Filed under: Emerging Technologies, EV/Plug-in, Tesla Motors, Europe/EU, North America, Germany, USA



A new electric motor with integrated air-conditioning compressor increases the range of EVs in hot climates, where much of the battery power is used to keep the car cool. Developed by scientists at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and the German Aerospace Centre, the "2-in-1" motor uses regenerative braking to help operate the AC compressor, and could increase range by 15 to 20 percent with some modifications. "By integrating the refrigerant compressor directly into the electric motor, we save components, weight and cost," says Dr. Michael Schier of the German Aerospace Centre. "Simultaneously, the more regenerative braking part of the kinetic energy is passed directly to the refrigerant compressor and thus the efficiency is further increased." Read more at Green Car Congress, and in the press release below.

Elon Musk has been chosen as a Eurostar winner by Automotive News Europe. The publication chose the Tesla CEO for exceeding expectations in entrepreneurship, saying, "Musk has proved that he's capable of doing what seems impossible." Other Eurostar winners include Dieter Zetsche of Mercedes-Benz, Ralf Speth of Jaguar Land Rover and Marco Tencone of Maserati. Read more at Automotive News Europe.

GreenTech Automotive has raised $47 million in a round of equity funding. The company, which was formerly run by Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, received the contributions from a total of 94 investors. GreenTech Automotive has plans to produce the small MyCar neighborhood electric vehicle at a newly built factory in Mississippi. The company also has a deal with Jianghuai Automobile Company to sell cars for the Chinese automaker in the US. Read more at Bloomberg.

Gulf Racing Fuels will offer fuel blended with renewable isobutanol for marine use and off-road vehicles. The ethanol alternative is approved for sensitive environments, produces fewer emissions, is resistant to moisture and has a lower vapor pressure, making it suitable for boats and ATVs. Gulf will offer a new line of fuels with 16.1-percent isobutanol for these special applications. Gevo, the company supplying Gulf's isobutanol, produces the additive in biorefineries converted from ethanol facilities. Read more in the press release below.Continue reading Recharge Wrap-up: New "2-in-1" electric motor increases range, Gulf offers isobutanol blends

Recharge Wrap-up: New "2-in-1" electric motor increases range, Gulf offers isobutanol blends originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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