funding round, led by Lightspeed. This raise comes at a pivotal moment as the US prepares for a major influx of off‑lease electric cars. More than 1.1 million returning EV leases, worth c.$30bn, are expected to enter the market over the next 3 years. Thus, creating an urgent need for accurate, high‑speed valuation and resale tool(s) tailored specifically to EVs. Plug has facilitated over $60m in used EV transactions and saw its Q4 25 sales surpass its total sales for all of 2024. The platform offers EV‑native capabilities, including battery‑health intelligence, real‑time pricing data, and VIN‑level vehicle profiling, enabling most listings to receive market‑rate offers within a day. Over 600 dealers and fleets now use Plug to manage EV inventory and mitigate residual value risks. The new funding will be used to expand Plug’s supply pipeline, enhance its proprietary EV evaluation technology, strengthen its go‑to‑market capacity, and support leadership growth as the company scales to meet rising demand in the rapidly expanding used EV sector.