V2G, Robo Cabs, Eurabus, INN-BALANCE.

20m pounds for V2G: The British government reserves funds of 20m pounds for Vehicle-to-Grid research projects as it aims to create a smart grid while increasing the number of EVs at the same time. The tender is to open in due course with winners to be named by December for projects to start in early 2018. The fund will pay for feasibility studies, development of charging equipment and trials around the country, so expect energy companies, car makers and local authorities to compete.
theguardian.com, gov.uk

Robo cabs made in Germany: Mercedes and Bosch affirm their cooperation and want to start testing autonomous electric taxis on German roads in less than twelve months. There will be a driver on board at the beginning but Bosch believes it will reach mass market adoption by 2022.
heise.de (in German)

Bright numbers: Berlin-based busmaker Eurabus says it has crashed the threshold of 1,000 electric buses and written over 1,400 orders but not from local clients. Instead the light-weight Eurabus 3.0 is headed for Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Mexico soon after the start of production at the year’s end. Kazakhstan alone is expecting 700 electric buses and Azerbaijan another 500 over the next three years. While Eurabus delivers ready-made buses at the moment, assembly plants will be set up in the countries of destination over time.
electrive.net (in German)

Fuel cell research: INN-BALANCE sees nine partners strive to optimise auxiliary components, called Balance of Plant (BoP), in FCVs thus cutting costs for production and maintenance. The project is co-funded by the EU with 5m euros and has now defined requirements under Volvo’s lead.
idw-online.de