Reality check: CHAdeMO fast-charging stations still outnumber CCS ones

Five years ago, a frequent matter of debate here at Green Car Reports was whether CCS or ChAdeMO would become the electric-car DC fast-charging standard of choice in the U.S.

Soon after that it became quite clear that CCS, with the weight of the European and U.S. auto industry behind it—and then the Korean industry joining later—was going to win.

And yet today, when you look at the actual numbers, as tallied by the U.S. government’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, you’ll find that even now, in the second half of 2019, there are still more places to fast-charge CHAdeMO vehicles than those with CCS.

CHAdeMO, CCS, and Supercharger – Alternative Fuels Data Center, Aug. 20, 2019

As of August 20, 2019, there are 2,140 charging stations and 3,010 connectors with CHAdeMO fast charging. CCS still lags behind CHAdeMO in the number of stations by more than 250, while it has about 500 more connectors. And Tesla has 678 Supercharger locations with 6,340 connectors. The Nissan Leaf lineup is the only one still on the market to primarily use the CHAdeMO standard.

When the first Combined Charging System (CCS) fast charging station finally arrived in the U.S. in October 2013, it was a couple of years behind the rollout of stations using the CHAdeMO standard championed by Japanese automakers and more than a year behind the first Tesla Superchargers.

In 2014 and 2015, Europe stormed ahead with CCS fast-charging infrastructure, and essentially moved to make it the dominant standard, while the U.S. lagged behind in deploying the hardware.

Chevrolet Spark EV at CCS fast charging station in San Diego.

Although the 2014 Chevrolet Spark EV was the first model available in the U.S. with CCS, GM stubbornly maintained that it wouldn’t fund CCS fast-charging sites for its Chevrolet Bolt. Meanwhile, Nissan helped subsidize the growth of a CHAdeMO network. So had early federal and state funding to build “electric highways” with carefully spaced fast chargers, that had been approved (and in some cases completed) before CCS even existed.

Part of the reason why CCS hasn’t gained ground is that, as called out in the Partial Consent Decree of the Volkswagen diesel settlement, Electrify America has to future-proof its stations by operating across different charging standards. Therefore, all public-facing fast chargers will include a CHAdeMO connector—just one, in most cases, running at 50 kw instead of the CCS connectors’ 150 kw or 350 kw.

It’s unlikely that CCS will take the lead for stations/locations this decade. Nationally, Electrify America’s Cycle 2 plan anticipates that just 40 to 50 of about 215 new 150-kw and 350-kw DC fast chargers will be operational by the end of 2019. Meanwhile, under an EVgo plan to install more 100-kw CHAdeMO hardware—jointly announced with Nissan earlier this month, will keep nudging both ahead, as that hardware will also be CCS-compatible.

Tesla Model S with CHAdeMO adapter

U.S. Tesla drivers also can opt for a CHAdeMO adapter, for access to those stations, which tend to be better-located for urban and suburban charging—as opposed to Tesla’s chargers, which tend to be at strategic points for road-trip potential.

Tesla drivers are again the winners. If it weren’t for the terms of the diesel settlement, Nissan and others might not have kept expanding the CHAdeMO network. Add the two standards together and Tesla owners have 2,818 charging locations and 9,350 connectors.

The higher-power CCS chargers (350 kw especially) will start influencing the market more eventually. But in this era of accessibility and cross-compatibility, it's now looking like both standards will be around for a long time.

IAA 2019: Electric.

Electric. Electric mobility is the “E” in Daimler’s CASE strategy. Electric vehicles will play a key role in the reinvention of mobility. We believe that the demand for lower emissions does not need to compete with the ever increasing demand for mobility. As a matter of fact, it should drive it. Our objective is clear:… Continue reading IAA 2019: Electric.

Volkswagen ID.3 Reservations Exceed 27,000

Less than 3,000 Volkswagen ID.3 1ST are left for reservation (out of 30,000 available). According to the most recent Automobil Woche article, Volkswagen has received more than 27,000 reservations for the 1ST launch edition of the Volkswagen ID.3. As the plan is to offer a limited number of 30,000 1ST, less than 3,000 (or 10%… Continue reading Volkswagen ID.3 Reservations Exceed 27,000

All-New Lincoln Aviator Takes Flight with Advanced Performance, Grand Touring Offering

All-new Lincoln Aviator offers effortless power and capability – expanding Lincoln’s portfolio with a midsize luxury SUV that represents the next step in the company’s design vision Aviator Grand Touring debuts advanced electrified hybrid technology, producing 494 combined horsepower and best-in-class 630 combined ft.-lbs. of torque Intuitive technologies and Lincoln signature features – including Phone… Continue reading All-New Lincoln Aviator Takes Flight with Advanced Performance, Grand Touring Offering

Mercedes-Benz EQV: World Premiere for the first fully-electric premium MPV

20.

August 2019

Stuttgart

A range of 405 kilometres (provisional figures)[1] and a rapid charging function as standard provide electromobility for everyday use Full availability of space thanks to installation of high-voltage battery below the floor Intelligence and connectivity with MBUX and EQ-specific functions Interior and exterior design in specific EQ aesthetic Following the eVito and eSprinter, Mercedes-Benz Vans presents its first electric vehicle
that is positioned equally for private and commercial purposes Mercedes-Benz Vans presented the Concept EQV as a study at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019. Now the series version of the Mercedes-Benz EQV (combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures)1 is celebrating its debut. The next member of the Mercedes EQ family combines emissions-free mobility with impressive driving abilities, high functionality
and aesthetic design as the first fully-electric premium MPV from Mercedes-Benz. The Mercedes-Benz EQV will be displayed to the public for the first time at this year's IAA (12 to 22 September).
The technical highlights include a range of 405 kilometres (provisional figures)1 and the rapid charging of the high-voltage battery from 10 to 80 per cent in less than an hour. The Mercedes-Benz EQV also offers ultimate comfort in the interior and unparalleled flexibility. Customers can also choose between two different wheel bases.
“Our MPVs meet the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability. The EQV also does not compromise in this respect. It offers comfortable handling, dynamic electro-aesthetics, intuitive operation and generous space – and all locally emissions-free. This means that it offers all of the typical qualities of the brand and segment that our customers expect, whether as a family car or a shuttle vehicle with a lounge-like character”, says Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Vans.
As a series-produced vehicle, the EQV is fully integrated into the production operations of the plant in Vitoria in northern Spain, where the V-Class and Mercedes-Benz Vito are also made. This facilitates flexible and synergetic production in direct correlation with customer demand.
Maximum benefit thanks to intelligent design
The electric drive train (eATS) of the Mercedes-Benz EQV is situated on the front axle under the dynamic front end of the car with a charging connection in the bumper. It has a peak output of 150 kW. The electric motor, the transmission with a fixed gear ratio, the cooling system and the power electronics constitute a highly integrated, compact unit. The power is provided by a lithium ion battery under the floor of the vehicle. Its low, central location also has a positive effect on the handling characteristics of the EQV. A top speed of up to 160 km/h also ensures that you quickly get to where you are going outside an urban environment.
As standard the Mercedes-Benz EQV is equipped with a water-cooled on-board charger (OBC) with a capacity of 11 kW, making it suitable for AC charging at home or at public charging stations. The battery, which has a usable capacity of 90 kWh, facilitates a maximum range of 405 kilometres (provisional figures)1. The installation of the battery in the space below the floor means that all of the space is available, with no impact on the interior of the vehicle. This means that the fully electric MPV from Mercedes-Benz also meets the highest standards in terms of functionality and variability and covers
a large number of applications. In the private sphere, for example, families benefit from a multitude of seating configurations as well as a good conscience from producing zero local emissions. Six individual seats, on the other hand, turn the Mercedes-Benz EQV into a representative shuttle vehicle that meets all of the requirements for the high-quality transportation of people with a comfortable and particularly quiet driving experience. The flexible installation of individual or bench seats also allows the EQV to be converted into a 7- or even an 8-seater.
MBUX in the EQV: electric and intelligent
The refinement of MBUX specifically for EQ is a particular highlight. In the high-resolution, 10-inch media display, the EQ tile in the main menu serves as a central point of access to the specific displays and settings. These include the charging current, departure time, energy flow and consumption histogram. The media display can also be used to operate the navigation and Mercedes me Charge functions, as well as the driving modes. One of the strengths of MBUX is its intelligent voice control with natural language comprehension, which is activated by the keyword “Hey Mercedes”. The voice control supports many infotainment functions (e.g. destination input, phone calls, music selection, writing and hearing messages, weather forecast), as well as numerous convenience functions such as climate control/lighting. And MBUX also applies its strengths in combination with the Mercedes me App outside the vehicle. EQV drivers can plan their destinations from the home or office, enter a departure time and bring the interior to the desired temperature.
Maximum range thanks to intelligent recuperation and different driving modes
To ensure that the technical operating range is used to the maximum, the Mercedes-Benz EQV also charges its batteries when on the move. When accelerating or braking, the mechanical rotation is converted into electrical energy and used to charge the high-voltage battery (recuperation). The driver has a major influence on recuperation. He/she is also able to influence the recuperation level using paddles behind the steering wheel. The paddle on the left increases the level of recuperation, the paddle on the right reduces it. At the weakest level the vehicle “coasts”, while at the strongest level it is possible to drive using a single pedal.
This is because, in most situations, the slowing effect of recuperation is sufficient to make the brake pedal redundant.
The recuperation level D Auto reflects the intelligence of the EQV. The automatically activated ECO Assistant helps the driver to achieve the best possible efficiency. It combines navigation data, road traffic sign recognition and information provided by the intelligent safety assistance systems (radar and camera), and adjusts the level of recuperation itself.
In combination with EQ-optimised navigation, active range monitoring ensures that the driver reaches the destination safely even if a charging stop is missed. It is also assisted by the E+ driving mode, which optimises the vehicle's parameters to maximise the range.
Comprehensive electromobility ecosystem with numerous charging opportunities
Part of the EQ technology brand is a comprehensive electromobility ecosystem, which the Mercedes-Benz EQV benefits from as the youngest member of the EQ family. This includes a holistic range of services, and ranges from vehicle functions such as adapted navigation through to the charging infrastructure. Via Mercedes me Charge, the customer receives access to the world's largest charging network with over 300 000 charging points and over different operators of public charging stations in Europe alone (municipalities, car parks, motorways, shopping centres, etc.). Customers benefit from an integrated payment function with simple invoicing. Mercedes me Charge also allows access to the quick-charging stations of the pan-European network IONITY. Especially over long distances, the short charging times make for a pleasant journey. By 2020 IONITY will construct and operate around 400 quick-charging stations along the main traffic arteries in Europe. IONITY was founded in November 2017 as a joint venture by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford Motor Company and the Volkswagen group with Audi and Porsche.
With the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home and 11 kW charging output, the EQV can be charged significantly faster than using a domestic socket. In cooperation with country-specific charger installation partners, Mercedes-Benz also offers easy and rapid installation of the Mercedes-Benz Wallbox and professional advice on all aspects of e-mobility. DC charging using the series-standard CCS (Combined Charging Systems) is even faster. In Europe the EQV can be charged with a maximum output of up to 110 kW at an appropriate charging station. It then takes less than 45 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent SoC (State of Charge).
Design with specific EQ aesthetic
One element that all EQ vehicles have in common is their design with a specific avant garde aesthetic. The focal point is the black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, as well as the clear side profile with specific, EQ design, lightweight, 18-inch wheels, which make a dynamic impression even when stationary.
The aesthetic of the exterior is continued in the interior, where the cool aesthetic is complemented by warm accents such as rose gold, underscoring the “welcome home” effect. The heart of the interaction between driver and machine is the intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). This combines a 10-inch touch screen with learning voice operation and innovative connectivity features.
The colour rose gold, which stands for value and electrification, also plays an important role in the dashboard. And complements the midnight blue leather appearance. The design of the controls is also characteristic. Rose gold provides elegance and warmth for the infotainment and sound system, and “Silver Shadow” surrounds the air vents. Decorative stitching along the seats in rose gold provides contrast.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV as a new milestone for the “EQ” technology brand
The “EQ” technology brand founded by Mercedes-Benz in 2016 stands for the consistent ongoing development of electromobility. It all started with the “Concept EQ”. This was followed by the Concept EQA in the compact class at the 2017 IAA. In September 2018 the brand presented its first series-produced vehicle in the form of the EQC electric SUV (combined power consumption: 20.8 – 19.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[2]. In March 2019, the Concept EQV at the Geneva Motor Show indicated a potential expansion of the model range in the MPV segment, with up to eight seats. The series-produced version of the Mercedes-Benz EQV that has now been presented marks a new milestone in the development of the “EQ” technology brand.
Technical data
CO2 emissions
0 g/km
Electrical combined
27.0 kWh/100 km (provisional figures)1
Range
405 km(provisional figures)1
Charging time at a Wallbox or at public charging stations (AC charging, 11 kW)
Charging time at a fast charging station (DC charging, 110 kW)
10-80 % SOC in
Drive system
Front-wheel drive
Output
150 kW (204 hp)
Peak torque
362 Nm
Top speed
160 km/h
Battery
Lithium-ion
Battery energy content (installed)
100 kWh
Battery energy capacity
(usable)
90 kWh
Lengths:
5140 mm, 5370 mm
Wheelbases
3200 mm, 3430 mm
Luggage compartment (depending on equipment fitted)
1030 litres
GVW
3500 kg
[1] Figures for electrical consumption and range are provisional and were determined by the technical service for the certification according to
UN/ECE-regulation 101. EC type approval and conformity certification with official figures are not yet available. There may be differences between
the stated figures and the official figures.
[2] Power consumption and range have been determined on the basis of Regulation (EC) No. 692/2008. Power consumption and range depend
on the vehicle configuration.

Press Contact

Oliver Fenzl

Spokesperson Van Technology Communications – eDrive@Vans

oliver.fenzl@daimler.com

Tel: +49 (0)711 17-4 54 64

Fax: +49 (0)711 17-52030

Press Contact Overview

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19C0643_002

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper, side profile with specific, EQ design, lightweight, 18-inch wheels

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper, Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper, Mercedes-Benz Wallbox Home

combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Interior, intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10-inch touch screen, dashboard in midnight blue, air vents in “Silver Shadow”, stitching in rose gold

Combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Interior, intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10-inch touch screen, dashboard in midnight blue, air vents in “Silver Shadow”, stitching in rose gold

Combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Interior, intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10-inch touch screen, dashboard in midnight blue, air vents in “Silver Shadow”, stitching in rose gold

Combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Interior, intuitive Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with 10-inch touch screen, dashboard in midnight blue, air vents in “Silver Shadow”, stitching in rose gold

Combined power consumption: 27.0 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km*, provisional figures

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins, charging connection in the bumper

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The new Mercedes-Benz EQV – Exterior, Mountain crystal white metallic, black panel radiator grille with chrome fins

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The new Me..

Exclusive insights at Research & Innovation Centre: BMW Group Pilot Plant builds BMW iNEXT prototypes

Munich. On the occasion of the BMW iNEXT prototype production, the BMW Group is offering an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of its Pilot Plant in the heart of the Research & Innovation Centre (FIZ). Prototypes of all vehicles are manufactured long before actual market launch, under the strictest secrecy in specially restricted areas of… Continue reading Exclusive insights at Research & Innovation Centre: BMW Group Pilot Plant builds BMW iNEXT prototypes

Our Journey to Driverless Cars

Two years ago, we launched our first-generation fleet of self-driving cars at a small retirement community in San Jose. It blows my mind to think how far Voyage has come since then. Today, Voyage’s self-driving technology is robust, reliable, and capable of complex interactions and maneuvers. We launched our second-generation fleet of self-driving cars with… Continue reading Our Journey to Driverless Cars

Building Self-Driving Cars by Embracing Remote Engineering

Work from anywhere in the U.S. and engineer truly driverless cars at Voyage Billy Okal, a remote Voyage engineer Building a self-driving car has always been regarded as a hands-on exercise. It’s easy to imagine why, with state-of-the-art autonomous vehicles containing dozens of hardware components interacting with many layers of complex software. This delicate dance has resulted… Continue reading Building Self-Driving Cars by Embracing Remote Engineering

Hydrogen fuel-cell e-bike claiming longer range, quick refueling

Before the Toyota Mirai, the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, and the Hyundai Nexo faced off with the current crop of electric cars, there was a hydrogen fuel-cell e-bike—the Alpha, which also demonstrated that with hydrogen it could go farther than battery-boosted e-bikes.

Now France’s Pragma Industries has introduced Alpha2.0, a new version of the bike that’s good for 93 miles of electric-assisted range on a single charge—versus a typical range of 30 miles for e-bikes with only a lithium-ion battery.

Pragma claims that it’s the only e-bike with a range meter that can indicate the remaining riding range with an accuracy within 0.6 miles (1 km). It also emphasizes that the system provides consistent range and performance regardless of weather conditions. So when it’s extremely cold outside, for instance, the assisted range won’t plummet.

The Alpha2.0 combines a 150-watt PEM fuel cell with a 150-watt-hour lithium-ion battery pack helping buffer the energy flow. The Brose 36V electric motor capable of providing up to 250 watts (0.34 horsepower) of electric assistance.

Alpha2.0 hydrogen fuel-cell e-bike with hydrogen station

Its tank holds 2.0 liters of hydrogen gas, stored at 300 bar versus the previous 200 bar (the key to the higher energy on board), and it fills in just two minutes. Pragma has partnered with Ergosup, a hydrogen conversion company (see the video below), to make available the HyRis, a compact hydrogen fueling station.

The upgraded bike will be formally introduced with a lot of 200 headed to the G7 summit August 24.

Alpha2.0 hydrogen fuel-cell e-bikes headed to G7 conference – August 2019

While both Toyota and Hyundai have aims to scale up their fuel-cell systems beyond passenger vehicles, to commercial vehicles and industrial use, Pragma argues for scaling down, and says that the bike is good for fleet-duty situations such as for corporate staff, last-mile deliveries, tourist rentals, or bike-sharing programs.

The e-bike has one serious handicap, other than where to find hydrogen: It remains too expensive for personal use—in the vicinity of $7,500 for the bike, with the compact refueling station costing many times that. Perhaps, just as with those fuel-cell cars, there’s a good model for subsidized leasing.

Segway-Ninebot’s new scooter drives to its docking station for a recharge

At an event in Beijing last week, Chinese scooter company Segway-Ninebot Group unveiled a trio of new products. The most compelling of the bunch was no doubt the KickScooter T60, which harnesses AI to drive itself back to the charging station. The company says it will start piloting the products next quarter, with a timeline… Continue reading Segway-Ninebot’s new scooter drives to its docking station for a recharge