Zee.Aero, NECOBAUT, BASF, Umicore, Suzuki.

Google founder takes off: Start-up Zee.Aero announced its plans for the creation of an electric powered aircraft about a year ago. Backed by Google founder Larry Page and based in the Silicon Valley, the company now published footage of its prototype vertically taking off and cruising over a lake. The Kitty Hawk Flyer resembles a flying motorcycle that can carry one person without a pilot licence. It is equipped with eight electric motors and supposed to enter production still this year.
theverge.com, futurism.com, electrek.co

8 x higher capacity: Researchers of the EU project NECOBAUT (New concept of metal-air battery for automotive application based on advanced nanomaterials) developed a new way to enlarge the storage capacity of EV batteries. Based on a reaction of iron and air, the technology is said to store eight times more energy than conventional batteries and could thus provide a low cost alternative to Li-ion packs.
cordis.europa.eu

Patent disputes settled: BASF sued Umicore in the States for patent infringement two years ago (we reported). A resolution has now been reached, that sees BASF licensing Umicore to make, use, sell, distribute and import the disputed nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) cathodes for Li-ion batteries.
basf.com

Hybrid AWD scooter by Suzuki: A new patent of the Japanese company shows an AWD scooter equipped with a petrol engine as well as a hub-mounted electric motor in the front. As it is with all patents, this is no prove, that this hybrid vehicle will really reach production.
motorcycle-magazine.com