Ever-more stringent global emissions standards are driving up the cost of ICEs, narrowing the gap between them and electric drivetrains, according to a VW exec. “Emissions standards are getting tougher and tougher, and it is getting more and more expensive to meet those standards,” Dr. Matthias Erb, a Volkswagen Group of America Executive VP, told… Read more »
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US Postal Service commissions prototypes for possible future plug-in vehicles
As postal services in Norway, France and Germany expand their electric vehicle fleets, the US Postal Service has taken its first tiny step forward on the road to electrification. The USPS has selected a design from Indiana-based manufacturer AM General (best known for the Humvee military vehicle and its civilian cousin, the Hummer) as part… Read more »
Porsche’s new 800-volt fast charger could work with other brands, including Tesla
The long-range EVs of the future will need much faster charging. The Volkswagen Group has designated Porsche to spearhead the development of a new ultra-fast charging technology. The Germans have demonstrated an 800-volt charging system (double the voltage of the current CCS standard) for the Porsche Mission E concept, which could someday be used for… Read more »
EVs aplenty at Paris Motor Show
Electricity was en vogue at the recent Paris Motor Show. Few automakers had any new ICE vehicles (isn’t that an oxymoron anyway?), but there were updates to several production EVs, and a couple of promising concepts, on display. The Renault Zoe, Europe’s best-selling plug-in vehicle, has gotten a substantial battery upgrade. An available 41 kWh… Read more »
Volkswagen electric van concept to be produced in 2017
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles introduced its e-Crafter electric van concept at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany. However, this is not just another concept. Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has said that the first e-Crafters will be in customers’ hands by 2017. The concept vehicle is equipped… Read more »
Albemarle to acquire lithium salt production assets in China
Specialty chemical firm Albemarle (NYSE: ALB) has signed an agreement to acquire the lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonate conversion assets of Jiangxi Jiangli New Materials Science and Technology. The transaction, which is expected to close by the end of Q1 2017, includes manufacturing assets located in Jiangxi and Sichuan, China, focused on the production of… Read more »
European CLEVER network offers home and public EV charging for a fixed monthly fee
CLEVER, which operates a network of fast charging stations in Denmark, Sweden and Germany, has introduced a new plan that offers unlimited charging for a fixed monthly fee. CLEVER Unlimited includes installation of a home charging station, and unlimited free use of the company’s over 900 public charging points. The company recently announced an agreement… Read more »
Porsche foresees 800-volt DC charging
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on about EVs, it’s that ranges need to become longer. That means battery capacities need to grow, and therefore charging levels will have to increase as well, if charging times are to stay the same (or, preferably, become shorter). One company that’s been working on higher charging levels… Read more »
Oilprice.com says lithium is poised for more price spikes
Some call lithium “white gold,” but in fact, lately the light metal has been beating gold in appreciation, becoming the hottest metal of 2016 for commodities traders. Although lithium’s price rise has slowed in recent months, the fundamentals suggest strong potential for long-term growth, according to James Stafford of Oilprice.com. “There is no doubt as… Read more »
Tesla reveals Master Plan, Part Deux
Is it madness, or genius? Will it save civilization, or summon the Terminators? Either way, Tesla is determined to make the next ten years mighty interesting. With Model S in a vigorous prime and Model 3 gestating, Elon Musk’s first master plan is nearing completion. That plan, unveiled 10 years ago, is familiar to Charged… Read more »