NASA, University of Delaware, Cadillac, Crosspoint Kinetics.

Electric plane testing: NASA has made some progress with its electric plane project (we reported) and space agents are currently testing the so-called LEAPTech wing – though only on the ground for now. It consists of a 9.5 meter carbon composite span with 18 small electric motors powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries.
engadget.com, time.com, nasa.gov

Cost-efficient catalyst: Researchers from the University of Delaware have discovered a cheap and efficient catalyst for converting water to hydrogen. As they combine copper and titanium in a way that imitates the structure of a platinum catalyst, H2 production could become a lot less expensive.
phys.org, udel.edu

Mixed material: To create a light-weight body for the upcoming CT6, Cadillac has come up with a new mix of materials. While most of it is aluminium (64%), 13 other materials helped shave off 90 kilos compared to a steel construction. The CT6 will also be offered as plug-in hybrid variant in the future.
greencarcongress.com, automotive-business-review.com

Commercial hybrids: Crosspoint Kinetics is now working with Morgan Olson to produce hybrid delivery vans. The Kinetics Hybrid system with a 50-kilowatt electric motor mounts directly to a driveline so the van’s original components can stay in place. Energy is recuperated and released in boosts.
hybridcars.com, fleetowner.com

– Feedback –

Most clicked link on Tuesday Greg Kable’s review of the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron, which he says “accelerates with terrific force.”
autocar.co.uk