ICE ban, China, Tesla, VW, Geely, Uniti, Formula E.
ICE stop in Europe: According to German magazine Spiegel, Germany’s Federal Assembly passed a resolution to ban internal combustion engines from 2030. It even called on the EU to pass a directive so that only zero-emission cars “will be approved” across member states. While the resolution has no legislative effect, it should have carmakers worried or at least give them a nudge in the right direction.
spiegel.de (in German), forbes.com
Electric protectionism: German Handelsblatt reports that Beijing’s industrial ministry wants to force Chinese manufacturers to sell more electric and hybrid models. They are said to account for 8 percent of all cars sold by 2018. The ministry also wants at least 70% of all electrified cars sold in China by 2020 to come from local brands.
handelsblatt.com (in German; paid content)
Making room: Tesla submitted a new “master plan” to city of Fremont, California, looking to double the size of the local factory to meet the demand for the Model 3. Twelve new buildings will be added, while the number of employees will grow from now 6,210 to 9,315.
electrek.co, sfchronicle.com (master plan)
Electric bug: Green Car Reports says it learned that Volkswagen is looking to launch an electric generation of its iconic VW Beetle, based on the MEB platform. The information was “overheard” at the Paris Motorshow, where the carmaker presented the I.D. with a rear mounted electric engine.
greencarreports.com
Geely’s new brand for hybrids (we reported) will be called Lynk & Co and will be officially introduced on October 20th. The planned vehicles will be based on Geely and Volvo’s CMA architecture. The first model could be plug-in hybrid SUV, said to hit the road in 2017.
motorauthority.com
Crowdfunding success: It took Uniti only 3 hours to reach its crowdfunding goal of 500,000 euros, collecting more than double the amount by Saturday afternoon. The campaign for Sweden’s first electric city car will continue until November 19th. At this pace, the start-up should get at least triple of what it asked for.
digitaljournal.com, fundedbyme.com
Season 3 kickoff: Reigning Formula E champion was able to defend his title in the first season three race in Hong Kong. The Renault e.dams driver took the lead in the second half of the race when his competitor Sam Bird (DS Virgin Racing) pitted for his mandatory car swap. Overall, a total of 15 of the 20 drivers were able to finish the 45-lap race.
fiaformulae.com, autoweek.com
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