Tag: electric

EV charging solutions needed for inner city households

Current rules for on street charging are preventing inner city homes from making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), the Lord Mayor of Dublin has said.

Councillor Ray McAdam has called on the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, to prioritise legislation to address restrictions in Ireland’s private wires rules, which are currently preventing electric vehicle charging for households without driveways.

The call comes as cities across Europe and the UK are introducing safe cross pavement charging solutions that allow residents to charge electric vehicles directly from their homes where they rely on street parking.

In many older neighbourhoods of Dublin, particularly across the inner city, homes open directly onto the street and do not have private driveways. As a result, many residents who would like to switch to electric vehicles are effectively locked out of home charging and must rely on public charging infrastructure.

“The transition to electric vehicles must work for everyone. Across the inner city of Dublin there are thousands of homes where residents park outside their front door on the street and those households cannot safely connect a charger from their home.

“In other cities, like Plymouth, we are now seeing pilot programmes where discreet cable channels are built into pavements, allowing residents to safely charge their vehicles from their homes while maintaining safe and accessible footpaths.

“We need guarantees that the private wires legislation will allow electricity to be supplied from a private home to a car parked on the street.”

The Lord Mayor said that a clear legislative framework would allow local authorities such as Dublin City Council to pilot safe cross pavement charging systems in appropriate streets and neighbourhoods.

“This is a practical, common-sense change that would help thousands of Dublin households participate in the transition to cleaner transport.

“It would mean that a household in Ballybough, Stoneybatter, Phibsborough or the Liberties could purchase an electric vehicle knowing they have a reliable way to charge it at home.

“As Lord Mayor, my goal is to ensure that the move towards cleaner transport is something all Dubliners can participate in. Ensuring the private wires legislation guarantees on street charging would be a small but important step that could unlock practical EV charging solutions for thousands of homes across our capital city.”

The Lord Mayor said he would be raising the issue with the Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and the relevant departments in the coming weeks with a view to enabling pilot schemes in Dublin.

Dublin City Council launches new Electric Waste Vehicles

Dublin City Council has launched the first of 30 new electric vehicles to be used by the Waste Management section.

The launch took place on the forecourt of the Mansion House.

The new vehicles are the first Fully Electric Cage Body Vehicles to be used by the Waste Management section and will be rolled out throughout the year.

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Cllr Ray McAdam, said, “If Dublin is serious about climate action, it must start with how the city itself operates. These new electric waste vehicles are a clear signal that the capital is leading by example, cutting emissions while carrying out the essential work that keeps our streets clean. They will help us build an even cleaner Dublin that we can all celebrate together.”

Dublin is one of 112 cities selected under the EU Mission 100 Climate Neutral and Smart Cities, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate systems change and deliver climate neutrality by 2030.

In line with national requirements, Dublin City Council’s Climate Action Plan contributes to:

  • A 51% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (compared to 2018 levels)
  • Climate neutrality before 2050, at the latest

Climate Neutral Dublin 2030 responds directly to these commitments with a comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CAP) and associated Investment Plan that sets a clear roadmap for transformative change across the city.

However, the Council emphasises that delivering on these targets requires more than policy, it demands whole-of-society behavioural change. Sustainable choices must become the easiest and most convenient options for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

To make inroads into our targets we are delighted to showcase our brand new Fully Electric Cage Body Vehicles from our Waste Management section. Not only does the Waste Management section keep Dublin physically clean, the vehicles they are using improve the environment by using electric vehicles as part of the operation! Over 50 Waste Management Drivers have already been trained to use these new zero emission vehicles.

Dublin City Council will continue to work with the Department of Transport Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland office to identify funding streams and capacity building measures to support the transition and facilitate the installation of Electric Vehicle chargers.

Dublin City Council will work closely with the ESB and other stakeholders to enable and facilitate an increase in the number of EV charge points across the city.

Tyndall Driving New Research to Integrate Electric Buses in Ireland

Tyndall National Institute was awarded six projects from SEAI’s National Energy Research, Development & Demonstration (RD&D) Funding Programme, all now underway, to advance Ireland’s energy transition. These significant successes highlight Tyndall’s leadership in sustainable research and its commitment to delivering impactful solutions for Ireland’s energy future.

Among the funded initiatives is BEST-IRE, a pioneering project focused on transforming public transport through the integration of battery electric buses into the transport and electricity systems of Ireland. The project will deliver a comprehensive evaluation and strategic roadmap for electric bus implementation, addressing both investment planning and life cycle cost assessement

The project will present methodology to develop a strategic roadmap for battery electric buses in Ireland, guiding investment decisions and assessing long-term costs. It will also develop a smart decision-making tool to support the planning and placement of charging infrastructure, ensuring efficient integration with Ireland’s transport and electricity networks. This includes optimising bus routing, maximising renewable energy use, and maintaining grid stability through advanced modelling.

In addition, the research team plans to create a dynamic transit charge management system to monitor charging patterns and provide local flexibility for enhanced grid management. The project will also assess how electric buses can improve first and last-mile mobility, propose innovative business models for stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors, and recommend policy frameworks that support electric buses and renewable energy integration. Methodology will be implemented at both the urban and rural community levels to ensure broad replicability.

Dr Pádraig Lyons, Head of Group, International Energy Research Centre (IERC) at Tyndall, said: Electrifying an expanding bus fleet is a huge opportunity to decarbonise Ireland’s transport systems and improve the quality of life for people living in urban and rural areas. The BEST-IRE project will develop innovative methodology and tools to address the challenges to infrastructure, associated with this exciting new technology. 

Mitsubishi Electric and EVHACS Announce Strategic Partnership to Deliver World’s First Integrated Heat Pump and EV Charging Solution

Mitsubishi Electric, a global leader in sustainable HVAC and heat pump solutions, has partnered with Irish tech company EVHACS to launch a revolutionary product for the residential and commercial market: the world’s first integrated heat pump and electric vehicle (EV) charger.

 This groundbreaking collaboration merges Mitsubishi Electric’s cutting-edge heat pump and air conditioning systems with EVHACS’ patented EV charging technology—creating a single, compact unit capable of both heating and cooling spaces and charging electric vehicles.

One installation. One power connection. Two solutions.

The integrated system will allow homeowners, property developers, and commercial operators to simplify their infrastructure by combining two vital energy technologies in one. This results in reduced installation complexity, faster deployment, lower total system costs, and minimal impact on building aesthetics.

“This partnership marks a major leap forward in sustainable building technology,” said Ciaran Moody, President Mitsubishi Electric Ireland. “We are proud that our Irish team is at the forefront of this innovation—pioneering the future of smart, connected homes and businesses by combining two critical technologies into one intelligent system.

This solution reflects Mitsubishi Electric’s commitment to driving the energy transition through practical, scalable innovation.” The integrated system enables maximum energy efficiency—offering a powerful, future-proof solution for the decarbonised buildings of tomorrow.

By intelligently sharing available electrical capacity between heating, cooling and EV charging functions, the system helps prevent overload, avoids costly grid upgrades, and ensures optimal performance even during peak demand. “Customers are looking for smarter, simpler ways to adopt low-carbon technologies,” continued Ciaran. “By partnering with EVHACS, we’re creating a solution that delivers on both convenience and sustainability. It’s a major leap forward in how we think about the connected home and workplace.”

Key benefits of the integrated Mitsubishi Electric + EVHACS system:

  • Simplified Installation: By combining renewable heating, cooling and smart EV charging in a single unit, only one electrical connection is required —saving time, space, and materials.
  • Lower Cost of Ownership: By eliminating the need for separate EV chargers and additional cabling or civil works, the combined solution reduces both upfront installation and long-term maintenance costs. End users benefit from a lower total system cost, while also gaining two essential energy systems in one.
  • Space Efficiency: The all-in-one format is especially valuable in urban, suburban, or commercial environments where space is limited. This makes the integrated system ideal for retrofits, apartments, townhouses, and commercial buildings where external wall space or electrical capacity might otherwise limit the ability to install multiple systems.
  • Smart Energy Use: The system includes intelligent controls that allow users to manage both their heating, cooling and EV charging from a single interface. Smart scheduling and connectivity features help optimise energy consumption based on tariffs, occupancy, or energy demand—maximising comfort and convenience while reducing energy waste.
  • Dynamic Load Balancing: One of the most significant advantages of this integrated solution is its ability to dynamically balance electrical loads between the heat pump and the EV charger. This ensures the system never draws more power than the available supply can handle, helping to prevent overloads or the need for costly electrical panel or grid upgrades. It also supports participation in demand-side management and future smart grid applications.

EVHACS’ proprietary technology transforms Mitsubishi Electric’s award-winning heat pumps and air conditioning units into dual-purpose systems without compromising on performance or efficiency. The integration supports AC charging and is designed to work seamlessly within home energy management systems.

“This is about convergence,” said Jeff Aherne, CEO of EVHACS. “Our mission has always been to make clean energy technologies more accessible and practical. With Mitsubishi Electric, we’re making it easier than ever for people to decarbonise their homes, retail or commercial buildings, and vehicles—all in one step. “We’ve always believed that heating and mobility infrastructure should evolve together,” continued Jeff. “Our partnership with Mitsubishi Electric proves that bold, collaborative innovation can deliver smarter, greener solutions that genuinely move the needle on climate action.

The integration of the Mitsubishi Electric heat pump unit with the EVHACS EV charger results in an EVHACS branded unit which comes with a full EVHACS warranty and support. End users still benefit from the trusted, award-winning Mitsubishi Electric technology that powers the heating and cooling performance. It’s the best of both worlds—cutting-edge integration backed by proven, reliable engineering. This solution makes sustainability simpler and more accessible for everyone.”

The combined units are now available across Ireland, contact EVHACS for more information: https://evhacs.com/

Telco company Circet boosts Irish & UK fleet safety and sustainability with Geotab and Lytx

Circet, a European leader in telecommunications infrastructure services, has improved safety, reduced emissions and cut operational costs by adopting a fully integrated telematics solution from Geotab Inc. (“Geotab”) and Lytx® Inc. (“Lytx”). In just three months, Circet and Geotab partnered to connect 3,000 vehicles across Circet’s mixed fleet in Ireland and the UK, representing the biggest deployment of its kind in such a short installation window.
Circet’s fleet, which includes diesel and electric light and heavy commercial vehicles, required a solution capable of handling wide variability in makes, models and drivetrains. The combination of Geotab’s global telematics data platform integrated deeply with the Lytx Surfsight™ video safety platform has given the Circet operations team full visibility into its entire fleet, delivering immediate impact.
Within the first three months of this year, Circet recorded a 16% improvement in its company-wide driver safety score. Key safety metrics such as harsh braking, acceleration and cornering all improved, contributing to an average driver score 42% better than industry benchmarks. These improvements are largely due to the use of Geotab’s Driver Safety Scorecard and near real-time driver feedback from the Lytx Surfsight dash cams, which alert drivers to risky behaviours and send incidents to the operations team for review.
Fuel efficiency has also improved. Circet’s diesel vehicles are now operating at an average efficiency of 10 litres per 100 kilometres, 10% better than peer group leaders. Circet’s transition to electric vehicles is delivering further savings. Over the first three months of 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) accounted for 3% of total fleet trips, covering more than 263,000 miles (424,000 kilometres). According to Geotab’s Electric Vehicle Suitability Assessment (EVSA), Circet stands to save approximately €450,000 annually by expanding its electric fleet and swapping ICE vehicles for EV where appropriate.
 
Based on results across all vehicle types so far this year, the Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution could deliver over €2.7 million in fuel savings each year.
Ray Verschoyle, Head of Transport Compliance at Circet said: “The combined Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution has transformed how we manage our fleet. We now have the data we need to improve safety, cut fuel use, lower maintenance costs and operate more sustainably. Their focus on innovation and ability to integrate with our systems made them the perfect partners for our needs.”
Aaron Jarvis, Associate Vice President, EMEA at Geotab, added; “Circet chose Geotab because we offer more than just an off-the-shelf solution. Our continuous investment in product development, combined with strong local service and support, gave them confidence in our long-term value. Our partnership with Lytx allows us to deliver fully integrated safety solutions, and our open platform meant we could align closely with Circet’s internal systems and processes. It’s another example of how Geotab’s ecosystem can support a customer’s needs today while future-proofing business operations.”
 
Deep integration to meet sustainability goals
The Circet deployment includes Geotab telematics devices and Lytx Surfsight dash cameras with road-facing lenses, and the option of driver-facing ones, too. This hardware is backed by software integration with the Geotab platform, allowing Circet to unify vehicle tracking, video footage and safety data in one system. The rollout was supported directly by Geotab’s local project team, who provided in-person training and implementation support to ensure a smooth transition.
Geotab’s data also supports Circet’s sustainability goals. The company is using Geotab’s certified Scope 1 emissions calculation tools to track fuel consumption and emissions reductions across both diesel and electric vehicles. This structured, data-driven approach is essential as Circet prepares for stricter ESG reporting requirements under EU legislation. With EV driving requiring different skills from traditional combustion vehicles, Circet has used Geotab data to inform driver training, aiming to extend EV range and reduce charging demand. This in turn helps lower Scope 2 emissions and manage charging infrastructure more efficiently.
With these results in safety, efficiency, and emissions reduction, Circet is already seeing a return on its investment. The integrated Geotab and Lytx Surfsight solution is not only improving current operations but also positioning the company for long-term compliance, cost control and growth as it shifts to a low-emissions fleet.
The Circet team is now looking to utilise its vehicle data across various business systems and processes with additional integrations into their business reporting tools, internal databases and future plans to feed other key business systems.

DIY vs. Professional Installation: What to Know About Electric Pergola Roofs

Pergola with electric roof functions beyond its appearance by providing both style and functionality to backsquares and patios. Which makes the better choice between doing it alone or getting professional help? Your decision hinges on your competence level along with monetary constraints and anticipated results. The financial savings from DIY work come with installation challenges, although professional installation provides dependable results at a higher price. Before deciding you need to learn about system functions along with the required installation steps.

Understanding Electric Pergola Roofs

An electric pergola roof system makes use of its protective automatic shading features giving automatic adjustment to the pergola roof. A very opulent automated roof panel operations are these systems which utilize motor controlled computers rather than the common traditional manual options in traditional pergolas. An electric roof allows homeowners to adjust the amount of sunlight and ventilation and control rain protection.

The principal features involved in electric pergola roofs are the automatic shading control via remote control.

Motorized capabilities cause the electric louvers or panels to tilt open and to completely retract.

  • There are systems that connect to mobile applications and remotes or voice commands through which users can operate many models.
  • There are some systems in which automatic adjustments happen based on built-in wind and rain sensors and then sun sensors.
  • Because aluminum or weather-resistant steel materials do well in outdoor situations, it is the material used in the production.

How It Works

The control mechanism for the movements of the pergola system roof panel is through an electric motor. Both the electrical wiring and solar power solutions can be utilized in the system power supply. Automatic functionality is one benefit to users as long as they have good electrical installation and proper structural backing for the system.

Why Homeowners Choose an Electric Pergola Roof

  • The structure operates year-round to shield things from sun radiation and rainfall as well as offering defense against snowfall.
  • The canopy design helps diminish cooling costs within buildings by blocking incoming sunlight.
  • Enhanced Home Value – Increases property appeal and functionality.

Planning for Installation: What to Consider

When installing a pergola system, users need to assess important factors,s especially when deciding between self-install or professional installment,t to prevent expensive errors.

 

  1. Local Building Codes and Permits

Building codes in various areas demand authorizations for pergola construction projects, particularly when electrical work needs performance. Obtain permission from your local municipal department to confirm whether you need the required approvals. The design limitations of some Homeowners Associations affect what homeowners can do with their properties.

 

  1. Choosing the Right Location

You should position your structure to get maximum sun exposure because it will determine the benefits of shade throughout the day.

Strong wind conditions determine the need for additional anchorage systems to secure a structure.

The position should be selected in locations without potential water accumulation near the structure base.

 

  1. Power Source Options

A power connection is necessary for installing electric pergolas. Choose between:

A hardwired connection delivers exceptional reliability because it entails electrical installation work.

Implementing solar power creates an environmentally friendly system that delivers reduced power output when lighting conditions darken.

 

  1. Surface and Structural Support

A concrete patio forms a dependable foundation for buildings.

The weight of the structure requires wood decks to receive structural reinforcement support.

 

  1. Budget and Long-Term Costs

Self-installation of pergolas demands between $3,000 to $8,000 for necessary materials.

You must pay $10,000 or more for the initial phase of professional installation which includes maintenance labor and factory warranty.

The installation journey remains seamless when you finish proper planning because you can decide between self-installation or using a professional. The following section analyzes self-installation procedures along with the difficulties and benefits of professional assistance.

DIY Installation: Steps, Tools, and Challenges

Installing a pergola with electric roof features can save cost but demands fundamental skills in construction as well as electrical expertise and full precision in assembly practice. The process becomes plausible for you if you have experience operating power tools and completing technical guide steps. The risks from mistakes include high replacement costs and the loss of warranty protection together with potential danger situations.

Essential Tools and Materials

You must acquire several necessary tools and materials for the upcoming project.

Fundamental tools consist of a level, ladder, drill, screwdrivers, measuring tape, wrenches, and a concrete mixer.

If posts need to be set in concrete then use a concrete mixer together with an impact driver and tools for wiring up the motorized system.

The installation needs a pergola kit containing motorized roof panels alongside electrical wiring together with fasteners that must be secured using weatherproof sealant against moisture exposure.

Installation Process

Selection of the installation site requires a flat foundation that exhibits enough strength to sustain the pergola structure. Constructors should select either a concrete slab or reinforced deck for foundation support.

Students should build the pergola frame exactly according to manufacturing guidelines since structural misalignment might harm stability.

Add the Motorized Roof System by fastening the retractable panels to their positions.

Wiring the Electrical Devices will link the motorized system to either a connected power or solar system as its energy source.

Test the System Immediately Before Completion to Verify the Proper Functionality of Opening and Closing Systems.

Challenges to Expect

Any mistake in measurement during this process will result in structural instability.

Errors in electrical wiring may generate equipment failures along with fire risks that additionally harm the motor’s functionality.

The total duration of installation depends on the skill level between one to multiple workdays.

Most manufacturers exclude warranty coverage when buyers install their products independently.

DIY installation provides money-saving potential to homeowners who possess home improvement project experience for acceptably challenging tasks. Not knowing electrical work or structural requirements should lead you to consider hiring a professional instead.

Professional Installation: Process, Costs, and Benefits

Professional installation services provide both efficiency and security for the integration of a pergola with electric roof functions. Hiring professionals for pergola with electrical roof installation provides both a premium cost and an effortless installation process and durable performance.

What Professionals Do Differently

Specialist tools and expert knowledge allow professionals to execute a job in less time and with fewer possibilities of harm. The process typically includes:

A site inspection takes place prior to planning which involves specialists examining the location to verify that the foundation meets structural requirements.

A professional team working together will finish the installation task in one to three business days, which would require seven days for DIY construction

Electricians with licenses lead electrical work which includes delivering safe wiring that meets all building standards.

Companies enable clients to customize their pole structures through options that include LED integration remote control systems,,s and wind sensors.

Cost Considerations

The expense of professional installation increases through the inclusion of mandatory labor fees, although these costs depend on installation difficulty. On average:

 

  • Pergola materials usually range in price from $3,000 to $8,000 based on size and feature requirements.
  • Labor costs span between $2,000 to $5,000, while additional expenses apply to customized work.
  • The cost of electrical installation for pergolas varies from an additional $800 to as high as $2,500 based on the system installation needs.
  • Local persistent regulations determine the prices of permit fees between $100 and $500.

Why Professional Installation Might Be the Better Option

  • A poorly done pergola installation will lead to expensive repair costs.
  • The professional installation team works much quicker than people who attempt it on their own.
  • Professional services normally provide warranty coverage for their materials together with the labor services they perform.
  • The installation of an electric pergola by professionals makes your home a greater market value.

People seeking assurance from a permanent investment alongside peace of mind should opt for professional installation services. People who possess the necessary skills together with the willingness to put in patience, can make their own DIY project work with anticipated hurdles.

Making the Right Choice for Your Electric Pergola Roof

The decision between self-installation and professional work for electric pergolas depends on your construction skills together with your financial resources and project significance. The benefits of doing the work yourself involve cost reduction though you need to invest time as well as demonstrate precise skills along with patience. Expected benefits from hiring installation professionals include an immediate and secure setup together with warranty coverage, but this professional service comes at a cost.

Beautiful home value combination with outdoor comfort happens through correct motorized pergola installation. Prior to installation, you should decide between independent work or professional assistance while always abiding by the best installation methods. Pergolas built with suitable materials along with correct installation will provide lasting quality and operational capabilities to your outdoor space.

2025 to be the year of electric vehicles

The TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025, released at the Detroit Auto Show reveals new insights in the EV ecosystem

A new study by  Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), a global leader in IT services, consulting, and business solutions, reveals that more than 6 out of 10 (64%) consumers are likely or very likely to consider an electric vehicle (EV) for their next purchase. The TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025, a comprehensive report on how EVs are shaping the future of sustainable mobility, also highlights that while 60% of consumers said charging infrastructure was a major challenge, 56% were ready to pay up to $40K for an EV.

This study surveyed over 1,300 anonymous respondents across North America (USA, Canada), United Kingdom & Ireland, Continental Europe (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland) and APAC (China, India, Japan, ANZ). The respondents for the survey included transport manufacturers, charging infrastructure players, fleet adopters, consumers and EV adoption influencers.

Sustainability and lower operational costs were key factors driving EV adoption, according to the study. While consumers and influencers highlighted a clear motivation for EV adoption as ‘environmental sustainability’, the environmental benefits did not match the expectations of many EV influencers. Nearly 48% EV influencers said EVs increase the overall carbon output just as much as they reduce it, with 10% even saying EV adoption is negatively impacting the environment. Commercial fleets maintain a positive outlook towards electric mobility, with a sizable percentage—53%—pointing to reducing operational costs as a primary motivation. Fleet adopters were willing to pay a premium for EVs than for traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Despite the growing interest in EVs among consumers, significant challenges remain, particularly in the areas of charging infrastructure and technological advancements. While 74% of EV manufacturers said the lack of appropriate charging infrastructure remains the biggest obstacle limiting growth in the EV market, 55% have already started investing in innovation for battery technology advancements. Nearly 78% are making investments to reduce vehicle costs to cater to growing demand for EVs.

Anupam Singhal, President, Manufacturing, TCS, said, “The electric vehicle industry is at a defining crossroad, navigating the complexities of scale and transformation. While nearly two-thirds of consumers are open to choosing electric for their next vehicle, manufacturers face challenges like advancing battery technology, complex vehicle designs, and production economics. At TCS, our Future-Ready Mobility vision focuses on creating an interconnected ecosystem powered by AI and Gen AI to drive smarter decision-making, enhanced customer experiences, and deliver scalable, sustainable solutions. By addressing these critical challenges, we are accelerating the global shift toward electrified and sustainable transportation.”

The survey indicates that 90% of manufacturers believe that improvements in battery technology will enhance range and charging speed and will significantly impact the design and performance of EVs in the near term compared to other technological advancements.

Key results from the survey, which can be found at TCS Future-Ready eMobility Study 2025, include-

  • 90% EV manufacturers and 84% of EV Influencers said battery technology improvements to optimise range and charging speed will have a large impact on design and performance of EVs
  • 74% of manufacturers believed charging infrastructure remains the biggest obstacle limiting EV market growth
  • 72% of EV charging infrastructure players are expecting significant mergers in the EV space driven by financial viability and scaling challenges
  • 41% consumers said that an acceptable EV range on a single charge is 200-300 miles, followed by 31% respondents who felt 300-400 miles is a better deal
  • 63% EV influencers said their primary motivation for EV adoption is to achieve net-zero goals and reduce carbon footprint
  • 55% of EV manufacturers are investing in R&D for battery technology advancements, while 78% are investing in vehicle cost reduction
  • 72% US consumers are likely or very likely to purchase an EV as their next vehicle, compared to less than 31% of Japanese consumers

In a world quickly moving towards electric mobility, TCS’ vision for future-ready mobility combines technological innovation, strategic collaboration, and deep expertise to empower manufacturers and EV stakeholders to navigate change. TCS drives change across the mobility value chain, from vehicle design and gigafactory planning to digital platforms, generative AI, and personalised customer experiences.

Focused on sustainable mobility and measurable value, it partners with customers to shape a bold, sustainable future. For over two decades, TCS has been a strategic partner to OEMs, helping them on their ICE to EV transformation journey. It has helped deploy Battery Management System (BMS) Software for 500,000+ EVs on-road globally and establish EV charging infrastructure for 75+ countries for OEMs.

Other EV news

Electric car sales to increase to 440,000 in 2025

Electric car sales in the UK will increase to 440,000 in 2025, representing 24% of 1.84 million total new car sales, according to forecasts from leading EV leasing company DriveElectric.

This is a 4.4% increase compared to electric car sales equating to 19.6% of the total new car market in 2024 (381,970 units) – although new electric car registrations accounted for 31.0% of the market in December 2024 as manufacturers aimed to hit the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate target.

The continued growth in electric car sales shows that more and more motorists are embracing EVs, but the forecast of electric cars representing 24% of total sales this year means that the 2025 ZEV mandate target of 28% will be missed.

DriveElectric’s 2025 electric car sales forecast is informed by a number of factors. Good news includes that there are increasing numbers of new EVs coming to market in 2025, with smaller and more affordable models, including new entrants from China, as well as battery costs reducing and more EVs being offered at price parity with petrol cars. The latest EVs have longer driving ranges and faster charging, helping to break down the barrier of range anxiety which has been cited as a blocker to adoption, and amplified by misinformation.

The UK’s charging network is continuing to expand, particularly with more rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, giving consumers added confidence to switch to EVs.

There are still also significant financial incentives for businesses and fleets to transition to EVs, thanks to low benefit in kind (BIK) tax rates (2% until April 2025, then rising by 1% each year to 5% in April 2028). These low BIK rates have fuelled the increasing popularity of salary sacrifice, which can reduce the monthly cost of driving an EV by up to 40% for the employees of an organisation. Businesses will also be incentivised to electrify to enable them to report on carbon emission reductions, helping to secure existing contracts and win new business.

However although financial incentives exist to support businesses and fleets to transition to EVs, there are currently no similar measures such as grants for private motorists, which will continue to hold back retail EV sales.

DriveElectric’s forecast for 1.84 million overall car sales in the UK in 2025 is slightly lower than some other industry figures because it is expected that some manufacturers will reduce sales of petrol and diesel cars in an effort to meet the ZEV mandate targets – a development that was already evident in 2024.

Adam Kemp, Partnerships Director, DriveElectric, comments: “We are forecasting that electric car sales in 2025 will experience an increase of just over 4% compared to 2024 figures, taking them to 24% of the total new car market, which is significant progress, but this still falls short of the 2025 ZEV mandate target of 28%.

“A key factor in the shortfall is that while businesses and fleets enjoy financial incentives to make the switch to electric cars, and although EVs have lower whole life costs than petrol and diesel cars, there are currently no incentives for private motorists to purchase new EVs.”

DriveElectric, one of the UK’s leading electric vehicle leasing companies, uses its own model built from its intelligence of the UK market to forecast registrations of battery electric cars and vans each year. In January 2024 DriveElectric accurately predicted that the percentage of EV sales for 2024 would be closer to 19% of the total market rather than the industry forecast of 22%, the latter being revised downwards later in the year to around 19%.

Although some manufacturers may hit or exceed the 28% ZEV mandate target for 2025 (Tesla, a company that only sells EVs, being one of the obvious winners), many manufacturers are likely to fall short of the target because they currently don’t have enough EVs in their model ranges, and demand for EVs from private motorists remains much lower than from businesses and fleets.

There are steep fines of £15,000 for each vehicle within the ZEV mandate’s 28% allocation that isn’t zero emission, but there are ways that car manufacturers can work around a shortfall in EV sales, including by the sale of low emission petrol and diesel cars, which is expected to contribute an additional 3% to the industry’s figures in 2024, so achieving the ZEV mandate target for the year. The government is currently consulting on details around the 2030 end of sales date for petrol and diesel cars, as well as flexibilities in the ZEV mandate, a process which is due to be completed on 18 February 2025.

Electric vehicles are seen as a key solution to help the UK achieve its net zero greenhouse gas targets, as well as helping with the problem of local air quality. EVs also have lower running costs than petrol and diesel vehicles, however an overwhelming factor in the rapid increase in EV adoption is that the vast majority of motorists prefer the driving experience of EVs compared to petrol and diesel cars and vans.

DriveElectric is an electric vehicle leasing company that has been helping organisations and individuals to adopt EVs to save money, lower emissions and transition to low carbon energy since 2008. DriveElectric aims to make the switch to electric cars and vans simple for business fleets, offering added benefits including monitoring and optimising emissions from charging fleet vehicles.

Mitsubishi Electric Acquires Irish Air-conditioning Company, Crystal Air Holdings Limited, to Strengthen EU Data Centre Offering

Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. today announces it has concluded an agreement with Irish air-conditioning installation and maintenance company, Crystal Air Holdings Limited, to acquire all of the shares in the company.

Crystal Air’s sector expertise paired with its installation and maintenance capabilities will boost Mitsubishi Electric’s strategic business offering and ensure the company is well positioned to respond to increased demand in IT cooling and data centre solutions across Europe.

The acquisition of Crystal Air follows Mitsubishi Electric’s establishment of MEHITS (Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics & IT Cooling Systems S.p.A.), that specialises in applied air-conditioning solutions for comfort, process, and IT cooling.

Shinji Kurita CEO and President MEU explains: “Through the establishment of MEHITS, and now with the acquisition of Crystal Air, we have created a strong platform to meet the growing demand in the data centre sector. By integrating our traditional HVAC products with advanced applied solutions and a comprehensive service and maintenance capability, we have significantly enhanced our offering to drive business growth and strengthen our presence in the data centre market.”

Masami Kusano, Living Environment Systems Business Unit President says: “The European market is a key strategic region for Mitsubishi Electric, as the number of new data centres continues to rise, driven by a surge in data transmission volumes. This growth is underpinned by the increasing number of network-connected devices, the expanding adoption of high-resolution video streaming, generative AI technologies, and advancements in IoT. As the demand for IT cooling increases, data centre operators are increasingly seeking end-to-end solutions, encompassing not only the installation and commissioning of air-conditioning systems but also ongoing operation and maintenance services.”

Ciaran Moody, Branch President Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Irish branch says: “We in Ireland take immense pride in our Business Solutions Partners, and we are particularly proud of Crystal Air’s success in delivering their exceptional expertise to the European market, especially their proven excellence in the data centre sector. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with our pan-European strategy to offer a comprehensive suite of services, including product supply, installation, and maintenance. We believe our strategy is fully aligned with the evolving needs and expectations of data centre owners and operators.

Domnick Ward, President of Crystal Air explains: “Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s manufacturing and product expertise with our specialised knowledge positions us uniquely in the market. This partnership enables us to capitalise on growth opportunities and further strengthen our presence in the European data centre sector.”The acquisition will take place on December 18th 2024 subject to approval by the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.