EDTA-This Week in EV-Motoring

Media Watch:

CARB to sniff out air pollution with electric cars
Central Valley Business Times
June 18, 2009 10:52am

--The California Air Resources Board has equipped two battery powered electric vehicles to take ground level readings of greenhouse gases throughout the state. Full Story

Batteries help recharge the economy
Christian Science Monitor
June 18, 2009

--Spurred by federal cash, electric cars, and demand for ever more powerful gadgets, investment in advanced batteries has bucked the recessionary slump and, energy analysts say, could help the economy recover. Full Story

Automakers are busy designing electric cars, but who's making the batteries?
Associated Press
June 18, 2009

--The car world is stepping on the accelerator as it shifts away from the piston and toward the electron. But amid all the chatter about charging times, an essential business question is emerging. Many industry experts say it could utterly change the complexion of the auto business: Who makes the battery? Full Story

Two Chinese Automakers to Release Hybrid Models in 2009
Global Insight
June 18, 2009

--Two Chinese automakers are set to increase the number of hybrid passenger cars available within the country during 2009, reports Gasgoo.com. Full Story

Beijing Aims for 5,000 Alternative-Fuel Buses for Public Use by 2012
Global Insight
June 18, 2009

--The city of Beijing is aiming to have around 5,000 alternative fuel and powertrain buses working by 2012. Around 50 of these will be electric buses to add to the 50 brought in during the 2008 Olympic Games, with a further 860 using hybrid powertrains. On top of this, the city will also begin using 30 electric sanitation vehicles. Full Story

Hydrogen filling station a Scots first
Aberdeen Press and Journal
June 18, 2009

--The northeast is poised to become the first part of Scotland to embrace the new generation of eco-cars after plans to develop Scotland's first hydrogen filling station were put forward. Full Story

Tata Motors Considers Using Nano Platform to Build Electric, Hybrid Cars
Global Insight
June 17, 2009

--Tata Motors is considering using the Nano platform to launch electric and hybrid cars, reports the Economic Times. A report put out by Tata Management Training Centre states that Nano is not just a car for Tata Motors, but also a platform to create more high-end models. Full Story

West Dundee to get hybrid squad car
Chicago Daily Herald
June 16, 2009

--Fighting crime in West Dundee now will be a little easier on the environment. Trustees approved $12,377 toward the purchase and outfitting of a hybrid squad car for which the police department also recently received a $19,130 federal grant. Full Story

FedEx delivers hefty emissions cuts with global hybrid van fleet
Lloyd's List
June 17, 2009

--A joint trial in Italy by FedEx Express and truck maker Iveco is using 10 state-of-the-art hybrid vehicles based on the Iveco Daily van. Initial results show a 26.5% cut in fuel consumption with a corresponding reduction in CO emissions of 7.5 tonnes compared with a traditional vehicle. Full Story

Mitsubishi Motors up after electric car report
Forbes.com
June 17, 2009

--Shares of Mitsubishi Motors Corp gained 3.9 percent to 188 yen after the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday that the automaker aims to begin selling electric vehicles priced at around $31,150 in 2012 in an effort to counter cheaper electric-gasoline hybrid cars. Full Story

Honda to Introduce Hybrids Cheaper than Insight In Japan
Global Insight
June 16, 2009

--Honda has said that it is likely to introduce hybrid cars that will be priced lower than its Insight hybrid. Honda President Takeo Fukui said in an interview that Honda was considering adding the cheaper hybrids to an already announced line-up of hybrid vehicles, including the CR-Z hybrid coupe, and hybrid versions of Civic and Accord. Full Story

S. Korea, U.S. seek smart grid partnership
Yonhap (South Korea)
June 16, 2009

--South Korea and the United States will seek to establish a smart grid partnership that could help fuel the global development of a next-generation, eco-friendly power system. Full Story

Hydrogen-Powered Two-Seater Unveiled in UK
Reuters
June 16, 2009

--Britain-based Riversimple unveiled a prototype, two-seat hydrogen powered car that the company says achieves the equivalent of 360 miles per gallon. The company intends to lease, not sell, the vehicles for around $315 per month, including refueling. Full Story

Keen Insight on Honda hybrid; No need to spend a lot to enjoy this green ride
Florida Times-Union
June 13, 2009

--"That's the new FCX Clarity" came the comment from a teenager as he walked by our 2010 Honda Insight. Close, but no fuel cell. Our test car was Honda's latest gas/electric hybrid. Full Story