WheelTug

Future electric vehicles could run unlimited distances

Here, Masahiro Hanazawa at Toyota Central R&D Labs. and Takashi Ohira at Toyohashi University of Technology (Toyohashi Tech) propose a potentially revolutionary solution for powering EVs capable of running unlimited distances. The basic concept stems from electric railways, where each car of the train is power from an overhead wire while the car runs on tracks.

The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility

The BMW Group showcases its visions of future mobility in the shape of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept studies. Unveiled for the first time, these concept vehicles provide a glimpse of the first electrically powered production cars from the new BMW i sub-brand, due to be launched as the BMW i3 in 2013 and the BMW i8 in 2014.

Struggling Chinese e-taxi rollout

In mid 2011, Reuters reported that, even with government support and the popular support of e-taxi customers, challenges remain for electric vehicles such as the e-taxis to gain broader acceptance and widespread use. In China, charging stations are few and far between, repair shops are hard to find and the pure electric cars used as taxis are costly. Even after generous government support, the Shenzhen e-taxi costs 80% more than the Volkswagen Santana that is a typical taxi on the streets of Shenzhen.

Toyota builds across the EV market

Toyota leverages technology across more of the electric vehicle market.

Dynamic wireless charging of racing cars

On July 27 2011, HaloIPT announced a new strategic partnership with Drayson Racing Technologies, the green R&D racing organization. It was founded by Lord Drayson, former UK Minister for Science and Innovation. The partnership intends to use HaloIPT's unique wireless charging technology to power high-performance cars as they race around the track. This partnership, which develops and races green motorsport technology, including electric vehicles (EV), aims to pioneer the deployment of dynamic (in-motion) charging of zero emission electric vehicles. The racing cars, fitted with HaloIPT technology, will pick up power wirelessly from transmitters buried under the surface of the road or race track; transferring power directly to the vehicle's electric battery, ensuring that the vehicle receives constant charging on the move.

DLR Airbus A320 ATRA taxiing with fuel cell-powered nose wheel

Back in March IDTechEx reported on the work of DLR who had recently finished development on a fuel cell-powered electric nose wheel. The system is now out of the laboratory and onto the runway for real-world testing in collaboration with Airbus.

Airliners become electric vehicles

Aircraft are becoming more electric even to the extent of having electric traction just like an electric car. Curiously this is starting at the light and heavy end, with medium sized feeder aircraft adopting electrification later.

Delta Airlines electrifies

Delta Airlines has been working to electrify ground support equipment and airliners. In September 2010, it was announced that the Massachusetts Port Authority had approved a loan agreement that would lend Delta Air Lines the capital needed to purchase electric equipment for use at Terminal A at Boston Logan International Airport.