Battery-powered Mercedes-Benz Vito for zero emissions

Mercedes-Benz is unveiling the prototype of a battery-powered van based on the Mercedes-Benz Vito at the informal EU Competitiveness Council meeting in San Sebastián from 7 to 9 February. During this event, European ministers of economic affairs meet to discuss issues relating to the economic viability of future technologies. Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG,...

Nissan To Double EV Battery Capacity by 2015

Nissan continues to make headlines on a regular basis. The much talked about Leaf EV is of course the center of attraction for the company. Numerous articles have popped up recently discussing every aspect of the vehicle. A recent article on this site discussed the possibility of leasing the battery for the Leaf EV and comments ranged from people accepting of the idea to those downright...

World Debut: Starter Battery in Lithium-Ion Technology

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is the first car maker in the world to offer a starter battery in lithium-ion technology. Weighing less than 6 kg or 13 lb, the new battery is more than 10 kg or 22 lb lighter than a conventional 60 Ah lead battery. The new lithium-ion battery will be available as of January 2010 for the 911 GT3, 911 GT 3 RS, and Boxster Spyder as an option delivered with the car, selling...

Citroën C-ZERO

Zero fuel consumption, zero CO2 emissions and zero noise: with the C-ZERO, Citroën is broadening its compact vehicle range with a 100% electric solution. The new city car was designed to make urban mobility easier, with its compact dimensions, rapid charge, and sufficient range for day-to-day car journeys. And all this in a silence that makes occupants forget about the noise of the city. The...

IHI, A123 Systems ally in lithium-ion batteries

Japan’s IHI Corp said on Wednesday it would start selling low-cost lithium ion batteries developed by U.S. company A123 Systems Inc in Japan in 2010, as it looks to tap surging demand from electric vehicle producers and other manufacturers. Government subsidies have boosted appetite for environmentally friendly cars in the country since they were launched in June. IHI, a heavy machinery...