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Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla sells Model S 85 and 70D in Malaysia, Chevy Spark EV built using clean energy

Tesla will send Model S 70D and Model S 85 EVs to Malaysia for leasing to government-linked companies. Only those companies will have access to the models as a two-year lease, which will be imported and leased by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. The plan is part of an initiative by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water to allow government officials and other influential people to get to know the electric vehicles and the benefits that come along with them. Most of the 120 vehicles available will be the 70D model, and the lessee companies will have the option to purchase the cars at the end of the two years. Read more from Paul Tan's Automotive News. Wanxiang is hosting students from Delaware in China as part of a program to learn Mandarin and visit schools and science and technology sites. Wanxiang, the auto parts company that acquired Fisker (which had manufacturing based in Delaware) and battery maker A123 Systems, will give the students tours of its solar technology facilities, among other places, and see what daily life is like for families in the region. The program helps students interested in science and technology to foster marketable skills — like learning a foreign language — that will help them get jobs in industries around the world. Read more at Delaware Online. The Chevrolet Spark EV's electric motor (pictured) and drive unit are manufactured using clean energy. The e-motors building of the General Motors Baltimore Operations complex has a new rooftop solar array and uses LED and CFL lighting, helping the building recently earn LEED Silver certification. The landfill-free facility also takes advantage of the 1.23-megawatt solar array on the grounds, helping it source six percent its energy from renewable sources. The plant has reduced its energy intensity by 15.5 percent in three years, and continues to work toward reducing consumption and sourcing clean energy. "We believe reducing our environmental footprint is good for the climate and good for our business," says GM Executive Director of Global Public Policy Greg Martin. Read more in the press release below. Spark EV Motor Plant Fueled by Green, Clean Energy ENERGY STAR®, USGBC and Maryland state agency recognize facility's efforts WHITE MARSH, Md. – Chevrolet recently began selling the Spark EV to Maryland commuters able to take advantage of the state's robust charging infrastructure.

Recharge Wrap-up: Renault Zoe recall, Proterra buses log 2M miles

Renault is recalling 10,649 examples of its Zoe electric car for potential brake hose failure. Cars built at the company's Flins factory between the Zoe's 2012 introduction and October 6, 2014 - a quarter of all Zoes ever built - are subject to the recall, though no accidents have been reported from rupturing brake lines. Recalled vehicles will have the brake hose positions inspected and, if need be, fixed. Read more from Reuters. Proposed legislation in Massachusetts would make the state even more EV friendly. While the state already encourages EV adoption with a $2,500 rebate incentive, the new bill would give battery electric vehicle drivers HOV lane access. Additionally it would set up a standard building code for EV chargers, and allow EV-only parking spaces. "With decreased gas prices, a 10 percent increase in vehicle miles traveled over the last 20 years, and a carpool rate below the national average, we must address personal vehicle use directly as part of our transportation emissions reduction strategy," says Rep. Frank Smizik. Read more from Teslarati. The New York Daily News has named the 2016 Chevrolet Volt as its "Green Machine of the Year." Seamless operation, peppiness, and a nice suite of equipment make it a top choice for the publication. "The 2016 Chevrolet Volt is all new, inside and out, and takes the plug-in hybrid segment to another level, thanks to its increased EV range, updated cabin, and more efficient gas-powered engine," writes Daily News Autos writer (and all-around good guy) Nick Kurczewski. Honorable mentions go to the Tesla Model S, BMW i3, Toyota Prius, and the hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai. Read more from the Daily News, or at Clean Technica. Proterra electric buses have accumulated 2 million miles of revenue service. That equals 3,800 tons of carbon emissions that have been prevented and 420,000 gallons of fuel unburned. Proterra says it has 63 buses in service in 15 cities, and that it is ramping up production to meet growing demand. "This latest milestone exemplifies the economic, environmental and civic value of electric mass transit," says Proterra CEO Ryan Popple, "and demonstrates to the transit agencies that diesel - often viewed as a necessary evil - is no longer necessary." Read more at Inside EVs. Evercar, a unique EV carsharing service, has found success in Los Angeles. Evercar bills itself as carsharing for rideshare and delivery drivers.

Next-gen Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra may use carbon fiber

It's been generally accepted that the next generation of full-size GM trucks will use some sort of strong, lightweight material for the beds while retaining steel for the cab. While aluminum seems like the most obvious choice, according to Automotive News, the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra will incorporate both aluminum and carbon fiber in their beds. The publication cites sources from within GM, though it seems the introduction of this comparatively exotic material mix is still a few years off. While carbon fiber is both stronger and lighter than steel and aluminum, it takes significantly more time and money to produce, essentially relegating the material to small-volume cars. The main benefit for trucks is the resulting reduction in weight to improve fuel economy without sacrificing the tough, rugged capabilities truck buyers expect. The Ford F-150 made the switch to aluminum for the 2015 model year and it's proved highly successful. It seemed like it was only a matter of time before the competition followed suit. Automotive News says that the next-gen trucks will launch with aluminum beds and that it will take a couple of years before we'll see any carbon fiber incorporated into the design. Even then, only look for the composite material on higher-trim models, with a trickle down to lower-spec trucks possible further in the future. In 2011, GM announced it was working with Japan-based Teijin Limited on a carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic. There's a good chance that material's introduction will be on trucks. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News Plants/Manufacturing Rumormill Chevrolet GM GMC Truck