zecOO, SmartCarts, Arkema, new solid-state electrolyte, Li−S cathode.

Custom electric motorcycle: Japanese designer Koza Netu is rethinking electric motorbikes. With the zecOO, his company Znug presents an electric motorcycle that elegantly hides the batteries (range given at 160 km) under a dynamic nose cone. A single-sided swingarm provides hub steering. The motor comes from Zero Motorcycles, but only 49 units will be built.
cycleworld.com, zecoomotor.com

3D printed E-Carts: University of Michigan’s SmartCarts project is looking to explore ride sharing with autonomous EVs. The vehicles are 3D printed by Local Motors and fitteded with an electric motor from a golf cart. They will be tested on the uni’s MCity, a simulated urban environment, first, but might progress to campus once considered “smart” enough.
ns.umich.edu via autoblog.com

Battery lab: Chemical company Arkema is getting on board the planned Li-ion lab in the French Aquitaine region, set up as SCE France, a subsidiary of Hydro-Quebec. The aim is to develop lithium-iron-phosphate-based batteries while researching battery technologies that use advanced materials.
reuters.com

Organic solid-state: Researchers from Korean Pohang University, have come up with a new solid-state electrolyte based on an organic molecular porous solid. It is said to boost Li-ion batteries performance while reducing the danger of overheating.
greencarcongress.com

Rational cathode: Researchers in China say they developed a rationally designed Li−S cathode consisting of a freestanding composite thin film made from sulfur nanoparticles, graphene oxide and PAQS. The freestanding cathode displays increased rate performance and stability.
greencarcongress.com