Tag: electric vehicles

Why Did EV Sales Fall Off a Cliff in 2024?

A record €616 million in green energy supports were awarded by the Irish government in 2024 to households, businesses, communities and the public sector, according to data published last week by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI).

These supports included grants for energy upgrades and renewable energy, including 29,000 grants for solar panels, an increase of 25% on 2023 figures.

However, electric vehicles sales decreased by 24% in 2024, with just 17,459 new electric vehicles registered in the country, compared to the 22,852 sold in 2023.

Despite the fall in sales, more than €52 million grant aid was invested for 12,000 electric vehicles and over 15,400 residential EV chargers.

While EV sales in 2024 were still higher than the 15,678 new electric cars sold in Ireland in 2022, the drop off has become a cause for concern.

One of the main reasons given for the slump in EV sales last year is a lack of confidence among motorists regarding the availability of public charging infrastructure, leading to range anxiety.

There are over 2,500 publicly available charging stations in Ireland according to SEAI figures, which is a much smaller number compared with countries with a similar population.

Norway boasted more than 27,500 public EV charging stations as of Q2 2024, Denmark had close to 18,000 at the start of last year, and Finland had a far smaller but still impressive 3,600 charging stations by late 2023.

Even Lithuania, with a population nearly half the size of Ireland, had over 2,200 public charge points operational by Q3 2024.

A key feature of the decrease in sales in 2024 compared with 2023 figures, is that the slump was clustered around counties in the west and northwest.

In Cavan, 83 new electric vehicles were registered between January and December last year, a 48.77% drop compared with the previous year.

Co. Sligo and Co. Leitrim the north-west saw decreases of 45.9% and 44.83% respectively.

Meanwhile, sales in Co. Clare dropped by 43.36%, and by 42.91% in Co. Mayo.

“The western region saw a decline in electric car sales far above the national average – and this is also where there is less investment in infrastructure,” explained energy expert Brian Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie.

“This can be seen as an indication that one of the main reasons for the reduction in sales last year was a lack of consumer confidence in public charging infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Kelly explained that this lack of investment in infrastructure has led to range anxiety among motorists, which has negatively affected sales over the past year.

“Even when there are chargers present along routes of travel, some motorists are finding themselves waiting long periods of time for one to become available,” said Mr Kelly.

“To encourage EV adoption, the new government must take swift action to quell public apathy and concerns around range anxiety by investing heavily in charging stations.”

While the slow roll out of public chargers has hindered ambitious  government targets, Mr Kelly said there is reason to believe that 2025 could be more promising.

“Last December 296 new electric vehicles were registered in the state, up 48.7% compared with the same month the previous year,” he said.

“This is a level of growth far greater than the overall decline seen in the course of 2024.”

There are other reasons for optimism too – last year saw a significant push for the construction of large numbers of new public charging stations along motorways and national road networks, as well as in towns and villages.

Last summer grant funding was awarded through ZEVI for 131 high powered charging stations at locations close to motorways across the country.

Further grant funding to improve the access to EV charging along Ireland’s national roads have also been announced since then.

2025 should also see the implementation of the first stages of the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which aims to increase the number of EV charging stations available in cities, towns, and villages, which may increase public confidence and diminish range anxiety.

Landis+Gyr and Believ Partner to Deliver Accessible EV Charging Infrastructure Across the UK

Landis+Gyr a global leader in integrated energy management solutions, and Believ, a leading UK-based electric vehicle (EV) charge point operator (CPO), have joined forces to deliver accessible EV charging solutions that support almost four million Blue Badge holders or disabled drivers who may find inaccessible charging bays a barrier to EV adoption.

At the heart of this partnership is a refined version of the INCH Duo AC charger, designed to meet PAS 1899—the UK’s standard for accessible EV charging – which provides guidelines on the physical environment, placement, information provision and design of charging infrastructure, with the goal to build confidence in the accessibility and inclusivity of EV infrastructure.

The updated model, designed for long dwell times and overnight charging, includes adjustments such as repositioned sockets to meet height guidelines, along with features like contactless payment for a hassle-free user experience.

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says it is vital for CPOs to select the best manufacturing partners:

“By working with the most forward-thinking manufacturers we can ensure our product catalogue meets the highest possible standards, and that we continuously work towards more accessible solutions. It is also how we deliver bespoke end-to-end solutions, dependent on site needs.” 

Believ provides local authorities, business and landlords across the UK with a fully funded EV charge point solution that covers planning, installation, operation and ongoing maintenance. It installs different speeds of charge point, ensuring the right charge point is installed in the right location.

Mark Coley, Head of Market Development at Landis+Gyr, highlights the strategic importance of the partnership:

“Our collaboration with Believ underscores our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and supporting the UK’s transition to electric mobility. By integrating our advanced INCH Duo chargers into Believ’s commercial offering, we are making EV charging more accessible while expanding our footprint across the UK. Together, we are enabling a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive future.”

Guy Bartlett adds that the PAS certification provides important assurance to stakeholders that EV charging infrastructure has been designed with accessibility in mind: “Our commitment to delivering a reliable and inclusive public EV charging network is strengthened through this partnership. The integration of Landis+Gyr’s INCH Duo charging stations to our commercial offering supports our drive to make EV charging accessible to all.” 

This partnership builds on Landis+Gyr’s track record of delivering scalable, modular EV charging solutions. The INCH Duo is part of a growing portfolio designed to support the expansion of public charging networks, enabling operators to deploy infrastructure quickly and efficiently while maintaining high standards of usability.

Drivers of electric vehicles more likely to be at fault in road traffic crashes than drivers of petrol and diesel cars

Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are more likely to be involved in at-fault road traffic accidents than drivers of petrol and diesel cars, a study by researchers at Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, and University of Limerick reveals.

In a paper to be published in November in the journal Accident Analysis & Prevention, the Lero researchers analysed insurance claims and data from onboard sensors and revealed a number of key findings:

  • Electric and hybrid drivers exhibit different behaviours than drivers of traditional vehicles.
  • Electric vehicles record more at-fault claims than traditional vehicles.
  • Electric vehicles are 6.7% more expensive to repair than traditional vehicles.

Lero researcher and co-director of the Centre of Emerging Risk Studies the Kemmy Business School, Dr Barry Sheehan, said EV drivers have a higher chance of experiencing an at-fault claim than drivers of cars with internal combustion engines (ICE).

“Our research finds that despite their lower average mileage than internal combustion engines, lower road exposure for EV drivers does not reduce their risk of experiencing an at-fault insurance claim. When analysing at-fault claims, we find a 4 % increase in crashes from EVs and a 6 % increase for hybrids (HYBs) compared to internal combustion engines.

“However, when tested with statistical models, hybrids do not display any further concerns of increased at-fault claim risk. These results indicate that EVs have a higher risk profile than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.

“Our research shows drivers’ driving behaviour changes significantly when switching to hybrids or EVs. These results mean EVs are more likely to experience an at-fault claim than internal combustion engines,” added Dr Sheehan, Associate Professor in Risk and Finance at UL.

Lero researcher and lead author Kevin McDonnell said their analysis of each fuel type shows that EVs and hybrids have lower average mileages than internal combustion engines.

“This suggests that internal combustion engines should have a higher probability of incurring an at-fault claim than alternate energy fuel-type vehicles. However, the claims data contradicts this assumption by providing evidence of increased at-fault claim occurrences in EVs through predictive modelling and risk analysis,” he added.

Lero’s Professor Finbarr Murphy, Executive Dean of the Kemmy Business School at UL and co-author said that, given the increased likelihood of incurring an at-fault insurance claim with less mileage, significant first-party damages, and battery costs, alternative energy vehicles are riskier and have a higher financial burden than petrol and diesel cars.

The study used telematic data from 125 million commercial fleet vehicle trips involving 14,642 vehicles recorded from January 2022 to October 2022 in the Netherlands. It also used an insurance claims dataset during the same period.

Lero, the Research Ireland Centre for Software, is based at University of Limerick and funded by Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland, formerly Science Foundation Ireland. 

The paper is co-authored by Lero and UL’s Kevin McDonnell, Dr Barry Sheehan and Professor Finbarr Murphy as well as Professor Montserrat Guillen of Universitat de Barcelona and is available to read in full at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0001457524003063?via%3Dihub

New markets for decommissioned machinery: which industries benefit as transmissions in electric vehicles become redundant

The change in mobility and the associated reorganisation of car manufacturers’ production facilities is therefore in full swing. Entire vehicle components are being eliminated or fundamentally redesigned. For example, less complex gearboxes are being installed in electric cars. Other industries can also benefit from the modernisation of car manufacturing. This is because they are still installing gearboxes and the like and can purchase the production machines that have been decommissioned by the car manufacturers at favourable prices.

Anyone who has recently purchased a vehicle with an internal combustion engine might think that more gears are fundamentally better. Indeed, the development of transmissions has made impressive progress in recent years. Automatic and dual-clutch transmissions have been continually improved to achieve optimal performance. Some of the latest models even feature up to twelve gears. However, as the switch to electric vehicles increases, the requirements for vehicle production are fundamentally changing. In electric vehicles, traditional engines and transmissions, as we know them, are becoming increasingly obsolete. A modern internal combustion engine with a transmission consists of around 1,400 individual parts. In comparison, the drive system of an electric vehicle consists of only about 200 components.

The transmissions of electric vehicles are far less complex than those in internal combustion engines. Many electric vehicles use a so-called single-speed reduction gearbox, which does not require gear shifting. This fixed gear ratio reduces the high rotational speed of the electric motor to a lower speed suitable for the wheels, enabling driveable speeds. However, there are also electric vehicles, particularly those with higher performance, that feature a two-stage gearbox.

Growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe

Many of the machines and tools traditionally used in automotive manufacturing are no longer needed. Manufacturers and suppliers are therefore in a phase of reorientation, where they are retrofitting or even partially closing their production facilities to meet new market demands. How far the conversion of production facilities has progressed is difficult to say. A recognised indicator is the proportion of electric vehicles sold.

In 2023, the European market for battery electric vehicles (BEV) experienced a strong upswing: sales of over 1.5 million vehicles represent an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. Electric cars thus established themselves as the third most popular drive type in Europe, after vehicles with petrol and hybrid engines, and overtook diesel vehicles for the first time.

Despite growing interest in more environmentally friendly options, petrol and hybrid vehicles remain the popular choice, closely followed by. This indicates that the transformation of production is in full swing. “We also notice this at Surplex,” says Dejan Dučić, Project Manager at Surplex. “In recent months, we have been conducting more and more auctions for and from the automotive industry. And this affects a variety of areas: from robots from a Czech automotive plant to insolvent suppliers and the current partial closure of the engine and transmission works of the German car manufacturer.”

New markets for decommissioned machines from the automotive industry

And who should buy these used machines when most car manufacturers no longer have a use for them? “Even though car manufacturers no longer have a use for these specialised machines, there are numerous other industries that can greatly benefit from the shift in production,“ explains Dučić. “Just because complex gearboxes will no longer be used in cars in the future, it doesn’t mean they are no longer needed. There are still a multitude of other applications.“

The gear grinding machine from REISHAUER was recently part of an auction. It comes from the partial closure of the engine plant of a German car manufacturer in Slovakia. (© Surplex).

For example, gearboxes play a crucial role in energy technology. In wind turbines, special gearboxes are used to efficiently convert the rotation of the turbine into electrical energy. The situation is similar with hydropower. The gearboxes have one thing in common: they must be manufactured with extreme precision to ensure they function reliably and lastingly.

Machines originally used for manufacturing gearboxes in the automotive industry can also find new applications in aerospace and engineering. They can be used to produce complex and precise components for automation and manufacturing plants. The ability of these machines to perform precise and repeatable operations makes them particularly valuable for producing parts used in industrial machinery and robotics.

“With the transformation in the automotive industry, many car manufacturers and suppliers are choosing to sell their high-quality machines through platforms like Surplex,“ explains Dučić. “This provides companies from other sectors with an affordable opportunity to acquire first-rate manufacturing equipment.“

Folens reduces energy and water costs by 50% after going green

Irish educational content provider Folens today announces that it has reduced its energy and water costs by 50% after leveraging technology and education to go green.

The Dublin-based company, founded in 1958, decided last year to commit to environmentally friendly practices across its operations and set a goal to achieve NetZero by 2029.

As part of its green investment, Folens recently installed a solar energy system and adopted a Solar-as-a-Service model. This has seen it reduce its electricity bills and its CO2 output by 11.58 tons since the installation in June. Going forward, the solar panels are expected to deliver a reduction of 39,000kg of CO2 emissions annually.

This new solar energy system forms part of the organisation’s wider Folens Go Green initiative which includes clear objectives across the three key pillars of energy, waste, and water reduction.

Over the past year, Folens has established a Green Team consisting of 17 members of staff and joined forces with Fifty Shades Greener (an environmental education provider) and Techies Go Green (a movement of IT and tech-oriented companies which are committed to decarbonising their businesses) to aid its sustainability journey.

It assessed its water consumption and implemented better water management practices, including reducing toilet water flow and replacing tap fittings, which has decreased its water usage by 50%.

Folens also introduced personal drinking bottles and mugs for employees, while installing organic and recyclable waste bins at every workstation. Along with performing an audit on and removing single-use plastic items from the office, it moved to eco-friendly products and suppliers.

Furthermore, it updated its air-conditioning system, replaced the building insulation, put controls on its water heating systems, and swapped in LED lighting which all lowered its electricity consumption. The company also switched to 100% renewable energy and heating suppliers. These efforts have lowered electricity consumption by 30%.

Outside of the office, Folens has moved half of its company car fleet to Electric Vehicles (EVs) and installed two EV charging points at its head office, which can also be connected to the new and more efficient solar energy system. Furthermore, it installed EV charging points in every EV driver’s home.

As well as delivering immediate benefits for the business and enabling it to meet compliance requirements, these efforts are helping to future-proof the content provider’s operations and drive staff engagement, with employees also receiving comprehensive Green Skills training.

Speaking about the initiative, Folens CEO Andrew Miller said: “We’re incredibly proud of the strides we’ve taken over the past year to be a more sustainable, responsible business. Of course, there’s still more to do but it’s all about driving change – be that through small actions or bigger initiatives.

“As long as organisations are taking one sustainable step at a time, we can collectively move towards a brighter future. That’s what’s great about communities like Techies Go Green. Through these, businesses can share knowledge and experiences, while also connecting with others who can support them on their green journey.

“But action remains crucial. People need to stop talking about the importance of being more sustainable or discussing the things that might prevent them from going green, and just do it. Certainly, it’s a challenge but challenges lead to change, often driving engagement, innovation and success along the way.”

Telematics Evolution: From GPS to Advanced Fleet Tech

In today’s dynamic world of transportation and logistics, where speed, efficiency, and precision are paramount, the evolution of technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of fleet management. From its early beginnings with basic GPS tracking, telematics has undergone a remarkable transformation, giving rise to advanced fleet management solutions that are revolutionizing the way businesses manage their vehicle operations. 

In this article, we delve into the journey of telematics evolution, exploring how it has evolved from GPS to the cutting-edge technology of today, spotlighting the Geotab GO as a prime example of this remarkable evolution.

The Evolution of Telematics: From GPS to Advanced Fleet Tech

The early days of fleet management were marked by the introduction of GPS technology, which provided businesses with the ability to track their vehicles’ locations in real time. While this innovation was revolutionary at the time, it was just the tip of the iceberg. As technology continued to advance, telematics evolved beyond simple location tracking to encompass a comprehensive suite of features aimed at optimizing fleet operations.

Introducing the Geotab GO9: A Glimpse into the Future of Fleet Management

Leading the charge in this evolution is the Geotab GO9, a next-generation fleet tracking device that epitomizes the advancements telematics has achieved. Geotab, a pioneer in fleet management technology, has set a new standard with the GO9 – a device that not only builds upon its predecessors’ capabilities but also redefines the landscape of fleet management with its innovative features.

Boby Multani, one of Geotab’s Product Owners, provides insights into the Geotab GO9’s revolutionary features and its significance in the realm of fleet management. Multani highlights that while the GO9 maintains a similar physical appearance to its predecessor, the GO8, it has been completely redesigned internally to offer enhanced performance and functionality.

Breaking Down the Geotab GO9’s Innovations

The Geotab GO9 introduces a powerful 32-bit processor, making it the most robust telematics device produced by Geotab to date. This advancement translates to four times more memory and five times more RAM than its predecessor. This boost in performance not only ensures smoother operation but also allows the device to support a wider array of functions, contributing to its longevity and versatility.

A notable enhancement in the GO9 is its Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) module, which provides increasingly accurate location data. With the GO9, businesses gain access to real-time vehicle location, trip history, and comprehensive vehicle and driving trends data through the MyGeotab platform.

Unveiling Key Differentiators: The Gyroscope and Extended Compatibility

The GO9 sets itself apart with the incorporation of a gyroscope. Geotab’s innovative algorithms, combined with the device’s accelerometer, already offer exceptional harsh-event data and collision reconstruction capabilities. The addition of a gyroscope elevates the device’s capabilities by providing a real-time sense of the vehicle’s orientation.

The gyroscope enriches the data with additional granularity, improving the accuracy of vehicle movement tracking – especially on winding or bumpy roads. This enhanced data is invaluable for collision reconstruction, enabling a more detailed, second-by-second breakdown of events.

Despite these groundbreaking advancements, the GO9 retains the same dimensions and shape as its predecessor, simplifying installations and ensuring a seamless transition for fleet managers.

Embracing Electric Vehicles and Future-Ready Capabilities

As the automotive industry shifts towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) have emerged as a transformative force in the transportation sector. Recognizing this pivotal change, Geotab’s GO9 not only offers cutting-edge features for traditional vehicles but also caters to the growing demand for EVs within fleet operations.

One of the challenges in integrating EVs into fleets is the need for specialized data and insights that go beyond those required for conventional vehicles. The GO9 is equipped with the ability to support EVs, ensuring that businesses are well-prepared to seamlessly transition to electric vehicles or hybrid models when the time is right.

Key Aspects of the GO9’s EV Support:

  • Battery Health Monitoring: EVs are powered by complex battery systems that require careful monitoring to ensure optimal performance and longevity. The GO9’s compatibility with EVs includes the ability to track and analyze crucial battery health metrics, providing fleet managers with real-time data on battery status, temperature, and overall health. This proactive approach helps prevent potential issues and maximize the efficiency of EVs.
  • Charging Infrastructure Integration: The transition to EVs necessitates access to reliable and efficient charging infrastructure. The GO9 supports integration with charging stations, enabling fleet managers to monitor charging activities, track energy consumption, and plan routes that incorporate charging stops. This feature is essential for optimizing the operational efficiency of EVs and ensuring that they are always ready for service.
  • Range Optimization: Range anxiety – the fear of running out of battery power – is a common concern for EV users. The GO9 addresses this challenge by providing accurate range estimates based on factors such as battery state of charge, driving behavior, and external conditions. Fleet managers can use this information to plan routes that maximize efficiency while minimizing the risk of running out of power during journeys.
  • Adaptive Telematics: EVs introduce unique driving behaviors and energy consumption patterns that differ from those of traditional vehicles. The GO9’s advanced algorithms are capable of adapting to these differences, offering specialized insights into EV performance. This adaptability ensures that fleet managers receive accurate data tailored to the specific requirements of electric vehicles.

Preparing for the Future: Flexibility and Innovation

Geotab’s decision to incorporate EV support into the GO9 is a strategic move that aligns with the shifting landscape of transportation. Even if a fleet is not fully electric at the moment, the GO9’s EV capabilities future-proof the fleet’s technology infrastructure. This flexibility allows businesses to evolve their fleet operations in response to market trends, regulatory changes, and the growing emphasis on sustainability.

Moreover, the GO9’s support for EVs reflects Geotab’s commitment to innovation and adaptability. By integrating cutting-edge features that cater to the needs of electric vehicles, Geotab showcases its dedication to providing solutions that address the evolving demands of the fleet management industry.

The Road Ahead: Evolution, Adaptation, and Progress

Telematics will continue to advance as technology pushes its boundaries and improves. Geotab’s GO9 represents a milestone in this journey, showcasing the power of innovation and adaptation in the fleet management sector. With its advanced capabilities, compatibility with existing and future vehicle models, and commitment to sustainability, the GO9 is a testament to the potential of telematics to transform fleet operations on a global scale.

In a world where businesses demand ever-higher levels of efficiency and sustainability, the Geotab GO9 vehicle tracking device is leading the way into the future of fleet management. To explore its features and learn more about how the GO9 can revolutionize your fleet operations, visit geotab.com and experience the next phase of telematics evolution firsthand.