The BMW Group is having a banner year – it sold more than a million vehicles in the first half of 2014 for the first time (that includes MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorcycles). The new i division, which comprises BMW’s plug-in models, shared the wealth. In June, 1,241 BMW i3s were delivered to customers worldwide,… Read more »
Who knew? The miracle material that could enable a game-changing battery breakthrough is (drumroll, please)…beach sand. Researchers at the University of California Riverside have created a lithium-ion battery that outperforms the current industry standard by three times, using a nanoscale silicon dioxide anode. “This is the holy grail – a low cost, non-toxic, environmentally friendly… Read more »
Nissan is aiming to bring the LEAF to India and is considering a collaboration with local manufacturers to provide charging infrastructure. “We are actively looking at the Leaf for India….I think there is a lot of potential for that car here,” said Nissan Chief Planning Officer Andy Palmer. “There is no doubt electric cars are… Read more »
Volkswagen’s eighth-generation Passat, unveiled this week at the Volkswagen Design Centre in Potsdam, offers 10 different powertrain options, including a PHEV version. All versions are equipped with a stop-start system and a regenerative braking mode. The brand-new plug-in Passat features a 115 kW (154 hp) TSI gasoline engine and an 80 kW electric motor. Total… Read more »
One of the top reasons people cite for not buying an EV is a lack of charging stations. But as the number of public chargers explodes, that’s looking more and more like a lack of information. In fact, there are a lot of public charging stations out there, especially in the more EV-savvy regions of… Read more »
The DOE has issued a Request for Information to solicit feedback about the feasibility of fuel cell range extenders for battery-electric vehicles. The DOE’s office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE) is specifically interested in the idea of an after-market modification to extend vehicle range using a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell system…. Read more »
The Veefil Fast Charger, designed and manufactured in Australia by Brisbane-based Tritium, has already won a design award for its striking appearance. This week, on a more practical note, it earned a certificate of UL compliance for the US and Canada. Already compliant for operation in Europe and Australia, the Veefil can now be sold… Read more »
The Formula E Championship is getting closer – the first race is scheduled for September 13 in Beijing. Organizers threw an electrifying launch party in London last week – 500 guests mingled with the motorsports elite, and watched a video of Formula E racers laying some rubber on Westminster Bridge. Also this week, the cars… Read more »
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed legislation that allows Tesla to sell cars directly to consumers in the state, but limits the company to no more than five retail stores. The state Senate passed the bill last week, and the governor is expected to sign it into law. The bill is seen as a… Read more »
The California Air Resources Board has approved a funding plan for fiscal year 2014-15 that includes several new and renewed incentives for advanced vehicle technologies. The $222 million pot of money includes $200 million from ARB’s cap-and-trade program. The agency is required by law to invest a portion of proceeds in disadvantaged communities. “Action taken… Read more »