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Massachusetts approves testing of Optimus Ride Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Boston

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In addition, the company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with MassDOT along with the City of Boston to enable testing of self-driving vehicles on roads and public property in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, beginning in Raymond L. million co-led by NextView Ventures and FirstMark Capital.

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Li-ion maker Boston Power secures US$290M from two local Chinese governments for expansion

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Li-ion maker Boston Power has secured US$290 million in local government financial support for the expansion of its two facilities in China. The company’s Liyang facility will receive a total investment of $160 million, increasing its manufacturing capacity fivefold by 2016. —Sonny Wu, chairman of Boston Power.

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GAC Group begins construction of $6.5B industrial park for electric and intelligent vehicles

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China-based automobile manufacturer Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group), the parent company of GAC Motor, has begun construction of a large industrial park for electric and intelligent vehicles as part of its efforts to boost its electric vehicle business. More than 45 billion yuan (US$6.5 More than 45 billion yuan (US$6.5

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BMW i Ventures launches new $300M fund for sustainability, transportation, manufacturing and supply chain investments

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The new fund will invest in early to mid-stage start-ups operating in the sustainability, transportation, manufacturing, and supply chain industries. BMW i Ventures was established as an independent venture capital firm in 2016. Marcus Behrendt brings over 25 years of expertise in the automotive industry to this leadership position.

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Lyft and GM’s Express Drive expands to Colorado and California; adds Bolt EV

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Launching in San Francisco in the summer of 2016 and in Los Angeles by the fall, Express Drive’s California members will have access to vehicles from the largest electric vehicle fleet in ridesharing, including the 2017 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the extended-range electric 2016 Chevrolet Volt. and Baltimore.

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Study: Even small amounts of PM2.5 may have long-term health effects on developing fetus

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Fine particles from car exhaust, power plants and other industrial sources are breathed into the lungs, but the scientists have now found evidence of the effects of that pollution in the pregnant women’s placentas. Boston, where the women lived, is known as a relatively clean city when it comes to air pollution. —Xiaobin Wang.

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BCG forecasts electrified vehicles to take half of global auto market by 2030; hybrids to dominate

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In a new report (its fourth on electric car adoption) the Boston Consulting Group forecasts that a combination of hybrid and fully electric powertrains will cut the global market share of pure internal combustion engines (ICEs) by about 50% by 2030. Three types of technological advances will shape the powertrain future.