Wisconsin-based Odyne Systems, a specialist in hybrid technology for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, received support from the DOE in 2009 for a project to accelerate the development of PHEV systems. Five vehicles funded by the project have now been completed and delivered to customers by DUECO, Inc, the final-stage truck manufacturer. Three bucket trucks, equipped… Read more »
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Tesla vs Top Gear: English judge dismisses suit again
An English court has once again ruled against Tesla Motors, dismissing the company’s latest libel charge against the BBC, producer of the automotive TV show Top Gear. Will this be the final chapter in the ongoing saga of the plucky startup against the arrogant defender of the status quo? Oh, we hope not – both sides… Read more »
Fuji to offer DC fast chargers in US market
Fuji Electric Corporation of America announced Friday that it will begin selling DC fast charging stations in the US, beginning this summer. The company has already deployed over 300 of its chargers in other markets around the world. A company spokesman offered an interesting new twist on the nascent charger segment as he compared it… Read more »
Ford Focus Electric takes the title of most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle
The new EV’s combined rating of 105 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) edges out the Nissan Leaf by 6 miles.
A123 to supply battery packs to Tata for hybrid buses
Startup battery maker A123 Systems scored a potentially massive new contract Thursday, with a deal to supply lithium-ion battery packs to Tata Motors, India’s largest automaker, for hybrid commercial vehicles. A123’s lithium iron phosphate battery packs, featuring the company’s prismatic cell technology, are expected to be deployed on city buses during the second half of… Read more »
Cabot launches new performance additive for lithium-ion batteries
The Boston-based specialty chemical company announced the launch of the new LITX50™ carbon conductive additive, designed to increase the power and energy of lithium-ion batteries.
LEAF goes on sale in all 50 states
Another milestone in the slow and deliberate rollout of EVs was reached today, as Nissan announced that the LEAF is now available for order in all US markets.
Bright Automotive goes dark
Indiana-based EV start-up Bright Automotive will cease operations this week after failing to secure a federal loan to finance the production costs of its Idea plug-in hybrid delivery van. The Idea, which Bright unveiled back in 2009, is a purpose-built PHEV aimed at commercial and government fleets. GM had invested $5 million in Bright. Bright’s… Read more »
Experienced executive Tom LaSorda replaces Henrik Fisker as CEO
Photo: 2012 Karma with Henrik Fisker, left, and Bernhard Koehler, right. Fisker Automotive announced Tuesday that automotive wise man Tom LaSorda has been appointed CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board, with full responsibility for day-to-day operations. Thomas W. LaSorda (no relation to the erstwhile Dodgers manager) is a seasoned auto industry exec, with 30… Read more »
VIDEO: Audi announces its A3 e-tron pilot program
On Monday, the opening day of TED2012, Audi presented the battery-electric Audi A3 e-tron pilot program, which will be implemented in select cities of the U.S. as a part of the company’s e-mobility driver experience for premium car buyers. Why the slow roll out? We asked Brad Stertz, Audi’s corporate communications manager. “Our program is… Read more »


