Project E|MPOWER launches test phase for highway charging in Germany

Industry News

In the E|MPOWER project for inductive charging of EVs while driving, the construction phase on the A6 motorway near Amberg has been completed. The test phase is now beginning. This is the first time in Germany that research is being conducted on a motorway into how electric vehicles can be charged wirelessly while driving. The test track along the A6 motorway in the Upper Palatinate was inaugurated in the summer. The section between Amberg-West and Sulzbach-Rosenberg is just under one kilometre long. With the official completion of the construction phase, the project, led by Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), is taking “a decisive step towards electrified mobility,” according to the FAU. However, it is not only the test phase that is now beginning that is expected to yield important insights into inductive charging while driving: the consortium consisting of FAU, Electreon, VIA IMC, Risomat and the Georg Simon Ohm University of Applied Sciences in Nuremberg (Ohm), as well as the partners Seamless and Eurovia involved in the project, intend to use the results of the construction phase to develop construction and installation processes suitable for series production. The efficient production of induction coils is also part of E|MPOWER. The system embedded in the A6 is based on a solution from Electreon, one of the market leaders in inductive charging and, above all, dynamic inductive charging. The principle sounds simple: coils embedded in the road surface generate a magnetic field as soon as a suitably equipped vehicle drives over them. A counter coil in the vehicle absorbs the energy and feeds it directly into the battery. Unlike overhead line solutions, for example, the technology is invisible and vandal-proof, integrated into the road surface, so that the section remains a normal stretch of motorway for all other road users. Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel Image: FAU/Harald Sippel The technology for the integration and scalable production of the coils comes from Seamless Energy Technologies in Nuremberg. “The company supplies the electronic unit, which is integrated beneath the road surface and enables precise energy transfer between the road and the vehicle,” as FAU writes. “The system works dynamically while driving as well as statically when parked.” The press release does not specify the charging capacities to be transmitted. The press photos from the event do not provide any information on this: the display always shows ‘- – kW’. A recently installed Electreon system near Paris is said to be capable of transmitting up to 200 kW of continuous power and 300 kW of peak power. The use of Electreon technology on the A6 is the longest test track of its kind in Germany to date – and, as mentioned, the first test on/in a motorway. However, it is not the first use in Germany: Electreon already implemented its first projects in Karlsruhe and Balingen in 2020 and 2023, although the latter involved a slow-moving shuttle bus for a garden show. The motorway section near Amberg is longer and the vehicles are travelling at significantly higher speeds. E|MPOWER also focuses on production and construction techniques in order to reduce the construction costs and duration for such systems. ‘With E|MPOWER, we are literally bringing research to the road,’ says Florian Risch, Professor of Assembly Technologies for Electrical Energy Storage at the Chair of Manufacturing Automation and Production Systems (FAPS) at FAU. ‘The technology has the potential to overcome range anxiety, reduce the need for battery imports and strengthen regional value creation in electromobility.’ Andreas Wendt, Managing Director of Electreon in Germany, adds: ‘The test track on the A6 is an important step in validating our technology under real-world conditions and demonstrating its advantages for everyday use. We are convinced that inductive charging will make a decisive contribution to making electric mobility more efficient and suitable for mass use.’ One potential advantage of inductive charging is that the system with the counter coil on the underbody of the vehicle can be used on different types of vehicles – cars, lorries or buses. Overhead lines, on the other hand, have to be mounted high enough on the motorway so that lorries and coaches can pass underneath them, which means that the overhead line is very high for cars. An electric truck, an electric van and an electric car – a Toyota bZ4X – will be on the road during the test. Electreon states that energy flow can be intelligently controlled via a digital platform. ‘Charging times and quantities are adjusted according to demand in order to avoid peak loads and use the available energy efficiently. In this way, the system supports optimised fleet management and contributes to the stability of the power grid,’ the announcement states. The E|MPOWER project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) as part of the Elektro-Mobil programme and supported by the federal motorway company Autobahn GmbH. The project consortium used the resurfacing of the Nuremberg-bound carriageway of the A6 motorway between the Sulzbach-Rosenberg and Amberg-West junctions to implement the test track on a section of the motorway. In the long term, the technology is to be extended to longer sections of motorway and urban areas.

IAA Mobility 2025: Will Chinese OEMs revive Europe’s contract manufacturers?

Industry News

As traditional OEMs reduce their reliance on outsourcing, Chinese automakers are stepping in. The IAA Mobility Show in Munich highlighted a clear shift in the European auto industry; contract manufacturing, used primarily for overflow from European OEMs, is now being redefined as Chinese brands seek to establish a local foothold. Legacy OEMs step back, contract manufacturers left idle Companies such as Magna Steyr in Austria, Valmet Automotive in Finland, and VDL Nedcar in the Netherlands traditionally built additional models for Europe’s automakers. These included low-volume projects or temporary runs when in-house plants operated at full capacity. Today, however, consolidation sweeps across the industry and the phase-out of many Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle lines leaves European OEMs with low utilization rates at their own facilities. Volkswagen Group is on track to shed 30% of its manufacturing capacity in Germany alone over the next 4-5 years, while BMW Group will bring all European production in-house from 2028, despite outsourcing as much as 10-20% of it annually in the past. The result is falling demand for external manufacturing. Magna Steyr has been particularly affected, with contracts for Jaguar’s E-Pace and I-Pace ending in 2024, BMW’s 5-Series stopping in 2023, and production of the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4 scheduled to finish by 2027. This has created significant spare capacity at its plant in Graz, which can produce up to 235k units per annum, while also presenting an opportunity for smaller Chinese brands looking for a low-risk, ready-made European launchpad to test the waters. Chinese automakers localize in Europe Enter Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) and Xpeng. At this year’s IAA Mobility Show, GAC announced that its Aion V Midsize SUV and Aion UT Hatchback will be built at Magna Steyr, while Xpeng confirmed that assembly of its G6 and G9 SUVs is already underway at the same facility. By producing locally, the companies aim to avoid EU tariffs on Chinese Electric Vehicles (EVs) while increasing their responsiveness to European tastes and demand. To this end, Xpeng also announced it will open a new R&D centre in Munich, with the explicit goal of expanding its regional model range. A broader push across the continent GAC and Xpeng are part of a broader second wave of Chinese models entering Europe, characterized by a greater emphasis on localization and sheer variety compared to the first wave in the early 2020s. BYD confirmed at the show that the Dolphin Surf will be the first model at its new Hungarian plant, coming online at the end of 2025. Leapmotor, in partnership with Stellantis, unveiled the B05 Hatchback which it intends to localize from 2027. Chery has also begun production in Spain through a joint venture with Ebro, while other Chinese brands continue to explore local assembly arrangements. Contract manufacturers reposition themselves For European contract manufacturers, the arrival of smaller Chinese OEMs offers a crucial lifeline. Magna Steyr’s new contracts with GAC and Xpeng will help offset its loss of business with established European players. Valmet Automotive, meanwhile, has faced reduced order volumes and a change in ownership structure, with CATL exiting and the Finnish state stepping in as a shareholder. VDL Nedcar has also faced contract losses from BMW and remains under pressure to secure long-term agreements, having ended large-scale vehicle assembly in early 2024 and partially transitioned to mobility solutions and defense. For Magna Steyr and Valmet, at least, partnering with Chinese automakers represents a way to continue operating as car producers, even as their traditional clientele reduces its reliance on outsourced manufacturing. Chinese presence at the IAA The strong Chinese presence in Munich underlined this strategic shift. A total of 116 Chinese exhibitors participated, making them the largest foreign group at the event. GAC emphasized its “in Europe, for Europe” strategy, with executives stressing that localization is central to its international plans. Xpeng showcased updated models with record charging speeds, while also outlining plans to diversify its line-up with new Sedans developed in part through its Munich R&D centre. The breadth of the Chinese offering, from affordable Hatchbacks to Premium Sedans and SUVs, underscored how quickly these brands have built comprehensive product portfolios. Europe faces a market realignment For European OEMs, the trend represents both competitive pressure and a structural shift in the supply base. Domestic automakers still dominated the Munich event, but with stagnant demand and shrinking margins, their competitive position looks increasingly challenged. GlobalData estimates that Chinese automakers could reach European market shares similar to those of Japanese and Korean OEMs, at 13% and 7% respectively, within the next decade. In this environment, contract manufacturing is no longer simply a mechanism to handle overflow. Instead, it is becoming a strategic channel through which new entrants establish themselves and compete on equal terms. Conclusion The announcements at the IAA Mobility Show 2025 confirm that Europe’s contract manufacturing capacity is being repurposed. As traditional OEMs reduce their reliance on outsourcing, Chinese automakers are stepping in to use existing facilities, manage tariff exposure, and accelerate their entry into the market. For companies such as Magna Steyr and Valmet, these partnerships may be vital to their future as car manufacturers. For European automakers, the shift signals a more competitive landscape where capacity-for-hire, once entirely at their disposal, is now becoming a key conduit for the second wave of Chinese EVs. Jeremy Worlock, Analyst, Production Forecasts, GlobalData This article was first published on GlobalData’s dedicated research platform, the Automotive Intelligence Center.

New car registrations: down 9.3% in October 2025; Battery electric vehicles up 34.3%

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Today, the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) released their official 252 new vehicle registration statistics for October. New car registrations for October were down 9.3% (2,192) when compared to October 2024 (2,417). Registrations year to date are up 3.4% (123,858) on the same period last year (119,772). Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) increased by 41.8% (1,694) compared to October last year (1,195). Year to date, LCVs are up 4.7% (31,447). Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) registrations are up 7.8% (138) compared to October 2024 (128). Year to date, HGVs are down 7.6% (2,541). Imported Used Cars have seen a 19% (6,791) rise in October 2025, when compared to October 2024 (5,709). Year to date imports are up 13.1% (60,452) on 2024 (53,446). In October 709 new electric cars (battery electric cars) were registered, which was 34.3% higher than the 528 registrations in October 2024. So far this year, 23,085 new electric cars have been registered, representing a 38.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 16,653 electric cars were registered. In the new car market share by engine type for 2025, Petrol cars continue as the new car market leader at 25.23%, followed by Hybrid (Petrol Electric) at 22.56%, Electric at 18.64%, Diesel at 17.13%, and Plug-in Electric Hybrid at 14.83%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, commented: “While October new car registrations declined by 9% when compared to the same month last year, year-to-date new car sales remain over 3% ahead, with a total of 123,858 new cars registered. October’s new battery electric car registrations indicate growth in every county, with 709 units registered, an increase of 34% when compared to October 2024, marking the tenth consecutive month of growth in EV sales. Year-to-date EV registrations have now reached 23,085 units, a 39% increase on the same period last year. In the commercial vehicle sector, both light and heavy commercial vehicles experienced growth in October, with LCV registrations showing a 42% increase for the month and are 5% up year-to-date. HGV registrations showed an 8% increase in October, but overall are 8% down on last year.”

Hanon Systems Joins Hankook & Company Group to Showcase Thermal Management Technologies at AAPEX 2025

Industry News

  Hanon Systems Joins Hankook & Company Group to Showcase Thermal Management Technologies at AAPEX 2025   Joint participation by three affiliates — Hankook Tire, Hanon Systems, and Hankook & Company’s ES Division — presents integrated solutions for electrified and sustainable mobility  Expanding innovation and technological leadership into the aftermarket to strengthen global competitiveness   Las Vegas, US, Nov. 4, 2025 – Hanon Systems, a leading global automotive thermal management supplier and a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group, announced that it will participate in the AAPEX 2025 exhibition in Las Vegas, USA, from November 4 to 6, marking the company’s first joint exhibition with Hankook & Company Group affiliates.   AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo) is recognized as North America’s leading automotive aftermarket exhibition and the largest industry event in the Western Hemisphere. Through this platform, Hanon Systems aims to showcase its latest advancements in thermal management solutions, reinforcing its position as a global leader in automotive innovation that supports both OEMs and the aftermarket. Participation with Hankook & Company group affiliates also serves to strengthen brand awareness and foster strategic partnerships across North and Latin American markets.   Hanon Systems Vice Chairman and CEO Soo-Il Lee will attend the exhibition in person to meet with global customers and partners, discussing opportunities for future collaboration. Building on these engagements, the company plans to develop tailored solutions aligned with customer needs to expand global business partnerships.   The Hanon Systems exhibition area will feature six themed zones: HVAC systems, compressors, coolant and refrigerant modules, heat exchangers, electronic & fluid pressure products, and PACE award-winning technologies.    At the booth entrance, a vehicle mock-up will demonstrate the Group’s comprehensive integrated solutions, incorporating Hanon Systems’ 4th-generation heat pump system, Hankook Tire’s iON evo formula E edition, and Hankook & Company’s ES Division AGM battery.   Hanon Systems’ 4th-generation heat pump system, first applied to the Kia EV3, is the world’s first to feature a parallel heat-source recovery structure that simultaneously utilizes ambient air and waste heat from the motor and battery. This innovation design enhances cabin comfort and battery thermal efficiency, contributing to extended driving range for electric vehicles (EVs). An advanced controller further optimizes performance by integrating hardware and software to efficiently manage the vehicle’s thermal system.   The booth will also showcase a range of eco-friendly EV components utilizing natural refrigerants, including Hanon Systems’ R744-based electric compressor and R290-based refrigerant modules. The R744 electric compressor, supplied to the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, achieved a major production milestone of one million units in September 2025.   In the PACE Award zone, visitors can see the company’s award-winning visible-light LED photocatalyst HVAC technology, designed to enhance in-vehicle air quality through advanced sterilization and deodorization. This innovative delivers 98.5% sterilization and 97.5% deodorization efficiency, while generating zero electromagnetic interference and offering semi-permanent durability compared with conventional ionizers.   Vice Chairman and CEO Soo-Il Lee stated, “Although APPEX traditionally focuses on the aftermarket, it is recognized as a meeting point for innovation and collaboration across the entire mobility industry. Through this exhibition, we will highlight the technologies that shape the future of sustainable mobility and demonstrate the strength of Hankook & Company Group synergy.”   All visitors are invited to experience the latest technologies and integrated mobility solutions at both A30021, level 2, Venetian Expo during APPEX 2025.   This content has been automatically generated from the original source. Please note that the original source may have been modified since the content was generated.