http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news Hybrid-EV news provides in-depth discussion of recent developments in the automotive supplier industry worldwide. It is written for senior executives interested in trends and issues for the international supplier industry. en-uk Tue, 21 May 2013 04:08:38 GMT Tue, 21 May 2013 04:08:38 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news 5 http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35098/zhongtong-new-energy-bus-orders-in-2013-outnumber-total-2012-sales- Orders for new energy buses of Zhongtong Bus have touched 500 units in 2013, outnumbering the total sales volume of such vehicles in 2012. Besides, Zhongtong is expected to reach its target of fuel efficient and new energy buses this year, increasing the company’s annual capacity to 20,000 fuel-efficient buses and 10,000 new energy buses Mon, 20 May 2013 12:50:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35098/zhongtong-new-energy-bus-orders-in-2013-outnumber-total-2012-sales- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35097/chinas-draft-policies-set-stage-for-nev-growth- China is aiming to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and increase the private purchase of NEVs, which include fuel cell vehicles, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and battery electric vehicles (EVs), to amount to over 5 million units in 2020. By 2015, the Chinese government is aiming for over half-a-million NEVs to be in use in the country. For this, the government has drafted new policies that are expected to be released imminently and are aimed at increasing private purchase of cleaner, greener vehicles. Mon, 20 May 2013 12:26:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35097/chinas-draft-policies-set-stage-for-nev-growth- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35096/mercedes-benz-unveils-new-s-class-also-features-hybrid-powertrain Mercedes launched the sixth generation of S-Class, designated the W222 in short wheelbase and V222 in long wheelbase, at a gala presentation in Hamburg (Germany). Mon, 20 May 2013 10:27:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35096/mercedes-benz-unveils-new-s-class-also-features-hybrid-powertrain http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35095/porsche-introduces-production-version-of-918-spyder-phev Porsche has introduced the final production version of 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid sports car, according to a company press release. The sport car was first unveiled in Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland in Mon, 20 May 2013 10:21:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35095/porsche-introduces-production-version-of-918-spyder-phev http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35094/beijing-installs-first-mobile-taximeter-for-electric-taxis The first mobile meters for electric taxis passed certification and were installed for use in Beijing (China) on May 15, reports Xinhua. Mon, 20 May 2013 09:55:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35094/beijing-installs-first-mobile-taximeter-for-electric-taxis http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35093/toyota-looking-to-increase-lithium-ion-battery-production-for-hybrid-vehicles Toyota plans to increase output of lithium-ion batteries under its joint-venture with Panasonic, as it prepares to equip its future generation Prius hybrid vehicles with the new batteries. According to a Nikkei report citing unnamed sources, Toyota-Panasonic joint-venture Prime Earth Energy will invest JPY20bn (USD194m) to set up a new production line, which will increase lithium-ion battery output to 200,000 units a year. Mon, 20 May 2013 09:49:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35093/toyota-looking-to-increase-lithium-ion-battery-production-for-hybrid-vehicles http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35092/incentives-boost-ev-sales-in-france-renault-zoe-becomes-best-selling-model Electric vehicle (EV) demand in France is growing in view of incentives, with sales during the first four months of 2013 totalling 3,188 units, double from 1,595 units sold during the corresponding period of 2012. According to a report in InsideEVs, April sales totalled almost 1,500 units, which include 940 electric passenger cars and 505 electric delivery vehicles – majority of them being Renault Kangoo zero emission van. Mon, 20 May 2013 08:22:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35092/incentives-boost-ev-sales-in-france-renault-zoe-becomes-best-selling-model http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35091/volvo-cars-confirms-90-production-increase-for-plug-in-hybrid-v60 Volvo Cars has confirmed that it is raising production of its new V60 diesel plug-in hybrid variant by 90% to keep up with strong demand. The automaker said in a statement Mon, 20 May 2013 08:13:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35091/volvo-cars-confirms-90-production-increase-for-plug-in-hybrid-v60 http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35090/lexus-launches-new-is-hybrid-variant-in-japan Toyota's luxury unit, Lexus, today (16 May) launched its new "IS" sports sedan series in Japan, comprising the redesigned IS 350 and IS 250, along with the addition of the IS 300h hybrid to the line-up. The IS 350, priced between JPY5.20m (USD50,810) and JPY5.95m (USD58,140) is powered by a 3.5L, V-6 engine mated to an eight-speed Sport Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission. Fri, 17 May 2013 10:46:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35090/lexus-launches-new-is-hybrid-variant-in-japan http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35089/north-carolina-considering-banning-direct-oem-sales-to-consumers-report North Carolina is the latest US state to consider banning automakers from directly selling vehicles to consumers. According to a report in BizJournals, the state senate’s commerce committee recently passed a bill, sponsored by Republican senator Tom Apodaca and supported by the state dealer association, in an attempt to prevent ‘unfair competition’ between car manufacturers and auto dealers. The bill, if passed, will also make it illegal to facilitate online purchase of vehicles directly to consumers. It will now be open for vote in the full senate and house. Fri, 17 May 2013 08:10:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35089/north-carolina-considering-banning-direct-oem-sales-to-consumers-report http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35088/volvo-to-start-field-tests-of-plug-in-hybrid-buses-in-sweden- Volvo will begin the field test of its plug-in hybrid buses in Gothenburg (Sweden) this month, reports Green Car Congress Fri, 17 May 2013 07:59:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35088/volvo-to-start-field-tests-of-plug-in-hybrid-buses-in-sweden- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35087/bmw-to-launch-i3-electric-car-in-south-korea-next-year BMW plans to launch the i3 electric car in South Korea during the first half of 2014, reports the Korea Herald. The BMW i3, whose price in the South Korean market has not yet been disclosed Fri, 17 May 2013 07:50:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35087/bmw-to-launch-i3-electric-car-in-south-korea-next-year http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35086/byd-begins-production-of-new-engine-in-china BYD’s plant in Shenzhen in China’s southern Guangdong province BYD has started production of its 2L turbocharged Fri, 17 May 2013 07:47:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35086/byd-begins-production-of-new-engine-in-china http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35085/over-10-million-ev-charging-stations-could-be-installed-globally-by-2020report- The number of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations is set to soar globally by 2020, supporting a shift Fri, 17 May 2013 06:08:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35085/over-10-million-ev-charging-stations-could-be-installed-globally-by-2020report- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35084/hybrid-ev-insight Editorial: DoE shifts stance on fuel cell technology Thu, 16 May 2013 12:58:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35084/hybrid-ev-insight http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35083/editorial-doe-shifts-stance-on-fuel-cell-technology Recent initiatives by the US Department of Energy (DoE) leaves one wondering if the US federal government is changing its stance on fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Thu, 16 May 2013 12:13:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35083/editorial-doe-shifts-stance-on-fuel-cell-technology http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35082/sim-drives-new-prototype-ev-features-dsms-polyamides-to-reduce-weight SIM-Drive has unveiled its latest prototype electric car, SIM-CEL, highlighting lightweight parts based on DSM’s Stanyl and EcoPaXX polyamides, says a press release. Thu, 16 May 2013 10:27:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35082/sim-drives-new-prototype-ev-features-dsms-polyamides-to-reduce-weight http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35081/hefei-to-build-5km-charging-ring-with-260-charging-piles-five-charging-stations Hefei, with state-owned enterprises, plans to establish 260 charging piles and five large charging stations this year, according to a report in local newspaper Anhui Business. Thu, 16 May 2013 10:25:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35081/hefei-to-build-5km-charging-ring-with-260-charging-piles-five-charging-stations http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35080/honda-to-build-nsx-hybrid-in-ohio Honda plans to build Acura NSX hybrid at its new production plant in Ohio (US), reports Hybrid Cars. Thu, 16 May 2013 10:14:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35080/honda-to-build-nsx-hybrid-in-ohio http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35078/altair-nanotechnologies-reports-usd34m-net-loss-in-q1-fy2013- Altair Nanotechnologies has lowered its net loss to USD3.4m in the first quarter (Q1) ended 31 March 2013 compared Thu, 16 May 2013 10:06:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35078/altair-nanotechnologies-reports-usd34m-net-loss-in-q1-fy2013- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35077/ecotality-reports-usd06m-net-loss-in-q1-2013 ECOtality has reported a net loss of USD0.6m in the first quarter ended 31 March 2013 compared to a net income of USD1.2m during the same period a year ago, the San Francisco, California (US)-based electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure supplier said in a press release. Thu, 16 May 2013 09:54:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35077/ecotality-reports-usd06m-net-loss-in-q1-2013 http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35076/tesla-plans-to-raise-usd830m-through-stock-offering-and-convertible-notes Tesla has announced plans to raise capital through stock offerings and convertible notes, the automaker said yesterday in a press release. The announcement comes a week after Tesla recorded its first-ever quarterly profit. Thu, 16 May 2013 09:52:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35076/tesla-plans-to-raise-usd830m-through-stock-offering-and-convertible-notes http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35079/porsche-to-offer-hybrid-version-of-every-model All future Porsche models will be available in hybrid drive versions, according to the company's head of hybrid powertrain, Daniel Semmer, who was speaking to Autocar at Porsche's Panamera Hybrid technology workshop. The company's new hybrid module, which combines an electric motor and clutches Thu, 16 May 2013 09:48:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35079/porsche-to-offer-hybrid-version-of-every-model http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35075/infiniti-q50-production-starts-in-japan The first production model of the Infiniti Q50, Nissan's all-new premium sports sedan, rolled off the assembly line at the Tochigi production plant on 14 May, says a Nissan press release. Thu, 16 May 2013 09:42:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35075/infiniti-q50-production-starts-in-japan http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35074/nissan-crosses-25000-units-sales-milestone-for-leaf-in-us- Nissan’s all-electric LEAF hatchback reached an important milestone this week by crossing the 25,000 sales threshold in the US market, says the company’s press release Thu, 16 May 2013 09:17:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35074/nissan-crosses-25000-units-sales-milestone-for-leaf-in-us- http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35073/byd-electric-taxis-begin-operations-in-hong-kong BYD’s e6 electric taxis have become operational in Hong Kong, reports Reuters. The Chinese automaker has signed an agreement with Hong Kong Taxi and Public Light Bus Association to rent 45 electric e6 sedans for a monthly price of HKD8,000 (USD1,000) each, out of which six have been licensed and put to use. BYD expects to expand the electric taxi fleet to over 5,000 vehicles over the next three years. The e6 is also available for sale in Hong Kong for around HKD448,000 (USD57,700) and is exempted from first registration tax. Thu, 16 May 2013 08:40:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35073/byd-electric-taxis-begin-operations-in-hong-kong http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35071/us-advanced-battery-consortium-to-get-doe-grant-for-ev-battery-research The US Advanced Battery Consortium will receive USD12.5m annually for five years from the US Department of Energy (DoE), Thu, 16 May 2013 08:14:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35071/us-advanced-battery-consortium-to-get-doe-grant-for-ev-battery-research http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35070/californias-long-beach-opts-for-wireless-induction-charging-of-electric-buses California’s Long Beach transit authority has decided to use induction charging technology for recharging its electric buses, PluginCars reports. WAVE Inc, a company spun off from Utah Thu, 16 May 2013 07:44:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35070/californias-long-beach-opts-for-wireless-induction-charging-of-electric-buses http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35068/infiniti-planning-to-launch-hybrid-sports-car-within-three-years Nissan's Infiniti brand is planning to launch a new sports car using hybrid powertrain technology within the next three years, reports Autocar. Wed, 15 May 2013 10:59:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35068/infiniti-planning-to-launch-hybrid-sports-car-within-three-years http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35067/toyota-upgrades-auris-hybrid-to-reduce-emissions-to-84g-km Toyota has upgraded the Auris hybrid in Europe to reduce its CO2 emissions to 84g/km, from the current 87g/km, reports the automaker in a press release. The new version will go on sale starting from June 2013. Wed, 15 May 2013 10:47:00 GMT http://www.hybrid-ev.com/news/35067/toyota-upgrades-auris-hybrid-to-reduce-emissions-to-84g-km