Alternative fuels
Industry needs 40 gigafactories, VW says
July 10A massive shortage in lithium ion battery cells could plague the global car industry in the coming decade if capacity equivalent to 40 Tesla gigafactories is not added by 2025, according to estimates from Volkswagen Group.
China's plans for lithium-ion battery production could overtake Tesla
June 30As Elon Musk races to finish building the world’s biggest battery factory in the Nevada desert, China is poised to leave him in the dust.
Magna shopping its hydrogen fuel-cell range extender for EVs
June 15Magna is shopping around a hydrogen fuel-cell platform as a range extender for battery EVs. It allows a vehicle to recharge its battery on the move.
Panasonic's auto business is the real driving force
May 30Panasonic, indelibly associated with televisions, audio equipment and microwave ovens, now makes more money from auto parts than home appliances.
First Shift: Honda Civic Type R sets speed record
April 24Honda Civic Type R sets speed record; Tesla takes a production gamble; Sunday ads target Musk, Trump; Japan's big hydrogen bet; More Apple-car clues.
Japan dreams of a hydrogen society
April 24As home market to two of the three global carmakers selling hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, Japan is understandably optimistic about the outlook for hydrogen-powered cars.
A gross but green path to hydrogen
April 24Masaki Tajima is trying to pave a greener hydrogen highway for Japan. And the road starts at a simmering sewage field on the southwestern island of Kyushu.
Developing hydrogen beyond the car market
April 24Imagine a city where houses and businesses have their own on-site fuel cell stacks that turn hydrogen into electricity for lights, dishwashers and vacuum cleaners.
Toyota to take Mirai for a spin in China
April 24Toyota will test the waters in China for its hydrogen fuel cell Mirai.
Toyota to test hydrogen cargo truck at Port of Los Angeles
April 19Toyota plans to test a heavy-duty truck powered by a hydrogen fuel-cell system at the Port of Los Angeles as part of a feasibility study beginning this summer.
Hyundai exec predicts battery shakeout
April 15Hyundai Motor Group's eco-car czar, Lee Ki-sang, expects a technological shakeout between 2020 and 2025 that will make clear whether a post-lithium ion battery breakthrough is on the horizon.
Toyota in high-tech hunt for new ZEV materials
March 30Toyota is investing $35 million in a high-tech research program to identify advanced battery materials and fuel-cell catalysts for future zero-emission vehicles.
