π Mobility Futures #26
HolonIQ's Mobility Newsletter covers the latest developments in aviation, rail, and marine and highlights the week's top skills and mobility deals.
Happy Monday π
Global EV sales reached a record 17 million units in 2024, reflecting a 25% YoY increase, fueled by strong growth in China and stabilization in Europe. In hydrogen innovation, China achieved a milestone with the maiden flight of its ton-level liquid hydrogen eVTOL, advancing sustainable aviation technology. Additionally, the China Development Bank provided a $254.76M loan to Nigeria for the Kano-Kaduna rail project, part of the Belt and Road Initiative, with construction currently 22% complete. Maritime shipping saw a 30% rise in hydrogen-powered ship orders and a doubling of LNG-fueled vessel demand, highlighting industry efforts to address greener fuel challenges. EV startup Harbinger also raised $100M in Series B funding to expand medium-duty electric vehicle production.
What's new?
HolonIQβs new Green Skills Map and Workforce section reveal industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.
HolonIQ's new skills newsletter is here! Get updates on emerging skills, workforce shifts, and industry insights across impact sectors. Subscribe now to stay ahead.
π Ground Mobility
π Record global electric vehicle sales in 2024. Global sales of EVs reached a record high of over 17 million units in 2024 reflecting a 25% YoY increase, driven by strong growth in China and stabilization in Europe.
π« US Bans Chinese Connected Vehicles. The US administration finalized rules that ban the sale or import of connected vehicles from China, which could significantly impact companies like Polestar and Waymo that have operations in China.
π Saudi Arabia Unveils Hydrogen-Powered Bus. Saudi Arabia launched its first hydrogen-powered bus, which will serve the intercity routes as part of its efforts to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
π¬ Aviation
βοΈ China's first ton-level liquid hydrogen eVTOL takes flight. A ton-level liquid hydrogen eVTOL aircraft completed its first flight test in China, marking a significant milestone in the development of hydrogen-powered aviation technology.
π UAV Corp Secures $105M for Hydrogen-Powered Airships. UAV Corp, a company specializing in aerial vehicle technologies, secured $105M for its Dart Series Airships that utilize hybrid hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.
βοΈ Skyway and FFG Target 2026 for Commercial eVTOL Flights. Vertiport company Skyway and eVTOL operator FFG announced plans to launch commercial eVTOL flights by 2026. Leveraging Skywayβs infrastructure and FFGβs eVTOL operations, the partnership will address high-traffic regional transportation needs.
π Rail
π China Provides Loan for Nigerian Rail Project. China Development Bank gave Nigeria a $254.76M loan to implement the Kano-Kaduna rail project. The project, part of China's Belt and Road Initiative, is being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and is 22% complete.
π Wabtec's hybrid locomotives get MTA approval. Wabtec, a company that manufactures locomotives, announced that its R255 Hybrid Battery-Diesel Work Locomotives are approved for use by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
π US DOT FRA Announces $1.1B for Rail Projects. The US Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced over $1.1B in grants for 123 rail projects as part of its Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program.
π’ Marine
β½ Surge in orders for hydrogen and LNG-fueled ships. Orders for new ships powered by hydrogen and derivatives increased by 30% in 2024, while orders for LNG-fueled vessels more than doubled, indicating concerns about the future availability and costs of greener fuels.
βοΈ EU Proposes Exemptions for FuelEU Maritime Regulations. The EU is proposing exemptions for certain ships from its upcoming FuelEU Maritime regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the shipping industry.
β‘οΈ NYK Launches Offshore Wind Ship Management Company. NYK, a major Japanese shipping company, and Akita Eisen, a shipbuilding firm, have established a joint venture called Japan Offshore Support to provide ship maintenance and management services for offshore wind power facilities in Japan.
π οΈ Skills and Workforce
HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives critical in bridging workforce gaps. Impact industries are rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, decarbonization, geopolitical dynamics, and socio-economic factors. To that extent, these sectors require considerable workforce/professional development initiatives to enhance workers' capabilities, boost economic growth, and promote social well-being. Read on for this weekβs insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest Skills newsletter.
β‘ $28M investment in Gigapark to boost UK green skills. The Coventry and Warwick Gigapark, a pivotal UK green energy hub, secured $28M from the West Midlands Combined Authority. This funding will enhance energy infrastructure to support battery manufacturing, creating up to 6,000 EV and energy storage jobs. Anchored by Greenpower Park, the site will drive innovation in electrification, clean energy, and battery technologies. Positioned as a global leader, it supports regional growth and the UKβs transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.
π’ 1M1B launches Green Skills Academy for Andhra youth employment. The 1M1B Foundation, a UN-accredited nonprofit, has launched a Green Skills Academy in Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, in collaboration with the the Kuppam Area Development Authority (KADA). Inaugurated by Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, the academy aims to train youth in green and professional skills, including e-waste management, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture. Digital skills such as AI, communication, and leadership are also offered to prepare participants for green jobs, fostering regional innovation and sustainability.
ποΈ Deloitte Middle East introduces transformative green skills training program. Deloitte Middle East, in collaboration with IEMA, has launched the βGreen Skills for a Green Economyβ program, offering foundational training in sustainability and green job competencies. Since its debut in the UAE, the program has trained over 350 participants, including students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. This initiative supports regional sustainability goals by empowering individuals with eco-conscious skills and fostering green career pathways. Aligned with Deloitteβs WorldClass and WorldClimate strategies, it addresses the global green skills gap, driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
HolonIQ has launched the Green Skills Map, an open-source framework initiated for cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on greenskills.org.
π° Deals of the Week
π EV Startup Harbinger Raises $100M Series B. Harbinger, a leading medium-duty electric vehicle company, announced that it raised $100M in Series B funding co-led by Capricorn's Technology Impact Fund and Leitmotif.
π° XTI Aerospace Raises $20 Million in Stock Offering. XTI Aerospace, a company focused on advanced aircraft design, announced the closing of a $20M common stock offering.
π Swietelsky Acquires UK's Harry Needle Railroad Company. Austrian rail contractor Swietelsky acquired Harry Needle Railroad Company (HNRC), a leading UK provider of locomotive services.
π° Dubai Aerospace Enterprise acquires Nordic Aviation Capital. Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, a company based in Dubai, announced the acquisition of Nordic Aviation Capital, an aircraft leasing firm. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
π° BluSmart raising $50M in Series B funding. BluSmart, an electric mobility company, is raising $50M in its Series B funding round at a pre-money valuation of $335 million, according to sources.
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