Tag Archive: LEVA-EU

  1. LEVA-EU newsletter goes on Summer break

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU newsletter goes on Summer break

    A warm thank you for following, from all of us at team LEVA-EU, as we pause the weekly newsletter to take a few weeks of Summer vacation.

    The LEVA-EU news sections and social channels may be updated from time to time, so we welcome you to keep an eye on those platforms. Following the Tuesday July 4th newsletter, normal mailouts will resume from Tuesday August 29th.

    If you are not already subscribed, be sure to sign up to catch the resumed weekly newsletter, featuring all the essential news, research, jobs and more, from the Light Electric Vehicle sector in Europe.

    Sign up to the LEVA-EU newsletter here.

  2. Festive Greetings from the LEVA-EU team

    Comments Off on Festive Greetings from the LEVA-EU team

    Annick, Bram, Eddie, Willow, Dennis, and the wider team at LEVA-EU would like to thank all of you for your support throughout 2022.

    In 2023, we look forward to continuing to work with you to further accelerate the European uptake of Light Electric Vehicles. More LEVs means more sustainable transport and therefore happier, healthier, and safer European citizens; LEVA-EU members directly contribute to this.

    During the holidays, we will be taking a short break. We will therefore not be publishing our weekly newsletter. You will receive the first newsletter in the new year on Tuesday 10 January 2023.

    We wish a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!

  3. LEVA-EU – Out of office until 22 August

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU – Out of office until 22 August

    We are on a summer break, recharging our batteries. We will be back in the office as of Monday 22 August. Any emails sent before that date will not be answered. Please resend your mail as of 22 August. Should you be a LEVA-EU Member and you have a very urgent question, please send a mail to our Policy Officer: vlad@leva-eu.com.

    Thank you for following LEVA-EU, and we wish you all happy electric riding and a very pleasant summer!

  4. Last Call for Sponsors: the Future is Electric and Light!

    Comments Off on Last Call for Sponsors: the Future is Electric and Light!

    LEVA-EU has welcomed the first sponsors for “The Future is Electric and Light”: Fairlybike, Microlino and Superpedestrian. Whilst the professional association is in discussion with several other candidates, there is still room for further sponsorship. Sponsors not only support the one-day event on 24 March in Brussels. They also commit their name to a long-term initiative to encourage research on Light Electric Vehicles and to create a network of LEV researchers.


    On Thursday 24 March, experts will gather in Brussels to discuss the future of LEVs in Europe, following a new report for policymakers from DLR (The German Space Centre) commissioned by LEVA-EU.

    The report shows how electrifying cars and vans alone is not enough to make transport sustainable: the vehicles themselves must become considerably lighter to improve energy efficiency and to reduce their carbon footprint.

    At the event entitled “The Future is Electric and Light!”, LEVA-EU expects an online audience of around 500 participants and a targeted in-person gathering of around 50 people. The event will be an opportunity for industry decision-makers and policymakers at regional, city, and EU level to discuss how LEVS can contribute to achieving EU and global climate goals.

    This event is a unique sponsorship opportunity to be associated with a prestigious scientific report that will be in front of many decision makers at all levels for years to come. We are convinced that our message will resonate and will allow LEVs to achieve their potential to the full. This will grow the LEV-market.

    The event will be attended by Members of the European Parliament, representatives of the Commission, Council and EU cities as well as the press and representatives of other associations related to sustainable transport. With that, the sponsoring packages include the possibility to display Light Electric Vehicles at the event. It will take place in Brussels, just next to the European Parliament and very close to the European Commission and Council.

    There are 5 different sponsoring packages available, including a very attractive range of benefits, part of which relate to post-event activities. The DLR report is the first step in a long-term initiative by LEVA-EU to encourage research into LEVs and to develop an international network of LEV-researchers. More research into LEVs will considerably strengthen our advocacy for the uptake and use of these vehicles.

    The DLR report will be presented at several LEV exhibitions, events and congresses. Furthermore, LEVA-EU is seeking support from scientists around the globe to underwrite the message that LEVs can make a considerable contribution to cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

    With this message, LEVA-EU will invite policy makers, ngo’s and other associations as well as citizens to pledge their support for the principle of using the lightest electric vehicle possible for their specific journeys. For all this, we will launch a dedicated website, which offers additional sponsoring opportunities that are included in the available packages.

    Don’t miss out on this unique chance to profile your company through our event as well as through further activities after the event to advocate and promote the message that the Future is Electric and Light! For further details or discussions on the available sponsoring offer, please call campaign fund-raiser Eddie Eccleston, +32 472 32 9770, or mail e_eccleston@yahoo.com

    The sponsoring packages are here: https://bit.ly/3K37IDS

    A dedicated website for The Future is Electric and Light! is now online.


    [1] The term Light Electric Vehicles covers all electric vehicles included in the L-category as defined by Regulation 168/2013 as well as all electric vehicles excluded by Article 2.2 of the said Regulation. LEVA-EU’s scope is here.

  5. LEVA-EU officially employs Thoa Nguyen

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU officially employs Thoa Nguyen

    In November 2021, LEVA-EU welcomed Thoa Nguyen as Policy Trainee.  Thoa is a graduate in International and European Law, for which she studied at Ghent University (B) and the University of Wroclaw (PL).  Now, after three months of training, LEVA-EU has offered Thoa a permanent contract. On 1st March, she has started as LEVA-EU Policy Officer

    Originally from Vietnam and having lived for a long time in different European countries, Thoa has extensive knowledge of EU policies from multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural respects. She has a strong interest in sustainable mobility and external relations with non-EU countries.  

    Thoa is assisting LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck in policy and lobbying work. She also assists in advising and assisting LEVA-EU members with the questions they have on LEV-rules and regulations.  

    The LEVA-EU team now consists of:

    • Annick Roetynck, Manager
    • Bram Rotthier, Technical Director
    • Eddie Eccleston, SBS Expert
    • Willow Hu, Digital Marketing Support
    • Dennis Hu, Director Chinese Relations
    • Thoa Nguyen, Policy Officer

    All further details on the LEVA-EU team are here: https://leva-eu.com/people/

  6. New research uncovers the economic and environmental benefits of the electric motorcycle

    Comments Off on New research uncovers the economic and environmental benefits of the electric motorcycle

    Source: Science Direct

    The potential to transform polluted city centres?

    Transportation accounts for 25% of total global CO2 emissions, primarily through fuel combustion. In many large cities, such as Barcelona and Madrid, combustion engine vehicle density has escalated air pollution levels to exceedingly high values. In line with European health legislation, many such cities have been forced to implement action plans to alleviate this issue; this includes low emission zones and vehicle environmental impact assessments.

    A current emerging trend is electrifying mobility, with electric vehicle ownership increasing by a factor of ten in the last 5 years. These vehicles are perceived to have a significantly lower environmental impact than their combustion engine counterparts. Carranza et al. now analyze this environmental disparity in the context of Barcelona and motorcycles – in Spain, there was an 8.7% growth of motorcycle registrations in 2021 compared to the previous year. Understanding the potential for developing battery-electric motorcycle technology to reduce the environmental impact of motorcycle use in Spain is therefore crucial for limiting the country’s emissions going forward.

    When analyzing the environmental impact of any vehicle there are multiple stages to consider – manufacturing, maintenance, operation, and disposal; however, the operational stage is where the most impact takes place. In internal combustion engine vehicles, direct emissions from fuel during their lifecycle equate to a value 10 times higher than their electric counterparts (6670 kgCO2-eq global warming potential compared to 650 kgCO2-eq). The source of electricity for battery electric vehicles does of course impact their individual emissions, doubling if supplied by purely coal plants; however, even at their highest point, operational emissions are still far below those of internal combustion vehicles.

    Electric vs combustion engine

    Considering all aspects of lifecycle, the global warming potential of battery-electric motorcycles is approximately one-fifth of internal combustion engine motorcycles, showing them to be a promising alternative. Regarding air pollution, the results of photochemical oxidation formation were 30% lower for electric motorcycles.

    Electromobility will play a fundamental role in the transformation of densely populated and pollution-troubled European cities such as Barcelona. To read the full open access study, offering additional analysis and findings, click here.

  7. China continues development of circular battery economy

    Comments Off on China continues development of circular battery economy

    Source: electrive

    Global electric vehicle usage continues to rise, and with it, potential battery waste. Changes to legislation in China provide a case study for other countries wishing to alter the life cycle of their batteries. 

    China is the world’s single largest early adopter of electric vehicles. Alongside this wave of new technology are new challenges, including an enormous quantity of batteries that must be reused or recycled. Over the last 6 months, China has seen a series of new directives that act to build upon existing battery reuse and recycling schemes, industry, and infrastructure.  The success of these initiatives over the coming months and years will provide crucial insight into how other countries can improve battery usage and secure a more environmentally conscious future for electric vehicles.

    During 2021, 3.3 million new energy vehicles (NEVs) were sold in China; these include purely battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. This number does not account for the millions of electric bikes and mopeds additionally sold during the period. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) now aims to ensure greater environmental protection, improved resource utilization, and healthy NEV development through new directives. The battery recycling market in China is estimated to reach 3.59 billion euros by 2025.

    Battery reuse – a sustainable ladder

    After an operating period of 4-6 years, electric vehicle batteries operate at a capacity below 80%, becoming unfit for the original intended use. Here the second life ‘ladder’ utilized by China comes into action, moving batteries into slower electric vehicles, and eventually, stationary energy storage units. The policy is referred to as ‘most urgent use first’, with older batteries descending the ladder as their performance degrades.

    Battery recycling – the ins and outs

    At present, there are 47 whitelisted battery recycling companies in China, with two firms – Brunp and GEM representing 50% of official operation. Operating unofficially, a plethora of smaller businesses offering cheaper rates also exist, though may operate in a wasteful, or harmful way.

    However, while there is seemingly plenty of activity, only 30-40% of battery materials are estimated to be recycled. The relatively new industry is still finding its footing. In an ideal scenario, once all aspects are streamlined, there is a possibility for 80% of components in many battery types to be recycled.

    New directives to kickstart a recycling revolution (2018-2021)

    China’s first regulations in 2018 made automakers responsible for the recycling of batteries in their vehicles and promoted an ‘internet + recycling’ business model, facilitating the flow of second-life batteries.

    2021’s 5-year plan sees a renewed focus on the electric transport industry in all aspects and lays the foundation for a complete battery recycling system by 2025, representing a more circular battery economy. For region-specific initiatives and specific directives, click here.

  8. LEVA-EU welcomes new Staff Member

    Comments Off on LEVA-EU welcomes new Staff Member

    LEVA-EU is pleased to welcome Thoa Nguyen as Policy Trainee.  Thoa is a graduate in International and European Law, for which she studied at Ghent University (B) and the University of Wroclaw (PL). 

    Originally from Vietnam and having lived for a long time in different European countries, Thoa has extensive knowledge of EU policies from multi-disciplinary and cross-cultural respects. She has a strong interest in sustainable mobility and external relations with non-EU countries.  

    Thoa will assist LEVA-EU Manager Annick Roetynck in policy and lobbying work. She will also assist in advising and assisting LEVA-EU members with the questions they have on LEV-rules and regulations.  

    The LEVA-EU team now consists of:

    • Annick Roetynck, Manager
    • Bram Rotthier, Technical Director
    • Eddie Eccleston, SBS Expert
    • Willow Hu, Digital Marketing Support
    • Dennis Hu, Director Chinese Relations
    • Thoa Nguyen, Policy Trainee

    All further details on the LEVA-EU team are here: https://leva-eu.com/people/

  9. CAKE News

    Leave a Comment

    The Ösa receives iF DESIGN AWARD 2020

    LEVA-EU member CAKE, the Swedish manufacturer of lightweight electric off-road performance motorcycles, announced that their newest model; Ösa, the electric utility motorcycle and rolling power station is awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD.

    “It´s truly rewarding that CAKEs most recent and most evident contribution, towards zero emission, the Ösa has been awarded the iF DESIGN AWARD. No matter what the individual need is, in terms of what to bring, the modular multi clamp system serves sustainable transportation, whether in a city or in the outback, exploring. Off the grid independence acknowledged by a world class jury is encouraging!” Says Stefan Ytterborn, CEO & Founder of CAKE.

    Behind iF DESIGN AWARD is the International Forum Design GmbH, organizers of one of the world’s most celebrated and valued design competitions: Recognized as a symbol of design excellence around the world, the iF DESIGN AWARD welcomes over 5,000 submissions from 70 countries every year

    Learn more about CAKE

Campaign success

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Member profile

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.