DLR-Forscher haben im Zug des Großprojekts Next Generation Car (NGC) ein neuartiges Konzept für Kleinfahrzeuge entwickelt. Das Safe Light Regional Vehicle (SLRV) zeichnet sich durch eine sehr leichte und gleichzeitig besonders sichere Karosserie in Sandwich-Bauweise aus. Mit einer Reichweite von rund 400 Kilometern basierend auf einem kompakten elektrischen Antriebsstrang, der von einer Brennstoffzelle mit Energie versorgt wird, soll das SLRV vorwiegend als Pendler- und Zubringer-Auto dienen. Mit Hilfe von Crash-Versuchen testen die DLR-Wissenschaftler die von ihnen entwickelte Leichtbaukarosserie in der Praxis.

Conventional cars manage better fuel economy every year. According to the latest U.S. Department of Energy "Fact of the Week," though, their efficiency ranges from a-little-better-than-before to still-abysmal. This week, the DOE noted that of all the energy splashed into a conventional car's gas tank, only 12 to 30 percent actually goes to move the car down the road. Everything else is lost to engine inefficiencies, heat, or used to power accessories, the DOE says.

The startup company Etergo launched their AppScooter at EUR 3,399.--, pre-orders are accepted, delivery will start in 2019. The AppScooter features 80 to 240 km range with up to three modular lithium ion battery packs, each pack weighs only 7.5 kg and is easily removable (e.g. for charging at home) and supports 600 charging cycles.

Alstom’s Coradia iLint hydrogen fuel cell passenger train, has been granted approval by the German Railway Office (EBA) for passenger service in Germany. Coradia iLint is based on the diesel train Coradia Lint 54 and is powered by an electrical traction drive, an on-board fuel cell and Li-ion batteries. The iLint can run at 140 km/h with a 600 to 800 km/tankful autonomy and accommodates up to 300 passengers.