Daimler R&D chief Thomas Weber talked EVs in an interview this week with Automotive News Europe’s German sister Automobilwoche. Weber believes the upcoming Mercedes B class Electric Drive will be a worthy competitor for the BMW i3: “In all the key criteria, this vehicle will be at least as competitive as our competitors’ models. With… Read more »
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A123 Systems announces organizational alignment within Wanxiang Group
A123 Systems has outlined its organizational structure and strategic focus as a member of the Wanxiang Group, the Chinese company that acquired most of A123’s businesses last January. During the next year, Wanxiang’s lithium-ion battery activities will be integrated under A123’s leadership, both in China and the US. The executive team is headquartered in A123’s… Read more »
China renews EV subsidies
China has renewed subsidies for the purchases of new energy vehicles (EVs and PHEVs) for another three years. The country’s Finance Ministry announced this week that it will offer up to 60,000 yuan ($9,800) for the purchase of an EV, up to 35,000 yuan for a PHEV, and up to 500,000 yuan for an electric… Read more »
Tesla plans to produce an autonomous car within three years
Vehicle autonomy is a trend that’s proceeding in parallel with electrification, so it’s no surprise to learn that Tesla is working on the technology. This week, Elon Musk outlined an ambitious plan, saying that the company hopes to produce a car that can run on “auto-pilot” within the next three years. Tesla’s autonomous car will… Read more »
Connecting Europe’s charging networks
Many have posed the question of why the EV market in Europe has lagged behind the market in the US, considering the Continent’s higher fuel prices and strong green tradition. While there are several plausible answers, on closer examination the question itself makes little sense, because in fact there is no European EV market, but… Read more »
Electric car sharing takes off in Paris, stalls in Berlin
Some see car sharing as a killer app for EVs – users make short journeys, return the cars to central locations, and pay per trip, so they don’t have to worry about high up-front costs. Others are more skeptical, pointing out that some customers are non-car owners who want to use shared cars to get… Read more »
Mercedes plans to offer S-Class PHEV
Mercedes-Benz’s next generation S-Class will include two hybrid models, a gasoline and a diesel version, and a plug-in hybrid model will join the lineup “soon.” The new S 400 Hybrid, which combines a V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor and Li-ion battery pack, will deliver combined fuel economy of around 37 mpg, a reduction… Read more »
Smart and Nissan offer battery leasing options
When the smart fortwo electric drive goes on sale in the US next month (at a base price of $25,750), buyers will have the option of renting the battery for a monthly fee.
China to resume EV subsidies
China will reinstate subsidies for electric car buyers as early as next month, Wang Chuanfu, the CEO of automaker BYD, told Reuters.
Mercedes B-Class EV comes to US in 2014, S-Class PHEV in the pipeline
The German automakers are plugging in. Audi introduced its first PHEV, the A3 Sportback e-tron, in Geneva in February, and VW has promised an electric version of its blockbuster Golf later this year. Now Mercedes has unveiled its B-Class Electric Drive at this week’s New York Auto Show. Daimler hasn’t offered many details, but it seems that… Read more »