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Volvo, Daimler, Traton join forces to build electric truck charging network

Volvo Group, Daimler Truck and Volkswagen's AG heavy-truck business the Traton Group announced on Monday a non-binding agreement to build a network of high-performance public charging stations for electric heavy-duty long-haul trucks and buses around Europe. The news was first reported by Reuters. The three major European automakers will invest ˆ500 million (~$593 million USD) to install and operate 1,700 charging points in strategic locations and close to highways. They intend to finalize the agreement by the end of this year and start operations next year, with the hopes of increasing the number of charge points significantly as the companies seek additional partners for the future joint venture. The venture is meant to be a catalyst to prepare for the European Union's goals of carbon-neutral freight transportation by 2050. One of the main deterrents for both individuals and freight companies for switching to EVs has historically been a lack of charging infrastructure. By building that infrastructure, Volvo, Daimler and Traton can also expect to boost their own sales of electric trucks and buses. “It is the joint aim of EuropeÂ’s truck manufacturers to achieve climate neutrality by 2050," Martin Daum, CEO Daimler Truck, said in a statement.  "However, it is vital that building up the right infrastructure goes hand in hand with putting CO2-neutral trucks on the road. Together with Volvo Group and the Traton Group, we are therefore very excited to take this pioneering step to establish a high-performance charging network across Europe.” The partnership between Volvo and Daimler isn't unprecedented. In May, the two competitors teamed up to produce hydrogen fuel cells for long-haul trucks to lower development costs and boost production volumes. This latest venture is another signal that major companies are banding together to solve climate-related issues in the industry. European car industry association ACEA has called for up to 50,000 high-performance charging points by 2030. Traton CEO Matthias Gruendler told Reuters that roughly 10 billion euros would be needed to build out Europe's infrastructure to be fully electrified by 2050. According to a statement released by Volvo, this venture is also a call to action for others with a stake in the industry, like automakers or governments, to work together to ensure the rapid expansion needed to reach climate goals.

Lego provides one of the cheapest ways to own a Bugatti Chiron

Just over a month ago, we got a look at one of the latest Lego Speed Champions sets when Ford revealed the GT and GT40 kit. Now we get to see the rest of the lineup, and it's chock full of F1 and supercar goodness. The official Lego images show that the Bugatti Chiron, Mercedes-AMG GT3, Ferrari FXX K, and F1 cars from Ferrari and Mercedes all made the cut. Each set gets some unique features and most include interchangeable wheel covers. The Chiron comes with some tiny cones suitable for desk slaloms and the Mercedes-AMG GT3 gets an alternate nose. The FXX K comes has the most impressive selection of accessories, though, as it includes a dyno and engine run stand. The F1 sets are divided similarly, but with Mercedes getting more extras. The Brick Fan also reports that the Mercedes kit may be exclusive to select stores. The Ferrari kit only comes with a starting light, but the Mercedes set includes a garage, starting lights, and winner's circle. It'll be up to you whether you put Hamilton or Rosberg in that winner's circle. According to The Brick Fan, these kits are set for release in winter 2017. Since the Ford GT set has a release of March 1, we expect the rest will hit stores in the next couple of months. They're sure to be great additions to anyone's existing Lego garage. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2017 Lego Speed Champions sets News Source: The Brick FanImage Credit: Lego / The Brick Fan Toys/Games Bugatti Ferrari Ford Mercedes-Benz Lego Bugatti Chiron ferrari fxx k

Brabus-tuned Mercedes G500 4x4 is an over-powered off-roader

Even from the factory, the Mercedes-Benz G500 4x42 is an off-road bruiser that's good for 415 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque. Apparently, those already meaty figures just aren't enough for the power-hungry folks at Brabus. The company's new tuning kit for the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 pushes things up to 493 hp and a prodigious 523 lb-ft of twist. On top of the grunt, buyers can order a heap of extras to make the SUV look a whole lot meaner. They're all going on display at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The heart of Brabus' power upgrade is its custom control module to tweak the engine management, and the result is adjusted boost pressure and the mapping for the fuel injection and ignition. There's also a stainless steel exhaust with butterflies that vary between "Sport" and an appropriately named "Coming Home" mode at the press of a button. The chrome tailpipes add an extra visual pop, too. The G500 4x42 rides on off-road tires, and even after Brabus' big boost, it's not lightning quick. The run to 62 miles per hour now takes 6.9 seconds, and the rubber also mandates a top speed limited to 130 mph. For buyers really looking to show off, Brabus has a wild body kit for the G500, too. It includes new lower bumpers and polished underbody guards. Meanwhile, the hood grows a scoop, and the headlight update adds black-tinted Xenon lights with LED turn signals to replace the units usually on the fenders. Inside, a mix of quilted leather, Alcantara and bright red stitches finishes off the brash tweaks. World premiere at the IAA 2015 BRABUS refines the Mercedes G 500 4x42 368 kW / 500 HP, 710 Nm of torque and exclusive BRABUS luxury appointments for the extreme off-roader Mercedes G 500 4x42: the new special model of the G-Class is designed for maximum off-road capabilities and offers the perfect basis for exclusive refinement a la BRABUS (Brabus-Allee, D-46240 Bottrop, phone +49 / (0) 2041 / 777-0, fax +49 / (0) 2041 / 777 111, Internet www.brabus.com). This includes an increase in the power output of the twin-turbo V8 to 368 kW / 500 HP (493 bhp) and a boost in its peak torque to 710 Nm (523 lb-ft). As a result, the tuned off-roader sprints from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 6.9 seconds. Due to the all-out off-road tires, the top speed is limited electronically to 210 km/h (130 mph). The spectacular appearance of the all-wheel-drive car is bolstered further by a high-end BRABUS paint finish and targeted BRABUS bodywork modifications.