Christopher Burghardt

EU sales of new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were lower over the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. And this translating into more vocal support from Europe's OEMs such as Renault Group, BMW Group and Porsche AG for a future that includes internal combustion engines (ICEs) running on synthetic fuels, such as biofuels and e-fuels made from green hydrogen. My personal view is that e-fuels have an obvious economic problem — they are always going to be more expensive than the electricity needed to make them — that is likely to limit them to a niche where the most affluent consumers will pay a premium for them to continue their love affair with ICEs while the mass market moves to BEVs. But could regions such as Mena install so much more solar above their domestic needs that they could produce sufficiently cheap green hydrogen as to make e-fuels that could be competitively imported into Europe, especially as Europe's electricity prices are likely to trend higher as demand rises and a new generation mix both needs building and supporting with flexibility tools? A guest piece for Hydrogen Economist (warning: behind a reg wall) exploring European auto execs' renewed enthusiasm for synthetic fuels, their pros and cons, and BMW's Oliver Zipse's anger at lack of political support for them. https://lnkd.in/ewS9pDU6 Do synthetic fuels have a role to play, both getting to 2035 and beyond?

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Recent figures from ACEA show that electric cars are facing a dip in market share across Europe. However, in Belgium, we are witnessing a significant rise in electric vehicle registrations — up by 44.8% for both private and company cars! This speaks volumes about our market's resilience and the efficacy of our policies and incentives.   The road to a fully electric future is undoubtedly complex and filled with challenges. The affordability of electric cars and the infrastructure required to support them are critical issues that need addressing. As Gert Verhoeven rightly points out, consumers are hesitant due to the high costs and evolving technology.   Yet, we cannot ignore the momentum towards greener mobility. Our journey towards net zero emissions by 2050 demands robust frameworks and sustained efforts from both the government and the private sector. Key in this transition is the question: how will it all be financed? The investment needed is vast—EUR 200 billion for greening the car fleet.   Consumer credit plays an important part in bridging this financing gap. Unfortunately, the most recent figures indicate that consumer credit for buying new cars increased only slightly, by about 2.7%. We must intensify our efforts to provide accessible and attractive financing options to keep the momentum going.   The future is electric, and the time to act is now. We are committed to supporting our members and consumers in making environmentally friendly choices, ensuring that Belgium leads the way in this crucial transition.   https://lnkd.in/gMyy767X   #ConsumentenkredietVoorMorgen #CreditConsoPourDemain

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The European Commission and European Investment Bank (EIB) have teamed up to supercharge investment in battery manufacturing, with a total of €3 billion in public support now on the table. 👏 This initiative is set to strengthen the EU's battery value chain by addressing funding gaps, fostering innovation, and scaling sustainable solutions. Here's what's happening: 🔋 €200 million top-up for InvestEU: Backed by the EU Innovation Fund, this loan guarantee will bridge the gap between research and large-scale commercial deployment. 🌱 €1 billion in grants: Supporting cutting-edge electric vehicle battery projects through the Innovation Fund. 📈 €1.8 billion EIB investment: Boosting the broader battery ecosystem, from production and charging infrastructure to recycling. 💡 Focus on innovation: Funding prioritizes advanced materials, components manufacturing, and recycling technologies, building resilient supply chains for energy storage in Europe. ⚡️ This collaboration underscores the EU's commitment to a cleaner, more competitive battery industry that aligns with the Green Deal, the Net-Zero Industry Act, and the Batteries Regulation. https://loom.ly/7duZ-2U #Sustainability #BatteryIndustry #Innovation #NetZero #EUManufacturing #EnergyTransition

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👏 Congratulations to MobilityPlus in securing a €40 million investment from Suma Capital to accelerate the deployment of EV charging solutions in Belgium and France! AFRY Management Consulting was pleased to support Suma Capital on their successful investment in MobilityPlus, the Belgian leader in electric vehicle charging solutions. This investment will enable MobilityPlus to accelerate its growth in Belgium and France, offering comprehensive charging solutions to B2B clients in their energy transition. The key areas of our support included strategic, market and technical due diligence of the company. This project embodies AFRY’s commitment to sustainable mobility and our desire to contribute to positive initiatives for the electrification of transport. For more information, please contact Yasmine Assef and Isaac Junior PETE. 🌐 More information on the deal: https://lnkd.in/eJiY3Fyr 🚗 Read more about AFRY Management Consulting and our advisory services in the field of decarbonised mobility here: https://lnkd.in/dxCYghKd #makingfuture #EV #EVCI #sustainablemobility #fleetelectrification

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Market Readiness: Influencing Factors for EV Adoption ⚡ Check the latest analysis conducted by ChargeUp Europe's partner Gireve! It highlights a strong correlation between GDP per capita and the market share of Battery Electric Vehicles (#BEVs). A powerful reminder of the importance of: 🚗 diversifying the range of EV offerings 💶 purchase subsidies and other financial initiatives 🌍 making EVs accessible to a broader audience. Thanks for the great insights, Gireve, and to Amandine De Oliveira for presenting the full study to our members! 🔋 Let's bring these EVs to EU drivers!

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Very pleased to meet with EU Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra today at the #G7 Ministerial in Turin   We discussed key milestones for climate & energy action on the road to #COP29 and how Europe can strengthen its industrial competitiveness in the new energy global economy that’s emerging

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The reduction in the price of electric (#EV) vehicles is increasing the #competition (and substitution) between this type of vehicles and gasoline-based cars. Successful #electromobility also depends on other factors, but vehicle #pricing seems to be a restriction no more.

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The electrification of Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDVs) in Europe is driving demand for robust public charging infrastructure. A recent article by Gireve, highlights significant opportunities and challenges in this growing sector. >> With over 15.000 battery-electric trucks on European roads, the need for extensive public charging infrastructure is clear. HDVs require reliable long-distance charging solutions and supplementary charging for depots with limited facilities, creating new market opportunities. >> Large industry players are entering the market. Notably, Milence, a joint venture formed in 2022 by major European truck manufacturers, aims to deploy 1.700 charge points by 2027. Germany and Sweden are leading in infrastructure deployment, with significant contributions from companies like Aral Pulse and OKQ8. Norway is also making strides, with grants to deploy truck chargers along major corridors. >> Currently, more than 100 MW of public charging infrastructure dedicated to HDVs is in place, with an average power output of around 300 kW. Operators are using ultra-fast chargers similar to those for light vehicles. No Megawatt Charging System (MCS) has been deployed yet, but plans are underway. Tesla, often at the forefront of fast charging technology, has not announced specific HDV charging plans for Europe, pending regional semi-truck production. >> The electric HDV charging infrastructure is still in its early stages, with significant growth expected as total cost of ownership (TCO) parity with diesel trucks is achieved by 2027. This will likely accelerate Battery Electric Truck (BET) sales, necessitating a ready and efficient charging infrastructure. The market landscape is set to evolve rapidly, driven by strategic collaborations and technological advancements. >> As HDV electrification accelerates, developing a seamless public charging infrastructure is essential. The evolving market highlights the importance of strategic data sharing and collaboration among industry players. The next few years will be pivotal in shaping a sustainable, innovative, and accessible future for HDV electrification. Source: Gireve #evcharging #electricvehicles #charginginfrastructure

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Yesterday I had the pleasure to moderate the session “Mediterranean region: Energy interconnections and integration of renewables in the electricity grid” Lisbon Energy Summit. Interconnections are, indeed, key to foster transition in markets that pursue similar energy and industrial paths. The energy transition in Portugal and Spain aims not only at decarbonization but also at economic growth through new and expanded industries, potentially creating over 1.5 million jobs. Leveraging natural assets like 300 annual sunny days (reducing solar costs by 45% compared to the EU average), and significant unused land, these countries are poised to lead in green energy. Key to enable this are substantial investments in grid modernization and interconnection capacity targets set by 2030, building on existing links with France and Morocco. I was honored to be joined in this discussion by H.E. Leila Benali, PhD., Grammenos Mastrojeni, Jeronimo Meira da Cunha, Tarik Hamane, and João Emanuel Afonso. Thank you all! #LESummit #Energy #EnergyTransition #Mediterranean

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In today’s edition of our “100 Reasons” series, Anthony Poschet and Kaat Simons explain how Belgium’s tax system favors EVs as company cars, offering great benefits for employers and employees. This approach brings sustainability into corporate culture. EVs are good for business and the planet! #EVCharging #ElectricVehicles #BlinkCharging #EVInfrastructure #Sustainability #NDEW #NDEW2024

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Is Audi’s Brussels Plant the First Casualty of Europe’s EV Crisis? Audi’s Brussels factory, home to the Q8 e-tron, is facing potential closure due to falling demand and rising production costs, putting over 3,000 jobs at risk. This reflects broader challenges in Europe’s EV market: 1. 12% drop in premium EV sales year-over-year 2. Intensifying competition from cheaper Chinese EVs 3. Slow adoption of EVs amid infrastructure concerns As Europe’s €1 trillion EV market stands at a critical juncture, how can governments and automakers secure jobs and drive the transition to electric mobility? What are your thoughts on the future of Europe’s EV industry? Share your insights below! To Know More Visit: www.humansofev.info #ElectricVehicles #EVIndustry #Audi #BusinessTransformation #ElectricMobility #EuropeanEconomy

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“Whether you work in communications or an #energy company, you have a responsibility to keep the country going and protect it against outside threats,” David van Weel Very interesting approach to solve problems by #interdisciplinary strategies  (#industry, #research, #academia, #defense, #management etc.). Enchanted to shortly communicate with Mr. David van Weel when the DIANA project started.  The most important #discoveries were done when people tried to defend their #lives and #freedom, not only in #defense, but in #medicine, #communications, #energy and many other fields related to assuring a #decentlife  on a #clean-planet.

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Still can’t wrap your head around the low winning bids of the H2 Bank auction? That’s not even the most interesting part. Check out this 15min micro pod where Sam Morgan and I discuss what everyone should be talking about!

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Interesting situation in Belgium, at a time when Australia is debating our future power strategy. Belgian high-voltage operator Elia is calling on the market to be vigilant this summer. There is a chance that Belgium will produce too much power because all available nuclear power plants are running, and especially because a lot of solar panels have been added this year. This threatens to put pressure on the electricity system. As an ultimate measure, the grid operator may start switching off large solar farms. https://lnkd.in/guUd4Es9

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Some geo-economic comments for today … 1) Mohammed Soliman calling attention to Renault Group CEO comments: “ “We need to find a deal with China because we won’t be able to compete . . . without the support of the Chinese companies that control the mining industry, chemicals, refining and their capacity and competence.” 2) Dr. Parag Khanna calling attention to Etihad announcing new routes to better connect the GCC countries with ASEAN and Central Asia … the larger region I’ve taken to calling the extended Silk Road region which is part of my #G0_SR paradigm … 3) Tony Norfield noting Chinese plans to build intercontinental rail system from Brazil’s Atlantic port of Santos via Bolivia to its new trans-Pacific terminal in Peru. Beijing working to reorient Latin America’s geo-economic orientations … https://lnkd.in/gChr36qG https://lnkd.in/gcSHfvkM https://lnkd.in/gF6bvtZu

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Below an overview of the uptake of battery electric cars in some key European EV markets (H1 2023 compared to H1 2024). Some take aways: 🇧🇪 ⚡ Belgium becoming the new Norway? One clear success story is Belgium. While in H1 2023 being on par with Germany and France, it is now clearly outpacing them, going from a midpack country to becoming an EV leader. 🇩🇪 📉 The German EV tragedy explained: weak car tax means weak EV performance The lack of progress in Germany is tragic. Main reason for this are the weak fiscal incentives. The tax burden for people driving a petrol company car is just too low (see also image in comment below). The key reason for Belgium's success is the recent fiscal reform of company car tax (approx 70% of all new vehicles in Belgium). In H1 2024, 34% of all new company cars were fully electric (see graph in comment). 🇪🇺 🌿 The new European Commission can and should take action If Europe wants to become successful in meeting the ambition of the Green Deal, company car electrification needs to be accelerated (on average 60% of all new cars are registered by companies). The new European Commission can do this by setting binding electrification targets for large fleets and/or push member states to reform their tax policies. As regarding the latter, EU competences are not strong, setting fleets targets seems to me the most effective way forward. Former VP Frans Timmermans already suggested this. With the new EC, coming in, there's the possibility to finally make this happen. You create a demand instrument supporting carmakers in their EV transition while accelerating the market of affordable used electric cars (company cars are sold after 3 years).

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Europe’s renewables boom is bigger than elsewhere in the rich world. 3 actions to benefit from the growing amounts of surplus energy: 1. Extended links between country grids 2. Shifting demand (use smart meters to manoeuvre consumption) 3. Flexible network charges (making storage concepts profitable)

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