Read through a quick summary of a Power2Drive conference and check out the photo gallery!

Experienced content writer with over 4 years of experience in the energy sector and many industry-related publications released.

Gabriela Stawiarska

As the dust settles after our trip to Munich, it’s time to take a quick look back at the conference as there’s certainly quite a bit to unpack.

With the unprecedented scale, this year’s Power2Drive definitely exceeded some expectations. 

source: Power2Drive Official LinkedIn Profile

While it’s nothing short of extraordinary to see eMobility and solar industries gather this many people, it might be a good moment to reflect just how remarkable the business expansion is for industries that are rather young. It certainly left us with a sense of pride and satisfaction for being a part of it for over 7 years now.

The innovations showcased at Power2Drive this year were truly groundbreaking, setting a new standard for excellence in the field of sustainable mobility and clean energy. With so many companies presenting their solutions, it was nearly impossible to get a hold of all of them. Yet, the overall outlook was rather clear - no matter what the clean energy skeptics say, the industry is going strong at what might be an unstoppable pace.

The Smarter E (as that is the name of the entire event of which Power2Drive was a part of) has gathered an incredible amount of companies and people completely passionate about energy and innovation, making it a perfect place to search for inspiration and motivation in continuing the hard work within this field.

At Solidstudio, we’re super happy, we got the chance to exhibit this year! We’d also like to thank anyone who came over to our booth for some great conversations. We’re looking forward to next year’s edition!

Read through a quick summary of one of the biggest industry conferences and check out the photo gallery!

Power2Drive: post-conference note & snapshots

Stay informed about the latest updates in the industry with our latest eMobility News publication.

BYD Becomes Official eMobility Partner for Euro 2024

BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle  manufacturer, has been named the official eMobility partner for Euro 2024. This sponsorship represents a strategic move by BYD to enhance its visibility and market presence in Europe. Euro 2024, one of the most significant sporting events in Europe, will take place in Germany, a country known for its robust automotive industry and home to major car manufacturers like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.

As part of the sponsorship, BYD will have a vibrant presence at the official fan zones in the 10 stadiums across Germany. The sponsorship aligns with BYD’s strategy to penetrate the European market, which is increasingly embracing electric mobility. Despite being a relatively new player in Europe, BYD’s extensive experience and success in the Chinese market position it well to compete with established European brands.

MG (Morris Garages) India has made significant strides in promoting electric vehicle adoption through its Charge project, which has successfully installed 500 EV chargers across the country in just 500 days. This initiative aims to create a robust and accessible charging infrastructure, addressing one of the main barriers to EV adoption: the availability of charging stations.

The chargers have been strategically placed in key locations, including urban centers, highways, and rural areas, ensuring wide coverage and convenience for EV users. The installed chargers are equipped with advanced technology for fast and efficient charging, compatible with various types of electric vehicles.


Ford Pro Launches All-In-One Home Charging Solution for SMEs

Ford Pro is streamlining the transition to electric vehicles for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe with a new all-in-one home charging solution for its expanding range of electric vans. This solution integrates into Ford Pro’s comprehensive platform, which includes vehicles, charging, software, servicing, and finance options.

Specifically designed for SMEs that lack central depots or full-time fleet managers, this offering allows drivers to recharge their electric vans at home between shifts. The package includes the installation, maintenance, and a five-year warranty for the connected Ford Pro Home Charger, ensuring reliability and ease of use.

DHL Opens Continental Europe’s First EV Center of Excellence Near Milan

DHL has inaugurated Continental Europe’s first Electric Vehicle (EV) Center of Excellence in Pozzuolo Martesana, near Milan, Italy. This cutting-edge facility, spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, is set to become a pivotal logistics hub aimed at advancing electric mobility in the region.The center leverages the expertise of the Team EV from DHL Customer Solutions & Innovation, integrating it with the warehousing and freight management strengths of DHL Global Forwarding, which encompasses both ocean and air freight services. Additionally, DHL Express enhances the center's capabilities with its extensive global distribution network, ensuring seamless and efficient logistics operations.

Biden-Harris Administration Awards $900 Million to Clean School Bus Initiative

Washington, D.C. — On May 29, the Biden-Harris Administration unveiled the recipients of the 2023 Clean School Bus Program rebates, an initiative supported by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected around 530 school districts from almost every state, including Washington, D.C., several Tribes, and U.S. territories to receive nearly $900 million in funding.

This substantial financial support aims to replace outdated diesel-powered school buses, which have been associated with respiratory issues like asthma, with over 3,400 new clean buses. An impressive 92% of these replacements will be electric vehicles, significantly contributing to the reduction of emissions and improving air quality in school environments and their surrounding communities.

eMobility News by Solidstudio

See some of the key takeaways from the EVS37 conference in Korea!

The 37th International Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS37) in Seoul, South Korea, stood as one of the biggest events of its kind, pulling together an international community focused on the electrification of transportation. The journey to Korea was our first business trip of such distance, making our participation particularly exciting. EVS37 not only provided profound insights into the Korean and wider Asian markets but also proved to be an invaluable reservoir of knowledge for the entire electric vehicle industry.

The main topics on the expert panels were V2X, Plug and Charge (PnC), Batteries, and Software Defined Vehicles. There are a few key takeaways from the event.

Korea's charging infrastructure is notably robust, boasting 260,000 public charging stations, of which 25,000 are DC fast chargers as of May 2023. The ratio of electric vehicles to public charging points stands at 1.9. However, the development of charging infrastructure at apartment complexes presents considerable challenges. Factors such as urban layout, space constraints, and the need for separate energy billing systems influence the feasibility of these installations. The impact of these infrastructural elements varies by region: densely populated areas see a boost in electrification efforts, whereas less populated regions face hurdles. Additionally, there is a legislative mandate in Korea that requires the installation of charging stations in any parking lot with more than 50 spaces, further emphasizing the nation's commitment to electrification. While the hardware aspects of EV charging remain pretty strong in Korea, the software falls behind. Roaming services are barely present.


Additionally, the concept of software-defined vehicles has garnered significant attention at the symposium, with both greenfield and established OEMs placing a strong emphasis on software-centric approaches. This strategic shift highlights the growing recognition that software is pivotal as vehicles become more interconnected and reliant on digital technologies.

Another important point of discussion at the panels was V2X technology, which encompasses vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) integration. As usual, this technology continues to be a focal area due to its potential to transform how electric vehicles interact with the power grid and home energy systems.

Tech exhibitions during EVS37. Here: Hyundai Motor Group

The last key takeaway from the conference highlighted the disparities in electric vehicle adoption rates across different global markets. It was evident that the rate of EV adoption varies significantly worldwide, and there is a critical need for advanced markets to share their strategies and successes. This sharing is essential to help less advanced markets overcome barriers to EV adoption. By disseminating best practices and key objectives globally, stakeholders aim to foster a more unified and effective approach towards achieving mass adoption of electric vehicles.

EVS37: post-conference note

The AFIR directive has come into effect. See what it means for eMobility.

Starting on Saturday, April 13th, member states across the European Union began implementing the AFIR regulations, formally known as Regulation 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council. This regulation focuses on the development of infrastructure for alternative fuels, marking a significant step in the EU's environmental policy initiatives.

AFIR aims to establish a comprehensive network of public charging stations across the European Union, particularly along the TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network) corridors. To ensure convenience and accessibility, high-power charging stations will be strategically placed at regular intervals, facilitating the use of both personal and commercial electric vehicles throughout the region. However, there’s more to AFIR than just a broad hardware installation, with the new regulation, there comes a plethora of other actions designed to ease the use of charging stations, including the payment policing.

Following the AFIR regulations, operators of public charging stations must provide ad hoc payment options at new charging points. These options should include:

Devices with contactless capabilities that can at least process payment cards

Internet-connected devices that facilitate secure payments, such as QR code systems, for public charging points with a power output of less than 50 kW.

 supports ad-hoc payment through integrations with terminals (via cloud or device integration).

The regulation could be the most significant regulatory driver for the expansion of publicly accessible charging infrastructure in EU member states over the next few years. At Solidstudio we're closely monitoring any changes with regards to the newly-implemented international policies and we do our best to address them swiftly. 

To see more details about what AFIR brings to the table, 

check our article uncovering some more details

eMobility News - AFIR becomes effective

BYD Sets Record with Seven Millionth Plug-In Electric Vehicle

BYD has set a global record as the first automaker to produce seven million plug-in electric vehicles. This milestone was reached just four months after the company celebrated its six millionth vehicle, with sales tracking back to 2008. Approximately half of these are all-electric vehicles and the other half plug-in hybrids.

The seven millionth vehicle, an all-electric Denza N7 SUV, highlights BYD's expansion in the electric vehicle market. The Denza N7 competes directly with the Tesla Model Y and is part of BYD’s broader lineup that includes models like the D9 MPV and N8 SUV. An updated version of the Denza N7 is scheduled to launch on April 1, 2024, from BYD's Jinan factory in China, marking another step forward in BYD’s commitment to leading in the electric vehicle sector.

BMW Unveils Neue Klasse Platform with Bidirectional Charging

BMW is set to launch its Neue Klasse electric car platform next year, starting with an SUV. Revealed today through the Vision Neue Klasse X concept, this platform introduces bidirectional charging, allowing vehicles like the upcoming iX3 SUV (2025) and i3 sedan (2026) to function as mobile power sources for homes, appliances, and more.

Bidirectional charging will be standard across Neue Klasse models, supporting Vehicle to Home, Vehicle to Grid, and Vehicle to Load functionalities at no extra cost. BMW will roll out this feature in stages, beginning with home power supply, followed by grid support where legislation permits, and finally powering external equipment. BMW's announcement did not include vehicle-to-vehicle charging capabilities.

Bentley Motors Postpones All-Electric Transition Due to Technical Delays

Bentley Motors has adjusted its timeline to switch entirely to electric vehicles (EVs), moving the target beyond the initially planned 2030 deadline. The British luxury carmaker cites significant software and vehicle architecture challenges as the main reasons for the delay. CEO Adrian Hallmark confirms that Bentley is still committed to achieving carbon neutrality and will continue offering plug-in hybrids alongside its future battery electric vehicles.

The company's first EV, initially expected next year, is now slated for a 2026 release. This postponement will also affect the rollout of subsequent new EV models, which were to follow annually as part of Bentley's $3.4 billion investment strategy by 2030. Hallmark emphasized that these technical issues, rather than market conditions, are driving the revised schedule.

During its Capital Markets Day in June 2023, Shell plc updated its energy transition strategy, part of the Powering Progress initiative launched in 2021. The company now targets a 15-20% reduction in the net carbon intensity of its energy products by 2030, compared to 2016 levels, adjusting down from a previously set goal of a 20% reduction. This update is a key component of CEO Wael Sawan's revised strategy, which focuses on high-margin projects and growth in natural gas production to boost returns.

Shell's revised goals align with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across all operations and products, supporting a balanced transition to low-carbon energy while ensuring energy remains secure and affordable.

Keep up-to-date with the news and updates in eMobility. 

Renault Scenic Crowned Car of the Year in Europe 2024 at Geneva Motor Show

In a significant announcement at the Geneva Motor Show, the Renault Scenic has been named Car of the Year in Europe for 2024. This electric family SUV has taken the top spot, earning the prestigious title in a competition that has reached its 61st edition. The award is the result of meticulous deliberation by a jury comprising 58 European automotive journalists from 22 different countries.

Søren W. Rasmussen, the automotive technical editor for FDM and president of the jury, was also the sole representative from Denmark in the panel. Despite having the BMW 5-Series as his top pick, Rasmussen expressed satisfaction with the Renault Scenic's victory, a vehicle he had placed second on his list. The Renault Scenic's triumph underscores its significance in the evolving electric vehicle market, marking it as a leading choice for families across Europe.

Volvo Trucks Launches First Electric-Only Model, the Volvo FM Low Entry

Volvo Trucks has introduced its first electric-only truck, the Volvo FM Low Entry, as part of its commitment to sustainable urban transportation. This new model is designed for city operations like waste management and construction, with features that emphasize safety and efficiency. It boasts a low driving position for better visibility and control, and a spacious, ergonomically designed cab for easy entry and exit. Powered by a 360-kilowatt-hour battery for a range of up to 125 miles, the FM Low Entry is Volvo's latest step towards zero-emission vehicle solutions in urban environments.

Volvo FM Low Entry, source: www.volvotrucks.com

Plug-In Electric Car Sales Surge in China, Doubling Year-Over-Year in January

In an impressive start to the year, China has seen a significant surge in plug-in electric car sales, with volumes nearly doubling compared to the previous year, surpassing expectations. Data from EV Volumes, reveals that in January, China registered 668,000 new passenger plug-in electric cars, marking a 94% increase year-over-year and accounting for 32% of all new car registrations in the country.

Of these, all-electric car registrations represented 56% of the total plug-in vehicle sales, totaling approximately 374,000 vehicles—a 55% increase from the previous year. This signifies that all-electric cars now hold about 18% of the total market share. This growth underscores the accelerating shift towards electric vehicles in China, highlighting the country's leading role in the global transition to sustainable transportation.

Tesla's German Factory near Berlin Set to Resume Operations After Fire 

Tesla's electric vehicle manufacturing plant near Berlin is scheduled to restart operations next week, according to the facility's works council head. The announcement came after production was halted on March 5 due to a power outage caused by a fire at a nearby power pylon. Authorities are investigating the incident as an arson attack, with the German police treating a letter from the far-left Volcano Group, which claimed responsibility for the fire, as authentic. The resumption of operations marks a significant step for Tesla in overcoming the disruptions faced at one of its key manufacturing sites.

Volvo Cars Hits Record Electrified Model Share in February, Driven by EX30 Launch

In February, Volvo Cars reported its highest-ever share of electrified models, with fully electric vehicles (EVs) making up 22% of global sales and the combined total with plug-in hybrids reaching 44%. The surge was led by the introduction of the new fully electric small SUV, the EX30.

In regional performance, sales in Europe surged by 26% year-over-year, totaling 26,773 vehicles. The region saw an 18% increase in sales of electrified models, with fully electric vehicle sales jumping by 31%. Conversely, in China, sales dropped by 39% to 7,911 cars, affected by the Lunar New Year's timing. Meanwhile, U.S. sales slightly declined by 7% to 7,920 cars, but sales of electrified models grew by 6%, representing 32% of the total U.S. sales. These figures highlight varying trends in Volvo's key markets, with a notable push towards electrification.

Keep up-to-date with the latest news and updates in eMobility. 

We're excited to share our collaboration with Chargetrip!

In the pursuit of constant growth of our digital products, we have decided to enrich our

 with great and highly-desired route planning features. With that, at Solidstudio, we are excited to announce that we have become Chargetrip’s first integration partner by implementing their API to our solution! 

Being a leading range prediction platform, 

 is on a mission to ease into mass EV adoption by offering drivers the smoothest and most cost-effective journeys. In their solution, they employ adaptive variables to plot journeys from point A to B, strategically incorporating the ideal charging stations throughout the trip.

“​​The routing engine uses numerous variables to calculate routes including: state of charge, weather, weight, stops, amenities, road curvature, elevation, plug type, charging speed, waiting time, payment options, energy costs, battery health, topography, driving style, temperature, road surface, and more.”

They distribute the solution in the form of an API that can be integrated into existing digital products.

Solidstudio X Chargetrip: on the path to enabling predictable routing

While demand for EVs keeps increasing, it still comes with the persistent challenge of range anxiety. At Solidstudio, we understand how alleviating the fear of running out of charge should stay amongst the things at the forefront of operators’ focus.

With that, we’re thrilled to be implementing Chargetrip’s innovative solution into our EMSP app! Incorporated by default in our app, advanced route-planning capabilities offer numerous benefits for both our clients and EV drivers, establishing a significant competitive edge. 

For eMobility Service Operators:

: By providing efficient route planning, operators can enhance user experience, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

 The use of advanced route planning in apps generates valuable data on user behavior and preferences, aiding in strategic decision-making.

 Route planning optimizes the usage of charging stations, reducing congestion and balancing load across the network.

 Offering cutting-edge route planning can distinguish a service in a competitive market, attracting more users.

 Knowing the location and availability of charging points along a route alleviates concerns about running out of power.

Drivers can undertake longer trips with the confidence that they can recharge when necessary.

 Efficient route planning helps in avoiding congested charging stations and reducing overall travel time.

 By optimizing routes, drivers can potentially reduce energy consumption and save on charging costs.

Overall, advanced route-planning in EV charging apps bridges the gap between service operator efficiency and EV driver convenience, fostering a more seamless and enjoyable EV experience.


Stay in the loop with the latest global eMobility updates and discover the most recent press releases from Solidstudio!

Power2Drive: post-conference note & snapshots

eMobility News by Solidstudio

EVS37: post-conference note

eMobility News - AFIR becomes effective

eMobility News by Solidstudio

eMobility News by Solidstudio

Solidstudio News! We become Chargetrip's first integration partner!