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# 🚋 Mobility Futures #16
- URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/mobility-futures-16/
- Published: 2024-11-04T12:30:30.000Z
- Updated: 2024-11-04T12:30:29.000Z
- Description: HolonIQ's Mobility Newsletter covers the latest developments in aviation, rail, and marine and highlights the week's top skills and mobility deals.
- Author: QS
- Tags: Green Skills

**Happy Monday 👋**   
  
The EU raised tariffs on Chinese [EV imports to over 45%](https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/10/30/eu-slaps-tariffs-on-chinese-evs-prompting-rebuke-from-beijing?ref=newsletters.qs.com), sparking a response from Beijing, which launched investigations into EU product imports. Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving unit, is [investing $5.6B](https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/28/waymo-to-expand-ridership-with-5-6-billion-investment/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to expand its robotaxi services across the US, achieving [150,000 weekly trips](https://cleantechnica.com/2024/10/29/waymo-already-shot-up-to-150000-passengers-a-week/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#:~:text=Concerning%20the%20new%20milestone%2C%20Waymo,to%20their%20destinations%20every%20day.%E2%80%9D), a 50% increase since August. Meanwhile, German flying taxi firm [Lilium filed for insolvency](https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/29/lilium-officially-files-for-insolvency/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for key subsidiaries. In India, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved [$815M](https://my.holoniq.com/developments/HDV2T5Y9MFUTESBSEYFG/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#overview) for railway projects to enhance connectivity across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. Candela’s P-12 [electric hydrofoil ferry](https://electrek.co/2024/10/29/the-worlds-first-ever-electric-hydrofoil-ferry-begins-operations/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) launched operations in Stockholm, and autonomous driving firm WeRide raised [$440M through its IPO](https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2024/10/latham-watkins-guides-major-ipo-for-weride-raising-440-5-million/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), advancing autonomous mobility.

**What's new?** 
*HolonIQ’s new* [*Green Skills Map*](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) *and Workforce section reveal industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.*

## 🚘 Ground Mobility   

**⚡ EU Hikes Tariffs on Chinese EVs, Risks Beijing Backlash.** The European Union increased tariffs on imports of [electric vehicles from China to over 45%](https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2024/10/30/eu-slaps-tariffs-on-chinese-evs-prompting-rebuke-from-beijing?ref=newsletters.qs.com). As a result Beijing launched probes into imports of EU products in apparent retaliation.

**🚗 Waymo's $5.6B Investment to Expand Self-Driving Ride Services.** Waymo, Alphabet Inc.'s self-driving arm, is accelerating its robotaxi expansion with a new [$5.6B investment](https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/28/waymo-to-expand-ridership-with-5-6-billion-investment/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). This funding aims to broaden Waymo's self-driving ride-hailing service to more US cities. The service, which now completes [150,000 paid trips weekly](https://cleantechnica.com/2024/10/29/waymo-already-shot-up-to-150000-passengers-a-week/?ref=newsletters.qs.com#:~:text=Concerning%20the%20new%20milestone%2C%20Waymo,to%20their%20destinations%20every%20day.%E2%80%9D)—a notable rise of 50% from August—reflects the rapid adoption and scaling of autonomous mobility options.

**🚗 China Mandates 30% Electric Vehicles for Government Fleets.** The Chinese government issued a notification requiring electric vehicles to make up [at least 30%](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20241030PD201/government-market-exports-demand-2024.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) of vehicles used by government entities, to boost domestic demand for EVs.

## 🛬 Aviation  

**🚫 German flying taxi startup Lilium files for insolvency.** Lilium, a German electric flying taxi developer, officially filed for [insolvency ](https://www.electrive.com/2024/10/29/lilium-officially-files-for-insolvency/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)for its two most important subsidiaries by filing for self-administration proceedings at Weilheim Local Court.

**🚀 Xpeng Aeroht Begins Construction of eVTOL Plant in China.** Xpeng Aeroht, the flying car division of Chinese electric vehicle maker Xpeng, started building a production facility in Guangzhou, China to manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with an expected a[nnual capacity of 10,000 units.](https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/air-taxis/xpeng-aeroht-shows-land-aircraft-carrier-evtol-first-crewed-flight-production-plant-work-starts/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)

**✈️ Manta Aircraft and Shenyang Aviation partner for hybrid electric regional flights.** Italy's Manta Aircraft and China’s Shenyang Aviation are collaborating to develop the ANN Plus,[ a hybrid electric VTOL/STOL](https://www.urbanairmobilitynews.com/air-taxis/manta-aircraft-and-shenyang-aviaition-partner-to-deploy-hybrid-electric-regional-air-services/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) for regional air mobility, combining helicopter versatility and airplane efficiency. A full-scale model will debut at the 2024 China Airshow, with operations targeted across China and South Asia.

## 🚋 Rail   

**🚄 Cabinet Panel Approves Railway Projects Worth $815M.** The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved two railway projects covering Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Bihar with a cost of [$815M to enhance connectivity](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-panel-approves-two-railway-projects-with-a-cost-of-6798-crore/article68792334.ece?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and infrastructural development in these states.

**🚄 BEML to Build Indian High-Speed Trains.** Bharat Earth Movers (BEML), an Indian public sector undertaking, was awarded a [$105M contract](https://www.railjournal.com/passenger/high-speed/beml-to-build-indian-high-speed-trains/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to supply two eight-car trains for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed line.

**🚆 Tanzania's First Electric Train Boosts Economic Development.** Tanzania's first electric train aims to boost economic development [across East Africa](https://www.techinafrica.com/tanzanias-first-electric-train-has-the-potential-to-boost-economic-development-across-east-africa/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) by improving connectivity and trade. This initiative underscores the competition between the U.S. and China in investing in Africa's rail infrastructure. 

## 🚢 Marine  

**🚢 World's First Electric Hydrofoil Ferry Begins Operations.** Candela's P-12 electric hydrofoil ferry began its first commercial operation in Stockholm, marking a milestone for [sustainable maritime transportation](https://electrek.co/2024/10/29/the-worlds-first-ever-electric-hydrofoil-ferry-begins-operations/?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

**⚓️ Ammonia-Powered Cargo Ships to Debut in 2026, Facing Cost and Safety Hurdles.** The shipping industry is exploring ammonia as an alternative fuel to reduce its carbon footprint, with the first ammonia-powered cargo ships scheduled to enter service in 2026\. However, the adoption of ammonia faces challenges related to cost and safety.

**⚓ LNG Shipping Rates Tumble As New Vessels Enter Market.** LNG shipping rates have hit multi-year lows and may [extend losses going into 2025](https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/lng-shipping-rates-tumble-to-multi-year-lows-as-new-vessels-come-online/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) due to an influx of new vessels entering the market.

## **🛠️** Skills and Workforce   

*HolonIQ is now tracking reskilling and upskilling initiatives critical in bridging workforce gaps. Impact industries are rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, decarbonization, geopolitical dynamics, and socio-economic factors. To that extent, these sectors require considerable workforce/professional development initiatives to enhance workers' capabilities, boost economic growth, and promote social well-being. Read on for this week’s insights.*

**🌱 UK must address green skills shortfall.** The City & Guilds Impact Report 2024 revealed a significant increase in demand for green skills, with the [organization providing 13,545 certifications in 2023-24](https://www.thehrdirector.com/business-news/environment/uk-must-address-green-skills-shortfall/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The report showed particularly strong support among business owners (76%) for investment in ecological, environmental, sustainability, and other ‘green skills’ essential to boosting short- and long-term productivity. More than a quarter of business owners (27%) identified green skills gaps in existing roles. 

**📖 Cornwall College Empowers Students with Green Skills.** Cornwall College is providing a [Pre-16 Green Skills Construction Pathway](https://cornishstuff.com/2024/10/30/students-across-cornwall-dive-into-green-skills-cornwall-colleges-pathway-for-sustainable-futures/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to GCSE students across Cornwall to equip them with skills for a sustainable future. Partnering with local schools, Cornwall College has rolled out a series of workshops, assemblies, and after-school clubs, offering students a practical introduction to sustainable practices. The program has already generated a range of student-led projects, highlighting the efforts young people are making toward a greener future.

**🎓 CHIETA Highlights Skills Development, Green Hydrogen Milestones.** The Chemical Industries Education & Training Authority successfully [trained and upskilled over 75,000 people in the chemical sector, of which 74% are youth](https://yiba.co.za/chiefta-highlights-skills-development-green-hydrogen-milestones/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). These people have acquired new skills that will significantly improve their employability and quality of life, contributing to employment creation and entrepreneurial opportunities across the country. 

**🏫 Milton Keynes College Group Opens New Green Skills Centre.** Milton Keynes College Group has opened a new Green Skills Centre, specializing in skills required to install [energy storage systems, electric car charge points, and solar panels](https://businessmk.co.uk/articles/business/precisely-what-the-city-and-country-need-mp-praises-milton-keynes-colleges-new-green-skills-centre/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The courses have been designed with significant input from employers including SJD Electrical Contractors & Engineers and solar and electric vehicle specialist Eden.

[![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-25-102758-1.png)](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)

HolonIQ has launched the [Green Skills Map](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), an open-source framework initiated for the purpose of cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on [greenskills.org](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

## **💰** Deals of the Week  

**🚗 WeRide's Successful IPO Raises $440M.** WeRide, a leading autonomous driving company, completed its initial public offering (IPO) and raised [$440.5M](https://www.lawyer-monthly.com/2024/10/latham-watkins-guides-major-ipo-for-weride-raising-440-5-million/?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

**🚚 LTL carrier Moran Transportation acquires RMX Freight Systems.** Moran Transportation, a less-than-truckload transportation provider, [acquired](https://www.freightwaves.com/news/ltl-carrier-moran-transportation-acquires-rmx-freight-systems?ref=newsletters.qs.com) RMX Freight Systems, another company in the same industry.

**🚕 Singapore's CityFleet Networks Acquires London's Addison Lee for £269M.** CityFleet Networks, a Singapore-based transport firm, [acquired](https://www.standard.co.uk/business/business-news/london-s-addison-lee-bought-by-singaporebased-transport-firm-for-ps269m-b1189644.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) Addison Lee, the largest premium private hire and chauffeur operator in London, for $326M.

**🚌 BasiGo Raises $42M for Electric Bus Solutions in Africa.** BasiGo, a Kenyan company providing electric bus solutions in sub-Saharan Africa, raised [$42M](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/10/basigo-raises-42m-in-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in funding.

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