Stellantis quer produzir híbrido a etanol em 2024

Spanish Market: Battery materials, Biofuels, Electricity
18/10/23

A montadora europeia Stellantis anunciou que pretende produzir seus primeiros híbridos movidos a etanol no Brasil no ano que vem, em meio à competição pelo mercado de veículos eletrificados no país.

A quarta maior fabricante de veículos do mundo em vendas — resultado da fusão entre Fiat Chrysler e Peugeot Citroën em 2021 — escolheu seu polo automotivo de Goiana, em Pernambuco, para fabricar o novo modelo que combina eletrificação com motorização flex e etanol.

A Stellantis encontrou ajuda em fornecedores locais, universidades e centros de pesquisa, como o parque tecnológico Porto Digital, para o desenvolvimento da parte eletrônica e tecnológica.

Da mesma fábrica sairão também os futuros modelos 100pc elétricos, segundo a companhia. A Stellantis também está considerando a produção de modelos eletrificados em suas outras fábricas do Brasil: Betim (MG) e Porto Real (RJ), mas a empresa não deu mais detalhes.

"Nossa prioridade é descarbonizar a mobilidade, e queremos fazer isto de modo acessível para o maior número de consumidores, desenvolvendo tecnologias e componentes no Brasil", disse Antonio Filosa, presidente da empresa para a América Latina, que em breve deixará o cargo para se tornar CEO mundial da Jeep.

Gigantes montadoras globais, incluindo Stellantis, Toyota e Volkswagen, estão tentando assumir a liderança em soluções de mobilidade que combinem etanol e eletricidade, consideradas pela maioria das empresas a opção mais econômica e acessível para descarbonização no Brasil.

No início de setembro, a montadora japonesa Toyota fez testes "promissores" usando etanol com a tecnologia híbrida plug-in. O modelo de veículo utilizado foi um Toyota RAV4 Plug-in.

Já a Volkswagen planeja lançar um total de 15 veículos elétricos e flex-fuel até 2025, com modelos híbridos chegando mais tarde.

Em defesa do etanol

A controvérsia na indústria automotiva sobre qual caminho o Brasil deveria seguir — híbridos ou total elétricos — está longe de terminar.

O presidente-executivo da Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, já defendeu a proeminência do veículo flex-fuel. "O veículo elétrico não tem sentido comparado a um carro que anda com 100pc de etanol – sem mencionar que é mais caro para a classe média", disse Tavares durante uma mesa redonda com jornalistas em fevereiro.

O CEO acredita que o combustível 100pc etanol deve ter um papel importante no Brasil sob a crença de que há uma diferença mínima entre os veículos flex e os elétricos, mas com uma economia significativa.

Por Vinicius Damazio

Related news posts

Argus illuminates the markets by putting a lens on the areas that matter most to you. The market news and commentary we publish reveals vital insights that enable you to make stronger, well-informed decisions. Explore a selection of news stories related to this one.

11/06/25

EIA raises US 2026 renewables outlook

Houston, 11 June (Argus) — The US renewable energy fleet remains on track to provide an increasing portion of the country's total electricity over the next two years, even with some changes in the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) latest projections. Renewable energy is on track to supply almost 1.1bn MWh in 2025 and 1.2bn MWh in 2026, enough to account for roughly 25pc and 27pc of all US generation in those years, EIA said Tuesday in its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook report. The 2025 estimate is less than 1pc lower than the agency's forecast in May, while the 2026 outlook is about 2pc higher. Renewables in 2024 generated almost 948mn MWh, about 23pc of all US generation. EIA attributes the higher share from renewables to projects coming on line through the end of 2026. The agency expects developers to add about 32,500MW of utility-scale solar to the grid this year, which would surpass the record high of 30,000MW in 2024. EIA anticipates about 7,700MW of new capacity from the wind sector this year. Wind capacity in 2024 expanded by about 5,100MW, its lowest showing since 2014. The month-over-month change in the larger renewables outlook corresponds with higher expectations for wind and solar generation next year. Wind farms are now on track to provide about 506mn MWh in 2026, while utility-scale solar farms will generate around 350mn MWh, each about 2pc higher from May's outlook. If the solar projection bears out, it would surpass hydropower in 2025 as the second most prevalent form of renewable generation in the US. In the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) territory, EIA expects non-hydropower renewable generators are on pace to supply nearly 179mn MWh in 2025, down by less than 1pc from last month's outlook. But the 216mn MWh now anticipated from the sector in 2026 marks an almost 10pc increase from May's predictions for the Texas grid. EIA's lowered its predictions for non-hydropower renewables in the New York Independent System Operator's footprint by less than 1pc for 2025 and by 4pc for 2026, to 11.5mn MWh and just under 13mn MWh, respectively. Revisions to other regional forecasts were minimal. EIA increased its expectations for non-hydropower renewables in the areas managed by the PJM Interconnection, ISO-New England and Midcontinent Independent System Operator by less than 1pc for both 2025 and 2026. Renewable energy resources for EIA's purposes include conventional hydropower, wind, solar projects larger than 1MW, geothermal and certain forms of biomass. By Patrick Zemanek Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

EQT signs 10-year gas deals with Duke, Southern

11/06/25

EQT signs 10-year gas deals with Duke, Southern

New York, 11 June (Argus) — US natural gas producer EQT has signed 10-year firm supply deals with US utilities Duke Energy and Southern Company for a combined 1.2 Bcf/d of gas beginning in 2027. EQT previously disclosed it struck deals to sell 800mn cf/d and 400mn cf/d of gas to "investment-grade utilities" in the southeastern US, but it has not disclosed the buyers. Those previously unnamed utilities are North Carolina-based Duke, which has contracted for 800mn cf/d from EQT, and Georgia-based Southern, which has contracted for 400mn cf/d, according to people with knowledge of the matter. EQT declined to comment for this story. Duke and Southern did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The deals represent about 20pc of EQT's production and allow EQT to take advantage of contracted capacity it holds on Mountain Valley Pipeline, which ferries gas from West Virginia to Virginia. EQT, the second-largest US gas producer by volume, has been the owner of Mountain Valley Pipeline since acquiring its previous owner Equitrans Midstream in July 2024. The gas supply deals are "two of the largest long-term physical supply deals ever executed in the North American natural gas market," EQT chief executive Toby Rice said in October 2023. The deals also underpin EQT's broader strategy of trying to sell more gas directly to large end users, including utilities, LNG export terminals and data centers, instead of selling into the volatile US spot gas market with the use of financial hedges. The deals also give EQT more exposure to pricing hubs in the southeastern US, where gas trades at a premium to gas sold within the Appalachian production region, where EQT operates. For Duke and Southern, the long-term agreements guarantee available gas supply as the utilities convert coal-fired power generation facilities to gas-fired generators while scrambling to meet surging power demand from planned data centers running artificial intelligence software. Those drivers of gas demand are also behind US pipeline companies Williams, Kinder Morgan and Boardwalk Pipeline Partners trying to build out more gas transportation capacity into the southeast, FactSet manager of natural gas research Connor McLean told Argus . Duke Energy plans to add 5GW of new gas-fired power generation through 2029 across its territory, the company said earlier this month. Duke Energy Carolinas and Southern Company hold most of the contracted capacity on Williams' planned 1.6 Bcf/d Southeast Supply Enhancement expansion of its Transcontinental (Transco) pipeline, which is expected to enter service in the fourth quarter of 2027, US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission filings show. That expansion project will make available new gas transportation capacity from the terminus of the Mountain Valley Pipeline in Virginia to end markets in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Duke Energy Carolinas, whose service territory includes North Carolina and South Carolina, holds 1 Bcf/d of contracted capacity on Southeast Supply Enhancement. Southern Company, whose service territory includes Georgia and Alabama, holds 400mn cf/d. By selling into those regions, EQT will be taking 1.2 Bcf/d of gas it was previously selling into the comparatively low-priced Tetco M-2 market and selling it instead into the higher priced Transco zone 4 and 5 South markets. The spot price for gas in the Transco zone 5 South region — which covers gas downstream from compressor station 165 near the terminus of Mountain Valley Pipeline in Virginia to the Georgia-South Carolina border — in 2024 averaged $2.69/mmBtu, and the Transco zone 4 index — spanning Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi — averaged $2.41/mmBtu. The Tetco M-2 receipts index over the period averaged $1.67/mmBtu. The supply deals with Duke and Southern are "the main driver" behind EQT's anticipated corporate gas price differential — or the average price at which it sells its gas relative to the US benchmark price — tightening to around 30¢/mmBtu in 2028 from an anticipated 60¢/mmBtu this year, EQT's Rice said in April. EQT is also in talks with a dozen proposed power projects in the Appalachian production region, he said. By Julian Hast Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Possible French nuclear reactor defects found: Update

11/06/25

Possible French nuclear reactor defects found: Update

Adds comments from market participants London, 11 June (Argus) — France's EdF has detected possible defects in piping at the 1.5GW Civaux 2 reactor, according to nuclear safety authority ASNR. Tests revealed two "signs" — typically echoes from ultrasound testing — that could indicate a defect, ASNR said. The tests — part of its strategy to treat stress corrosion — are continuing. ASNR said there is no confirmation at this point that the potential faults are evidence of stress corrosion. Stress corrosion is a process by which mechanical stress in the presence of certain chemicals leads to fissures in pipework. The French reactor fleet was heavily affected by this condition in 2021-23, with around a third of the fleet taken off line for inspections and repairs. Civaux 2 is an N4 reactor — there are two at Civaux and another two at Chooz. They were the last reactors built before Flamanville 3, entering service in 2000-02, and the most powerful built in France up to that time. Civaux 2 has been off line for maintenance since 5 April and is scheduled to return on 31 July. It was being defuelled for maintenance and inspection and tests, before having a third of the fuel switched out. The 1.5GW Civaux 1 was the first reactor where stress corrosion faults were discovered, in August 2021. Tests at the other three N4 models in the following months confirmed stress corrosion at all of them. The N4 models — along with a dozen 1.3GW P4 reactors — are particularly vulnerable to stress corrosion, EdF's nuclear and thermic director, Cedric Lewandowski, told a parliamentary commission in 2022. The French power curve rose sharply on Wednesday morning following reports of the possible defects on Tuesday evening. The front-year contract jumped from an assessment of €62.30/MWh yesterday to over €68/MWh in the morning, before falling to around €66/MWh by mid-afternoon. Market participants were divided in their assessment of the actual impact of the news. One suggested that with only minimal information officially confirmed, the price movement may turn out to have been an overreaction. But another suggested the spectre of a return of stress corrosion heightened risk, justifying the premium that French contracts have gained. And a third said that the size of the potential consequences meant the price changes could prove long-lasting. Civaux 2 is still scheduled as of Wednesday evening to return to service on 30 July. Availability from the four N4 reactors is scheduled at 3GW throughout most of this month, rising to 4.5GW from the beginning of July and then to 6GW for the first three weeks of August, before falling again to 3GW from mid-September ( see graph ). Chooz 2 has been unavailable since mid-April for economic reasons, having halted output on 18 April to save fuel for higher demand periods, EdF said. By Rhys Talbot Past and scheduled availability from N4 reactors GW Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Q&A: Used vehicle demand in an electrified world

11/06/25

Q&A: Used vehicle demand in an electrified world

London, 11 June (Argus) — Widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption is raising new questions about battery lifespan, resale value and smart charging habits. Argus spoke with Peter McDonald, director at UK charging technology firm Ohme, to discuss how home charging and battery health standards could shape EV demand. The role of Standardising State of Health (SOH) certification is often discussed as key to building trust in the used EV market. How will this impact European OEMs? Battery State of Health helps address information asymmetry in the used EV market. New BEVs typically come with generous warranties, giving first owners confidence. However, in mature markets, most vehicles are financed, with future value influencing lease rates and purchase prices. Since the battery is a major cost component, confidence in its long-term durability significantly affects a vehicle's lifecycle value. Buyers increasingly want not only a snapshot of battery health but also a forecast of its future condition. This is especially critical in markets like Europe, where consumer finance is tightly linked to vehicle purchases. As a result, battery durability may impact a vehicle's future value more than performance specs. OEMs are incentivised to encourage optimal charging habits to extend battery life. Batteries with high residual or scrap value may help offset concerns around SOH and depreciation. Ultimately, transparency in battery health and projected performance is becoming essential to maintaining confidence and value in the growing used EV market. What does a shift toward home charging mean for how and when batteries degrade and, by extension, demand for replacement cells or recycling? Discussions with OEMs suggest AC (slow) charging is better for battery health than DC (fast) charging. As a result, OEMs prefer customers to charge at home or work where possible, preserving battery longevity. Most early EV adopters—and around 16mn future UK households — can charge regularly at home or work, using DC fast charging occasionally for longer trips. Homes without off-street parking present challenges, but as demand grows, more scalable public charging solutions will emerge. Widespread home and workplace charging supports more consistent battery health, leading to higher resale values and lower new purchase costs. Improved durability also extends vehicle life, reduces warranty and maintenance issues, and delays battery recycling needs. We have seen carmakers are leaning on subsidised leasing to justify EV production volume. How does this distort demand and how should that shape investment in materials supply chains? Two key factors drive this: OEM commercial dynamics and government policy incentives. OEMs make inflexible production decisions and, to meet environmental regulations and attract investor confidence, many have committed to EV strategies. When EV supply exceeds demand, OEMs need demand levers. Lowering new vehicle prices is a blunt tool — most, except Tesla, avoid it as it directly impacts residual values. In Europe, government EV incentives have focused on benefit-in-kind tax reductions, encouraging businesses and drivers to choose EVs over ICE vehicles. Fleet channels, with less transparent and fluctuating lease rates, now dominate EV uptake. This has created polarised demand and fuelled the rise of salary sacrifice schemes, attracting retail-intent buyers into fleet. As a result, OEMs rely heavily on fleet sales, often via hidden discounts. Leasing companies have become major asset holders, concentrating EV ownership. Strong EV demand exists — at the right price. Given lease rates are tied to residual value, buyers act rationally. This places high importance on battery state of health and sustaining post-mobility battery value. What is Vehicle-to-Grid charging and how might that reshape the economics of battery packs, degradation rates, and materials circularity? There are major financial and carbon-saving opportunities when consumers charge during low grid demand. Charging overnight, or when supply exceeds demand, offers the lowest-cost, lowest-carbon charging. Companies like Ohme, in partnership with energy providers like Octopus, make this smart charging simple and seamless. Vehicle-to-Grid/House (V2X) technology offers even greater benefits. It allows customers to power their homes from their cars or profit from strategic charging and discharging — exporting energy back to the grid. While high upfront costs have limited adoption, many OEMs are now committing to vehicles with two-way inverters, making V2X primed for mass uptake. From a battery perspective, V2X can reduce charging costs, turn the EV into a grid asset, and enhance residual value — potentially increasing what consumers are willing to pay. It encourages EV adoption and aligns with home-based charging habits. At scale, V2X could reduce the need for separate home batteries and industrial grid storage, lowering overall battery demand across the supply chain. What challenges do carmakers and energy providers face in co-ordinating charging strategy and battery health? The worlds are different. Carmakers face high upfront costs, intense competition and uncertain demand as they invest heavily in building a global electrified fleet. In contrast, with a few notable exceptions, energy retailers are typically national heroes, focused on local, highly regulated markets. Collaboration between the two remains limited, despite clear mutual benefits: OEMs building great EVs, and energy providers supplying abundant, affordable power. Ultimately, my view is that OEMs may have the greater influence in shaping future standards, as they design vehicles for multiple markets and global requirements, while energy providers remain more locally constrained. By Chris Welch Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Possible defects found in French nuclear reactor: ASNR

11/06/25

Possible defects found in French nuclear reactor: ASNR

London, 11 June (Argus) — France's EdF has detected possible defects in piping at the 1.5GW Civaux 2 reactor, according to nuclear safety authority ASNR. Tests revealed two "signs" — typically echoes from ultrasound testing — that could indicate a defect, ASNR said. The tests — part of its strategy to treat stress corrosion — are continuing. ASNR said there is no confirmation at this point that the potential faults are evidence of stress corrosion. Stress corrosion is a process by which mechanical stress in the presence of certain chemicals leads to fissures in pipework. The French reactor fleet was heavily affected by this condition in 2021-23, with around a third of the fleet taken off line for inspections and repairs. Civaux 2 is an N4 reactor — there are two at Civaux and another two at Chooz. They were the last reactors built before Flamanville 3, entering service in 2000-02, and the most powerful built in France up to that time. Civaux 2 has been off line for maintenance since 5 April and is scheduled to return on 31 July. It was being defuelled for maintenance and inspection and tests, before having a third of the fuel switched out. The 1.5GW Civaux 1 was the first reactor where stress corrosion faults were discovered, in August 2021. Tests at the other three N4 models in the following months confirmed stress corrosion at all of them. The N4 models — along with a dozen 1.3GW P4 reactors — are particularly vulnerable to stress corrosion, EdF's nuclear and thermic director, Cedric Lewandowski, told a parliamentary commission in 2022. The French power curve rose sharply on Wednesday morning following reports of the possible defects on Tuesday evening. The front-year contract jumped from an assessment of €62.30/MWh yesterday to over €68/MWh in the morning, before falling to around €66/MWh by mid-afternoon. By Rhys Talbot Send comments and request more information at feedback@argusmedia.com Copyright © 2025. Argus Media group . All rights reserved.

Business intelligence reports

Get concise, trustworthy and unbiased analysis of the latest trends and developments in oil and energy markets. These reports are specially created for decision makers who don’t have time to track markets day-by-day, minute-by-minute.

Learn more