Apple + CATL, Schaeffler + Frauenhofer, Indian Railways, Hyperloop

Apple and CATL to create EV batteries? The tech giant’s ambitions to create an own EV seemed to decline during the last months, but rumours rise again after a report of business journal Yicai Global. Thus, in the frame of a “confidential” project, Apple is developing EV batteries with CATL, China’s biggest battery maker that reportedly seeks to generate a production output of 50 GWh by 2020, making it the worldwide biggest li-ion battery producer behind Tesla/Panasonic. Apple already partners with CATL’s holding Amperex Technology in order to supply batteries for its iPhones and MacBooks.
electrek.co, macrumors.com

Schaeffler and Frauenhofer team up: Car supplier Schaeffler and research association Fraunhofer signed a strategic agreement to intensify their collaboration – among others in the section of emission-free mobility. Just recently, Schaeffler announced to create an own electric mobility division within automotive, starting at January, 1st.
schaeffler.de

Hybrid train with solar panels: Indian Railways has started to operate the first diesel-electric train whose battery gets feed by solar cells at the wagons’ roofs. In the next days, approximately 50 such solar trains are supposed to follow on short distance lines. Later on, they shall be deployed in long-distance traffic, too.
globalconstructionreview.com

Hyperloop line at U.S.’s east coast? Tesla CEO Elon Musk has tweeted that its other brainchild The Boring Company has gained the U.S. government’s verbal approval to build a Hyperloop line between Washington D.C. and New York City. Musk added however, that for formal approval there is still much work waiting. The White House confirmed promising talks, but did not name any details. A spokesperson of NYC’s mayor tweeted that this announcement is new for the City Hall. According to Musk, the distance between both east coast metropolis could be done in 29 minutes.
electrek.co, insideevs.com, washingtonpost.com