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Global EV Outlook 2026
The Global EV Outlook is an annual publication that identifies and assesses recent developments in electric mobility across the globe.Combining analysis of historical data with projections, the report examines key areas of interest, such as the deployment of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, battery demand, and key policy developments in major and emerging markets. It also considers the implications of growing EV adoption for electricity and oil consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.Amid the ongoing energy crisis sparked by the conflict in the Middle East, this edition includes early monthly data for 2026 and considers potential implications…
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Vehicle-to-grid technology
GEVO 2026 - Chapter 8 With the rollout of smart and bidirectional charging, EV owners can reduce charging costs and, in some cases, generate revenue by participating in grid services, such as frequency regulation. Load shifting and vehicle‑to‑grid (V2G) capabilities provide substantial electricity system benefits, helping reduce peak demand and potentially limiting the need for future grid investment – benefits for which EV owners can be compensated. Vehicle-to-grid charging holds the promise of alleviating grid constraints but barriers remain The rollout of EVs is a major driver of global electricity demand growth. Residential EV charging can draw more power than…
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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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Scaling Up Demand Flexibility
From peak management to efficient system operation This report has been developed as part of the International Energy Agency (IEA) Digital Demand-Driven Electricity Networks (3DEN) initiative to examine the growing importance of demand flexibility in electricity systems amid rising demand, increased renewable energy integration and the electrification of power systems. Case studies in chronological order to examine the changing role of demand flexibility over time from South Africa (2025), Thailand (2030) and Ireland (2035) demonstrate how demand flexibility improves reliability, reduces costs, supports renewables integration and manages network constraints. To realise these benefits, the report emphasises the role for…
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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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Best Practices and Insights to Expand Clean Energy Access and Adoption
This report was commissioned by the European Commission to serve as a technical repository of analysis and evidence-based practices in support of the Campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, Fairness and Access to Clean Energy Technologies. The analysis presented draws on discussions and research shared during the Widening Participation in Clean Energy workshop held in Brussels, contributions presented at the official all-member meetings of the Campaign on Sustainable Lifestyles, and the IEA’s analytical work in areas such as people-centred clean energy transitions, affordability, energy efficiency and clean energy access.This work is organised into three chapters, each corresponding…
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Household Energy Affordability: Data and Indicators
A methodological framework for national monitoring Effective policy requires robust monitoring of household energy affordability, yet no unified methodological approach currently exists. The upcoming IEA report Household Energy Affordability: Data and Indicators, to be published in July, addresses this gap. This executive summary presents its key elements, including a robust methodological framework structured around dimensions, indicators and data to support policy discussions and national monitoring efforts.
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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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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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Battery Circularity
Innovation trends for a future source of critical materials This report provides new evidence on global innovation trends for technologies related to battery recycling. Based on the EPO’s unique and comprehensive worldwide patent databases and the IEA’s expert insights into the key issues for battery technologies, the report presents the very latest data as a guide to decision makers from the public and private sectors. It sheds light on the main locations of patenting, the leading patentors in the world and the technology categories receiving the most innovation attention.More than one in four cars sold globally in…
