Renewable Energy, Battery, and Charging Updates: Renesas, Mitsubishi, Reliant Energy, Chevy, and Green Power in Focus
In 2025, electric vehicle (EV) technology is experiencing significant breakthroughs in battery chemistry, charging infrastructure, and component materials, all aimed at improving range, charging speed, safety, and vehicle integration with power systems.
Battery Innovations
One of the most exciting developments is the emergence of solid-state batteries, which offer much faster charging (full recharge in about 10 minutes) and exceptional longevity (retaining 80% capacity after 6,000 cycles). This advancement, led by research such as Harvard’s new battery, could effectively erase range anxiety and dramatically reduce battery replacements and maintenance costs.
Another innovation is the development of multi-chemistry battery systems, where small solid-state batteries provide rapid power delivery while larger Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) packs store longer-term energy. This hybrid approach balances energy density, cost, and performance.
Battery costs continue to decrease, enabling more complex and higher performance packs such as CATL’s dual-chemistry Freevoy concept, improving both power output and storage capacity.
Charging Technology
The industry is moving toward higher voltage architectures (800V and above), enabling ultra-fast charging. Charging stations now commonly support 350 kW, with plans for megawatt charging systems (1+ MW) especially for commercial vehicles, substantially reducing charging times.
Innovations like bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-grid or V2G) capabilities are becoming more common, allowing EVs to power homes or feed electricity back to the grid, turning them into mobile energy assets and supporting grid stability.
Charging networks are increasingly integrated with smart grids and renewable energy sources, enabling sustainable and efficient energy management.
Component and Power Electronics
There is a growing use of wide bandgap semiconductors like silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) in powertrain components. These materials offer higher efficiency and thermal performance, contributing to lighter, more compact, and more efficient EV power electronics.
Mitsubishi Electric's new power semiconductor chip, a proprietary trench SiC-MOSFET, reduces switching loss. This first standard-specification SiC-MOSFET power semiconductor chip reduces power loss by about 50% compared to conventional planar SiC-MOSFETs, contributing to the growing popularity of electric vehicles.
Real-world Applications
Recent advancements are already being implemented in real-world applications. Renesas Electronics, in partnership with Nidec Corporation, has introduced the world's first "8-in-1" E-Axle system for electric vehicles, integrating eight key functions within a single microcontroller. This innovative E-Axle system features a 99% efficient inverter and high-performance components, reducing overall weight and component needs.
Mitsubishi Electric's new SiC-MOSFET power semiconductor chip will enable the company to respond to the diversification of inverters for electric vehicles and contribute to the growing popularity of these vehicles.
GreenPower Motor Company Inc. has shipped eight EV Star Passenger Vans to Washington University in St. Louis for campus transportation. These vans feature ADA-compliant lifts, wheelchair securements, versatile seating, dual charging capabilities, and optional bike racks.
The plan allows new EV buyers to start saving on charging costs immediately and is powered by 100% renewable energy. This new electricity plan is part of a collaboration aimed at accelerating EV adoption and supporting a sustainable energy future.
32% of multifamily property owners and operators plan to install, upgrade, or replace EV charging stations within the next year. Challenges like poor connectivity and availability hinder a smooth charging experience in multifamily properties, but rising EV adoption and expanding grants and tax credits are boosting EV charger deployment in multifamily properties.
Reliant and GM Energy have introduced the Reliant Free Charge Nights plan, offering free nighttime charging to Chevrolet EV owners in Texas.
In summary, EV technology in 2025 is advancing through the integration of ultra-fast and long-lasting solid-state batteries, high-voltage and megawatt charging infrastructure, bidirectional energy flow, wireless charging, and improved semiconductor components, all converging to enhance performance, convenience, and sustainability of electric vehicles.
- The emergence of solid-state batteries, such as Harvard's new battery, could effectively erase range anxiety and dramatically reduce battery replacements and maintenance costs in electric vehicles.
- Charging stations now commonly support 350 kW, with plans for megawatt charging systems especially for commercial vehicles, aiming to reduce charging times significantly.
- Renesas Electronics and Nidec Corporation have introduced the world's first "8-in-1" E-Axle system for electric vehicles, integrating eight key functions within a single microcontroller, offering a more efficient and compact power system.
- 32% of multifamily property owners and operators plan to install, upgrade, or replace EV charging stations within the next year, due to rising EV adoption and expanding grants and tax credits.
