Beech Aircraft Voltage Regulator 102-384038-1 on 2040-parts.com

SAE approves new fast-charging standard for EVs, plug-ins

SAE International said it has approved a new technical standard that will dramatically reduce charging times for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles. The global engineering group said the new charging standard, developed with the cooperation of more than 190 automakers, utilities and equipment builders, will allow charging times to be reduced from as long as eight hours to as short as 20 minutes. Automakers want DC direct charging to take less than 10 minutes, or roughly the time it takes to fill a tank with gasoline.The goal is to accommodate currents as high as 500 volts distributed from public charging stations.

2011 Honda CR-Z EX NAVI, an AW Drivers Log

EDITOR WES RAYNAL: This 2011 Honda CR-Z is a nifty little scooter for commuting. Don't know that I'd want to drive one to Seattle, but for buzzing around town it's ideal. The styling is a little crazy.

BMW and Toyota plan engine-swap deal, reports say

Details have begun to emerge about a planned engine-swap deal between BMW and Toyota. Set to be made public at the Tokyo motor show this week, the cooperation is said to center on BMW supplying Toyota with four- and six-cylinder common-rail diesel engines for use in a wide range of models. In return, Toyota plans to provide BMW with technology used to combine combustion engines and electric motors in various hybrid applications.