Honda EV and automated vehicle goals: Honda will be putting more emphasis on battery electric vehicles to reach its goals for zero emission vehicles. While still committed to fuel cell vehicles, the 
company will release a China-specific electric vehicle in 2018. Another EV made for global markets will be launched this fall at an auto show, said President & CEO Takahiro Hachigo at a press briefing in Tokyo. A new R&D department, Electric Vehicle Development Division, was started up last fall to speed up the process, he said. The company is also committed to serving mobility needs of its customers through a Level 3 highway-driving capability by 2013; and a Level 4 automated driving system that will allow the driver to take over if needed for safety. All of the announcements were part of a presentation on 2030 Vision, the company’s global mission statement.
Ricardo and CaFCP alliance: Ricardo Strategic Consulting just announced its collaboration with the California Fuel Cell Partnership to provide economic modelling tools. It will enable the assessment of total cost of ownership of future fuel cell trucks, and the hydrogen stations needed to support commercial operation. Ricardo’s proprietary Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) modelling capability, provides insights on the economics of fuel efficient technologies, both today and in future. This model enables vehicle manufacturers, regulators, transport authorities, urban planners, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions about new technology implementation. The collaboration with Ricardo supports CaFCP’s efforts to enable adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in commercial trucks.
Fisker EMotion: Fisker Inc. released more information and some teaser photos on the 
EMotion all-electric sports car. One of the tricks to getting up to the 400-miles per range will be lightening up the car, and it will be safer through patented crash design. The company now has a patent on the Emotion’s frontal crash structure that it says exceeds current minimum standards for occupant protection. The starting price has been set at $129,900 and it will be launched soon, with more details coming out this month.
