The Milton Keynes-based company’s Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Lithium-Iron Manganese Phosphate cathode active materials (patents-pending) differ from existing chemistries in that they are developed at a molecular level using pure materials rather than starting from bulk precursors – which often contain impurities that impair the efficiency of the battery cell, and recycling at end-of-life.

They are also then manufactured using a process that can be readily scaled up to mass production.

The result is a cathode that, for a given size, enables the cell to store up to 30% more energy, release it more quickly, and undergo more charging cycles with less reduction in capacity, delivering battery packs that are smaller, lighter, and more durable.

Because fewer cells are needed, overall costs are reduced, and CO2 emissions from the complete battery supply chain can be cut by nearly 20%, making production more sustainable.

Behnam Hormozi, Integrals Power Founder and CEO, said, “The cathode is the most critical part of the cell because it determines the battery’s overall performance, cost, and durability.

“That’s why our breakthroughs in cathode active material will enable EVs to achieve longer range, faster charging, and higher performance from smaller, lighter battery packs.

“We also source our raw materials from Europe and the US, so we can help cell suppliers and vehicle manufacturers to develop a more robust, transparent supply chain that mitigates geopolitical issues such as import tariffs and mining of critical elements such as cobalt.”

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The company joins live Zap-Pay partners Osprey, ESB Energy, char.gy, GeniePoint, Mer, MFG EV Power, Fastned, Alfa Power, Connected Kerb, evyve and Charge My Street on Zap-Pay.

Zap-Pay is a single-app payment solution that uses a credit or debit card to pay for charging on all the key charge point networks across the UK.

Drivers using Zap-Pay are also able to view their charging history, receive live status updates while away from their vehicle, and download receipts to help keep track of their spending.

Applegreen Electric is rolling out a network of ultra-rapid charging points at motorway service areas (MSAs) across the UK, as well as the USA and Ireland.

It currently operates around 160 chargers stretching from Scotland to the home counties, primarily at Welcome Break locations on the strategic road network.

Matt Lloyd, Head of CPO Networks at Zapmap, said, “With high-power charge points conveniently situated at motorway service stations, Applegreen Electric is a valuable addition to the Zap-Pay partner network – and this announcement should come as great news for electric car drivers undertaking longer journeys.

“For any new electric car drivers not familiar with Zap-Pay, it’s a really easy way to pay for charging across networks from within the Zapmap app.”

Jack O’Brien, Country Manager at Applegreen Electric, said, “Integrating with Zap-Pay is another really exciting step forward for Applegreen Electric.

“Zapmap is already an important partner for us in terms of helping drivers to find our charge points and plan their routes around Applegreen Electric locations.”

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The initial phase of this collaboration has seen the launch of two ultra-rapid charge points at East of England Co-op Burnham-on-Crouch, with a further seven sites to follow over coming months.

These 150kW charge points are dual charging, compatible with every EV on the market today and typically add 100 miles of range in about 15 minutes.

Furthermore, the chargers are easy to use and designed with simple payment for all drivers, accepting contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards.

Steven Fendley, Building and Environmental Compliance Manager at East of England Co-op said: “We are dedicated to helping our customers and communities to move over to electric vehicles and with our industry partners we are reviewing all our sites for suitability for EV charging.

“The new rapid-charging points are easy to use and offer customers a convenient opportunity to charge their vehicle while doing their shopping, or alternatively pick up a drink and something to eat whilst getting a needed charge.”

Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging said: “We are excited to launch this partnership with East of England Co-op and contribute to the continued growth of reliable EV infrastructure across the UK.

“The locations in this venture will significantly improve access to public charging in the region, with the new Burnham-on-Crouch site doubling the number of rapid chargers in the Maldon District.”

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Supplied through Activa, the group’s leasing partner, the T90 EV pickups will be used to increase the port’s security in partnership with Port of Liverpool Police.

Benefits of the fully electric pickups include zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs.

They also deliver an official combined range of 220 miles, ensuring that Police at the port can meet operational needs without compromising productivity.

The battery features rapid charging capability, reducing downtime, while the vehicles also come with advanced safety features, including collision avoidance and driver assistance systems.

Martin Humphreys, chief officer, Port of Liverpool Police, said, “The Port of Liverpool Police are pleased to be taking possession of four new fully electric, police-liveried Maxus pickup trucks, the first police service in the UK to do so.

“In addition, we fully support the aims and environmental goals of Peel Ports and are confident that the vehicles will enhance our work to ensure the port remains a safe and secure environment.”

Malcolm Oliver White, group head of asset management at Peel Ports, the second largest port group in the UK, said: “These police vehicles align perfectly with our environmental responsibility goals and demonstrates our commitment to a more sustainable future.

“We believe that by integrating the police electric pickup trucks into our fleet, we can set an example for others in our industry and contribute to a cleaner environment.”

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According to Majestic, those 35 vehicles alone will strip out more than 700,000 diesel-powered road miles every year, reducing Majestic’s CO2 emissions by up to 170,000 kg.

The number is more than double the amount eLCVs the firm had previously hoped to acquire in 2023/24, as it aims to make its entire fleet of 216 vans electric by 2030.

Majestic’s vans play a crucial role in delivering orders for its online customers and its growing B2B portfolio of more than 3,000 on-trade venues across the UK.

Each of Majestic’s 207 stores has its own dedicated delivery van, with 60% of all orders placed through its website now dispatched from its network of shops.

John Colley, Majestic CEO said “As a business, we are determined to grow in an environmentally responsible manner and the transformation of our fleet to fully electric vehicles will slash our carbon emissions by more than 1.2 million kilograms every year.

“We are committed to driving positive change for our customers, colleagues and the planet. Removing all diesel vans from our fleet by 2030 – ahead of the Government’s delayed ban on the sale of new diesel vehicles – is a key part of that plan.

“We can only do that with the right infrastructure of electric vehicle chargers in place across the UK, and with cooperation from our landlords to help us to install charging points across our portfolio of stores.”

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The EV charging company is currently fitting the chargepoints at the first five sites in the scheme at Stroud Road, Gloucester; Churchill Road, Gloucester; Abbey Terrace, Winchcombe; Elwyn Road, Cheltenham and Church Street, Newent.

Work is expected to take about three weeks to complete and the chargepoints are due to be operational in early November.

To ensure value for money, two twin chargepoints are being installed in many locations, so four EVs can be charged.

However, in areas with the greatest parking pressures only two bays for EVs are being marked out initially, before there is demand to fill four bays.

The scheme is funded by the County Council and the Department for Transport’s On Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

With one third of homes in Gloucestershire lacking the ability to charge an EV on a driveway, the council and government are prioritising chargepoints in these locations.

Cllr David Gray, cabinet member for environment and planning at Gloucestershire County Council, said, “Electric vehicles reduce emissions and noise pollution, as well as improve air quality.

“These charging points will provide accessible facilities for residents who do not have off-street parking and help to create a greener Gloucestershire.”

Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb, said, “Local communities are the beating heart of the EV transition which is why listening to their feedback on EV charging proposals is so important.

“Our aim is make EV charging inclusive, reliable and convenient for everyone, particularly residents without a driveway, so all input is invaluable.”

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The Edinburgh-headquartered company has completed the installation of chargepoints at Starbucks sites in Livingston and Dunfermline, with work due to start at two further sites in Galashiels and Blairgowrie later this month.

Its charging hubs at Livingston, Dunfermline and Galashiels will benefit from ultra-rapid 150kW C Series chargers, which can charge a typical EV from 20% to 80% charge in 20-30 minutes.

The 100kW rapid chargers at Blairgowrie will do the same job in 30 to 40 minutes.

FOR:EV is looking to develop EV charging hubs at further Scottish retail and hospitality sites in the future.

This forms part of the company’s plans to create a network of more than 1,700 EV charging points at 600 public sites across the UK.

The plans will focus on public ‘destination’ charging points, with FOR:EV keen to partner with single-site and multi-site landowners, as well as local authorities.

Calum Wallace, FOR:EV’s Senior Business Development Manager, said, “The installation of these new ultra-rapid charge points at Starbucks sites across Scotland will be very welcome at a time when EV ownership is increasing dramatically.

“Infrastructure like this will make it easy for EV owners to quickly top up their charge in the time it takes to have a coffee.

“In order to break down a key barrier to EV charging away from home, our chargers operate on a user-friendly ‘tap-and-go’ approach, with no registration or membership requirements, to make the experience as easy and stress-free as possible.”

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Three year old Tag claims 1GW of its total of just under 12GW of solar, wind and battery storage assets are either already operating or under construction.  Besides the UK, its projects span Portugal, Spain, France and Australia.

Its Lakeside battery and storage asset, the subject of the latest financing deal, is located in Selby, north Yorkshire, conveniently close to the Drax power station, pictured.  The device is rated at 100MW/200MWh.

Construction of the project began two months ago, with the associated energy park due to go fully live by mid-2024.

TagEnergy bought the storage project outright from developers RES in December 2021. At that time, it was TagEnergy’s fifth investment in Britain.

In its coal-burning years, Drax was notorious as Britain’s biggest single carbon-emitting plant.  Ceasing fossil fuel combustion entirely this April after 15 years of transition, four of Drax’s six furnaces now rank together as Britain’s biggest single generator of renewable energy, using its rated 2.6 MW capacity to pump out 14 TWhs every year by burning US-sourced wood pellets.

That controversial energy source prompted Professor Sir John Beddington, the government’s former chief scientific advisor, to call in April on the Drax Group to retract its repeated claims that biomass pellets are ‘carbon-neutral’.

Lenders Santander, Rabobank, and Triple Point compiled up to £70m of non-recourse debt on a fully merchant basis to get the Lakeside battery up and humming. Their deal does not address Capacity Market revenues.

The deal gives the lending trio leeway to incorporate further assets into its funding structure.

As Lakeside’s funding arrangements are nailed down, TagEnergy has named Tesla, Habitat Energy and the site’s initial developer RES as its project partners.

As engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, Tesla will provide the device’s Megapack 2XL lithium-ion batteries. Habitat Energy will optimise the installation, and manage its routes to market. RES has been engaged to manage the asset.

TagEnergy CEO Franck Woitiez greeted the deal: “Securing a single non-recourse debt package without a revenue floor is testament to the value our innovative approach to financing offers the market. We’re excited to now move to the next stage of the project to accelerate the energy transition.”

Mark Cumbo, Santander UK’s director of specialised and project finance said: “Santander UK is delighted to have once again supported TagEnergy with funding for the construction and operation of a new BESS asset and supporting the growth of their activities in the UK.

“The investment in BESS assets in the UK, like Lakeside, are a key enabler for the increasing penetration of renewable generation assets and the wider Net Zero transition.”

The debt was arranged by IDCM as financial advisor, with TLT serving as borrower legal advisor, Burges Salmon as lender legal advisor, Aurora Energy Research as energy analytics provider, Everoze as technical advisor, WTW as insurance advisor, Ester as hedge advisor and RSM as the model auditor.

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The regenerated Cheshire plant – the first BEV-only plant globally for the Stellantis group – will produce the Vauxhall/Opel Combo Electric, Peugeot e-Partner, Citroën ë-Berlingo and Fiat E-Doblò.

These will be joined in 2024 by the Vauxhall Combo Life Electric, Peugeot e-Rifter and Citroën ë-Berlingo MPVs.

The transformed site includes a new battery assembly shop, an upgraded general assembly and relocated bodyshop.

Total site area is down by around 60% and a new test track has also been built.

In addition a new parts distribution warehouse is in construction and due to become fully operational in early 2024.

Sustainability improvements include the arrival of a new, more energy-efficient ‘4-wet’ paint application process, while a localised combined heat and power plant is also being installed to generate electricity onsite to cut emissions.

In the longer term, the plant is expected to run on solar and wind power as well as connect to the HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline.

Diane Miller, Plant Director, Ellesmere Port, said, “The start of electric vehicle production at Ellesmere Port signals a bright future for the plant, ensuring it will continue to manufacture vehicles for many years to come.

“With Vauxhall’s long history of UK manufacturing, it’s especially fitting that the first electric model to roll off Ellesmere Port’s production line is a Combo Electric.

“Stellantis is committed to working with the Government to ensure the UK automotive industry remains competitive for producing electric vehicles for the long-term.”

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Equipped with a new 77kWh battery, the Extended Range is MG’s first electric car capable of more than 300 miles on a single charge. It also allows drivers to recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in 39 minutes.

As well as delivering more miles, the Extended Range’s more powerful 180kw electric motor offers better performance, with the 0-62mph time now 6.5 seconds.

Underpinned by the established rear-wheel drive layout and Modular Scalable Platform (MSP), the Extended Range is available in the Trophy specification as standard, including spacious packaging, infotainment and driver-assistance technology.

The latest MG4 EV also features larger 18″ alloy wheels and a black two-tone roof.

Last month, the manufacturer launched its MG4 Xpower, which features a dual motor powertrain delivering 435PS and up to 600Nm of torque, and capable of 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds.

The model also delivers up to 320kW and 435PS to all four wheels, via front (150kW) and rear (170kW) electric motors.

Exterior enhancements include orange ‘Xpower’ brake calipers, a two-tone black roof, new 18’’ alloy wheels and polished trim accents, alongside a new racing green colour option.

Guy Pigounakis MG’s Commercial Director said: “The Extended Range is the fifth model in the award winning MG4 EV model family, and we believe drivers have real breadth of choice with our electric hatchbacks which now include the very capable SE cars all the way through to the XPOWER, the most powerful production MG ever built.”

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The airport previously became home to a temporary refuelling station and secured low-emission hydrogen fuelled vehicles – including cars, truck, forklift, van and tug – as part of the region’s Tees Valley Hydrogen Transport Hub trial in 2021.

Now, after being successful in the Government’s latest £8million Hydrogen Transport Hub Demonstration, it will see a permanent hydrogen refuelling station based at its site.

Element 2, which established the previous station at the airport, will set up another temporary refuelling station during 2024 and then a new permanent station in late 2024 to early 2025.

As well as being used by the vehicles currently located at the airport, it will also provide fuel for hydrogen vehicles being trialled by local commercial fleets and authorities.

IVe, which is delivering the next generation of sustainable light goods vehicles, is part of the project and will be trialling hydrogen vans at the site.

A second project, led by ULEMCo which also received a share of funding, will develop hydrogen powered airport ground-based support vehicles, such as tow trucks for airplanes and sweepers to clean runways.

Tim Harper, CEO of Element 2 said “We are excited to have received funding to build a hydrogen refuelling hub at Teesside International Airport to fuel both road and airport demand.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to show how hydrogen can play a major role in the decarbonisation of road transport and airport operations.”

Funding for the project comes from Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency.

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The 5000th electric vehicle was deployed at the Sheffield City Delivery Office, where more than 50 electric vehicles on site are being used for delivery and collection functions.

So far, 160 delivery or collection units across the country have made the transition to move to either full or part electric deliveries and collections.

The roll-out includes many cities where low emission zones are in force, including London, Bristol, Glasgow, Cambridge and Oxford.

Royal Mail’s first site that went live with an all-electric fleet was Bristol in June 2021 with 22 all-electric units now operating.

The latest site to make the switch to an all-electric fleet is Urmston Delivery Office with 19 electric vehicles on site.

Royal Mail’s fully electric vans can travel up to 160 miles in-between charges, depending on vehicle type, weather and load-size.

Richard Sewell, Sheffield City Customer Office Manager, said, “It’s been great to have the opportunity to be leading the way in the rollout of Royal Mail’s new electric fleet and to have had the 5,000th vehicle delivered to Sheffield City DO.

“The new vans are becoming a familiar site on the streets of Sheffield and our posties are really excited about doing their bit to reduce air and noise pollution in the town.

“As a company, we pride ourselves with having the lowest reported CO2e emissions per parcel amongst major UK delivery companies and showcasing the way to achieving a more sustainable future for our fleet and our planet.”

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Crown Estate agencies managing state assets associated with Britain’s coastal shelf have shelled out for research into fields’ impact on crustacean behaviour, fish reproduction and crab wellbeing.

Downloadable here, the report ‘Electromagnetic Fields from subsea power cables in the natural marine environment’ examines ways of measuring the impacts of such fields on marine life.

Plotting and measuring the fields created by subsea cables is also a featured topic. The report lays out short and longer-term recommendations on improving research in this “field”, aimed at securing greater sharing of evidence.

The study was conducted by experts at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), a unit of DEFRA.

Fish and ships; (it’s Friday…..)

Squids in for £1.4 million to fund four reports in total, Cefas lead the acqueous research under the Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Evidence and Change Programme (OWEC), its objects including taking the piscatorial pulse of Britain’s coastal waters, including consequences of power waves, electrical as well as fluid.

Assessing the turbine-turbot interface in these islands’ oceans and the scales of any related fissures in understanding are key concerns of the schools of scholars contributing to the report.

Angling to ensure that no insights got way has been a concern.

The Crown Estate says it is committed to work with and support trawlermen and fishing communities in research, enabling better coexistence between fish, fisheries, and the UK’s offshore wind sector.

Olivia Thomas, the agency’s head of marine planning cited Tim Pick, the UK’s offshore wind champion.

“Pick highlighted that a lack of reliable data is a major contributor to delays in the consenting process”, she observed.  That’s why the work of the £50million Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) programme is so important”.

“Through OWEC, we are delighted to make this pioneering research possible. It contributes to a growing body of evidence to support the co-existence of vital industries such as fishing and offshore wind, to help the UK meet its net zero targets, and to encourage a thriving marine environment.

“It is another step forward in building a sustainable offshore wind industry in the UK which is based on the very best data and evidence, for the benefit of all.”

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Technological innovations

It’s no secret that the increasing use of technology such as AI and robotics has been sweeping across businesses in a number of different sectors. But how have these impacted construction?

Building information modelling (BIM), robotics and 3D printing have resulted in collaborative planning, advanced design and increased quality. This has helped save time and budget due to the reduction in errors and greater efficiency.

Modular construction

Prefabrication and modular construction have grown in popularity, largely due to the efficiency and flexibility that these types of buildings offer. Modular building hire is also cost-effective and offers a way for businesses to continue normal operations if their usual premises are unsuitable. Because these types of buildings are produced off site, there is less chance of environmental conditions affecting the process.

They can also be used across a variety of applications, including housing, offices, health centres and educational facilities.

Sustainability

Modular construction creates less waste, making it a more energy-efficient way of building temporary structures. Other sustainable developments in construction include incorporating renewable energy solutions, protecting local, natural habitats and using eco-friendly materials.

Advancements in materials

As well as using new materials such as composites, the construction industry has developed greater techniques to provide better quality and durability. Some examples include flexible concrete, hydroceramics and bio-coal lining.

These innovations are likely to provide greater sustainability as well as reduce the need for continued repair work and maintenance. As consumers seek out longer-lasting products, the continued advancements in material development will offer solutions to a range of challenges within construction.

Increased safety 

Construction sites are subject to a number of health and safety risks, but new technologies such as the Internet of Things has greatly benefitted site workers. Devices, sensors and monitors are being utilised across the industry to promote safety and streamline safety protocols to help spot hazards quickly, preventing accidents and injuries.

Although many of these changes come with increased cost, demand is still likely to rise as people recognise the importance of seeking new solutions.

As well as improving business success, increasing quality and efficiency, all of these factors will help contribute towards the government’s net zero strategy. The construction industry is well on its way to producing less carbon emissions than ever before, while delivering better quality products for us all to live and work in.

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We are living in a digital age. Our phones, computers and event our watch can access the internet. As such, data has become one of most valuable commodities, on a level with oil in the industrial era. While oil powered the economic growth in the past, data has become the driving force behind the technological revolution shaping our future.

Here, we look at the parallels between data and oil, the rise of social media as a data goldmine, and how data is being harnessed across various sectors.

Our data

In the world we live in data can be anything from personal details, such as our home address, to our favourite music. Our own personal data is shared with websites and social media networks, supermarkets and shops. Data on customers, clients and even patients has always been captured. This is the case for various reasons, from looking after their own wellbeing (in the case of healthcare) to finding out more about their shopping habits.

But the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a major data privacy law, was enacted in the European Union in May 2018. This meant that websites and companies legally had to be more transparent about the data they capture.

As the digital world becomes more advanced, it’s increasingly likely that our personal details will fall into the wrong hands. Therefore, data protection has become a crucial part of our everyday lives, with companies training staff in how to manage the data they deal with daily.

Social media

The introduction of social media platforms marked a turning point in the data landscape. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other platforms provided individuals with the opportunity to share personal information, preferences, and behaviours in a totally new way.

The collective result has been a significant growth in the volume and variety of data generated. This data explosion has presented businesses, governments, and researchers with a treasure trove of information to analyse and make informed decisions. It’s also meant these organisations have more information on us than ever before – and it’s because we put it there.

Resource

Like oil, data is a finite resource that requires extraction and refinement. It has formed strategies across businesses across a range of industries, from retail to healthcare to finance. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for gaining a competitive edge. By analysing vast amounts of data, businesses can uncover consumer trends, personalise adverts, and make the customer journey better.

However, it’s crucial that businesses remain with the legal parameters. Many companies have sought legal advice about how to properly manage data in this technology-driven age we live in. The landscape is changing rapidly, so it’s crucial that boundaries are set and adhered to.

Additionally, it’s becoming easier for hackers to access information and scammers to get everything from personal details to bank account logins. As such, the way data is managed faces even more legal issues.

Future

Looking ahead, data’s influence is set to expand even further. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices will generate data from diverse sources. With 5G technology enabling faster data transfer speeds, the potential for real-time analysis and insights will soar. However, as the reliance on data intensifies, so too will the need for data literacy and cybersecurity measures to safeguard against unauthorised access and breaches.

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