Electric powertrain technology is gradually creeping into legacy gas-powered vehicles. Ford and Samsung have announced that they are researching a dual-battery system that combines a lithium-ion battery with a 12-volt lead-acid battery in order to enable regenerative braking technology in non-hybrid vehicles. “We are currently expanding our Auto Start-Stop technology across 70 percent of our… Read more »
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Tesla shares all of its patented technology
Last week, while speaking at the company’s first-quarter shareholders’ meeting, Elon Musk expressed frustration with the other automakers for moving so slowly into EVs, and hinted that he’s thinking about offering them a helping hand. “I’m contemplating doing something fairly significant on that front, which would be kind of controversial with respect to Tesla’s patents.” Today,… Read more »
Will Tesla really have highway autopilot capabilities within a year?
Elon Musk touched on a lot of interesting topics at Tesla’s first-quarter shareholders’ meeting, but one of the biggest bombshells of all slipped by almost unnoticed, a single sentence towards the end of the 75-minute presentation (at about 15:30 of part 2): “I think we’re making some really good progress on the autopilot side,” said the… Read more »
Does Tesla plan to share its battery technology with other automakers?
Admirers of Elon Musk know that he isn’t in the game for money or personal glory – he wants to see EVs displace dinosaur-burners, whether Tesla is the one building them or not. Speaking at the company’s first-quarter shareholders’ meeting, Musk expressed frustration with the other automakers for moving so slowly, and hinted that he’s… Read more »
EV Connect wins contract for 100 charging stations in New York State
The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has awarded EV Connect a four-year, $1,568,000 contract to install and manage more than 100 EV charging stations in 37 locations throughout New York State. EV Connect’s open charging network will provide payment processing, real-time monitoring, electricity usage data, demand response capabilities and tech support. Locations include public parking… Read more »
Is Toyota still interested in battery EVs after all?
Recently, the EV press, including Charged, has been reporting that Toyota seems to be placing all its chips on fuel cells, and abandoning efforts to develop battery-electric vehicles. However, comments by Elon Musk at Tesla’s first-quarter shareholders’ meeting imply that there may be more to the story. In answer to a question about competition from… Read more »
Japanese EV makers collaborate to build a single charging network
Japan’s four EV makers have joined forces to build a single public charging network with a universal access card that will allow drivers to charge anywhere in Japan. The system is scheduled to be up and running by the end of the year. Supported by Honda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota, Nippon Charge Service aims to… Read more »
Video shows details of new Model S battery shielding
Consumer Reports has released a video that offers an up-close look at the new shielding Tesla has installed to protect the Model S battery pack from road debris. As every EV lover (and hater) surely knows by now, in late 2013, two Model S caught fire after collisions with objects on the roadway punctured their… Read more »
New study: V2G-equipped buses could save school districts millions
Electric school buses with vehicle-to-grid capability could save school districts millions of dollars while reducing children’s exposure to diesel fumes, according to recent research by the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. The study, A Cost Benefit Analysis of a V2G-Capable Electric School Bus Compared to a Traditional Diesel School Bus, appears… Read more »
May plug-in sales: LEAF, Prius and Fusion Energi surge, BMW i3 makes strong debut
Cars were burning rubber off dealers’ lots all over the US in May, as five sunny weekends gave the typically strong month an extra boost. Overall auto sales were up 11% compared to May 2013, a nine-year high. Plug-ins rode the trend, setting an all-time monthly record – 12,053 Americans charged up new cars in… Read more »