In Torrance, Calif., a Danish-born designer-cum-CEO is putting his own name behind a car company he’s building. It’s not the first time Henrik Fisker has done this, but perhaps it’ll go a little more smoothly this time around. The timing seems better for what he wants to do, which is launch a high-end, long-range electric vehicle. +
Infiniti Prototype 9 EV Is Past Meets Present, Plus Some Next-Gen LEAF
Minus the bigger battery, underneath is a fully electric powertrain that can be found in the next-generation 2018 Nissan LEAF.
Like so many storied manufacturers with a rich and long standing racing history, Infiniti is revisiting its past at the upcoming Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance with a very delectable looking concept vehicle. +
MXene Combines Supercapacitor Tech With Large Format EV Batteries
Researchers in Drexel University’s College of Engineering are developing a new battery electrode design that will enable recharging in minutes…or even seconds. +
Ford, DHL Unveil StreetScooter WORK XL Electric Truck – Up To 90 kWh Batteries
StreetScooter WORK XL
In June, Deutsche Post DHL announced the first StreetScooter WORK XL electric delivery vans, built on the Ford Transit chassis.
Now we learn that the Deutsche Post intends to assemble the EVs in Aachen, Germany.
In total, some 150 pre-production WORK XL models will be build this year, and more than 2,500 by the end of 2018. +
Indian government invites global bids for 10,000 electric cars
NEW DELHI: State-owned Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has invited global bids for 10,000 electric sedans that will run up to 150 km on a single charge, for use by government departments, taking a big step to achieve power minister Piyush Goyal’s dream of having only electric cars on Indian streets by 2030. +
Tesla Model 3 Gets 80.5 kWh Battery, 258 HP, According To EPA Document
Preliminary EPA documents appear to reveal some new specs, including battery capacity, for the longer range (310-mile) Tesla Model 3. +
Tesla And The Big Three: It’s Not Fair To Compare
“The biggest impact that Tesla will have is not the cars that we make ourselves, but the fact that we show that you can make compelling electric cars that people want to buy,” said Elon Musk. +
New UK law requires EV charging points on motorways and insurance cover for automated vehicles
Charge points for electric vehicles (EVs) at motorway service areas and large fuel retailers will be required under new laws, revealed in the Queen’s Speech, in line with government plans for “almost every car and van to be zero-emission by 2050″.
‘Wired’ Roads Could Power Electric Cars As You Drive
A new wireless power system could help people avoid the inevitable jumbled mess of tangled cords and offer a more efficient way to charge electric vehicles on the go, according to a new study. +
BMW On Track To Beat Aggressive Goal Of 100,000 EV Sales In 2017
Ursula Mathar of BMW
In 2016, BMW sold around 60,000 electrified vehicles around the world. That’s not nothing, but the German automaker wants to almost double that number in 2017. Speaking at the Movin’On sustainable mobility conference in Montreal this week, BMW’s Ursula Mathar confirmed that the company’s goal of 100,000 plug-in vehicle sales remains on target. The company first set this goal in early January. +
BMW i3 Ad
We don’t intend to advertise more on BMW EVs more than other brands but TV ads are rare enough to be encouraged. Click to see the ad… +
JAGUAR BUILDING FIRST COPIES OF THE I-PACE
The Jaguar I-Pace, an electric crossover set to compete with the Tesla Model X, has entered production in Austria, according to a report from Automotive News. The crossover is being built by Magna Steyr, a vehicle manufacturing division of Canadian supplier Magna International. Although Jaguar engineers created the vehicle, Magna Steyr has had a significant say in the I-Pace project from the beginning. +
Samsung SDI Completes EV Battery Plant Construction in Hungary
Samsung SDI continues forward progress with its $358 million battery factory in Hungary. In fact, construction of the facility is now completed (that was quick – just under a year by our reckoning), and on schedule to start production in second quarter of 2018. +
All-electric Fisker EMotion orders open June 30
Henrik Fisker is planning to return to the luxury electric fold with his new company’s EMotion sedan, and potential buyers now have a price tag.
The brand’s first vehicle, the Fisker EMotion sedan, will become available for pre-order on June 30.
And when the EMotion eventually goes on sale, it will cost $129,900 and up. +
AUDI: Progress feels electric !
It was unquestionably a surprise when Audi announced last October that it would exit diesel-hybrid endurance racing to focus on the all-electric Formula E. It wasn’t a trick or a dodge. It was Audi’s vision for the future. As Chairman of the Board of Management Rupert Stadler put it last year, “We’re going to contest the race for the future on electric power. As our production cars are becoming increasingly electric, our motorsport cars, as Audi’s technological spearheads, have to even more so.” Stefan Knirsch, another board member, said that given Audi’s big EV plans, “adapting our motorsport program and taking up a commitment in a fully electric racing series is only a logical move.” +
Formula E set for brake-by-wire in season five
Formula E cars could feature brake-by-wire systems as early as the 2018/19 season.
The current generation of the electric single-seater harvests energy under braking from the rear axle via its electric motor, but this is a basic system with predetermined values rather than one that tailors the amount of energy being regenerated. +
German Postal Service Turns To Ford For 2,500+ Electric Vans
Deutsche Post’s electrified plans haven’t stopped at just having a massive fleet of StreetScooter EVs, as the German postal service has just announced a deal with Ford to produce even bigger plug-in vans, using the Ford Transit as a base.
Initially, Deutsche Post acquired StreetScooter and immediately ramped up production of its own electric delivery vehicles, mostly because no other OEM was able to do the job to its timeline and satisfaction. +
Chevrolet Bolt EV Nationwide Deliveries Bump Up To August, Orders Open Now
General Motors had originally planned to open nationwide US orders for its all-electric, Chevrolet Bolt EV in July – for first deliveries to arrive in September.
Now available to order at all certified US Chevrolet dealers
However, customers across the country have now discovered that they can already place orders for the 238 mile EV.
Better yet, they will also arrive early – the new ETA is August deliveries! +
The Pope receives a free all-electric Chevy Bolt / Opel Ampera-e
Earlier this year, the Pope was offered a free electric car. He was given the choice between a Nissan Leaf and a Tesla Model S. The Pontiff decided to go with the more modest Leaf.
Now we learn that the Pope is expanding his EV fleet with an Opel Ampera-e, the European version of the Chevy Bolt EV. +
Electric Car Price Parity Expected Next Year
Electric cars will be cheaper much sooner than expected, with prices in Europe comparable with traditionally powered vehicles next year, according to a report from investment bank UBS. +