News Roundup: 2/18 – 2/24

Headlines and links from all the news, including things we didn’t cover in depth here on EVmeme.com this past week. Follow the links for more on each.

T&E Study Wrongly Blames Automakers for Lack of Affordable EVs
A new study from NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) has “found” that automakers are to blame for a lack of low-cost electric vehicles in Europe.

New Toyota Yaris Offers More Powerful Hybrid
Toyota’s new-generation Yaris has received an option for a more powerful hybrid-electric powertrain. The Hybrid 130 upgrades from the Hybrid 115 powertrain to add more acceleration and efficiency.

Syrah Begins Natural Graphite Active Anode Production
Syrah Resources has begun production of natural graphite anode material at its 11.24ktpa facility in Louisiana. Making the American plant the first integrated natural graphite supplier outside of China.

Researchers in Beijing Develop Selective Lithium Recovery Method
A team at Beijing University has used a formic acid and hydrogen peroxide system to efficiently leach lithium ions from spent lithium-iron phosphate batteries. A paper on their process has been published in the Journal of Power Sources.

Volkswagen Introduces ID.7 Tourer Model in Europe
Volkswagen has introduced a wagon-style estate Tourer version of the flagship ID.7 electric car.

Porsche Adds Two New E-Hybrid Variants to the Panamera Model
Porsche has expanded the powertrain options for the Panamera to include the 4 E-Hybrid and the 4S E-Hybrid. These new models add efficiency and power driving dynamics to the lineup.

UNECE Introduces Methodology To Measure Tire Particulate Emissions
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has introduced methodology for measuring particulate emissions from tires, following on last year’s methods for braking emissions. The adopted proposal falls under UN Regulation N 117.

UM Researchers Improve Traffic Signal Timing Using Connected Vehicle Data
Using GPS data from just six percent of the vehicles on the road, University of Michigan researchers were able to recalibrate traffic signals to reduce congestion and improve efficiencies at intersections.

SiAT, CPDC Partner To Launch 2nd-Gen LMFP Paste for Battery Safety
Taiwanese companies SiAT and CPDC have partnered to launch a second-generation lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) paste. This product is designed to elevate safety standards for batteries across the industry.

Toyota Land Cruiser Returns With i-Force Max Hybrid Powertrain
The all-new Toyota Land Cruiser enters the U.S. market with an exclusive (and standard) i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain similar to that found in the Toyota Tundra and Sequoia.

Volvo Introducing Upgrades To Fully Electric, Hybrid Cars
Volvo Cars is introducing a new Performance software pack for the EX40 (formerly XC40 Recharge) and EC40 (formerly C40 Recharge) Twin Motor variants. The software pack increases power output by 25kW.

South 8 Technologies Shows LiGas Electrolyte
South 8 Technologies has developed a liquefied gas electrolyte for advanced lithium-ion batteries. The high-performance, cobalt-free, low nickel, and high-energy battery cells use the LiGas blend of non-toxic, non-corrosive gases that liquify under pressure for safety and performance benefits.

Volvo, Mack Trucks, Coastal Waste & Recycling Partner for Electrification in South Florida
Volvo Construction Equipment and its subsidiary Mack Trucks have partnered with Florida-based Coastal Waste & Recycling to with on- and off-road electrified equipment. The companies delivered a 23-ton EC230 Electric excavator and an LR Electric Class 8 truck in Boca Raton, Florida.

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WeaveGrid To Collaborate With Toyota-Lexus
WeaveGrid, a software company offering a managed charging platform, has announced a collaboration to integrate its software with Toyota North America battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles under both the Toyota and Lexus brands.

Hyundai, Mobile.de Piloting Battery Certificate for Used EVs
In a pilot project, mobile.de will be offering Hyundai dealers the option of using battery certificates to market used electric vehicles in Germany. Battery certificates use testing and reporting to give the current status and viability of an electric vehicle battery for consumer peace of mind.