Tag Archive: Electric Mobility

  1. Shared eMobility hubs launched nationwide in Ireland

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    Source: ESB

    As the urgency to reduce transport-related emissions intensifies, utility company ESB is leading a national initiative to reshape how people move through cities and towns. It has launched a pilot programme of electric mobility hubs that are designed to provide communities with convenient access to shared electric vehicles (EVs), e-bikes, and e-cargo bikes.

    Transport remains the second-largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland, accounting for more than 21% of total emissions in 2023, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. As urban areas expand and populations grow, traditional car ownership contributes to increased congestion, emissions, and limited access to parking.

    While electric vehicles present a cleaner alternative to petrol and diesel cars, ESB and its partners argue that a deeper shift in thinking is necessary—one that prioritises shared and multimodal transport systems over private car ownership. Shared mobility solutions, including short-term rentals of vehicles and bikes, can reduce both environmental impact and urban space demand. Research indicates that a single shared vehicle can replace between four and eight privately owned cars.

    Launch of eHubs: A multimodal green transport solution

    In response and in alignment with its broader goal of achieving Net Zero by 2040, ESB has launched its first series of multimodal eHubs, beginning with four pilot sites, including Westside Library Car Park in Galway. Developed in collaboration with Trinity College Dublin, Atlantic Technological University, and Enterprise Car Club, and funded by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), these eHubs aim to provide practical, low-carbon transport alternatives.

    Each hub includes an ESB charging station dedicated to two shared electric cars from Enterprise Car Club, accessible via its mobile app. Users can also rent four ESB-branded e-bikes and one e-cargo bike through a separate ESB eHubs app. Further eHub locations are planned in Dundrum (Dublin), Letterkenny (Donegal), and Waterford City in the coming months.

    In addition, three EV-specific hubs have been established in the greater Dublin area—Swords, Sandyford, and Malahide—featuring shared EVs from GoCar and Yuko.

    Connecting communities to greener choices

    By integrating shared electric transport options into local infrastructure, ESB’s eHubs offer a cost-effective, low-emission alternative to private car ownership. These facilities not only make sustainable travel more accessible, but also support a broader vision of a connected, multimodal transport ecosystem—linking shared mobility with public transport, cycling, and walking.

    Donal Phelan, Head of Innovation at ESB Group, emphasised the importance of such initiatives in the transition to a greener future:

    “We continuously strive to explore the potential of new technology to achieve ESB’s Net Zero by 2040 goal through three key objectives: decarbonising energy, building resilient infrastructure and empowering customers to live more sustainably.”

    As Ireland works to meet its climate targets, eMobility Hubs may play a crucial role in transforming urban transportation by helping communities to reduce emissions with enhanced convenience and connectivity.

  2. New York e-mobility fire research prompts calls for greater safety standards and awareness

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    Source: Zag Daily

    Research from UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) has found the economic cost of e-mobility battery fires in New York City to be over $518 million between 2019-2023, and highlights that the city’s response was to require safety standards, rather than imposing bans.

    Data presented in the white paper published by safety standards experts ULSE, The Impact of E-Mobility Battery Fires in NYC, calculates that the accumulated cost of the 465 e-mobility battery fires that were recorded during the period between 2019-2023 reached $518.6 million. This figure comprises $257.9 million in fatalities, $220.7 million in injuries, and $40 million in structural damages.  

    ULSE Director of Primary Insights, Sayon Deb, spoke to Zag Daily: “E-mobility fires can have devastating consequences, including the economic, human, and community toll. The report helps to better understand the impact these fires have on our communities, specifically New York City where e-mobility fires proliferated, and provide recommendations to help prevent further loss.”

    Importance of safety standards

    Deb emphasised the response by NYC authorities to the rise in e-mobility battery fire risks. “The future of e-mobility will thrive with safety at its centre. As damaging as these fires have been in New York, the city did not resort to bans but instead chose to require safety standards, protecting consumers and preserving access. There are lessons to be learned from New York, and making standards part of policies everywhere will support e-mobility riders and safer communities.”

    The analysis in the ULSE white paper shows an eight-fold increase in the number of e-mobility battery fires from 2019 to 2023, partly due to both a rise in low-cost e-mobility imports, and an overall increase in e-mobility device quantities.

    ULSE outlines four key recommendations to address the risks posed by increased e-mobility adoption, including uncertified devices: 

    • Rigorous enforcement of safety standards to prevent the sale and distribution of uncertified devices
    • Increased awareness of e-mobility battery safety
    • Targeted initiatives for delivery workers to remove unsafe devices off the street
    • Strengthened data collection
  3. TUMI updates its course on Exploring the World of Electric Mobility

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    Source: TUMI / Future Learn

    An updated TUMI (Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative) six-week e-learning course, Exploring the World of Electric Mobility: Key Concepts and Strategies, is available for enrollment, in both English and Spanish.

    The updated course launches on October 7. Participants will learn how e-mobility can help create sustainable cities, with a comprehensive overview of issues relating to electric mobility. Topics include technology, policy, and environmental perspectives, and the course will enable participants to understand and develop mobility solutions for sustainable cities.

    The technology aspect will cover how electric vehicles including bicycles, buses and cars are constructed and powered, and will look at the technical components of e-mobility, from batteries’ raw materials to charging modes and infrastructure.

    The policy aspect will review government policies and implementation strategies in regard to e-mobility, and a discussion on how electric vehicles can be used to create more liveable cities and a greener economy.

    The environmental aspect will enable participants to assess the costs and benefits of e-mobility, covering topics such as energy consumption, battery recycling, and gender equity in transport. Case studies will demonstrate how innovations in e-mobility have helped make transport systems around the world more sustainable.

    You can enroll on the course here.

  4. TUMI offers 6-week online course: Exploring the World of Electric Mobility – Key Concepts and Strategies

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    Interested learners have until December 4th to join the digital course, delivered by the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI)

    In response to the pressing need for sustainable urban mobility, the Transformative Urban Mobility Initiative (TUMI) introduces a dynamic 6-week online course: “Exploring the World of Electric Mobility – Key Concepts and Strategies.” Developed by GIZ and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), this course serves as a beacon for those seeking a profound understanding of electric mobility and its implications.

    Course Overview:

    The course initiates a deep dive into the intricate world of electric mobility, addressing key facets such as technology, policies, and global impact. Participants embark on a journey starting with the fundamental construction and operation of electric vehicles (EVs), unraveling technical components and charging infrastructure. This foundational knowledge lays the groundwork for a comprehensive exploration of the social and environmental impacts of e-mobility.

    As participants grasp the mechanics of EVs, the course prompts a critical assessment of their global implications. Factors ranging from energy consumption to battery recycling and gender equity in transport are examined, supplemented by real-world case studies showcasing the transformative power of e-mobility.

    Moving beyond technology, the course delves into the realm of government policies and strategies, emphasizing emerging economies. Engaging discussions center on how electric vehicles can contribute to the creation of not just environmentally conscious but also livable cities and greener economies.

    Learning Outcomes:

    Upon completion, participants emerge equipped with a robust skill set and understanding, poised to contribute to global sustainable transport solutions. They will:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of E-Mobility, including how EVs work and their advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional vehicles.
    • Describe the different types of batteries used in EVs, and the technology and charging methods used for each.
    • Describe the policies and regulations governing E-Mobility at the global, regional, and national levels and their impact.
    • Explain the environmental impact of electric vehicles by analyzing their carbon footprint, energy consumption, and metal mining challenges.
    • Compare different E-Mobility business models, and recognize their economic and social implications.
    • Describe the role of sustainable urban transport in promoting E-Mobility and recognize the importance of integrated transport planning and multi-modal mobility systems.
    • Develop the skills necessary to critically analyze the different factors affecting E-Mobility, including technological, social, political, and economic aspects.

    This course caters to a diverse audience, from researchers and policymakers to industry professionals, promising an enriching educational experience that transcends the boundaries of traditional understanding in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric mobility.

    Find out more and register for the course on the Future Learn website.

  5. EVS36: “Driving the transition to e-mobility” – Call for abstracts

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    Source: AVERE

    The 36th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exposition has opened abstract submissions for its 2023 conference.

    The annual gathering of global EV experts will take place between 11-14 June, 2023 in the City of Sacramento, California. EVS36 features cutting-edge research and showcases innovative technologies and market developments.

    The call for abstracts relates to papers covering research, market and government activities across all fields related to hybrid, battery, and fuel cell technologies, associated infrastructure and services.

    All final papers will be published in EVS36 Proceedings and select papers will be published in the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) Journal.

    All accepted presenters must register as delegates and attend the meeting to present.

    Abstract Submission Deadline: Friday, October 28, 2022 at 23:59 ET (UTC-5).

    Dull details can be accessed on the AVERE website, here.

    The submission portal can be accessed, here.

  6. LEV Mobility Responses Covid-19

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    Below is a list of initiatives that are or will be implemented to support the uptake of light electric mobility, cycling and other forms of more sustainable forms of mobility  in European Member states and Switzerland in the aftermath of the Corona-crisis.

    Belgium

    • Bicycle ticket in trains are free of charge –  from 1 July until 31 December 2020. Please find more information @Belgiantrain.

    Benelux countries

    • Countries urge European Commission to prioritize (electric) cycling as ‘post-virus transport cure’. Please find more information @Benelux. or @Euractiv.

    France

    • Bike repair subsidy ‘’Coup de Pouce Vélo’’- €50 for repairs – 11 May to 31 December 2020. Please find more information @Service Publice or go to @Coup De Pouce Velo.

    European Parliament

    • MEPs urged European Parliament President David Sassoli to boost the uptake of cycling and walking. Please find more information @Euractiv.

    Germany

    • Reduced VAT rates – 1 July and 31 December 2020 – From 19% to 16% and 7% to 5%. Please find more information @The Bundesregierung.

    Italy

    The Netherlands

    • The City of Amsterdam tests two heat sensing camera’s to improve flows of cyclists and reducing big queus at traffic lights. Please find more information @CityofAmsterdam.

    UK

    • Fix your bike voucher scheme – £50 for repairs. Please find more information @Gov.UK.

    Portugal

    • Lisbon – Purchase subsidy (electric) bicycles and cargo bicycle – €350 electric bicycle / €500 (electric) cargo bicycle. Please find more information @Lisboa.

    Spain

    • Madrid – Purchase incentive for non-pollution vehicles – Maximum 50% of total price or financial assistance up to €150 (electric) scooters, €500 (electric) bicycles, €600 (electric) mopeds and €750 (electric) motorcycles – €2.5 million available for 2020 and €3.0 million in 2021. Please find more information @ElPais.

    Photo by Alpine Region.

  7. LEV Mobility Responses Covid-19

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    Below is a list of initiatives that are or will be implemented to support the uptake of light electric mobility, cycling and other forms of more sustainable forms of mobility  in European Member states and Switzerland in the aftermath of the Corona-crisis.

    Belgium

    • Bicycle ticket in trains are free of charge –  from 1 July until 31 December 2020. Please find more information @Belgiantrain.

    France

    • Bike repair subsidy ‘’Coup de Pouce Vélo’’- €50 for repairs – 11 May to 31 December 2020. Please find more information @Service Publice or go to @Coup De Pouce Velo.

    Germany

    • Reduced VAT rates – 1 July and 31 December 2020 – From 19% to 16% and 7% to 5%. Please find more information @The Bundesregierung.

    Italy

    The Netherlands

    • The City of Amsterdam tests two heat sensing camera’s to improve flows of cyclists and reducing big queus at traffic lights. Please find more information @CityofAmsterdam.

    UK

    • Fix your bike voucher scheme – £50 for repairs. Please find more information @Gov.UK.

    Portugal

    • Lisbon – Purchase subsidy (electric) bicycles and cargo bicycle – €350 electric bicycle / €500 (electric) cargo bicycle. Please find more information @Lisboa.

    Spain

    • Madrid – Purchase incentive for non-pollution vehicles – Maximum 50% of total price or financial assistance up to €150 (electric) scooters, €500 (electric) bicycles, €600 (electric) mopeds and €750 (electric) motorcycles – €2.5 million available for 2020 and €3.0 million in 2021. Please find more information @ElPais.

     

    Photo by Alpine Region.