Volkswagen, Mitsubishi, Maxwell Technologies, Sodium-air batteries.

VW takes charge: In order to achieve global leadership, the German auto company will invest 106 billion dollars in new models and technological advances over the next five years. Most of money will be used to develop more efficient vehicles, as well as expanding and optimizing production processes. At the same time, Volkswagen wants to cut its costs by more than 12 billion dollars worldwide.
reuters.com, derstandard.at (in German)

Mitsubishi XR-PHEV: The concept was unveiled at the LA Auto Show and features an inline 3-cylinder turbo, as well as a 121 kW electric engine. The model has been fitted with several 100 volt AC onboard electrical outlets that are capable of delivering an external power supply of up to 1500 watts of power.
automotive-business-review.com, hybridcars.com, greencarcongress.com

Under shock: Maxwell Technologies’ 48V ultracapacitor module has met the industry’s shock and vibration ratings and has been validated for hybrid buses in China. The module combines Maxwell’s dry electrode formation and manufacturing process with a patent-pending cell structure design.
greencarcongress.com

Understanding sodium-air cells: Researchers at the Canadian Light Source have run tests to better understand metal-air batteries, in order to increase energy storage and recharging capabilities. They specifically looked at different “discharge products” produced by the cell using x-ray technology.
phys.org