DaimlerChrysler has been working on a Plug-In Hybrid "Sprinter" van for quite a while (see article). This concept makes a lot of sense, because delivery vans frequently circulate around town and are often subject to stop and go traffic. In spring DaimlerChrysler officially announced to be the first car manufacturer to effectively produce Plug-In Hybrids, intended for fleet use (see article). To recharge the batteries overnight, these vehicles are equipped with programmable, compact and lightweight 3.3 kW NLG5 on-board chargers from BRUSA Elektronik AG.

ENAX /Daiken anounced last week that they have been testing their power type battery for the last 2 yeas. It was developped three years ago in year 2003 with Daiken. They have moved 10 tons TRAM in December 2004 using 18KWh battery, and 33 tons train in June 2006 using their 60KWh Power type battey.

According to ENAX, they have tested their Power type battery under 100% DOD for 2000 cycles so far, and it still retains 95% of its original capacity. By calculation, it will retain 80% of its capacity after 100% DOD, 8000 cylcles.

TARPON SPRINGS, FL. April 28, 2006 — Solomon Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:SOLM) announced today that the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has scheduled the hearing on the patent infringement complaint brought by Solomon against Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:TM) , and certain of its affiliates, for October 30 through November 3, 2006. The ITC acts as an administrative investigative body to determine, among other things, whether or not goods imported into the United States infringe U.S. patents. The scheduled hearing at the ITC is roughly equivalent to the fact finding function of a trial in a judicial court. See Article

WASHINGTON -- The United States is making good progress on plug-in hybrid battery technology that would allow drivers to travel 40 miles without using any gasoline, President Bush said Thursday.

"We're working on battery technologies," Bush said in Washington at a speech to the National Association of Manufacturers. "They say we're pretty close to a breakthrough in a battery where you can drive the first 40 miles on a battery, and your car doesn't look like a golf cart."

see article

Tesla Motors is set to bring the all-electric Tesla Roadster to market. "The electric-powered Tesla Roadster boasts the equivalent of 135 mpg and a range of 250 miles on a single charge, a combination heretofore unseen in a mass-produced electric vehicle. Its extended range is due to its state-of-the-art lithium-ion Energy Storage System. The Tesla Roadster is capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in about four seconds." Read the Article at Motor Trend.