Powertrains

Fuel-cell vehicles from Hyundai coming soon 1000 Tucson ix35 hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles are to take to the road by 2015, says the Korean carmaker. Read full story

2013 Honda Fit EV applies ‘lessons learned’ from fuel-cell Clarity The electrified powertrain, a newly developed regenerative braking system, and Bio-Fabric seating material in Honda's new Fit EV all stem from developments in the FCX Clarity fuel-cell car and other EV forebears. Read full story

Magnet-based wireless EV charger could be smaller, safer, and cheaper A new noncontact power-transfer technology is under demonstration at the University of British Columbia. Read full story

SEMA panel looks to keep unlicensed teens focused on cars Only 49% of teenagers get a driver’s license when they reach 17, a drop from 79% in 1978. Racing and track panelists explain efforts to keep teens interested in cars until they’re ready to buy. Read full story

Alternative powertrains must survive the 'hype cycle' SEMA VP Waraniak explains the five-step “hype cycle” for such emerging technologies as plug-in electric vehicles. Chrysler VP Gradu sees diesel as the most cost-effective choice for car performance. In the background is “Goodwin Assist,” a prototype concept to provide electric-drive assist in large vehicles, but at obviously higher cost. Read full story

EV charging infrastructure gets close look at NextEnergy Unknowns such as future sales volumes of pure and partial electric vehicles make it difficult to predict how the EV charging infrastructure will be built out. Read full story

Evora 414E proves Lotus' range-extender hybrid technology AEI spent a day recently at Lotus' Hethel test track driving the 133-mph Evora 414E range-extended hybrid demonstrator. Lotus engineers said much of its technology "will end up on other people’s cars." Read full story

Microorganisms, genetic engineering, and alternative fuels Audi has espoused an idea that may see the effects of the combination of microorganisms, waste CO2, sun-seared deserts, and genetic modification creating commercially viable synthetic e-fuels. Read full story

Oerlikon Graziano unveils new 4-speed transmission for EVs The modular architecture is scalable for a wide variety of vehicle applications. It features two input shafts, each driven by its own electric motor, following DCT principles but with two motors instead of twin clutches. Read full story