VW, Bee Bee, Rimac, ICAO, Tesla, Ather Energy.

VW to take on the Prius? According to German Auto Bild, Volkswagen is working on its own Prius-fighter. Scheduled for 2018, the XL3 will get its own body design, while adopting some elements from the XL1. The hybrid will boast 140 hp, a 25 kW electric motor and a small battery that allows only for a short all-electric range. Pricing will start at 30,000 euros.
autobild.de

Vintage EV from France: French manufacturer Bee Bee Automotive presented its vintage looking electric car. The Bee-Bee XS weighs a mere 660 kg and sports a 20 kW electric motor. The 7.2 kWh or 9.6 kWh battery pack allow for a range of 80 or 120 km. Thanks to subsidies in France, the car will start at 21,180 euros, battery included.
avere-france.org (in French)

Rimac update: The Croatian EV maker will present a series production version of its Concept One in Geneva, while saying that it will build only vehicles for now. CEO Mate Rimac also hinted in an interview that he could be taking a second model to Geneva, but did not give any details.
carscoops.com (Concept One), total-croatia-news.com (Interview)

No battery on board: Starting in April, anything containing a Li-ion battery will no longer be allowed in the cargo hold of a passenger plane. The International Civil Aviation Organisation says the risk of the battery catching fire is too great. That only applies to commercial shipments, however. Nothing changes for passengers.
theguardian.com, cbsnews.com

Tesla expands team: The EV maker signed on Karim Bousta as new Vice President of Global Services. Bousta previously held an executive position at General Electric and worked for Symantec.
electrek.co

New electric scooter: Bengaluru-based Ather Energy introduced its S340 electric two-wheeler. The so-called smart scooter comes with a touchscreen dashboard, fast-charging capabilities, a top speed of 72 kph and a range of 60 km. Moreover, the company wants to set up its own infrastructure.
indiatoday.intoday.in, business-standard.com