Jul 27, 2016 - 08:11 am

Porsche, Solar Impulse 2, McLaren, BYD, India, Audi Q7 e-tron.

Electric Porsche as job motor: Porsche will hire over 1,400 new people for the development and production of its all-electric sports car. More than 1,200 of the said positions will be created in Zuffenhausen (Germany).
autonews.com, porsche.de

Solar-powered globe circumvention completed: Pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg have touched down in Abu Dhabi after a total of 510 hours and 40,000 km in the air. The Solar Impulse 2 is powered entirely by the sun. Congratulations!
bbc.com, theguardian.com

Electric McLaren in the pipelines: CEO Mike Flewitt told PistonHeads that McLaren is working on an all-electric drivetrain, which the Brits want to integrate into an existing architecture. It could possibly be a limited edition Ultimate Series (P1 level) EV.
pistonheads.com

Electric buses from Hungary: According to non-official sources, Chinese manufacturer BYD has begun building an electric bus factory in Komárom in northern Hungary. Production could kick off as early as October 2016 with a yearly output of 100 units that will then be exported to western Europe.
portfolio.hu

Issues to launch in India: A planned consortium for the delivery of components for electric and hybrid vehicles has been pushed back. The launch was originally planned for July 15th, but Ford now pulled out, citing financial reasons and partners Mahindra, Tata Motors, and Maruti Suzuki are left out in the rain. There have so far not been any official statements on the issue.
livemint.com

Driving the Audi Q7 e-tron: Autocar took the plug-in SUV for a spin. And while they applaud the combination of a diesel engine and electric motor, the Audi couldn’t quite convince, also because one needs “be able to charge it frequently to get anywhere near the claimed economy.” For anyone who has set their heart on a plug-in hybrid they recommend the Volvo XC90 T8 instead.
autocar.co.uk

Jul 14, 2016 - 08:29 am

Tesla, Mercedes, Apple, Porsche, electric bus, Solar Impulse 2.

Cheaper Model X: Just like the Model S (we reported), Tesla’s Model X is now available with a smaller, 60 kWh battery pack. The new base version, the Model X 60D, starts 74,00 dollars, about 9,000 dollars less than the next step up, the 75D variant.
autoblog.com, insideevs.com, electriccarsreport.com

Electric Mercedes revealed: But don’t get your hopes up, this is no electric car for going the distance nor will it take on Tesla. Golf cart Garia is equipped with a 3 kW electric motor, can go up to 80 km on one charge and has a maximum speed of 30 kph. Better to start small than never.
paultan.org, motoringresearch.com, emercedesbenz.com

Could Apple buy the Formula 1? Apparently, the two are in serious talks about a takeover and the F1 is officially for sale. A takeover would give Apple also a seat at the table with FIA, who is also in charge of the Formula E – possibly a perfect setting to introduce the secret ‘Project Titan’ or Apple Car to the track.
trustedreviews.com, joesaward.wordpress.com

Spyder recall: Porsche is calling the hybrid Spyder 918 back to the shop, as two different seatbelt screw could have been mixed up during assembly. This is the Spyder’s second recall. But with all of 918 units, it’s more an embarrassment than a hassle.
motoringresearch.com

E-bus production in Asia: Chinese electric bus manufacturer Shenzhen Wuzhoulong Motors wants to set up an assembly plant in Thailand that will serve as a production base for ASEAN countries. Some 10,000 EVs are to be built there the first year. The Thai government is looking into the proposal.
bangkokpost.com

Fly high: As reported, the Solar Impulse 2 touched down in Cairo yesterday – but not without flying a short victory lap over the pyramids. This is the crew’s 16 stop during its global circumvention and the last before heading back to Abu Dhabi from where the plane originally took off last year.
bbc.com, theguardian.com

Jun 24, 2016 - 09:06 am

BMW, Tesla, JAC Motors, Solar Impulse 2, NextEV, Mi Qicycle.

All-electric BMW i8? According to Autocar, the BMW i division is working on an i8 variant powered by three electric motors. It will most probably be used as a safety car for the Formula E. If it will also hit showrooms is not clear. What is, is that the i8 will get a facelift. Performance will increase by ten percent, and the 20 Ah battery will be replaced with a 26 Ah system.
autocar.co.uk

More room for the Model 3: In light of recent interest in the Model 3, Tesla is already planning to expand its Fremont production plant. The development will cost some 1.26bn dollars and the carmaker has applied for a 106 dollar tax relief in California.
insideevs.com

JAC to arrive on European shores? The Chinese manufacturer may be considering producing electric cars and buses in Bulgaria to enter the European market. That is at least what the Bulgarian ministry of economics has announced. How concrete these plans really are – we will see.
autonews.com

Solar Impulse 2 crosses Atlantic: The solar-powered airplane has touched down in Seville, Spain, after flying across the pond for 71 hours straight. That is about 20 hours less than the crew had planned for. They had taken off from New York on Monday.
cnn.com, .bbc.com, solarimpulse.com

Following on Tesla’s heels: Chinese NextEV is testing its all-electric sports car in Europe these days, German Wirtschaftswoche reports. A limited number will be available from the end of the year. From the end of 2017, NextEV will take on the Tesla Model 3 with its own electric car fit for the masses and priced at around 50,000 euros. The Chinese are planning to sell 500,000 units per year.
wiwo.de (in German)

Affortable e-bike from China: Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi now offers a foldable electric bike called the Mi Qicycle. It only weighs 14.5 pounds, comes with a 3-speed hub plus a 250W motor for pedal assist for about 45km. The price – only 460 dollars.
engadget.com

Jun 21, 2016 - 09:06 am

Fiat-Chrysler, VW, Nissan, SsangYong, Porsche, Solar Impulse 2.

Fiat mulls electric mobility: Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne seems now ready to consider a fully electric vehicle in his line-up. “I think that to use one of our potential cars as an experiment in this area is interesting,” he said. A small city car for the European market and a Tesla-fighter in the form of an electric Maserati are apparently in the pipeline.
bloomberg.com, autoblog.com

Bye-bye diesel: Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller is questioning the technology and whether the company “should invest more money in further developing the diesel,” he told German Handelsblatt. Peter Mertens from Volvo is asking himself that same question, saying that the Swedes will have to “think twice or three times about it,” since electric mobility could be financially competitive in the next two years. A new era might be upon us.
spiegel.de (Volkswagen; in German), automobil-produktion.de (Volvo; in German)

Cheap EV for China: Nissan and Dongfeng will launch an affordable electric model in the country this summer. It is said to be 30 percent less expensive than the Venucia e30, the Chinese variant of the Nissan Leaf. According to Nikkei, thanks to subsidise, the newcomer will cost just as much as a petrol-car.
nikkei.com

E-SsangYong update: First specs about the just recently announced EV from South Korea have been released. The E-XIV 300 will apparently boast a 150 kWh electric drivetrain, which could be supplied by BMW. LG will deliver the 43 kWh battery pack that will hold enough energy for 300 km on one charge. A range extender is also up for discussion.
automobil-produktion.de (in German)

Hybrid Porsche wins Le Mans: The Germans drove to the top place on the podium in their 919 Hybrid during the 24-hour race in north-western France. It long looked as though Toyota might be victorious, until the Japanese needed to stop just minutes before the end of the race, due to a technical defect.
autoblog.com, gizmag.com

Solar Impulse 2 takes on Atlantic: The solar-powered airplane has begun its most difficult leg of its circumnavigation of the world. Taking off from the New York, the Solar Impulse 2 will cross the Atlantic on its way back to Europe. The flight will take four days and nights, after which the plane will set down in Seville, Spain.
bbc.com, solarimpulse.com

Jun 13, 2016 - 07:09 am

Mercedes, Geely, air pollution, Tesla, Solar Impulse 2, VW.

Plug-in fuel cell hybrid: The Mercedes GLC F-Cell will feature a battery pack that can be charged externally and inductively. It complements two hydrogen tanks with enough hydrogen for 280 miles. The power pack adds another 30 miles of electric driving and makes the GLC the first fuel cell PHEV. Launch is set for next year. 2017 is also to see a face lifted S-Class with a plug-in hybrid variant featuring a 13.5 kWh battery rather than the previous 8.7 kWh. The doubling in capacity is said to last for 30 miles.
autocar.co.uk (GLC), autocar.co.uk (S-class)

London black cabs EU bound: The electric version of the iconic British taxi is seeking its very own Brexit as Geely pitches to Paris, Oslo, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Berlin. The TX5 prototype currently on display in the French capital could hit the Parisian roads already by 2018.
bloomberg.com, europe.autonews.com

Emission excess: Air pollution is still higher than its legal limit in 10 of 28 EU Member States. Data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) names emissions from road transport and agriculture as the worst offenders. Germany exceeded three out of its four emission ceilings in 2014.
greencarcongress.com

Suspension scandal suspended: Tesla has reacted to allegations of a failing Model S suspension and a wilful cover up. The story goes back to one model, which is driven on a dirt road daily, and has been spun further by the owner of the discontinued ‘Tesla Death Watch’ blog. NHTSA has been looking into the matter and has not found a recurring fault so far.
electrek.co, insideevs.com, teslamotors.com

Almost there: The Solar Impulse made it to New York, where it circled the Statue of Liberty on Saturday night. The solar-powered plane is now waiting for favourable weather conditions to start the last leg of its circumvention of the globe, the crossing of the Atlantic.
bbc.com

VW to electrify commercial vehicles: Volkswagen thinks about offering the Caddy and T-series as electric variants but only if the required technology becomes available at a reasonable price point. The Amarok however, is excluded from the modernising effort.
automobilwoche.de (in German)

May 24, 2016 - 08:44 am

Peugeot, Tomcar, Mugen, Tesla, Solar Impulse 2, Amiani Cycles.

Peugeot plugs in: The French carmaker’s plug-in range is to kick-off with the 3008 but only by 2019. Sitting on the EMP2 platform, the 3008 plug-in hybrid will be followed by pure electric versions of the 208 and 2008 at an even later date, Peugeot president Maxime Picat revealed.
autoexpress.co.uk, europe.autonews.com

Underground EV from Down Under: The Tomcar LV1 is the first EV made in Australia but designed for the mining industry. With a 100 kW electric drive train that is locally sourced from Energetique, the LV1 can be equipped with 12 – 20 kWh battery packs. Deliveries are set for early 2017.
gizmodo.com.au, businessinsider.com.au

Third TT Zero entry: Mugen is to compete on the Isle of Man again. For this year’s TT Zero race, the company presents the Shinden Go electric motorcycle that boasts a 120 kW motor but weighs only 250 kilos. A new best of 125 mph average speed is well within reach, the firm hopes.
insideevs.com

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Tesla to climb Pikes Peak: A modified Model S is to compete at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb. Driver Blake Fuller, CEO of Go Puck wearable batteries, developed a new battery pack for his Model S, which is said to be 80 percent lighter as it has less capacity than the original Tesla power pack.
carscoops.com

The Solar Impulse 2 flew more than 1,000 km from Oklahoma to Ohio in 16 hours. It is the 12th stage of the solar airplane’s circumnavigation of the globe. The Swiss pioneers are en route to New York, the last stop before they will finally fly across the Atlantic.
bbc.com, usatoday.com

Carbon eMTB for $999: Californian Amiani Cycles is working on an electric mountain bike. To realise the 17-kilo carbon e-bike, the firm is looking for funding with a special offer on Indiegogo. The Kilimanjaro CF comes with a 350 W motor that is throttle-controlled and a 324 Wh battery.
einnews.com, indiegogo.com

May 3, 2016 - 08:56 am

BMW, Zbee, Solar Impulse 2, Tesla, Umberto Palermo.

i3 battery upgrade official: From July, the BMW i3 will be available with a 33 kWh battery pack. The option (which can also be retrofitted) will cost an extra 1,200 euros and should increase range to 300 km according to NEFZ. BMW says that even in bad weather or with AC and heater running, the new variant can go up to 200 km. A version with range extender is also available. Moreover, the Bavarians will offer a more powerful Wallbox.
greencarcongress.com, insideevs.com, bmwgroup.com

Zbee to conquer India: Swedish manufacturer Clean Motion wants to invest 10m dollars in India over the next three years. The goal is to set up an assembly facility for its three-wheeled, all-electric Zbee, as well as its circulation as last mile solution in the country. The company hopes to get 2,200 units on the road in India by 2019.
livemint.com

Touch down in Phoenix: Following a one week break in California, the Solar Impulse 2 has landed in Phoenix, Arizona. The 745 mile flight took nearly 16 hours to complete, at an average speed of 43.58 mph (70.15 kph). As soon as the weather permits, the solar-powered plane will take off for its next leg across the United States.
nbcnews.com

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No seconds! Despite Tesla saying it was not possible to begin with, some people managed to reserve more than two Model 3 at a time, which could technically lead to stock speculation. Elon Musk now announced that these kinds of double reservations were being sought out and deleted. But only 0.2 percent of the 400,000 reservations are concerned.
gas2.org, autoworldnews.com

Tesla Model X P90D reviewed: Bloomberg tested the all-electric SUV for 340 miles along the California coast, even on the beach! One thing they noted is that the battery display does not adjust accordingly, letting drivers believe they have more juice left then they do. But since the car finds the nearest Supercharger, even that was not too big a deal.
bloomberg.com (with video)

EV addition from Italy: Italian design company Umberto Palermo announced that it will show two electric cars at the Turin Motor Show in June. Next to the 212 kW Luce Concept Coupé with 370 Nm of torque and a 340 km range, it will also show a tuned version of a Tesla Model S.
carscoops.com

Apr 22, 2016 - 08:59 am

VW, Volvo, Honda, Citroën, Solar Impulse 2.

VW plans EV quota: German Manager Magazin reports that in light of the diesel scandal, VW plans to cover 25 percent of its sales with all-electric cars by 2025 – which converts to about 1.5m vehicles. Moreover, these are said to boast a range of 300-400 km. In order to reach its ambitious goal, VW chief executive Matthias Müller even considers building a battery cell production facility.
manager-magazin.de

Volvo’s electrification strategy: The carmaker wants to sell one million electrified vehicles by 2025. The first pure EV from Sweden will arrive by 2019. On top of that, the manufacturer will continue its plug-in hybrid strategy, saying it will offer at least two hybrid variants of every model in its line-up.
autocar.co.uk, carscoops.com

Honda Clarity becomes electric: The car now at the forefront of fuel cell technology will also be offered as a pure EV and a plug-in hybrid variant sometime in 2017. The latter is said to go 60 km on one charge. Its cousin, the Honda Accord, will also again be offered as a hybrid from 2017. The drivetrain had not been part of the line-up this year.
autoblog.com (Clarity), worldcarfans.com (Accord)

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www.e-mobilbw.de (PDF)

Electric Citroën for China: The French carmaker is bringing an electric version of its C-Elysée sedan to the Auto China next week. The car has enough battery capacity to go 250 km on one charge and could arrive on the streets of China as early as 2017.
autocar.co.uk

Take-off: The Solar Impulse 2 has taken off to attempt the final leg of its Pacific crossing. Next stop is the Moffett Airfield in Mountain View, California, on April 23rd. The solar-powered airplane was grounded last year after flying from Japan to Hawaii due to battery damage.
solarimpulse.com

Apr 18, 2016 - 08:01 am

Tesla, 2050 Motors, Mahindra, Solar Impulse 2, Zero Motorcycles.

Tesla production: At the AVERE E-Mobility conference in Amsterdam, Tesla Vice President of Business Development, Diarmuid O’Connell, confirmed that nearly 400,000 Model 3 have already been reserved. As a result, the EV maker plans to increase production and expand its line-up, including a possible Tesla pickup truck.
electrek.com (with video)

New Nevada plant: 2050 Motors is checking out possible sites in the Las Vegas area to erect an automotive manufacturing plant. They may be seeking tax incentives before building. For now, the company will continue importing vehicles from their plant in China, including the recently unveiled e-Go and Ibis.
insidedevs.com

Mahindra launched: Indian carmaker Mahindra’s e2o has launched in the UK. The three-door hatchback claims a range of 29 miles and is competitively priced, starting at 12,995 pounds, after UK grants. Though it costs more than the Renault Twizy, it remains cheaper that alternatives like the Leaf and Zoe.
autocar.co.uk

— Text Ad —
Baden-Württemberg Pavilion shows success factor e-mobility: During the Hannover Messe / MobiliTec the Baden-Württemberg Pavilion and its 43 exhibitors showcase the diversity of the e-mobility landscape in the southwest of Germany. With “Automated. Connected. Electrified.” as its guiding theme, the whole spectrum – from development and production to road tests of partially automated electric vehicles – will be covered. Visit us in hall 27.
www.e-mobilbw.de (PDF)

Impulse continues: The Solar Impulse 2 is ready to continue its trip around the world. The plane was grounded last year after flying from Japan to Hawaii due to battery damage. After 13 test flights and training flights, the Solar Impulse 2 will be taking off as soon as the first favourable window for flight arises.
theverge.com

Pikes Peak race: Zero Motorcycles will be teaming up with Hollywood Electrics to enter the 100th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Two Zero FXS motorcycles will be in the race, piloted by Jake Holden and Mark Miller. The race takes place on a 12.42-mile course, beginning at 9,390 feet, and includes 156 turns.
prnewswire.com

Tesla social: Current Model S owners are being invited to a new event series called “Tesla Weekend Social.” The meetup offers current owners the chance to meet each other and also to speak with Tesla representatives about upcoming products and features. The first meetup will take a closer look at the Summon feature.
electrek.co

Jul 16, 2015 - 08:48 am

Toyota, Tesla, Solar Impulse 2, Govecs.

Heated hybrid recall: Toyota is asking 626,000 units of the Prius+, Prius alpha, and Auris hybrid produced between May 2010 and November 2014 to return to base immediately. A software issue could lead the hybrid system to overheat, causing it to shut down while driving.
reuters.com, businessinsider.com

The Gigafactory will triple in size, the Wall Street Journal reports. Tesla has acquired even more land from the state of Nevada, most of which will serve as so-called buffer land. No structures will be erected there. Instead, it could serve as a location for solar panels.
wsj.com

Stranded in paradise: The Solar Impulse 2 will not take off from Hawaii before 2016. The batteries overheated during its record breaking flight over the Pacific and are beyond repair. The team stressed that the problem was due to tropical temperatures and not technical failure.
bbc.com, theverge.com

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Govecs expands: The German electric scooter manufacturer is taking over the Vectrix plant in Wroclaw, Poland. Vectrix filed for bankruptcy after a deal with Daimler to produce the smart e-scooter fell through. Govecs’ production will now quadruple, reaching 20,000 units a year.
evertiq.com

As Tesla is splitting up its global sales operations (we reported yesterday), the electric carmaker is looking to hire a sales VP for Japan and South Korea. This is a very strong indicator that Tesla is actually trying to start selling in Korea soon.
business.asiaone.com

May 5, 2015 - 08:30 am

PSA, Skoda, Chevrolet, KTM, Solar Impulse 2, Larte Design.

New PSA EVs: The next generation of electric Peugeot and Citroen small cars can be expected by 2020, CEO Carlos Tavares announced. As PSA is developing the new models from scratch, the EVs are said to be cheaper and have more range than current models that are based on Mitsubishi’s iOn and C-Zero. Furthermore, PSA is working on its first plug-in hybrid to debut in 2019. While the “architectural aspects” of the PHEV are set, the choice of battery technology is still being discussed.
autonews.com

Skoda EV to arrive sooner than expected? Apparently, Skoda will offer an electric version of its Citigo by 2018 or 2019, German Auto Bild suggests. The small EV would have a 200-km range at a price of 15,000 euros. A plug-in hybrid variant of the Superb is scheduled for 2018.
autobild.de (in German)

Pricing for the new Volt: The next-gen Chevrolet Volt will be sold in U.S. starting at 33,995 dollars before federal and state incentives, meaning the new Volt will cost 1,200 dollars less than the current model. The car will go into production this August and will hit dealerships shortly after.
transportevolved.com, greencarcongress.com

Road-ready e-motorcycle: KTM launched the third member of its Freeride family of electric motorbikes. The Freeride E-SM is designed for tarmac use and the electric drive delivers a peak output of 16kW and 42Nm. The bike will be available in Europe already this month.
ktm.com

The Solar Impulse crew is about to embark on the most challenging leg of its sun-powered flight, as they are about to take off from China for a non-stop flight to Hawaii. The 8,500 kilometre (5,270 mile) flight across the Pacific is expected to take five to six days – with only one pilot.
news.yahoo.com, cleantechnica.com

900 hp Tesla? Russian tuner Larte Design plans to increase the output of the Model S P85D to 900 hp, giving it a 29 percent power boost. Still, Larte claims the extra strength would not deplete the battery any faster than usually. Obviously, a new body kit and more sound are part of the package.
autoevolution.com

Apr 20, 2015 - 08:09 am

Venturi, Drive eO, Babel Bike, Solar Impulse 2.

Ready for the cold: Venturi’s all-electric vehicle Antarctica with caterpillar tracks stood up against snow and ice in the Alps, showing that it is fit to support research teams at the South Pole. It will be used to reach research areas; distances that are currently covered by ski. Apparently, the idea for the vehicle came from Prince Albert II of Monaco on his last trip to the snow covered region.
electricvehiclesresearch.com

Drive eO racer: The Latvian company announces the world’s first one megawatt electric race car, the eO PP03. The six YASA-400 electric motors provide a total of 1020 kW, allowing the car to reach 260 kph. Drive eO says that it will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the U.S. in June.
electricvehiclesresearch.com

The Babel Bike is said to be safest bike out there. It features a Shimano electric motor to support the rider during acceleration and seatbelts as well as a rolling cage in case of an accident. While it looks slightly odd, the safety argument could get some back in the saddle.
autoblog.com (with video), indiegogo.com (crowdfunding campaign)

Not gone with the wind: Bad weather is forcing the Solar Impulse 2 to remain grounded in China, where it has been for the past two and a half weeks. Swiss pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg had planned to stay for one night only, as they fly around the world only powered by the sun.
dailymail.co.uk

Mar 10, 2015 - 09:22 am

Jaguar Land Rover, Tesla, Solar Impulse 2, Dongfeng, Changan, BYD.

Electric Jag from Austria? Jaguar Land Rover may build its first electric car in Austria as soon as next year. Some 10,000 units per year could roll of the production line. British Autocar recently reported that the F-Pace will be electrified and that the same platform could be used for an all-electric Land Rover.
carwale.com, marketbusinessnews.com

Tesla layoffs in China: Tesla confirmed that it will cut a number of jobs in China since sales are significantly lower than expected. According to Chinese media, Tesla will eliminate 180 of the 600 positions at its China unit. Local executives including Veronica Wu, Tesla’s former China president, and June Jin, Tesla’s former vice president of communications, have recently left the company.
bloomberg.com, wantchinatimes.com, www.wsj.com

Solar plane takes flight: The Solar Impulse 2 has taken off for its flight around the world, powered solely by solar energy. Pilots Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg plan on completing their 35,000 kilometre journey in 25 days, spread out over roughly five months.
eco-business.com, solarimpulse.com

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New EVs for China: Dongfeng has launched its electric mini car E30 as a two- and four-seater (E30L) in China, while Changan brings its electric sedan Eado EV to the Chinese market. Changan has ambitious plans as it wants to introduce a total of 27 all-electric models in China by 2025.
carnewschina.com (Dongfeng), carnewschina.com (Changan)

BYD E5 spotted: It is BYD’s second all-electric car, following its e6 model. The EV will be unveiled at the Shanghai Auto Show in April and launch in the second half of the year. Range will be about 200 kilometers and prices including subsidies are expected to start at around 140,000 yuan (22,344 USD)
carnewschina.com

BYD takes on Korea: The Chinese manufacturer wants to introduce its all-electric buses and taxis in South Korea this year. According to BYD, it sold 3,560 e6 taxis and 2,500 K9 buses worldwide in 2014.
cri.cn

Jan 22, 2015 - 09:42 am

Battery production in China, Patents, ABB & Solar Impulse 2.

Battery market on the rise: According to market research firm CCM, the market for Li-ion batteries produced in China will grow 400 percent by 2017, due to the growing EV market there. Moreover, the firm suggests that because most domestic Chinese battery manufacturers are lagging behind their competitors in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. in terms of their ability to manufacture high performing EV batteries, international players could gain market share.
greencarcongress.com

Patent filing numbers on the rise: According to a new report, carmakers have increased research efforts and patent filing in the field of propulsion technology for the past five years. The reason are the CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations and manufacturers trying to avoid penalties if their portfolios are not green enough.
forbes.com, reuters.com

ABB on board: The solar-powered plane ‘Solar Impulse 2’ will start its flight around the world in late February or early March. Engineers from ABB India will accompany the Solar Impulse crew and improve control systems for ground operations, enhance the charging electronics for the plane’s battery systems and resolve obstacles that emerge along the route.
business-standard.com

– Feedback –

Most clicked link on Wednesday was the all-electric DKW Schnellaster from 1956 fully restored by Audi Tradition.
autoevolution.com

Jan 21, 2015 - 09:05 am

Solar Impulse 2 world trip, Google investment in SpaceX.

Video tip: The Solar Impulse 2 is getting ready for its trip around the world. It was undergoing tests at the Abu Dhabi Airport, including being turned on for the first time. The official flying route has also been made public, with take-off scheduled for the end of next month.
youtube.com via cleantechnica.com

Reading tip: Media report that Google wants to invest up to one billion dollars in Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. A possible reason for the collaboration could be that Musk and Google both want to make the internet available in even remote areas via small satellites.
wsj.com, businessinsider.com

Jun 3, 2014 - 08:31 am

Mitsubishi, Solar Impulse 2, Suitcase scooter, KDS, Efacec.

Mitsubishi’s “mountaineer”: The Japanese have unveiled the ‘MiEV Evolution III’ with which they will compete at this year’s Pikes Peak race. The upgraded electric racer comes with 450 kW and is thus 50kW stronger than its predecessor.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com

Electric maiden flight: The ‘Solar Impulse 2’ solar aircraft has managed its inaugural 2.5-hour flight successfully. It is an upgraded version of the plane which carried Swiss Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg across the United States. In 2015, the two pioneers plan to fly around the world powered only by the sun.
bbc.co.uk, phys.org, youtube.com (video of take-off)

Suitcase scooter: Chinese inventor He Liangcai has filed a patent for his electric suitcase, which not only carries luggage but the traveller as well. It has three wheels and a steering wheel, transforming any trolley into a mini e-scooter.
technologicvehicles.com

System solution for e-buses: Kinetics Drive Solutions and Efacec Electric Mobility from Portugal partner up to deliver fully integrated systems for electric buses to bus OEMs. Their NexDrive system is designed to be implemented on various platforms, while minimising engineering efforts. Efacec’s first e-bus using the system is set for operation in July.
greencarcongress.com

Apr 10, 2014 - 08:27 am

Solar Impulse 2, FEV, Electrovaya/Dongfeng, Enerdel/B3CG, DTU.

Fuel-free around the globe: Swiss Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg have now presented their second generation solar plane. The Solar Impulse 2 only weighs 2.4 tons including the batteries (633 kilos) and can stay in the air for five days and nights in a row. Next year, the two plan to fly around the world on solar power only.
youtube.com (teaser video), nbcnews.com

Transmission for hybrids: FEV North America will present its new transmission at the SAE World Congress in Detroit. The plug‐in hybrid transmission includes a two‐speed all-electric driving mode and is designed to fit into downsized engine compartments.
greencarcongress.com

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Electromobility powered by Siemens – Siemens is presenting its drivetrain solutions for electric and hybrid cars on Hannover Messe 2014 from April 7th – 11th – Automation & IT Tour. Follow the red carpet and find Siemens’ solutions for electric cars in entrance area south. Visit also Siemens in hall 9, booth D35. www.siemens.com

Electrovaya and Dongfeng: The Canadian battery manufacturer is supplying the Chinese company with its latest generation of li-ion batteries. Its ‘Lithium Ion SuperPolymer 2.0’ are said to be 20% more powerful than the previous generation and fit both Dongfeng’s EV platforms.
electriccarsreport.com

Electric school bus: Li-ion battery manufacturer Enerdel partners with B3CG to develop and produce li-ion batteries für Canada’s school buses. The latter are build by Lion Bus and funded by the government. The batteries are supposed to hold 100 kWh, enough for about 50 miles range.
greencarcongress.com

Iron and carbon to replace platinum: A team at Denmark’s Technical University has developed a new catalyst. They found that iron and carbon remain stable and active in acidic and alkaline environments and could thus replace the costly platinum in PEM fuel cells.
dailyfusion.net