In a bold move to safeguard Europe's position in the competitive electric vehicle (EV) battery market, Scania, the Swedish truck manufacturer, is spearheading efforts to form a consortium aimed at acquiring Northvolt Labs, the research and development arm of the now-bankrupt Northvolt. The facility, located in Västerås, Sweden, represents a significant investment of approximately $750 million and employs over 1,100 specialists working on next-generation battery technologies.

Christian Levin, Scania's CEO, revealed in an interview with the Financial Times that the company is in discussions with potential partners, including the Swedish government and the European Commission, to share the financial burden of the acquisition. 'We're trying to form a consortium that could part-finance it, but we can't do it alone - it's simply too much, even for a large company like ours,' Levin stated, underscoring the strategic importance of keeping the lab's advanced research capabilities within Europe.

Northvolt Labs, often referred to as the 'crown jewel' by former executives, has been pivotal in developing cutting-edge materials for future batteries. Its potential acquisition comes at a critical time as the European automotive industry scrambles to meet stringent upcoming emissions regulations. The lab's expertise is seen as a key asset in maintaining the continent's competitive edge in the global shift towards electrification.

While the future of Northvolt's battery cell production in Skellefteå remains uncertain, with operations expected to wind down by June 30, the interest in Northvolt Labs highlights the industry's recognition of the value of its research and development capabilities. Scania's initiative reflects a broader trend of automotive and energy sectors investing heavily in battery technology to secure their futures in an increasingly electrified world.

Norwegian authorities are investigating an incident where a man suspected of attempted murder was injured during his arrest on the E18 highway in Sandefjord. The Special Unit for Police Matters has launched a mandatory investigation after the suspect sustained a fracture injury while being apprehended by police officers. Evidence from the scene has been secured as part of the probe into the circumstances surrounding the arrest.

The investigation stems from events that began Saturday evening when a woman was shot at a private address in the Unneberg area north of Sandefjord city center. The suspect fled the scene on an electric scooter following the shooting incident, which occurred around 3 PM. Police established a roadblock on the E18 highway as part of their response to the shooting.

The suspect was apprehended at approximately 7:45 PM at the police roadblock, during which he sustained injuries described as a fracture. While the extent of his injuries remains unclear, the Special Unit has initiated its investigation to clarify the sequence of events and circumstances leading to the injury. Both the suspect and the involved police officers will be interviewed in the coming days as part of the mandatory review process.

The man, who has provided an initial statement to police, has been formally charged with attempted murder and was remanded in custody by the Vestfold District Court on Monday morning. Police indicate the suspect and victim were acquainted but did not have a close relationship. The woman who was shot did not sustain life-threatening injuries, though her exact condition remains unknown as authorities continue their parallel investigations into both the shooting incident and the arrest-related injury.