LG Chem has agreed to license its separator film technology agreement to Ube Maxell. Under the agreement, Ube Maxell acquires patent use rights from LG Chem for ceramic coating of separator substrates, a key component of lithium-ion batteries. Ube Maxell, a joint venture between Ube Industries and Hitachi Maxell, was formed in 2011 to manufacture… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "US Hybrid"
California to reduce EV rebates, but drops plan for $60k price cap
Since its launch in 2010, California’s Zero Emission Vehicle rebate program has provided cash incentives to thousands of EV buyers in the Golden State. In fact, it’s proven so popular that the California Air Resources Board seems to be looking for ways to make the available funding go farther. CARB is now working on its… Read more »
VIA Motors acquires Prodigy Engineering
VIA Motors, the maker of VTRUX plug-in hybrid commercial vehicles, has acquired Prodigy Engineering, an EV design, engineering and prototyping company that has been under contract with VIA to prototype new vehicle models. Prodigy founders Mark and Mike Patey will stay on under a four-year retainer and non-compete agreement with VIA. “This acquisition expands VIA’s… Read more »
Toyota makes it official: Battery EVs stink, fuel cells rule
A top Toyota executive has confirmed what was already apparent to EV industry insiders: the Japanese automaker is placing all its chips on hydrogen fuel cell technology, and abandoning efforts to develop battery-electric vehicles. In an interview with Automotive News at Fortune magazine’s Brainstorm Green conference, Jim Lentz, CEO of Toyota North America, said that Toyota believes battery-electric vehicles are viable only… Read more »
University of California researches integration of EVs, renewable energy, storage and smart grid
Electric vehicles are wonderful things in and of themselves, but they will only reach their full potential as components of an integrated “ecosystem” that also includes renewable energy, stationary storage and an intelligent electrical grid. With this in mind, the University of California, Riverside has launched its Sustainable Integrated Grid Initiative, a project that will… Read more »
Odyne’s export power system provides clean stationary electric power
One of the many benefits of a plug-in hybrid work truck is the ability to run power tools without the noise and stink of an idling diesel engine. Wisconsin-based Odyne Systems LLC sells a modular plug-in hybrid drive system for medium- and heavy-duty trucks that can be installed in a new vehicle or as a… Read more »
Chrysler may finally (and grudgingly) offer plug-ins in a few years
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced that it will introduce two PHEVs starting in 2016. A plug-in hybrid version of a new minivan will appear in 2016, and a full-sized crossover that has a plug-in hybrid option in 2017. The plug-in minivan, which would be a first for the industry, will get 75 MPGe, according… Read more »
Texas prepares to launch $2,500 plug-in vehicle rebate in mid-May
Texas could be ready to kick-off its $2,500 rebate program as soon as mid-May, according to sources at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The Commission is working to finalize its rebate applications, instructions and a list of eligible vehicles and hopes to have more information available on its website soon. Here are a few highlights of the… Read more »
New GM facility to include electric motor laboratory
GM has begun construction of a new facility in Pontiac, Michigan for race engine design and development, which will also include an electric motor laboratory and gear center. The GM Performance and Racing Center will be home to about 100 employees, and is expected to be in use by mid-2015. The electric motor lab produces prototype motors… Read more »
WiTricity licenses wireless charging patents to TDK
Wireless charging pioneer WiTricity has announced an intellectual property license agreement with TDK Corporation, which will enable the Japanese firm to commercialize WiTricity’s patented technology to create wireless charging systems for carmakers. TDK may be most familiar to (older) US readers for its high-quality cassette tapes, but in fact its forte is the manufacture of… Read more »