Boeing will work with Japanese companies, universities and the government to develop technologies for next-generation lightweight electric aircraft. Partners include GS Yuasa for battery development and Sinfonia Technology and Tamagawa Seiki for the aeroplane’s engines.
Read moreShift in battery business: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) will sell its li-ion battery manufacturing to Taiwanese Delta Electronics. Instead of focussing on batteries for vehicles, MHI will concentrate its efforts on grid-tied energy storage system (ESS) products.
solarserver.com, energytrend.com
Geely and Volvo getting even closer: Apparently, the two companies are discussing to set up a joint research and development centre with a focus on electric drive systems and their manufacture. A timetable has not been set yet.
scandasia.com
3D-printed superbike: Most parts of the Energica Ego were 3D printed before they are put together to form a fully functioning electric motorcycle. The Italian-made Ego is said to reach speeds of up to 150 mph. Sales launch is set for 2015 with prices starting from 22,000 euros (30,000 dollars).
gas2.org (with video), 3diot.net
Oldtimer electrification: EV West specialises in electrifying classics. The company offers conversion kits for 16 models, among them the Beetle, Porsche 911, Karmann Ghia or the more recent Mazda MX 5. The kits cost under 7,000 dollars not including the battery.
technologicvehicles.com
Underspent or over-funded: The uptake of electric cars in the UK is slower than expected even with generous incentives being available. If growth of EV sales remains at the current rate, roads minister Robert Goodwill will have to make good use of the 170 million pounds (284m dollars) unspent in the government’s EV scheme ending 2015.
thegreencarwebsite.co.uk
Articulated e-bus: The city of Cologne, Germany, plans to order eight e-buses from Dutch manufacturer VDL by April. As they require a bendy bus currently not available on the market, the agreement expects VDL to customize their offer for Cologne’s public transport authority KVB. Before the buses can be built and go into service by 2016, KVB will have to decide if to opt for lead or lithium batteries.
rundschau-online.de (In German)
Tesla pricing Hong Kong: Chinese living in the “Special Administration Region” will get their Model S cheaper than consumers in mainland China. With prices similar to the U.S., ranging from 579,000 to 657,000 HK-dollars (74,700-84,700 USD), Tesla has already received 300 orders from Hong Kong.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com
New e-bus: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will supply two electric buses to Kitakyushu, Japan. The extra light buses come with new MLIX batteries and are said to run up to 80 kilometres on one charge at a top speed of 85 km/h.
greencarcongress.com
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