Since 1999, ultra-lightweight design has been playing a central role with Audi’s Le Mans prototypes (LMP). Audi said that materials, such as CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic), harbor major potential for optimizing weight. “In the space of 15 years, we’ve also achieved major progress in the area of ultra-lightweight design,” stresses Head of Audi Motorsport
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ECOtality, Inc. has announced the summer launch of Blink HQ, its new family of electric vehicle (EV) charging products for the home. The Blink HQ suite of products is adding two new programmable Level 2 home chargers to consumers’ charging options; the first to launch is a 30-Amp home charger with delayed start options to
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After two years of on-the-ground testing the Ricardo-engineered Fuel-Efficient Ground Vehicle Demonstrator (FED) has proven to be as good as the simulation models projected. The analysis released May 23 proves that when compared to the US military’s regularly outfitted M1151 HMMWV, the FED experienced a 72 percent improvement in fuel economy. The FED’s performance was
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Nissan’s alliance partner, Renault, has been confirmed as official Technical Partner of Spark Racing Technology to supply the Formula E cars to be entered in the FIA Formula E Championship. The agreement was signed by Patrice Ratti, Renault Sport Technologies Managing Director and Renault SAS representative; Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E Holdings; and Frédéric
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ChargePoint and National Grid unveiled May 22 the first of what will be many electric vehicle charging stations funded through a $1 million award from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). The ChargePoint EV charging station, which can charge two cars at once, has been installed at the Homewood Suites on
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Fisker’s saga is far from over and businessmen around the world are hovering over its Karma. We heard news not long ago that Detroit-based VL Automotive, in which ex-GM executive Bob Lutz is involved, is planning on selling V8-powered Fisker-bodied vehicles. According to news agency Reuters, VL Automotive is partnering with China’s Wanxiang Group with
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Xchanging announced that Jaguar Land Rover has been collaborating with Xchanging and Arynga to create a proof of concept that allows remote software and firmware updates to be sent to vehicles over standard network protocols. This solution was revealed at the GENIVI All Member Conference in Barcelona, Spain held end of April 2013. Xchanging said
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Improvements in lithium ion (Li-ion) battery technology are helping to accelerate the worldwide market for electric vehicles (EVs). In the last few years, most automakers have shifted from nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries to Li-ion batteries. This shift represents a major endorsement of Li-ion chemistry and its ability to perform consistently in an automotive environment. According
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California-based Green Automotive Company (GAC) has acquired a 30-percent stake in Powabyke EV Ltd, a UK-based Electric Bike business, from Metroelectric PLC. With the Electric Bike market forecasted to grow globally from 31 million in 2013 to 38 million e-bicycles to be sold in 2020, GAC decided it was a sector in which they should
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Aston Martin’s weekend of centenary celebrations at the ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours (N24) concluded Monday May 20 with a historic finish for its unique Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S. In a weekend that started with the British luxury sports car maker entering the history books with a zero CO2 emissions hydrogen-powered qualifying lap, the brand
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