The Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and E-Transit – all enjoy high customer demand in the USA. That’s why manufacturer Ford is now stepping on the gas pedal to boost production of its electric (and in some cases non-electric) models.
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In the USA, Missouri Republicans want to ban local mandates on electric car charging stations, saying that requiring business owners to install electric vehicle chargers is an infringement on their freedoms.
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US American electric truck manufacturer Orange EV has announced it will establish its new corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations in the Turner Logistics Center, an industrial park under construction in Kansas City.
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Ford has announced a number of investments to build out several US plants to produce electric models and components. The Van Dyke transmission plant will also build electric motors in future and in Kansas City, Ford will invest 100 million dollars in manufacturing capabilities for the e-transit.
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In the USA, the city of Joplin in Missouri has made a formal bid for Tesla’s new Gigafactory. In Germany, Tesla’s Giga Berlin is making progress with local infrastructure.
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Because Missouri’s car dealer association prohibited Tesla from participating in the Kansas City Auto Show, Tesla owners unceremoniously organized an exhibition of private Tesla vehicles themselves – in the parking lot of the exhibition grounds.
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Ford renegotiated its union contract last week in the USA, and the key points have just been leaked. These concern planned investments in individual plants as well as decisions on which models to electrify.
Read moreDriverless shuttle: For two months, Helsinki will be testing two self-driving EZ10 electric mini-buses from French company EasyMile. Compared to other road tests, the Finish capital seems to have imposed much less restrictions for the autonomous vehicles to be integrated into regular traffic.
techcrunch.com, local10.com
“Grand Tour of Switzerland” electrifies: The 1,600 km long holiday route in Switzerland will be fitted with charging stations by the end of 2017. Alpiq E-Mobility received the order and has begun with the installation of a first charger in St. Moritz.
cleantech.ch, alpiq.com
Like an island in the sun: Missouri will set up “charging islands” along the I-70 highway. Ameren Missouri is currently on the hunt for three locations that will offer fast- and regular charging.
elp.com
Predictive shuttle service: Ford will offer an electric shuttle service on the MIT campus from September. The service will be on-demand, but is also said to predict when people will need a ride, by learning when and where there are the most pedestrians on campus.
cbslocal.com (with video)
Electric mobility in Middletown: The city of Middletown in Connecticut has used a government grant to purchase six Ford Focus Electric and install two EV charging stations with two charge points each. The city footed half of the bill.
courant.com (with video)
Renault announces Zoe-sharing: The French manufacturer will implement a carsharing scheme called Renault Mobility in France, which it will present at the Salon d’Automobile in Paris in October. On top of cars with combustion engines, private and business customers will also be able to rent the Renault Zoe.
renault.com
Ford cooperates with MIT: The two have announced a research project using a fleet of electric shuttles. LIDAR sensors and cameras will measure pedestrian traffic on campuses and public roads to determine areas where there is demand for electric shuttle buses.
greencarcongress.com
New electric busses across the pond: Proterra announced that eight existing and new customers have received grants to buy a total of 35 electric buses. That brings the manufactures total orders to 287 electric buses from 38 U.S. cities.
greencarcongress.com
Charge with voice command: California-based company eMotorWerks has announced a new voice command function for its JuiceNet charging stations. Amazon’s Speaktoit assistant Alexa is there to help.
automotive-business-review.com, prnewswire.com
Local incentives: Missouri utility Empire District Electric has set up a charger at the Missouri Southern State University. Moreover, it incentivises clients to purchase electric cars, promising 2,000 dollars in subsidies per EV and 1,000 per PHEV bought.
buffaloreflex.com
Speeding drivers in Missouri, USA will soon not be captured on speed camera but be shot at with unpleasant sounds from a sound cannon. These ‘acoustical weapons,’ however, are designed to disturb and disorient people – not exactly what you want on a highway!
gizmodo.com
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We hope you stay safe and wish you a jolly Good Friday and happy Easter before we come back with more electrifying news next Tuesday, April 22nd!
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