EV Growth, Renewable Expansion & Geothermal Innovation
From China’s record EV growth and rapidly expanding car exports to the accelerating rise of solar and wind power, the energy transition continues to gather pace. Electric trucks and new geothermal technology add to a picture of an energy system changing across transport, electricity and heating.
🚗 China's EV Surge Drives Record Car Exports
China's car exports are already on track to surpass the whole of 2025, with August exports jumping 67% to 890,000 vehicles. Plug-in hybrids and battery EVs are driving the growth, while electric cars reached 45% of new passenger car sales at home.
☀️ Wind and Solar Are Scaling at Record Speed
Solar took just 8 years to grow from 100 TWh to 1,000 TWh of annual generation, while wind took 12 years. Gas needed 28 years and coal 32, highlighting the rapid expansion of modern renewable power.
⚡ US Solar Growth Powers New Capacity
US solar deployment jumped 45% to 11.4 GW in Q2 2026, helping solar, wind and batteries account for 91% of new capacity in the first half of the year. Solar is expected to lead new additions in 2026 at 51%.
🚛 Tesla Reveals European Semi Truck
Tesla has unveiled specifications for its European Semi, offering up to 550 km of range at a 40-tonne loaded weight and charging at up to 800 kW. Deliveries are planned for 2027, bringing Tesla's electric heavy truck to European fleets.
🌍 Geothermal Drilling Gets a New Approach
Dig Energy has completed its first borehole array using a compact drilling rig designed specifically for ground-source geothermal heating and cooling. The system aims to reduce drilling costs, noise and water use, potentially making geothermal systems easier to deploy.