Google, Hybrid aircraft, Boston Power, LG Electronics, NTU.

Google EV gets more real: The internet giant presented the first fully working prototype of its driverless electric car which is said to hit the road for testing in California this year. In order to do so legally, the car will be equipped with manual controls like a steering wheel and accelerator and brake pedals.
cnet.com, dailymail.co.uk, plus.google.com

In-flight charging: Researchers from Cambridge University and Boeing have have successfully tested the first aircraft to be powered by a parallel hybrid-electric propulsion system. The hybrid aircraft is said to use up to 30 percent less fuel and is the first able to recharge its batteries while flying.
electriccarsreport.com, cam.ac.uk

Li-Ion production subsidies: Boston Power has received 290 million dollars from two local governments in China to increase production of Li-Ion batteries at its two facilities in Liyang and Tianjin. The expansion is needed to fulfil increasing domestic demand by Chinese EV makers.
greencarcongress.com

LG on patent prowl: Steve Brachmann takes a look at recently filed patents by LG Electronics. Apparently, the South Korean company is looking to go beyond consumer electronics as battery cooling and battery management systems for EVs can also be found among the filed innovations.
ipwatchdog.com

Li-ion research: Nanyang Technical University has developed new VO2 nanoarray electrodes based on graphene foam to increase performance of lithium- and sodium-ion batteries. For Li-ion, the electrode is said to deliver a capacity more than 420 mAh/g and a capacity retention of 94 percent after 1,500 cycles.
greencarcongress.com