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 »
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Nissan LEAF headed for India, government rolls out subsidies
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 »
New VW Passat offers plug-in hybrid option
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 »
ChargePoint public chargers are more numerous than McDonald’s
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 »
DOE seeks input on fuel cell range extenders for BEVs
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 »
Tritium Veefil Fast Charger earns UL compliance for sale in US and Canada
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 »
Formula E cars race on Westminster Bridge in London, BMW, Rimac to supply cars
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 »
Pennsylvania compromise allows Tesla to open five retail stores
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 »
CARB funds new round of plug-in incentives
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 »
Stolen Model S destroyed in spectacular crash
Don’t try this at home, folks. A stolen Tesla Model S was broken in half and incinerated in a multi-car crash following a 100-mph police chase through West Hollywood. Three other vehicles were also destroyed, and six people went to local hospitals, some in critical condition. The Model S was cut in two pieces by… Read more »