In Germany, H2FLY, a company developing hydrogen fuel cell systems for aircraft, has announced the construction of a facility called the Center of Excellence for Hydrogen in Aviation. The facility is to be located at Stuttgart Airport and is scheduled to open in late 2024.
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In Germany, Flixbus has closed the country’s first electric long-distance bus connection between Frankfurt am Main and Mannheim – due to ongoing problems with the BYD buses and/or their batteries.
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Stuttgart Airport has chosen Mahle to supply the bigCharge system to install 110 charge points for its fleet and electric vehicles from employees. The Mahle system is easy to scale and fit thanks to a centralised charge management unit.
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ZF has opened a new test center for driveline technology in Friedrichshafen to test electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine drives. Battery simulators supply electric and hybrid drives with the required energy.
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Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced the next steps with its eActros electric truck after absolving 30,000 km of testing. Starting this spring, the German Logistik Schmitt will use the eActros in real-life three-phase operation.
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Porsche is beginning to make real noise for its upcoming all-electric car, the Taycan. Formerly dubbed Mission E, workers in Stuttgart have started a small series production in the new facility. Porsche will use those first 100 EVs for testing and practising.
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Bosch is planning on investing 77 million euros in its existing development centre in German Schwieberdingen. Most of the money will help build new offices for employees working on electric transport solutions. Bosch will spend the first 27 million this year.
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EnBW, the main energy provider in Germany’s south, has forged a new partnership that will result in a high power charging network located on the home turf of BMW, Daimler and Porsche. And this time, the HPC stops won’t be limited to motorways alone.
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The city of Stuttgart has expanded its ride-share programme Stella by an additional 25 electric scooters for the coming season, starting at the end of March. Their fleet will total 100 at that point, which is a leap from its humble beginnings with 15 Emco scooters.
Read more1,000 fast chargers for NYC: 10m dollars to install fast-charging infrastructure in the big apple is what Mayor Bill de Blasio is willing to spend between 2018 and 2020. He reckons that will be enough to help Con Edison set up 50 fast-charging hubs with 20 charging points each in all five boroughs of New York City. That is a 1,000 fast-charge points in two years time for the city that aims for a 20% EV share in new registrations by 2025 and is part of the C40 Cities network. Lead on.
nyc.gov
Generous EV incentives: Baden-Wuerttemberg, home to the likes of Daimler and Porsche and usually known for its frugality, is increasing its e-mobility incentive scheme for the third time. The “Landesinitiative III” offers 43.5m euros that will be handed out as vouchers (BW-e-Gutscheine) to not-for-profits, nurseries, SMEs, bus and taxi companies as well as car sharing clubs or driving schools. Such entities can claim 6,000 euros when buying an electric car or 1,500 for a PHEV on top of the federal incentive. Cargo electric bicycles are funded with a generous 4,000 euros, while bus companies may get up to a 100,000 euros, the same is true for those looking to invest into an electric truck.
baden-wuerttemberg.de
Bi-directional charging goes public: A public V2G charging point in Europe is being installed in Helsinki, Finland. The two-way charger is part of the EU mySmartLife project and a cooperation between Virta, Helen and Nissan as it complements an existing solar power plant and stationary energy storage.
virta.global, europa.eu
Over on the Isles a V2G charging service has been launched by DriveElectric, a provider of leased ULEVs. Drivers can charge both at home or at the workplace and DriveElectric signed a MoU with Japanese manufacturer Nichicon to sell and operate the company’s V2G chargers in the UK.
fleetnews.co.uk
2,000 new chargers in 3 years: The German federal state of Baden-Württemberg announced plans to increase its number of public EV charging stations in order to create a state-wide network with charge stops every 10 km. The corresponding cabinet paper earmarks up to 10m euros to erect 2,000 new charging stations until 2020 with two charge points each. A final decision is still outstanding though.
automobilwoche.de(in German)
Funding for electric bicycles: After starting a rebate programme for EVs this month, Austria will also give incentives to companies, municipalities, and associations to purchase electric bicycles. From April, 1 on, the state-funding is to include 200 euros per pedelec and 500 euros per cargo bike with pedal-assist.
derstandard.at (in German)
Electric boost for used car market: Swiss Post is about to resell 1,300 units of its 5,000 strong fleet of Renault Kangoo ZEs. Together with specialist BCAuto Enchères, La Poste will resale its electric vans that are over five years old to professionals through a white label web platform.
theqtimes.com
Scooters sharing to kick-off: Vodafone Germany and the start-up Walberg Urban Electrics launched a connected and electric scooter that works like a pedelec, meaning you have to have that kick you had as a kid. Vodafone users may use an app to locate a free ElektroRoller2Go and travel up to 42 km on a charge.
telecompaper.com
Fine print: New York state’s PEV rebate scheme has reportedly started but funding depends on electric miles. Only EVs with over 120 miles of range are eligible for the full 2,000 dollar grant. Plus, any EV with list prices over 60,000 dollars will benefit from 500 dollars only – sorry, Tesla.
greencarreports.com, nyserda.ny.gov
Hybrid racer: After Audi, Porsche unveils its hybrid LMP1, which is set to compete in the World Endurance Championship this season. The 919 Hybrid features three different aerodynamic packages to accommodate for different track conditions at high speeds powered by more than 900 hp.
motorsport.com, planetlemans.com, worldcarfans.com
Regional research confederacy I: Baden-Wuerttemberg bundles its electric transport initiatives as KIT, Stuttgart and Ulm Universities as well as those in Aalen and Esslingen create a laboratory network. The aim is to use synergies and connect existing infrastructure within the XiL-BW-e. Even testbeds at separate locations shall be linked to enable interactive and dynamic collaboration.
kit.edu (in German)
Regional research confederacy II: The “Profilregion Mobilitätssysteme Karlsruhe” (profile region mobility systems Karlsruhe) joins four Fraunhofer institutes (ICT, IOSB, ISI, IWM) and the new drive system project group with KIT, Hochschule Karlsruhe and FZI in an effort to find the transport of the future. 7 projects will run over two years and include electric and hybrid drive train research.
isi.fraunhofer.de (in German)
Japanese motors made in Canada: EV component specialist Mitsui High-tec opens its first production facility on North American soil. Located in Ontario, the plant is to go into operation by 2017 and will deliver components for hybrid and electric drivetrains used by Honda, Toyota, GM, and Ford.
ontario.ca, autotrader.ca
New grant for electric trucks and buses: The California Air Resources Board announced another EV funding initiative. In total, 24 million dollars will be provided for projects putting zero-emission trucks and buses into service in the Golden State.
greencarcongress.com
Promoting cycling: The U.K. Department for Transport funds a new e-bike fleet with 700,000 pounds. A total of 234 e-bikes will become available for hire in ten locations, including Bristol, Exeter, Oxford, Rotherham, Isle of Wright, Eastbourne and Plymouth, backing the government’s commitment to double the number of bicycle journeys in the United Kingdom.
bbc.com
Fifth H2 station in southwest Germany: Daimler, Linde and Total have opened the fifth hydrogen filling station in Baden-Wuerttemberg. As part of the Clean Energy Partnership expansion programme, the joint venture is investing in 20 of 50 new H2 stations to be built in Germany by 2016.
cleanenergypartnership.de
New EVs for Frankfurt Airport: Ten electric cars have been added to the fleet of Germany´s largest Airport. While these new Mitsubshi EVs are used for aircraft handling services, an electric heavy-duty prototype vehicle manufactured by Mulag is being tested for the transport of luggage containers.
aerosieger.de, airliners.de (both in German)
Sharing is caring: Los Angeles will kick off a three year carsharing project featuring 100 electric and hybrid vehicles in its low income districts. It will also install more than 100 charging points. The project’s aim is to allow people with lower incomes to use carsharing instead of purchasing a vehicle. The California Air Resources Board funds the initiative with 1.6 million dollars.
nbclosangeles.com, labusinessjournal.com, greencarcongress.com
BYD EVs for San Diego: The U.S. city of San Diego has ordered 50 units of the e6 electric car from Chinese manufacturer BYD. These are intended for airport transfers.
electriccarsreport.com (San Diego)
Golden Gate Transit bets on hybrids: The company is looking to order 74 new buses, which will hit the road at the end of 2017. After looking at a score of option, Golden Gate Transit prefers to go with diesel-electric buses, due to improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
marinij.com
More electrification in Germany: Germany’s southern state of Baden-Wuerttemberg decided on actions against fine dust and noise. It wants to therefore build up more charging infrastructure and increase the amount of electric cars in its own governmental fleet to 10 percent. It thus hopes to reach its target of 200,000 EVs on its roads by 2020.
baden-wuerttemberg.de (in German)
Electric highway: The Australian State of Queensland wants to equip the 1,600 km long “Bruce Highway” with solar-powered fast chargers for electric cars. The first such charging station will be set up in Townsville.
theguardian.com
EVs made in Malaysia: A joint venture of both Chinese BAIC and Amber Dual will start EV production in Malaysian Gurun. A first prototype will be ready in December, while serial production kicks off in July 2016. The 73-million dollar facility is believed to be able to produce about 2,000 – 3,000 electric cars in its first year.
freemalaysiatoday.com, paultan.org
Tax free: Electric cars, plug-in hybrids and “new energy” ships will be exempted from vehicle and vessel tax in China, Chinese media reports, quoting a governmental statement. When the legislation will to come into force has not been published.
china.org.cn, xinfinance.com
HOV lanes in Germany? The federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg is planning to conduct a feasibility study on of what it calls “Umweltstreifen” (eco lanes). These extra lanes would be reserved for EVs, PHEVs, car pools, as well as Euro 6 vehicles. The report will determine the effect on air quality while also finding ways to control such lanes.
stuttgarter-zeitung.de (in German)
Leases to owners: Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC) has come up with a new deal for customers leasing a 2011, 2012, or 2013 Leaf. NMAC lowered the buy-out price of the lease Leaf by 5,000 dollars for the newer models. For 2011 Leaf, a 1,500-dollar discount applies until the end of June.
insideevs.com
Kia Soul EV reviewed: Byron Hurd delivers a thorough review of Kia’s electric version of its Soul EV. Its virtues lie in its accessibility and practicality, as it is close enough to its conventional Soul(mate).
leftlanenews.com
H2 stations for California: Air Products has signed an agreement with FirstElement Fuel Inc. to supply hydrogen fuelling stations and technology. The initial network consists of 19 H2 stations to be built throughout the Golden State in 2015. The deal is worth 25.5 million dollars.
airproducts.com, businesswire.com
Another eight H2 stations will be erected in Baden-Württemberg in the South of Germany. Their exact location has now been revealed by the Clean Energy Partnership at the World of Energy Solution show. Already the federal state has five hydrogen stations. By the end of 2015 there will be 13. They are part of a nationwide network of 50 stations for FCVs.
cleanenergypartnership.de (in German)
Quick charger in Barcelona: The Spanish city intends to expand its AC charging network of 262 with fast charging devices. One Trio Quick Charger by Circontrol has now been connected. The unit features both CCS and CHAdeMO charging and a 43 kW AC option.
circontrol.com
Direct payment: Hubject now enabled its new ‘intercharge direct’ payment solution. It allows EV drivers to pay any utility provider directly and without contract by scanning a QR code with their smartphone and pay via PayPal. Charge point operators within the European intercharge network can activate the new option without any additional technical effort.
hubject.com (PDF)
Demo home with EV: Ford’s plug-in hybrid C-Max is part of a KB Home energy efficient house and serves to showcase a net-zero lifestyle. The house incorporates parts of Ford MyEnergi Lifestyle initiative. Most of the home’s energy needs are fulfilled by solar panels that feed into smart home appliances.
hybridcars.com
Setting an example: The provincial government of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, has affirmed plans to further lower its county’s carbon emissions. Therefore, a tenth of the ministry’s fleet shall be electrified by 2015. Funding has also been extended to support electric buses and cabs. Baden-Wuerttemberg aims to have 200,000 electric vehicles on its roads by 2020.
mvi.baden-wuerttemberg.de (In German)
E-cabs in London: The 20 BYD electric taxis ordered by chauffeur service Thriev (we reported) are now in operation. London’s first electric cab fleet is expected to be joined by a further 50 cars in July ordered by minicab firm Green Tomato Cars.
businessgreen.com
Avis to include hybrids: The rental car service’s UK branch has now included Peugeot’s hybrid version of the 508 and 3008 in its fleet. The low-emission cars are available to customers across the UK.
fleetnews.co.uk
H2 on the Isle of Wight: ITM Power has received planning permission for five hydrogen stations on the Isle of Wight. Two of four sites will be ready for operation in November 2014. The four land locations will be complemented by one marine refueling station.
fleetnews.co.uk
E-buses for Malaysia: The Malayan transport authority Prasarana Transit has announced BYD as winning bidder to supply 15 electric buses. It is South East Asia’s largest electric bus project so far. The decision for BYD follows a trial of a BYD bus serving successfully in Kuala Lumpur since last August.
puregreencars.com
