News Roundup: Electric Mobility, Electric Tractor, and Nikola Fuel Cell Truck

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Lot of action in the news this week for electric vehicles, but there was also a little autonomous vehicle news to be had as well.

Nikola Motor unveiled the working prototype of its fuel cell range-extended big rig. This was a huge news item despite most of the details of the rig, the hydrogen fueling network that’s supposed to go with it, and the financials behind the entire thing being shrouded in mystery.

Renault has unveiled its own electrified concept truck, made for distribution activities in Europe. Called the Urban Lab 2, the hybrid delivers about 13 percent fuel economy savings.

John Deere has unveiled an electric tractor prototype. The zero-emissions farm machine is being tested in Europe.

Honda unveiled a concept electric car called the NeuV and its plans for a “cooperative mobility ecosystem.” The total system and plans will be unveiled at CES in early January.

Renault has unveiled the new-generation Kangoo ZE electric van with 50% more driving range.

UPS has unveiled the first electric-assist e-bike for deliveries. This one in Portland, Oregon.

WiTricity has announced a “Tunable Matching Network” for optimization of power transfers in wireless vehicle charging. This allows the optimization of energy transfer for charging when the vehicle is not necessarily in the perfect position for that transfer.

Lexus has a new multi-stage hybrid system for the new LC 500h sedan. The car will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month.

Elektrobit has announced a new software development module for assisted and automated driving. Called EB Assist ADTF 3, the system is a tool for development and testing of advanced driver assistance programs and is supported by several European carmakers.

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University says that reaching targeted low price points for lithium-ion batteries will be difficult.