BYD has surpassed Tesla in production volume and now employs as many R&D engineers as Tesla has total employees. Tesla's competitive position reflects growing EV market competition from Chinese manufacturers.
ABB has released high-efficiency power conversion solutions for utility-scale solar and battery storage systems, achieving up to 99.45% efficiency. The new Proteus portfolio and BESS solutions aim to maximize energy yield and grid integration.
Origis Energy secures $900 million in financing to expand its solar power plant pipeline despite federal policy shifts. The company's growth demonstrates solar's resilience independent of federal wind energy support.
A real-world test of 9,000 miles with electric trucks demonstrates their towing capability, with battery size emerging as the critical factor for performance. The story validates that large battery packs in EVs like the Hummer are necessary for practical heavy-duty applications.
El Niño conditions strengthening through 2026 will redistribute global solar irradiance patterns, creating regional gains in India, Australia, and Africa while reducing resources in South America and East Asia. The shifts reflect historical climate circulation changes that alter cloud cover and rainfall distribution rather than uniformly affecting solar potential worldwide.
Vulture populations in Central Africa face increasing threats from demand in West African countries for belief-based practices. Conservationists report that birds in Chad are being targeted for capture due to cultural beliefs in Nigeria and Benin.
Portugal is developing a capacity market that includes batteries, power plants, and flexible demand resources. The country plans to auction 750 MVA of battery storage capacity as part of this initiative.
EU planning scenarios project electricity demand will rise 20% by 2050 as electrification accelerates across the economy. Battery storage and hydrogen are identified as key technologies for grid flexibility and system balancing.
A study on solar tracker pneumatic actuator design improves panel efficiency by 62.3% with single-axis tracking and 66.4% with dual-axis tracking. Australian distributors confirm the dual-axis design represents best practice for rural and outback solar installations.
Indian businesses show strong intent to adopt solar energy but face execution challenges including upfront costs, financing options, and long-term performance concerns. The primary barrier is risk management rather than cost itself.
A German pilot project tests DC-coupled battery storage to reduce costs and hardware complexity for solar installations. The technology aims to enable larger solar buildout in areas with constrained grid connections.
General Motors partners with Peak Energy to manufacture sodium-ion batteries for energy storage systems. The deal represents a significant expansion of sodium-ion battery technology beyond China into the U.S. market.
Inside Climate News · Jun 18, 2026 · relevance 7/10
BMW opened orders for the new i3 electric vehicle months ahead of schedule due to strong consumer demand. The early launch reflects growing interest in the automaker's electric vehicle offerings.
Greenation journalists toured Aptera's facility and test-drove the company's 3-wheeled solar electric vehicle. The visit revealed both the progress Aptera has achieved and the remaining challenges for commercializing the innovative EV.
California utility Ava Community Energy offers up to $6,000 rebates for income-qualified residents to install smart home batteries and join its virtual power plant program. The initiative aims to expand distributed energy storage in North California.
A new interactive map shows solar development uses only 0.07% of U.S. prime farmland while coexisting with agriculture. Suburban sprawl and golf courses use significantly more farmland than solar energy installations.
The Trump Administration has extended operations of the Culley and Schahfer coal-fired power plants for a third time, overriding previous closure orders. Environmental groups claim the extension violates existing regulations and delays the transition away from fossil fuels.
Environmental groups filed a legal challenge against North Carolina's Utilities Commission order to halt the state's 2026 solar and storage procurement. The challenge argues the cancellation is unconstitutional and could increase energy bills.
An Ember analysis shows Spanish electricity bills dropped €10 due to increased renewable energy generation offsetting fossil fuel price volatility. Geopolitical tensions affecting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have driven up global energy costs, but Spain's renewable capacity is providing relief.
BYD launched its Datang premium SUV with over 150,000 pre-orders, featuring the second-generation Blade Battery. The company faces supply constraints meeting demand for its latest battery-equipped models.
Solar energy is gaining traction as voters prioritize energy independence following geopolitical tensions. The shift reflects growing consumer interest in renewable energy for national security benefits.
Electrify America opened a new EV charging station in Santa Barbara with 20 fast chargers and a 1.9 MW battery storage system. The station represents a significant expansion of charging infrastructure with the company's largest battery installation to date.
Ford is hiring hundreds of workers to manufacture LFP batteries for EVs in the US in partnership with Chinese firm CATL. The move represents continued EV industry expansion despite competitive pressures from rivals like Rivian.
Virginia's Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows hosts the state's first crop-based agrivoltaics system, combining solar energy generation with agricultural production. The successful pilot project is expected to inspire additional agrivoltaics installations across the state.