When Tesla’s category-killing electric SUV finally goes on sale, it will be available with an optional trailer hitch, the company revealed this week. A letter to Model X reservation holders posted on the Tesla Motors Club forum (via Green Car Reports) reads, in part: We’ll be spending much of 2015 building and testing production-intent prototypes before delivering… Read more »
Danish electomobility operator CLEVER plans to expand its charging network in Denmark and neighboring countries with 100 ABB Terra 53 multi-standard DC fast charging stations. The new chargers will be installed through partners, including Öresundskraft in Sweden. The network will continue expanding into other countries with support from the European TEN-T funding program. SEE ALSO: BC… Read more »
PSA’s Peugeot Sport division plans to focus future efforts on plug-in hybrid technology, in an effort to maintain performance but reduce running costs in future hot hatchbacks and sports cars. “I think hybrid will play an important role in the future of our sportier models,” Managing Director Carlos Tavares told Auto Express. “Hybrid technology helps… Read more »
One of the many ways in which current EVs differ from legacy vehicles is that they don’t shift gears. While modern ICE vehicles sport 8- and 9-speed automatics, 7-speed manuals and continuously variable transmissions, which help to improve fuel efficiency, most EVs get by with a simple single-speed gearbox. Conventional wisdom is that, because electric… Read more »
The DOE’s Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for fiscal year 2015, which spans the range of energy technologies, includes a few EV-related topics. Phase I grants of up to $225,000 will be made to small businesses to evaluate the feasibility of ideas that have commercial potential. Topics of interest include: Fuel Cell-Battery Electric Hybrid for Utility… Read more »
Seeo, a developer of lithium polymer batteries, has closed its largest funding round to date, adding Samsung Ventures to its list of investors. The company will use the new capital to accelerate the commercialization of its high-energy-density batteries. Seeo’s patented DryLyte solid polymer electrolyte is non-flammable and non-volatile, and delivers high energy density. Currently, Seeo… Read more »
The XC90 T8 is the first Volvo designed from the ground up for plug-in compatibility, according to the company. Built on the Scalable Product Architecture platform, the 7-seat SUV features a 4-cylinder Drive-E gas engine with supercharger and turbocharger, an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The high-voltage (270–400 V) lithium-ion battery has a 9.2 kWh capacity, capable of… Read more »
Qualcomm, maker of the Halo wireless charging system, has invested in Chargemaster, a UK-based manufacturer and operator of EV charging stations. The move will accelerate the planned UK deployment of Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) technology, Chargemaster said. Chargemaster has produced more than 27,000 charging stations, and operates POLAR, the UK’s largest network of public… Read more »
French industrial giant Bolloré plans to invest 150 million euros over the next four years to build a network of 16,000 public charging points across the country. Economy and Finance Minister Emmanuel Macron said that Bolloré may be granted tax relief for installing the charging stations on public highways. “Through a private initiative with public… Read more »
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport has deployed a fleet of 167 Tesla Model S taxis, which it says is the largest fleet of e-cabs at any airport in the world. The Tesla taxis are operated by two local companies, BBF Schipholtaxi and BIOS-groep. “The new fleet of 100 percent electrically-powered Teslas allows passengers to continue their journey… Read more »
