Material environmental, decarbonisation or resource-efficiency initiatives in relevant markets.
2026 Fleet 500 adopts registration-based commercial fleet rankings
Automotive Fleet’s 2026 Fleet 500 uses vehicle-registration data from Mobility Global for the first time, replacing self-reported figures. The rankings highlight the scale of private commercial fleets and find that electrification remains limited, with sustainability varying by operational use case.
ACT modelling finds current EV policies fall short of 2045 net-zero goal
Modelling of the ACT light-vehicle fleet finds current policies could deliver a 70% battery-EV fleet by 2045, but leave transport emissions around half their present level. Stronger EV targets and incentives to improve used-vehicle efficiency are recommended.
Fortescue tests electric 150-tonne water truck ahead of Pilbara rollout
Fortescue has tested XCMG’s electric 150-tonne water truck, dozers, graders and wheel loaders, with the first machines due at its Pilbara mines later this year. The company plans a complete electric mining-fleet rollout by 2027 as part of its diesel phase-out.
Cirba study finds awareness gap is holding back US battery recycling
A Cirba Solutions survey of 1,054 US adults found 91% would recycle lithium batteries if disposal were as easy as household waste. Awareness, collection access and EV battery education remain barriers to recycling and critical-mineral recovery.
Ammann showcases sustainable, automated asphalt plant in Taiwan
Ammann has showcased YongLi Group’s upgraded Tainan Syuejia asphalt plant in Taiwan as a model for more sustainable, automated road-material production. The project combines AI-enabled systems, patented equipment and environmental design features, with potential relevance to infrastructure development across Asia.
European Commission publishes latest EU transport and tourism trends report
The European Commission has published its latest overview of EU transport and tourism, covering competitiveness, sustainability, connectivity, safety, alternative-fuel uptake, infrastructure, investment and Member State transport indicators.
Volvo Australia urges diversified energy strategy for heavy-vehicle fleets
Volvo Group Australia says recent diesel disruption highlights the need for diversified heavy-vehicle energy strategies. It supports HVO as a drop-in alternative and says battery-electric trucks are already commercially viable in suitable Australian fleet applications.
Ontario truck tyre recycling fee to rise amid collection crisis
Ontario’s heavy- and medium-truck tyre recycling fee will rise to C$16 from 1 August as municipalities halt collections and dealers face mounting stockpiles. Industry groups are urging regulatory changes to restore collection capacity and improve enforcement.
Bosch, Toyota, BMW and Repsol launch renewable-gasoline vehicle pilot
Bosch, Toyota, BMW and Repsol have launched a Spanish real-world pilot using existing passenger cars and fleet vehicles running on 100% renewable gasoline. The project will assess fuel availability, digital tracking and emissions-reduction potential to inform European technology-neutral decarbonisation policy.
Study links car refrigerant to rising European ‘forever chemical’ pollution
University of Bristol researchers found that HFO-1234yf, widely used in newer vehicles, may generate substantial deposits of persistent TFA pollution across Europe. The study calls for improved monitoring of refrigerant emissions and their environmental effects.
Fremantle port trials electric terminal trucks
Patrick Terminals has replaced half its diesel truck fleet at Fremantle with nine electric tractors after a $7 million trial that has reduced scope-one emissions by 15 per cent, lowered energy and maintenance costs and attracted ARENA co-funding.
REWIRE project advances smart remanufacturing
The Horizon Europe-funded REWIRE project has brought together industry and research partners across three demonstrators to deploy robotics, AI and digital twin technologies, and has established a Triage, Plan, Simulate and Assure framework to improve remanufacturing traceability, compliance and scalability.
NACFE details renewable natural gas truck maintenance requirements
A NACFE report outlines maintenance requirements for heavy-duty fleets using renewable natural gas, including high-pressure fuel-system inspections, specialist training, spark-plug and oil servicing, catalyst monitoring and coolant checks.
MEPs reject EU regulation phasing out soy biofuels by 2030
The European Parliament has rejected a regulation that would have removed soy biofuels from renewable-fuel status by 2030. The vote could expose the EU to more than $5.6 billion in retaliation penalties from Indonesia and Malaysia over deforestation-related obligations.
Electric LCVs reach tipping point as Europe faces industrial test
Electric LCV registrations in the EU rose 68% in 2025 to an 11% market share, while electric vans increasingly offer lower ownership costs. Transport & Environment urges stronger CO₂ standards and corporate-fleet targets to support European production and compete with Chinese manufacturers.
T&E urges approval of EU rules classifying soy biofuel as high-risk
Transport & Environment says revised EU rules classifying soybean oil as a high indirect land-use-change-risk biofuel should enter force, arguing this would reduce deforestation and emissions linked to transport fuels.
Xiaomi Auto unveils fully recycled alloy for EV chassis
Xiaomi Auto has launched Titan Alloy 2.0, a 100% recycled aluminium structural casting material that has registered 1.1 kgCO₂e/kg (a 93% reduction), has been IVL‑verified and EPD‑registered, and has been projected for a 550,000‑vehicle annual platform.
ICE vehicle registrations have peaked in NSW
Transport for NSW data have shown ICE vehicle registrations in NSW have peaked on 27 February at 6,309,403 and have since declined, as battery electric vehicle registrations have exceeded fleet growth and have reached 138,580 (2.15%).
NACFE sets biodiesel maintenance guidance for truck fleets
A NACFE report says truck fleets using biodiesel must manage fuel storage, cold-weather performance, filter changes and oil-drain intervals. The guidance highlights biodiesel’s lubricity and emissions benefits while warning that adoption requires tighter maintenance controls.
EU innovators recognised for AI surgery, space logistics and supply-chain tracing
The 2026 EU Prize for Women Innovators recognised founders including Minespider’s Ella Cullen, whose platform helps companies including Renault and Ford trace battery materials and measure supply-chain environmental impacts.
National Highways alliance unveils AI tools and digital twins for roads
National Highways, Cambridge University and industry partners have developed AI pavement assessment, digital-twin and flood-resilience tools for England’s road network, aiming to identify defects earlier, improve maintenance planning and support lower-carbon construction.
ZF to present digital and training solutions at Automechanika
ZF has announced digital workshop tools, an AI voice agent, a high‑voltage battery training programme and a recycled‑content brake fluid for aftermarket clients ahead of Automechanika.
Wasa Åkarn reports on Volvo L90 Electric operation
Wasa Åkarn has tested Volvo's L90 Electric at the Igelsta CHP and has reported it has met operational needs for terminal handling, pallet and heavy‑lift tasks. The firm has highlighted manageable charging through opportunity top‑ups and pilot power‑unit use.
Volvo L90 Electric tested at Stena Recycling facility
Volvo CE's L90 Electric has been tested at Stena Recycling and has been used for heavy lifting, loading and handling in varied terrain; the seven‑month trial has included overnight and supplementary charging and has prompted interest in further electric models.
Polestar releases upgraded Polestar 4 electric coupé in Australia
Polestar has opened orders in Australia for an upgraded Polestar 4, with revised chassis tuning, rear- and dual-motor variants and a lower reported carbon footprint of 19.4–20.3 tonnes of CO₂e.
NACFE outlines renewable diesel maintenance guidance for truck fleets
NACFE says renewable diesel can cut fleet carbon emissions with little change to trucks, fuelling infrastructure or maintenance. Fleets should nevertheless monitor seals, cold-weather performance, DPF regeneration and SCR temperatures.
Kögel SOS Campaign in Burtenbach Challenges VECTO Regulation
Kögel has launched an SOS campaign in Burtenbach to highlight that the EU's VECTO regulation has set CO₂ targets the company has regarded as technically unachievable, warning they have risked fines, higher prices, investments and jobs and prompted legal challenges.
CATL, Xiaomi and BMW join global battery standards
CATL has joined automakers and technology firms to launch a unified Battery Circular Design Guide and has set diagnostic, disassembly and remanufacturing standards for passenger and commercial EV batteries; it has also outlined recycling, lifecycle valuation and European infrastructure targets.
Geofabrics releases verified environmental declarations for road drainage products
Geofabrics Australasia has released independently verified Environmental Product Declarations for its Megaflo Green drain pipe and Bidim Green geotextile, documenting their environmental footprints and recycled content. Both products are manufactured in Albury, Australia.
LNS deploys first Volvo A30 Electric haulers at Norwegian hydropower project
LNS has deployed four Volvo A30 Electric articulated haulers at Hafslund Kraft’s Hemsil 3 hydropower project in Norway, with three more due next month. The battery-electric machines will support tunnel construction and reduce project emissions.
EU launches €1.1bn CEF Transport funding call
The European Commission has launched the 2026 CEF Transport call, offering €1.1bn for sustainable and smart TEN-T projects, including rail, inland waterways and electrification of road haulage and airports. EU, Ukrainian and Moldovan bodies are eligible.
Renault Trucks to open 46,000 m² spare-parts hub in Lyon
Renault Trucks has begun construction of a 46,000 m² spare-parts distribution hub near Lyon, has committed €132 million and has positioned the energy-positive facility to speed parts delivery and support electric vehicle battery storage.
BHP and Rio Tinto trial battery-electric haul trucks
BHP and Rio Tinto have begun trials of two Caterpillar Cat 793 XE battery-electric haul trucks at BHP's Jimblebar mine, and the trials have produced operational data to assess dynamic in-motion charging and scalability for large-scale deployment.
METRONET Swan River ferry infrastructure project begins
Construction has commenced on a $107 million METRONET Swan River marine programme, which has engaged Echo Marine Group to build five electric ferries, has opened tenders for Applecross and Matilda Bay terminals and has scheduled services to start late 2027.
London reaches 3,000 zero-emission buses
Transport for London has marked the launch of its 3,000th zero-emission bus, has grown the fleet a hundredfold over the past decade and has expanded service to more than 200 routes, delivering estimated annual CO2 savings of 100,000 tonnes.
Analysis finds Japanese carmakers slowing EV transition through policy influence
InfluenceMap says Japanese automakers and industry groups are promoting hybrids and alternative fuels to slow EV adoption, while Chinese manufacturers are more supportive but largely absent from policy debates. The analysis covers Japan, China, Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia.
Battery makers expand into energy storage for AI data centres
CATL, BYD, Panasonic and other battery manufacturers are redirecting production towards energy-storage systems for AI data centres and grid infrastructure. The developments include high-discharge cells, sodium-ion packs, Chinese grid projects and Panasonic’s planned North American assembly lines.
China tightens tracking of diverted electric-vehicle batteries
An investigation found retired electric-vehicle batteries entering uncertified assembly networks for electric bicycles, bypassing safety protections. A policy enacted on 1 April 2026 introduces national pack traceability and prohibits reusing retired automotive modules in consumer electric bicycles.
New York City expands microhub pilot after eliminating 3,000 truck trips
New York City says its microhub pilot has eliminated more than 3,000 truck trips, with deliveries transferred to handcarts and cargo bikes. The city has added two Manhattan sites and is seeking delivery partners for the pilot’s second phase.
Cornell develops electrochemical lithium-ion battery recycling method
Cornell researchers developed a direct electrode-to-electrode regeneration method that could restore up to 95% of lithium-ion battery capacity. The process may cut recycled-cell manufacturing costs by 56% and reduce air pollution and water use.
Updated EU guidelines support sustainable urban mobility planning
The 2026 SUMP Guidelines provide updated support for cities planning sustainable urban transport. They reflect recent EU mobility frameworks, while TEN-T rules require 431 urban nodes to adopt a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan by the end of 2027.
Green NCAP introduces vehicle family concept
Green NCAP has introduced a vehicle family concept that has enabled ratings for tested models to be extended to similar variants, has implemented more demanding test conditions in its 2025 programme updates, and has published the approach on its website.
Victorian inquiry backs smarter EV charging and vehicle-to-grid integration
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry says electric vehicles can support Australia’s power system through smart charging, vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-home technology. It recommends improved charging access, tariffs, standards and planning as battery-electric sales grow.
EU Commission seeks experts for transport emissions accounting group
The European Commission is inviting applications for members of its Expert Group on Transport Emissions Accounting, which will advise on implementing CountEmissions EU and related greenhouse-gas accounting measures.