Umicore inaugurated its new production facility for fuel cell catalysts in SongDo Incheon City (Seoul area), Korea, close to Umicore’s technology development center for catalysts. The facility will support the growth of Hyundai Motors Group as well as other automotive customers. Umicore expects to ramp up production in 2020 and... Read more →

Eaton’s eMobility business is expanding high-voltage circuit protection solutions for electrified vehicles (EVs) with the introduction of Breaktor, a new advanced circuit protection solution for EVs that combines the function of fuses, pyro switches and contactors into a single coordinated device. As electric vehicle power levels increase, Breaktor addresses the... Read more →

The California Air Resources Board approved a $533-million plan to fund clean car rebates, zero-emission transit and school buses, clean trucks, and other innovative, clean transportation and mobility pilot projects. The Fiscal Year 2019-20 Funding Plan for Clean Transportation Incentives, largely funded with cap-and-trade proceeds, is part of California’s strategy... Read more →

Rio Tinto started the commissioning of industry-leading filter press technology at its Vaudreuil alumina refinery in Québec, Canada, six weeks ahead of plan and under its CAD $250-million budget. The new filter presses will deliver environmental benefits by moving the refinery to dry stacking of bauxite residue and extend the... Read more →

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) High Performance Computing for Energy Innovation (HPC4EI) Initiative will issue its third joint solicitation in fall 2019 for High Performance Computing for Manufacturing and High Performance Computing for Materials. HPC4EI pairs DOE National Laboratory scientists with industry partners to apply high performance computing (HPC)... Read more →

Valley Regional Transit (VRT) in Idaho has agreed to purchase eight Proterra Catalyst 35-foot E2 electric buses and eight Proterra 125 kW plug-in charging systems. VRT is Proterra’s first customer in Idaho and the first transit agency in Idaho to bring electric buses to its community. Proterra vehicles are now... Read more →

The US Department of the Interior’s Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) disbursed $11.69 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 from energy production on federal and American Indian-owned lands and offshore areas. This represents a $2.76-billion increase in comparison to FY 2018, and is nearly double the disbursements allocated at... Read more →

Volkswagen has unveiled the eighth generation of the Golf—the most successful Volkswagen model, having sold more than 35 million units. The newest Golf is digitalized, networked, predictive, intuitively operated and electrified, with five hybrid versions from mild to plug-in. Its digital interior architecture opens up a new dimension of intuitive... Read more →

New research from the University of Adelaide suggests that driverless cars could worsen traffic congestion in the coming decades, partly because of drivers’ attitudes to the emerging technology and a lack of willingness to share their rides. Using the City of Adelaide as a test model, researchers surveyed more than... Read more →

Researchers have developed a new catalytic method for upcycling abundant, seemingly low-value plastics (polyethylene) into high-quality liquid products, such as motor oils, lubricants, detergents and even cosmetics. The discovery also improves on current recycling methods that result in cheap, low-quality plastic products. Northwestern University, Argonne National Laboratory and Ames Laboratory... Read more →

The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released highway crash fatality data for 2018, showing a 2.4% decline in overall fatalities, the second consecutive year of reduced crash fatalities. The data, compiled by NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, shows that highway fatalities decreased in 2018 with... Read more →

REE is cooperating with Hino Motors, a leading provider of commercial vehicles, and showcased its technology within Hino’s new FlatFormer modular concept model, a super-flexible chassis that optimizes electric mobility solutions, at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show. REE’s corner module technology plays an important role to the FlatFormer concept design.... Read more →

Eaton’s eMobility business is launching an all-new 4-speed transmission for heavy-duty electrified commercial vehicles to meet growing global demand in a number of segments, including pickup and delivery and port drayage in North America, China and Europe. The new transmission, designed for Class 7 and 8 commercial vehicles, is currently... Read more →

Subaru Corporation unveiled the Subaru Levorg Prototype at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The concept for the second-generation of the Levorg features a newly developed 1.8L horizontally-opposed direct-injection turbo engine. The first-generation version, which launched in the Japanese market in 2014, offered 1.6L or 2.0L engines. The new Boxer... Read more →

Neste, the world’s leading provider of renewable diesel, renewable jet fuel, and an expert in delivering drop-in renewable chemical solutions, and REMONDIS, one of the world’s largest privately owned recycling, service and water companies, have signed an agreement to collaborate in the development of chemical recycling of plastic waste. The... Read more →

The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced its guidance to implement Secretary’s Order 3376, Increasing Recreational Opportunities Through the Use of Electric Bikes, which will allow the use of low-speed electric bicycles (e-bikes) at national wildlife refuges and other DOI-managed public lands where traditional biking occurs. The National Park Service... Read more →

Ideanomics’ Mobile Energy Group (MEG) is expanding its activities with heavy-duty electric trucks as part of an ongoing effort to identify commercial vehicle activities where significant pollution reduction can be achieved by eliminating fossil fuels. In addition to the environmental considerations, heavy-duty electric trucks offer additional benefits such as reduced... Read more →

Honda is further accelerating its electrification plans for Europe by moving forward its goal for all of its European mainstream models to feature electrified powertrains by 2022. Announced during an Electric Vision event in Amsterdam, the new target is three years ahead of the previously announced 2025 goal. This acceleration... Read more →

Nissan unveiled the Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration, award-winning driver assistance technology and a look that signals a complete reinvention of the brand’s design. The new Nissan Ariya Concept, introduced at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, signals a new era for Nissan as the... Read more →

Lexus unveiled its “Lexus Electrified” vision for an upcoming generation of electrified vehicles. Headlining this was the debut of the Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept, which made its world premiere at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019. Since the launch of the RX 400h in 2005, Lexus has led in electrification... Read more →

Mazda Motor Corporation unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle—the Mazda MX-30—at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The model adopts Mazda’s new e–Skyactiv system (motor, battery pack, inverter, and DC-DC converter), with a 35.5 kWh Li-ion battery pack. The motor, inverter, DC-DC converter and junction box are integrated into a single... Read more →

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) unveiled the MI-TECH CONCEPT electrified small SUV concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The company is also showcasing the twin-motor, 4WD Engelberg Tourer, unveiled in March in Geneva (earlier post). We are dedicated to electrification technology, particularly plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). We will be expanding... Read more →

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will use Honda e:TECHNOLOGY, a new collective name, to represent Honda’s original high-efficiency electrification technologies including electrified two- and four-wheeled mobility products as well as Honda’s energy management technologies. Honda e:TECHNOLOGY embodies “value creation for mobility and people’s daily lives,” which is a direction Honda will... Read more →

As auto manufacturers invest billions to bring self-driving vehicles to market and to increase consumer choice in battery-electric vehicles, many consumers still lack confidence in these technologies. According to the J.D. Power 2019 Q3 Mobility Confidence Index Study fueled by SurveyMonkey Audience, the Mobility Confidence Index is 36 (on a... Read more →

Hyundai Mobis will invest $50 million in Velodyne Lidar, and will partner with the company to mass-produce level 3 autonomous driving lidar systems, targeting the Asian markets first. The two companies will collaborate on new lidar system supply by integrating Velodyne’s latest lidar sensors with Hyundai Mobis’ cognitive software. Velodyne... Read more →

WiTricity, a pioneer in wireless power transfer over distance, has entered into licensing and technology transfer agreements with Green Power, a leading South Korea-based supplier of power electronics and high power wireless charging systems for various applications. The agreements allow Green Power to leverage WiTricity’s innovative technology and reference designs... Read more →

Rio Tinto will conduct a strategic review of its interest in New Zealand’s Aluminum Smelter (NZAS) at Tiwai Point, to determine the operation’s ongoing viability and competitive position. Under current market conditions and with high energy costs, Rio Tinto expects the short-to-medium outlook for the aluminum industry to be challenging... Read more →

Eaton’s eMobility business has introduced a new Flex Power Distribution Unit (PDU) for high-voltage electrified commercial vehicles; the new unit is uniquely designed to handle multiple load requirements. Eaton has reached an agreement with Cummins Inc. to supply elements of the Flex PDU, which reliably distributes power and keeps the... Read more →

Groupe Renault is extending the range of its electric light commercial vehicles with hydrogen fuel cells. Renault KANGOO Z.E. Hydrogen will be available at the end of 2019 and Renault MASTER Z.E. Hydrogen in 2020. Image credits: Transport Executive Tested since 2014, Groupe Renault’s hydrogen technology was developed in partnership... Read more →

Israel-based Upstream Security, a cybersecurity company targeting solutions for connected vehicles, closed a $30-million Series B funding round led by Renault Venture Capital and including Volvo Group Venture Capital, Hyundai, Hyundai AutoEver, Nationwide Ventures and others. Original Upstream investors Charles River Ventures, Glilot Capital and Maniv Mobility all participated in... Read more →

The state of California will make available $450 million in grants to help fund rail and bus investments made by public agencies under the California Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP). Procurement of electric buses, charging systems, and associated electric bus infrastructure are eligible projects under this program, as... Read more →

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 784 into law, thereby exempting zero-emissions transit buses from state sales tax until 2024. For the bill, the category “transit bus” includes: “Articulated bus”—a 54-foot to 60-foot bus with two connected passenger compartments. “Bus”—a rubber-tire vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating greater... Read more →

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced that the application period for the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Zero‑Emission Transit, School, and Shuttle Bus program is now open. This solicitation is open to eligible bus owners throughout California, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The San Joaquin Valley Air... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) released the first rendering images of its concept for a hydrogen-powered fuel cell electric truck, HDC-6 NEPTUNE. Known for its leadership in fuel cell technology with integrated capabilities for the passenger and commercial vehicle markets, HMC will debut its latest commercial truck concept during this year’s... Read more →

The deployment of micromobility sharing services (bikes and scooters) has expanded rapidly in cities across the United States. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), the number of shared bike trips in the 100 largest US cities increased from 321,000 in 2010 to 45.5 million in 2018.... Read more →

4M Carbon Corp. and Montefibre Carbon Fiber are in the process of finalizing a letter of intent (LOI) to establish a partnership, including a potential US-based joint venture (JV). 4M is currently a fully reporting SEC entity, which will accelerate a combined 4M/Montefibre IPO and listing in the US. 4M... Read more →

ExxonMobil said extended its support of the MIT Energy Initiative’s (MITEI) low-carbon energy research and education mission by renewing its status as a founding member for another five years. ExxonMobil first signed on as a member of the initiative in 2014. With its renewed membership, ExxonMobil will expand its participation... Read more →

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have demonstrated an “artificial leaf” that uses only sunlight, carbon dioxide and water to produce syngas. As a a result, unlike the current industrial processes for producing syngas, the leaf does not release any additional carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The results are reported... Read more →

Toyota Motor Europe reported strong performance continuing into the third quarter 2019 driven by new model introductions and increased demand for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). The company announced Jan-Sep total vehicle sales of 838,691 units across the region in a declining market, reporting 3.1% growth year-on-year, showing an increase of... Read more →

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation will exhibit the latest version of the xAUTO, a vehicle capable of autonomous driving on surface roads without high-definition maps and of parking autonomously both indoors and outdoors, during the 46th Tokyo Motor Show 2019 from 24 October to 4 November. The xAUTO is a demonstration car... Read more →

Hyundai Motor Group has developed what it says it the world’s first Machine-Learning-based Smart Cruise Control (SCC-ML)—a technology that incorporates the driver’s patterns into its self-driving behavior, creating a custom experience for the driver. The technology incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) within the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) feature. The system... Read more →

The business jet industry is expected to see strong growth in the short to medium term, supported by several new airplane models coming to the market, according to Honeywell’s 28th annual Global Business Aviation Outlook. The Global Business Aviation Outlook forecasts up to 7,600 new business jet deliveries worth $248... Read more →

Pierburg has been developing vacuum pumps for brake boosters for decades. With the current EVP40 model, the supplier is offering an electric option that operates on-demand and sets high standards in terms of robustness, temperature resistance and noise. The EVP40 can be used in hybrids and electric vehicles as well... Read more →

The first non-stop commercial airline flight from New York to Sydney landed after 19 hours 16 minutes in the air. A total of 49 passengers and crew were on the flight, which was used to run a series of experiments to assess health and well-being onboard. Data from these experiments... Read more →

The 2019.2 release of powertrain design and optimization software from Ricardo provides enhancements across the entire suite of products. In keeping with its strategy of combining upgrades into major releases and ensuring that all customers have the most up-to-date software at the earliest opportunity, the 2019.2 release from Ricardo Software... Read more →

In Japan, Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) unveiled the new model Yaris. Scheduled to go on sale in Japan starting in mid-February 2020, the new Yaris will be exhibited at VenusFort in Odaiba, Tokyo during the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. The new Yaris will also be displayed in showrooms throughout Japan... Read more →

Over the past five years, the number of electric buses in Europe has increased from around 200 to 2,200 vehicles, according to a report from Busworld. For 2019, Poland-based Solaris claims to have concluded the most contracts for the construction of electric buses. There are now some 800 electric-powered Solaris... Read more →

Evonik and Siemens launched phase two of their joint research project Rheticus. The goal is to develop an efficient and powerful test plant that will use carbon dioxide and water as well as electricity from renewable sources and bacteria to produce specialty chemicals. In the Rheticus I project, the two... Read more →

Volvo Buses is launching a new electrically-powered articulated bus that can carry up to 150 passengers and with 80% lower energy consumption compared to a corresponding diesel bus. With the Volvo 7900 Electric Articulated, Volvo Buses is making it attractive to electrify even high-frequency bus routes with large numbers of... Read more →

Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. has started mass production for its 800V compatible high-voltage and high-output electric vehicle (EV) inverter, which increases EV practicality and enables long-distance driving. The product contributes to both comfortable acceleration performance of the vehicle and faster charging times. For this inverter, the mounting technology of the... Read more →