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Recharge Wrap-up: BMW plans for retired batteries; automakers support dual-standard chargers

Toyota will test hybrids with silicon-carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. In Japan, Toyota has put the SiC power semiconductors into the power control units of a Camry Hybrid prototype and a fuel cell bus for a year-long test. Research suggests the SiC units will decrease electrical losses while managing power supply, thus improving overall powertrain efficiency. Current power semiconductors account for about 20 percent of electrical losses, and success with these tests could mean more efficient hybrids on the roads in the future. Read more at Hybrid Cars. Automakers from CCS and CHAdeMO camps are supporting dual-standard charging station networks. https://www.autoblog.com/bmw/, Volkswagen (CCS camp) and ChargePoint announced plans to build "express charging corridors" by installing about 100 DC fast chargers, many of which will support both types of charging. Kansas City Power & Light is partnering with Nissan (CHAdeMO camp) and ChargePoint to install DC chargers that "will charge any model of electric vehicle on the market." This leads the folks at Green Car Reports to look into whether this ends the looming standard war between automakers in the US. Read more at Green Car Reports. BMW, Bosch and utility company Vattenfall are making plans for a second life for retired BMW i3 batteries. The Second Life Batteries Alliance project will recycle the old lithium ion battery packs - which can still hold a charge - in off-grid storage and grid-stabilization applications, beginning with a grid storage system in Hamburg, Germany. Bosch has created a battery management algorithm to extend the life of the batteries and make sure they don't cause harm to Vattenfall's facilities. Read more at Transport Evolved.

Options sheet for the BMW M2 leaks

The same folks over at the 2addicts forum that brought us preliminary specs on the BMW M2 have apparently gotten their hands on the option sheet for what will be the littlest M. Reports indicate 365 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque from turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six, working through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch. Other features on the car won't be so replete with choice. According to the options sheet provided by a forum member there's only one wheel style available, 19-inch black numbers, said to be the black light alloy double spoke wheels that can be specced on the M4. There's a parking sensor fitted to the rear, but no sensor option for the front of the car. Navigation Pro and carbon interior inserts are standard, as is the Shadowline black exterior trim, which swaps out chrome trim around the windows and other places for muted black. Among the options will be power heated seats, a rearview camera, adaptive headlights, an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo, and a five-year warranty. Those adaptive headlights are xenon; LED headlights aren't available. Neither is a carbon fiber roof. But there will be a moonroof option, BMW's Electronic Damper Control, and proper M seats by the looks of it - the coupe will get M235i seats as standard. Take this news with some salt - the order information comes from a Belgian member who ordered his Euro-spec car, so US option mileage might vary. Related Video:

BMW rolls out new M4 safety car for DTM

Ever since revealing the M4 on nearly five months ago, BMW has been hard at work getting its new muscle coupe out on the track. It's made a touring-car version to compete in DTM and a safety car to set the pace at MotoGP races, and now it's combined both into a new safety car for DTM as well.
The ninth M4 on the DTM grid is based on the production version, but fitted with numerous upgrades over the course of a two-month conversion process. For starters, it's been equipped with nearly exterior component from the M Performance Parts catalog, including the quad-tipped exhaust, front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser, blacked-out grille, special mirror caps, side sills... the works. But that's not the end of the story.
BMW M GmbH also gutted the interior, removing the rear bench and replacing it with a roll cage. It's got a pair of Recaro racing buckets with Schroth harnesses, plus special LED emergency lighting, radio communication system and, of course, special livery (albeit nowhere near as cool as the MotoGP one) to distinguish it as the official safety car when it makes its debut at the Nürburgring on August 17.