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.
University of Michigan Solar Car Team Wins First in the American Solar Challenge
The University of Michigan Solar Car Team won the American Solar Challenge, an 8-day distance-based race from Tennessee to Wyoming. The team covered 2,120 miles, including added distance through optional loops. The team last won the title in 2018.
Ecojet Purchases 22 ZeroAvia Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft Engines
Ecojet has signed a purchase agreement with ZeroAvia for 22 hydrogen-electric aircraft engines with an option for 40 more. The ZA2000 is a 2 to 5 megaWatt modular powertrain for turboprop aircraft of up to 80 seats.
Researchers Use Ammonia As Combustion Inhibitor To Lower Knock in DI Hydrogen Engine
A team at Beijing University of Technology and Beijing Automobile Research Institute Company has used ammonia as a combustion inhibitor to mitigate or eliminate knock. This expands power in a direct-injection hydrogen engine by removing one of its biggest drawbacks.
Long-Haul Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Truck Complete 45-Day Test
A 45-day all-electric development test involving 22 countries has finished with the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy-duty truck arriving back in Worth am Rhein. Over 15,000 kilometers of driving for each of the two test trucks proved their capability on European roads at a 40-ton gross average.
Leapmotor Ships First Batch of EVs to Europe
Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor International (owned by Stellantis and Leapmotor) has shipped its first batch of electric vehicles from China to Europe. The C10 sport utilities and T03 cars left Shanghai, China and are heading to European ports this month.
Nikola, ITD Ind Launch First Hydrogen Station in Ontario
Nikola and ITD Industries have opened the first commercial hydrogen refueling station in Ontario, Canada. The station, located in Etobicoke, ON, is near Highways 401 and 407 and the Queen Elizabeth Highway. The 700-bar filling station can service Nikola’s Class 8 hydrogen fuel cell truck.
Uber, BYD Partner On 100,000 EVs
Uber Technologies has announced a multi-year strategic partnership designed to bring 100,000 new BYD electric vehicles into the Uber platform across key global markets. These include Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Audi Launches New A6 e-tron Model As Sportback and Avant
The Audi A6 e-tron concept shown at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2021 is now a production model, ushering in a new family of all-electric models for the luxury brand. The A6 e-tron Sportback and Avant will enter the market as 2024 model year offerings in Europe with expansion to North America and other markets afterwards. The models feature a 100 kWh battery and up to 756 km of range.
Forge Battery Begins Shipments of 300 Wh/kg Cells
Forge Battery has begun shipping on its prototype high-energy 21700 cylindrical lithium-ion battery cells to customers and potential partners. The Gen 1.1 Supercell will ship in bulk throughout the rest of 2024. The cells have a 300 watt hour per kilogram rating.
Kia America Announces Record-High Electrified Vehicle Sales for July
Kia America has announced that both year-to-date and July sales for electrified vehicles have set records for the company. EV models make up the most growth, with a 99 percent year-over-year growth. July sales included 63,580 vehicles in all with 18 percent of them being electrified (hybrids and EVs).
Toyota Mobility Gives $260K Grant to San Jose for AI and Computer Vision for Traffic Safety
The Toyota Mobility Foundation has given a $260,000 grant to the city of San Jose, California to improve local traffic safety by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technologies (CV).
ION Storage’s Anodeless, Compressionless Solid State Battery Achieves Battery Lifecycle Requirement
ION Storage Systems has announced a major milestone for its solid state, anodeless and compressionless battery. The batteries have achieved 800 cycles in simulated consumer use without changing in compression or volume or losing capacity.
Ford Introduces All-Wheel Drive Maverick Hybrid
Ford is adding all-wheel drive to the Maverick Hybrid pickup truck for the 2025 model year. The package option doubles towing capacity and is a request many potential Maverick buyers have had for the truck.
Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi Form Strategic Partnership for Electrification
Nissan Motor, Honda Motor, and Mitsubishi Motors have signed a memorandum of understanding to create a framework for further intelligence and electrification efforts.
Aaron is an automotive journalist living in Wyoming, USA. His background includes technology, mechanics, commercial vehicles, and new vehicle evaluations. Aaron is a member of several automotive media groups and writes for many well-known publications.