Audi, ULEMCo, Akasol, TM4

Audi EV with solar roof: The German carmaker has turned to Alta Devices, a subsidiary of Chinese Hanergy, to integrate solar cells into panoramic glass roofs to cover electric cars. The sun’s energy shall thus supply the air condition or other internal appliances and ultimately help increase the EVs’ range. Expect to see a prototype within this year but Audi has not said anything about production plans. Hanergy presented four solar-powered EVs last year though and has only been waiting for partners to mass produce. Meanwhile, Nissan offers an optional solar panel for the Leaf already.
autonews.com, audi-mediacenter.com

Talking of more range for Nissan, British ULEMCo has come up with a fuel cell based range extender for the e-NV200. The system is said to double the van’s range to 240 kilometres without taking away any load space – it is installed on the roof. ULEMCo retrofits vehicles so they run on H2.
openpr.com

Mining on German batteries: Canadian maker of mining machines Medatech utilises battery systems from German Akasol for its equipment and vehicles, saying they were the only ones that met safety requirements such as liquid cooling and in-built temperature management.
greencarcongress.com

E-truck motors: TM4 is to deliver more than 500 electric drives to be used by Workhorse. The order follows last year’s supply of 150 SUMO MD drive systems and Workhorse all-electric or range extended trucks serve in fleets of UPS and FedEX, while Workhorse won over Ryder as distributor.
greencarcongress.com