Europe

One year after filing for bankruptcy with its Jeep joint venture in China, Stellantis has found a new partner in EV startup Leapmotor to utilize its existing technology ecosystem as part of a $1.6 billion joint venture that will expand availability of the Chinese EVs in new markets in Europe, possibly beyond.

Four months after launching the ET5 in its native China, NIO has begun deliveries of the electric sedan in Europe. NIO’s latest model has begun simultaneously making its way to first customers in four separate markets, including Germany.

The EU Court of Justice yesterday announced a landmark ruling stating that pedal-assist e-bikes are actually bikes, not motorbikes or (gasp) motor vehicles, which means e-cyclists aren’t obligated to be insured in the same way as motorists and can be compensated as a cyclist, not a “motor vehicle driver,” in the case of an accident.

Young and promising Chinese EV brand ZEEKR announced it is moving some of its current European staff in Gothenburg, Sweden to a new spot closer to the action in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Following the move, ZEEKR plans to grow its staff overseas and it continues to expand into new markets.

Italy and Greece are planning to install a subsea cable to increase their interconnection capacity and share renewable energy.

Exactly two months after calling out Tesla directly while announcing a speedy performance version of its flagship 001, Chinese automaker ZEEKR is hinting at possible sales of the EV in Europe. The company already has two models making their way overseas and could soon add the third, according to an executive at the company.

Less than two years after sharing expansion plans for Europe, US-based battery recycling specialist Redwood Materials is adding Germany to its map of locations. Today, the company announced the acquisition of Redux Recycling GmbH – the leading lithium ion battery recycler in the EU, as it looks to quickly expand its operations overseas.

Weeks after battery developer Gotion-High Tech acquired a 25% stake in startup InoBat, the two companies have signed an agreement to erect a gigafactory in Europe. As a Tier 1 battery supplier to its top shareholder Volkswagen Group, Gotion will look to InoBat to help it provide the German automaker and other marques with EV batteries… but where will the joint venture set up shop?

Less than a month after sending its flagship 001 sedans on a ship overseas to Europe, ZEEKR is loading up its first batch of X SUVs to join them. When they arrive, ZEEKR will immediately begin selling the two passenger EVs models in two markets of Europe as part of a strategy that includes further global expansion.

The European Union launched an investigation over Chinese EV subsidies as the global markets are “now flooded with cheaper electric cars.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen revealed the probe Wednesday, claiming Chinese EV makers benefit from state subsidies.

Young EV startup Avatr appears to be the latest Chinese automaker sharing plans to expand to new markets in Europe. Following the debut of its second-ever EV model the 12 (pronounced “one-two”), Avatr – backed by big tech names like CATL, Huawei, and Changan – will not only sell its EVs in Europe but also intends to build them there too.

Despite recent financial ups and downs correlating with company news, XPeng Motors is looking to expand its global footprint of available EVs. According to words from the Chinese automaker’s president earlier today, XPeng will be beginning sales in three new markets around Europe, beginning next year.

Two months after opening pre-orders for its EVs in Europe, ZEEKR has begun exporting its 001 models from China to begin initial deliveries overseas. This milestone is part of an ambitious, multifaceted strategy from the Geely-owned subsidiary to make a name for itself in the global EV market.

Chinese automaker Build Your Dreams (BYD) will continue its global expansion with upcoming EV debuts in Europe, not only under its own namesake, but alongside the official launch of its Denza sub-brand overseas. Here’s what visitors to next month’s IAA Mobility in Munich can look forward to seeing.

The Council of the European Union (EU) has adopted a new law surrounding EV charging infrastructure it’s calling a “milestone” in reducing carbon emissions throughout the European transport sector. Beginning in 2025, fast charging stations will need to be present every 60 km along the “trans-European transport (TEN-T) network.”

The European Parliament adopted a set of rules today to improve the EV charging experience, focusing on easier payments, charging speed, and availability. In a separate move, the UK government is also currently proposing new rules for easier payments and charging station reliability.

Both sets of rules stand to improve the EV charging experience for Europeans and possibly the rest of the world.

SAIC Motor, a Chinese state-owned automaker, is doubling down on its EV strategy in Europe following encouraging sales so far this year. The massive automaker recently shared plans to erect a new EV production facility overseas, to help deliver models to its growing audience in the market.

Nearly six months to the day after revealing ambitious plans to enter new markets in Europe this year, ZEEKR has launched pre-orders for two of its three current EV models. The Chinese EV automaker will launch in two EU countries to begin as it shares a timeline to expand to even more of Western Europe.

CATL, the world’s largest battery manufacturer, looks to continue its dominance in its given market by expanding its existing battery recycling program to new continents outside of China. The company is in talks with a specific partner to erect multiple battery recycling facilities across Europe and may soon be doing the same in North America.

A couple months after confirming certification in Europe, Chinese automaker HiPhi has begun sales of its first two models overseas – the HiPhi X SUV and HiPhi Z GT. The automaker shared pricing of these first two models, which will soon be joined by a radical-looking third EV you can see below.

ADS-TEC Energy and JOLT Energy are rolling out battery-buffered, ultra-fast EV chargers in city centers in the US and Europe over the next 18 months.