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Artificial intelligence and EVs
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 Progress in AI and computing power is disproportionately benefiting EVs, particularly for automated driving and integrated vehicle control. Sensors and chips integrate well with the stable, high-voltage power supply of EV batteries. At the same time, the benefits of AI and increased computing power are not exclusive to EVs. AI‑enabled energy management systems are increasingly used to optimise hybrid vehicles, and AI techniques are accelerating the design, testing and optimisation of all vehicles. Advances in AI underpin progress in autonomous vehicles Just two decades ago, state-of-the-art autonomous vehicles were confined to test…
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Electricity 2026
Global power demand growth continues to rise rapidly as the Age of Electricity gathers pace, supported by the increasing electrification of industry, transportation, and the buildings sectors. Growing consumption is also coming from some of the most dynamic segments of global economies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), data centres, and evolving technological innovations.Against this backdrop, Electricity 2026 – the IEA’s annual report on global electricity systems and markets – provides in-depth analysis of the recent trends and policy developments underpinning this new era. It includes forecasts for electricity demand, supply and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for select countries, by…
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- Demand
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- Grids
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Global EV Outlook 2026
…market development. It also includes analysis of the affordability of electric cars and the manufacturing and trade of electric cars, trucks and their batteries, along with a special chapter on automotive technology trends related to software and artificial intelligence.The report is complemented by updated versions of two online tools: the Global EV Data Explorer – which now includes vehicle price data in selected markets – and the Global EV Policy Explorer. These tools allow users to interactively explore EV statistics, projections and policy measures worldwide.The report is developed with the support of members of the Electric Vehicles Initiative (EVI); the…
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Responding to Satellite Notifications from the Methane Alert and Response System
…to get in touch with IMEO and the IEA. Executive summary In 2023, the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) International Methane Emissions Observatory (IMEO) introduced the Methane Alert and Response System (MARS), which uses satellite data (coupled with scientific expertise and artificial intelligence) to provide free notifications of large methane emission events to governments and companies.MARS satellite alerts provide rapid and actionable information that can enable quick mitigation action. Swift action on major leaks or releases detected via MARS can deliver significant benefits for governments, potentially reducing gas waste, boosting sales by domestic companies and improving national energy…
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Key Questions on Energy and AI
Following the publication of the IEA’s landmark Energy and AI report in 2025, this report examines how the energy and AI nexus has evolved amid surging investment in data centres and rapid advances in model capabilities. Drawing on fresh datasets and analysis, it explores where electricity demand is rising, how quickly grids and supply chains can respond, and what these shifts mean for energy security, affordability and sustainability.
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Energy and AI in East Asia
This report was commissioned by the Korea Energy Economics Institute and was carried out jointly by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Korea Energy Economics Institute. The study has three objectives in the context of East Asia. First is to explore the possibilities presented by AI for the energy sector. Second is to examine the expected increase in electricity demand by data centres, and the impact on grid planning and operation. Third is to provide policy recommendations for embracing the opportunities presented by the application of AI to energy, as well as policies for proactively managing the challenges presented by…
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Autonomous vehicles
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 Progress in AI and computing power is disproportionately benefiting EVs, particularly for automated driving and integrated vehicle control. Sensors and chips integrate well with the stable, high-voltage power supply of EV batteries. Electric vehicles lead in automation and advanced driver assistance Driving automation is at the forefront of software developments for cars today. While fully autonomous cars (Level 5 automation)) are not currently in sight, electric driverless taxis (Level 4) are already operating commercially in more than 20 cities worldwide. Moreover, automated driving systems are not limited to self-driving cars – they are also rapidly gaining…
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Overview graphic: key technology trends for EVs
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly at the centre of innovation in the automotive sector, bringing advances that extend far beyond developments in batteries and power electronics, thanks to several mutually reinforcing factors. Key technology trends are aligning in favour of EVs Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are mechanically simpler than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) or hybrids, making them more compatible with digitalisation and automation. The relative simplicity of electric drivetrains enables shorter development cycles for new vehicles, allowing emerging technologies to reach BEVs sooner than vehicles with other powertrains.While the transition from mechanical to software…
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Vehicle software and software-defined vehicles
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 The transition from mechanical to software-based vehicle control has been underway for decades and has accelerated dramatically with the rise of EVs. Pure-play EV makers have pioneered the shift towards high-level, continuously updateable software-based vehicle control, speeding up the development and rollout of new features. Vehicles are evolving into software platforms for which users can access subscription‑based premium features, in the same way as for smartphones. A new design paradigm is emerging, with EVs at the forefront The digital transformation of the car industry is most evident in the emergence of software…
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Manufacturing and Trade Model
The IEA’s Manufacturing and Trade (MaT) Model was first developed for the 2024 edition of Energy Technology Perspectives (ETP) to produce scenario projections of manufacturing and trade across six key energy technology supply chains. These cover solar photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines, electric cars, batteries, electrolysers and heat pumps. This model is now used to generate detailed sector-by-sector and region-by-region long-term scenarios in IEA publications such as the World Energy Outlook and Global EV Outlook.The MaT model is part of the IEA’s broader modelling framework and is closely linked to the Global Energy…
