Holcim places massive 1,000 unit order for Mercedes electric semi trucks

Published

2 years ago

January 30, 2024

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Holcim, a global leader in building materials and solutions, has recently made a significant commitment to sustainability by placing a purchase order for 1,000 Mercedes electric semi trucks.

Swiss building materials and solutions provider Holcim took a significant step towards meeting its stated sustainability goals by placing an absolutely MASSIVE order for 1,000 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric semi trucks. (!)

Mercedes-Benz just launched its new battery-electric semi in October of last year, and the order from Holcim is by far their largest, yet — but it’s not a move that’s completely surprising, given the long history of partnership between the two brands in Europe.

“Holcim is advancing the transition to more sustainable and efficient transportation by decarbonizing our operations’ logistics,” says Miljan Gutovic, Region Head Europe, Holcim. “We are excited to be partnering with Mercedes-Benz Trucks to electrify our fleet, accelerating our goal for 30% of our heavy-duty truck purchases or contracts to be zero-emission by 2030.”

Holcim says the majority of its Mercedes electric trucks will be used with silo trailers, and spend their days hauling dense building materials like concrete and steel — which sounds a bit more impressive than potato chips and soda, but nobody asked me.

Helping move all that mass around is a high capacity, 600+ kWh battery (hence, eActros 600), which will send power to a new, highly efficient electric drive axle developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz that should give electric semi 500 km operating range “without intermediate charging.” Enough range, in other words, for Mercedes to confidently claim that the eActros 600 will, “be able to travel significantly more than 1,000 kilometers per day. This is made possible by intermediate charging during the legally prescribed driver breaks – even without megawatt-charging.”

The company claims the massive, 600 kWh battery in the eActros can be charged from 20 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes at a megawatt charging station, which will soon (?) be available across Europe.

Electrek’s Take

Moving snacks and groceries around under electric power is great, but if we’re going to convince the diesel faithful to give EVs a try, they’re going to have to be seen pulling some major loads — and Holcim? They’re pulling major loads … and they’ll soon be doing that 1,000 EVs at a time.

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Environment

What now for peak oil? Unpacking a surprise twist in the fossil fuel feud

Published

5 hours ago

November 13, 2025

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What now for peak oil? Unpacking a surprise twist in the fossil fuel feud

A worker inspects the outdoor gas pipes at the underground gas storage facility operated by Gas Storage CZ AS, in Haje, Czech Republic, on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.

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The International Energy Agency’s latest outlook signals that oil demand could keep growing through to the middle of the century, reflecting a sharp tonal shift from the world’s energy watchdog and raising further questions about the future of fossil fuels.

In its flagship World Energy Outlook, the Paris-based agency on Wednesday laid out a scenario in which demand for oil climbs to 113 million barrels per day by 2050, up 13% from 2024 levels.

The IEA had previously estimated a peak in global fossil fuel demand before the end of this decade and said that, in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, there should be no new investments in coal, oil and gas projects.

The concept of peak oil refers to the point at which global crude production reaches its highest point, before subsequently entering an irreversible decline.

The IEA’s end-of-decade peak oil forecast kick-started a long-running war of words with OPEC, an influential group of oil exporting countries, which accused the IEA of fearmongering and risking the destabilization of the global economy. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, meanwhile, labeled the IEA’s peak oil demand assumption as “nonsensical.”

The IEA’s latest forecast of increasing oil demand was outlined in its “Current Policies Scenario” — one of a number of scenarios outlined by the IEA. This one assumes no new policies or regulations beyond those already in place.

The CPS was dropped five years ago amid energy market turmoil during the coronavirus pandemic, and its reintroduction follows pressure from the Trump administration.

Earlier this month, the IEA said that now that the world has passed through the pandemic and global energy crisis, “there is merit in revisiting the CPS.”

The agency said increasing oil demand would be primarily driven by demand for petrochemical products and jet fuel, alongside a slowdown in the growth of electric vehicles.

Gregory Brew, an analyst at Eurasia Group’s Energy, Climate and Resources team, said the IEA’s retreat on peak oil demand signified “a major shift” from the group’s position over the last five years.

“The justifications offered for the shift include policy changes in the U.S., where slow EV penetration indicates robust oil [consumption], but is also tied to expected increases in petrochemical and aviation fuel in East and Southeast Asia,” Brew told CNBC by email.

“It’s unlikely the agency is adjusting based on political pressure — though there has been some of that, with the Trump administration criticizing the group’s supposed bias in favor of renewable energy — and the shift reflects a broader skepticism that oil demand is set to peak any time soon,” he added.

A misguided notion?

In an apparent thawing of tensions between two major players in the energy industry, OPEC welcomed what it described as the IEA’s “rendezvous with reality.”

In a statement published on its website, OPEC said: “We hope that the IEA’s World Energy Outlook represents a return to the fold of analysis grounded in energy realities and that we have passed the peak in the misguided notion of ‘peak oil.'”

Alongside its CPS, the IEA also laid out projections under its so-called “Stated Policies Scenario” (STEPS), which reflects the prevailing direction of travel for the global energy system.

In this assumption, the IEA said it expects oil demand to peak at 102 million barrels per day around 2030, before gradually declining. Global electric car sales are much stronger under this scenario compared to the CPS.

The IEA said its multiple scenarios explore a range of consequences from various policy choices and should not be considered forecasts.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), at the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) conference in Paris, France, on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The conference gathers key figures of the international nuclear sector from Nov. 4-6.

Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Grant Hauber, an energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), said the IEA’s CPS appears to be the U.S. administration “capitulation” scenario, which sees some sort of flattening of current energy market trends.

“This leads to what almost appears to be a false dawn of LNG demand that could provide encouragement to those investing in the U.S. LNG export boom. CPS ‘creates’ enough global LNG demand to justify build-outs through 2035,” Hauber said.

“However, one only need look at the STEPS scenario to see how fragile that outlook is. Demand-Supply matching evaporates quickly over that same timeframe leading to LNG surplus. This occurs even with STEPS’ more moderated additions of renewables, efficiency and electrification measures,” he added.

Climate crisis

In all of the IEA’s scenarios, the energy watchdog predicted that global temperatures will rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Scientists have repeatedly warned that global average temperatures must not increase by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst of the climate crisis.

This threshold is recognized as a crucial long-term target because tipping points become more likely beyond this level. Tipping points can lead to dramatic shifts or potentially irreversible changes to some of Earth’s largest systems.

Extreme temperatures are fueled by the climate crisis, the chief driver of which is the burning of fossil fuels.

Lars Nitter Havro, head of energy macro at Rystad Energy, said the IEA’s reintroduction of its CPS represents “a tonal shift,” but shouldn’t necessarily be seen as a “wholesale reversal” on peak oil.

Environment

ChargePoint just gave its EV charging software a major AI upgrade

Published

5 hours ago

November 13, 2025

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ChargePoint just gave its EV charging software a major AI upgrade

ChargePoint software — Image: ChargePoint

ChargePoint just rolled out a huge AI update to its EV charger software, and it’s a big deal for anyone managing EV chargers, whether it’s a handful of stations or a sprawling network.

The newly re-engineered ChargePoint Platform is designed to support any charging infrastructure, while simplifying the process of monitoring, controlling, and optimizing operations. It’s now being deployed by customers like Verizon, which says the system’s new AI tools have already made analyzing charging data faster and more intuitive.

“Features like the AI data assistant, enhanced search, and instant session details have made data analysis faster and more intuitive,” said Mitch Johnson, Verizon’s senior manager of global real estate, energy, and sustainability.

Smarter, faster, more open

ChargePoint says its updated platform was re-engineered from the ground up to manage everything from EV fleets and workplace charging to public fast-charging hubs. Key new features include AI-driven analytics that can predict maintenance needs and optimize energy use in real-time, along with a redesigned dashboard that provides operators with live insights on charger health and usage.

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The ChargePoint Platform can now manage any OCPP-compliant charger, regardless of make or model. The platform’s real-time load balancing and dynamic pricing tools help reduce energy costs during peak hours. It also has a new Waitlist feature that helps prevent queues from clogging up by automatically notifying drivers when a spot becomes available.

ChargePoint says the refreshed platform can scale easily and includes enhanced data security, new mobile-friendly controls, and accessibility features for global teams. The update is rolling out to customers now.

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Environment

Tern launches next-gen Vektron folding e-bike in the US – now with belt drive

Published

7 hours ago

November 13, 2025

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Tern launches next-gen Vektron folding e-bike in the US – now with belt drive

Tern’s popular Vektron folding e-bike just got a big upgrade for the US market. The urban mobility brand has announced the launch of the fourth-generation Vektron, now available in two models, including a long-awaited belt-drive option that promises lower maintenance and a cleaner ride.

The Vektron has been a fan favorite for years, appealing to city riders, multi-modal commuters, and travelers who want a premium e-bike that folds quickly and stores easily. The new version retains its fast-folding frame, Bosch mid-drive motor, and compact portability, but introduces key improvements in comfort, ride quality, and drivetrain options – most notably the new Vektron P5i with a Gates Carbon Belt Drive. While the new version came to other markets a few months ago, the US is finally getting a chance to ride the new model.

“The Vektron has been a solid favorite of Tern riders, whether they are multi-modal commuters, urban dwellers in need of an e-bike that stores in minimal space, or campers looking to easily include an e-bike in their travels, ” explained Steve Boyd, General Manager at Tern USA. “This 4th generation introduces several important improvements while retaining its category-leading combination of Bosch mid-drive power, superior ride quality, and incredibly fast and easy folding action. We’ve also added a belt drive model and, through careful component choices, managed to deliver competitive pricing despite cost increases due to tariff pressures.”

Paired with a Shimano Nexus 5 internally geared hub, the Vektron P5i is designed for ultra-low maintenance and daily convenience. For those who prefer a traditional derailleur setup, the Vektron P10 is still available with a 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain and a more aggressive geometry.

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But it’s not just the drivetrain that got a refresh. Tern borrowed design elements from its popular GSD and HSD cargo bikes to give the Vektron a more upright and comfort-focused cockpit. Riders get a taller stem, swept-back handlebars, and better weight distribution, offering a more relaxed riding posture ideal for urban cruising.

Despite its compact size, the Vektron delivers big design features. Reinforced frame components, including Tern’s robust OCL+ folding joint, give it a stable and confidence-inspiring ride that the company says sets it apart from other folders on the market.

Folding takes less than 10 seconds, and once compacted, the bike rolls easily on its own wheels – no awkward lifting required. It tucks neatly under a desk or next to a workstation, offering a secure indoor parking solution for city riders wary of bike theft.

Importantly, both new Vektron models are UL 2849 and EN 15194 certified, ensuring the electrical systems meet rigorous safety standards – a welcome reassurance in a market increasingly crowded by low-cost, uncertified imports.

The Vektron P10 will retail for $3,699 USD, while the belt-drive P5i model comes in at $4,099 USD. Both are expected to land in North American bike shops by the end of the year.

Electrek’s Take

Tern definitely deserves its place as one of the leaders in premium folding e-bikes that don’t compromise on ride quality. The addition of a belt-drive model is a major win for commuters and anyone tired of greasy chains and derailleur tune-ups. And in a market where safety certifications are becoming more critical, it’s good to see Tern doubling down on UL compliance. With the new Vektron, it looks like the Goldilocks of folding e-bikes just got even better.