GM Ventures has funded another technology supplier in the clean technology sector, Newark, CA-based Envia Systems. Envia has cathode technology that the company claims can increase energy density of battery cells by one-third without putting much strain on costs. The company joins the ranks of other equity infusions by GM Ventures including Sakti3, Powermat, Bright Automotive, Coskata, and Mascoma Corp.
President Obama has set an EV sales goal of 1M units by 2015. With consumers expected to purchase 60K Volts and 60K Nissan Leafs, fleet purchases will be required to reach the sales goal. Taxi cabs, UPS, and others having control over their driving distances will be the best candidates.
A consortium of 8 vehicle manufacturers supported with funding from the Transportation Department are developing a wireless collision warning system which can operate among all vehicles regardless of the builder. The technology alerts drivers to oncoming vehicles, when other technologies such as radar are unable to pick up on their approach.
Since fuel prices again appear to be a higher priority within consumers' budgets, Experian Automotive's quarterly look at market trends recapped recent gas price spikes in hopes it could shed light on what's in the future.