There is no denying that any doubt the electric car is just a passing phase does not hold any water considering the frenetic pace the industry is involved with.
- Samsung-Bosch Buys Cobasys. Just more proof that the technology automobile industry is not resting with the Samsung-Bosch partnership buying Cobasys, via Reuters. Why is this important? Cobasys develops and produces energy storage systems for hybrid electric vehicles in the U.S. and the buyout for the SB LiMotive, the joint venture between Samsung SDI and Bosch will use Cobasys’s technology and client base, while planning to build the company into SB LiMotive’s North American center. Hat tip: Ken!
- Magna, 123 Systems And Volvo. If the Volvo PHEV will use Ener1 for its battery pack and drivetrain, its buses and trucks will use Magna Steyr division that is using lithium ion cells provided by A123 Systems in a roof-mounted liquid cooled pack, according to AutoBlogGreen. What does this mean? It certainly places Magna as a stronger player in the hybrid field who is already working with Ford. It also gives A123 Systems another nudge forward.
- Recharging Infrastructure Myths. A good article from HybridCars that points out six myths, mainly, public charging will be from private companies, and will not be critical to early adoption of plug ins. EV owners will not pay $8 to charge in public when they can do it at home for 2, but home charging hardware is not yet ready, while V2G, vehicle to grid technology is not there yet. Not sure about the fourth point made that drivers will not use standard 110 outlets yet. Yes, it would be too slow to recharge but might work as a topping off scenario.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned for more.