Nissan, NREL, GM, Siemens, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Renault.

Leaf battery for sale: In the U.S., Nissan now offers a replacement battery for its Leaf. The 24-kWh battery can be bought for 5,499 dollars but only if the old pack is traded in. Even though the new battery will carry improved technology from the 2015 Leaf, all previous models can be fitted with the replacement pack.
transportevolved.com, electriccarsreport.com

Fuel cell partnership: The U.S. Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and GM will join their research and development efforts to lower the cost of fuel cells. One focus of this longterm and well-funded agreement is to reduce the use of platinum.
electriccarsreport.com, puregreencars.com

New research alliance: Siemens and the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg will develop new energy systems at the new ‘Campus Future Energy Systems.’ Research spans over energy storages, power electronics, motors and generators. Market-ready innovations will be used by Siemens’ or assigned to start ups. Other institutes and unis will join the effort in which Siemens is to invest tens of millions of euros over three years.
siemens.com, idw-online.de (in German)

Mercedes dominates the F1: The Renault drivetrain powering Red Bull’s F1 car cannot be improved considerably anymore this season. This seemingly premature defeat comes from Renault’s deputy managing director Rob White. The changes required are too big to be dealt with within FIA regulations.
autosport.com