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Eight global automakers, namely Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen, will jointly participate in a single-port DC-fast charging technology at the upcoming Electric Vehicle Symposium (EVS26) event in Los Angeles. The new technology is said to be able to rapidly recharge most electric vehicles (EVs) with compatible systems in as little as 15-20 minutes. The Society of International Engineers has chosen the single-port fast charging method as its standard for fast charging and the European manufacturing association (ACEA) has endorsed harmonization for all vehicle types. The fast charging system was developed for all international vehicle markets and creates a uniform standard with identical electrical systems, charge controllers, package dimensions and safety mechanisms. The combined charging system integrates one-phase AC-charging, fast three-phase AC-charging, DC-charging at home and ultra-fast DC-charging at public stations into one vehicle inlet. This provide customers the convenience of charging at most existing charging stations regardless of power source and may speed the adoption of an affordable standardized infrastructure. This is certainly an important milestone in the development of EVs. It is akin to standardization of fuel ports on petrol-powered vehicles. The chargers will be available commercially by end of 2012 and vehicles using the technology will be available starting in 2013.

Swiss watch maker, Swatch, is known for its colourful and quirky-looking wrist watches. But did you know that they have tried their hand in the automotive industry and one of their projects in 1993 resulted into a car that looks way-out just like their watches? The first picture you see here is the Swatchmobile. Looks familiar, right? That is because the Swatchmobile project eventually led to the first generation Smart car. Since then, Swatch has not participated in the automotive industry. But the company recently announced that they are currently working on a eco-friendly car project. Currently named ELV2, it might enter mass production in four to five years. Swatch CEO Nick Hayek, who is also the son of the company

[extract] A supercar usually guzzles petrol and spits out carbon faster than you can say