Bristol Cars, Electric Vehicle Index, BMW, Lexus, Formula E, VW.

Bristol plug-in planned: Bristol Cars officially announced to be working on an electric GT car using technology by Frazer-Nash. Rumour has it, the new Bristol model will feature an electric drive in each wheel and a range extender. Suspected price point: 408,000 dollars (we reported).
autoblog.com, topgear.com

EV nations: The latest Electric Vehicle Index (EVI) by McKinsey and the German magazine WirtschaftsWoche is out, looking at EV production and sales in the 2nd quarter of this year. The USA takes the top of the list, followed by Germany and France. The latter overtook Japan for the first time, thanks to the Renault Zoe. Number five on the list is Norway, ahead of China.
wiwo.de (in German), mckinsey.de/elektromobilitaet (in German)

Small recall of BMW i3: In the U.S., BMW is calling back a total of 27 Mini Cooper and BMW i3 built on March 31st. The reason is a an airbag inflator that might have been assembled in a wrong way. BMW will contact owners of the cars affected and fix the issue free of charge.
odi.nhtsa.dot.gov

Lexus is adding some spice to its GS 450h by making the F-Sport package available for the hybrid. While the update does not affect the drive train, it will alter adaptive suspension, add 19-inch wheels and optional active rear steering to make for a more dynamic drive while exterior changes give it a sportier look. Meanwhile, the 2015 model of the ES 300h will mainly remain the same and only receive minor updates of the infotainment features.
autoblog.com (GS 450h), greencarreports.com (ES300h)

Formula E Motor Shows: The electric racing series will host a series of events alongside the races to showcase consumer-oriented electric cars. The first Formula E Motor Show will take place in Miami in 2015 where manufacturers can present their offerings to the public over four days.
fiaformulae.com, transportevolved.com

Driving the Golf GTE: Volkswagen’s plug-in hybrid is almost too good, as Faye Sunderland compares it to “that annoying kid you knew at school who seemed to excel in absolutely every subject.” She took the GTE up and down the Swiss alps where it performed admirably. In the UK, the Golf GTE can be ordered from November.
thegreencarwebsite.co.uk