Issue 5/2018

Wiring the roads

In 2019, three test routes for trucks powered by overhead lines will begin operation in Germany. Researchers have done the maths on whether the technology is worthwhile – for the climate, and for the bottom line.

Fuel cells

Hydrogen comes closer to ousting fossil fuels

Travelling by air and rail could be about to become much cleaner. The world’s first four-seater passenger plane powered by hydrogen rather than fossil fuels has recently completed its maiden flight at Stuttgart airport.

Fuel cell technology

Toyota follows Tesla’s lead

Good ideas are best shared – including patents, at least according to the announcement by Japanese car manufacturer Toyota that it is making more than 5,600 of its patents for hydrogen fuel cell technology available free of charge, in the hope that the initiative will spur development and introduction of innovative fuel cell technologies around the world.The announcement, made at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, comes only months after Elon Musk, founder and CEO of...

Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive

A German-American star

The B-Class Electric Drive from Mercedes-Benzsports the powertrain of the Tesla Model S. In every other respect, the compact van resembles the conventional B-Class down to the last detail – to appreciate its cutting edge technology, you have to get behind the wheel.

Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid

The first of its kind

The combination of a diesel engine, electric motor and rechargeable battery makes the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid a world first. But it doesn’t come cheap.

BMW i3

e-cars can be fun

The BMW i3 is a compact, lightweight electric car made of carbon fires, aluminium and plastic. Combining great driving performance with the high quality you can expect of BMW and an ultramodern design, the i3 is set to become a role model for e-mobility.

Renault Zoe

Starter e-car

Renault may have a bestseller on its hands with the fully electric Zoe. But the chic compact car has one big drawback: unlike all other electric cars, you can’t charge it from a standard household socket.

Ford Focus electric

Ford Focus goes electric

In August, Ford will launch its first ever full production electric model: the Focus Electric, with a range of 160 kilometres. The model offers the comfort of a standard compact car, but at EUR 40,000 the price tag is considerably higher.

Green mobility

The Ford Focus goes electric

In August, Ford will launch its first ever full production electric model: the Focus Electric, with a range of 160 kilometres. The model offers the comfort of a standard compact car, but at EUR 40,000 the price tag is considerably higher.