Important Innovations

  AIR4 Flying Car Concept                                                   Source: Renault Renault Celebrates 60th Anniversary of the 4 French automaker Renault has converted its highly successful 60-year-old hatchback model car, the 4, into a flying car to celebrate its 60th anniversary.  They call it the Renault AIR4.  Renault has been working with the design firm The Arsenal to build an operational prototype of AIR4 that demonstrates what the flying hatchback will look like in six decades ahead of now.  At the moment it's a carbon fiber concept that has been successfully flown.  The 4 has been an automotive fixture and success story in Europe for decades.  More than 8 million of the iconic Renault 4 have been sold in more than 100 nations. Tech Specs The flying car is comprised of two components. The first component is the car body, which reflects the legendary, 4 hatchback design and style. It has one seat, a minimalist cabin and bright lights in the front and back of the car

Zero Emissions Hydrogen Bus Travel in Europe                                             Source:  FlixBus Network of H-Buses Being Tested by Germany's Flix Germanys FlixMobility, which is the parent company of bus company FlixBus, is about to test hydrogen fuel cell buses on long distance routes throughout Europe.  It would provide Europe with the first, widespread network of hydrogen powered, zero emissions buses.  Flix is working in tandem with electromobility company Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.  Flixbus was the first transport company to launch fully electric buses in Europe.  The company's leadership considers hydrogen long distance bus travel a key component of the future of sustainable mobility. Tech Specs The Germany company says its fuel cell vehicles will have a range of at least 500 km and will refuel in 20 minutes.  They also will match long distance bus standards for acceleration and power. At the moment, fully electric buses are not practical for long distanc

  Long Distance, Zero Emissions Hydrogen Bus Travel                                             Source:  FlixBus Network of H-Buses Being Tested by Germany's Flix Germanys FlixMobility, which is the parent company of bus company FlixBus, is about to test hydrogen fuel cell buses on long distance routes throughout Europe.  It would provide Europe with the first, widespread network of hydrogen powered, zero emissions buses.  Flix is working in tandem with electromobility company Freudenberg Sealing Technologies.  Flixbus was the first transport company to launch fully electric buses in Europe.  The company's leadership considers hydrogen long distance bus travel a key component of the future of sustainable mobility. Tech Specs The Germany company says its fuel cell vehicles will have a range of at least 500 km and will refuel in 20 minutes.  They also will match long distance bus standards for acceleration and power. At the moment, fully electric buses are not practical for long

 UK's   Oceanways Subs Run on Hydrogen                                                  Source:  Oceanways Carries Cargo and Simultaneously Cleans Water Pollution In the United Kingdom,  maritime innovation company Oceanways has created award winning and unique, green hydrogen-powered submarines.  These green subs are fully autonomous and they are the world's first fully hydrogen-powered submarines.  They serve a dual purpose.  They carry cargo and simultaneously collect microplastics from the waters they are moving through.  This technology is so revolutionary it has won the UK's top prize for clean maritime innovation.  The UK's Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition is designed to support the development of innovative technologies to achieve Prime Minister Boris Johnson's commitment to zero emissions commercial shipping by 2025.  Oceanways also plans to use the green subs to eventually transport people as a zero emissions transportation system of the future. On

  Edward Kane's  Trilogy on Global Centers of Innovation                                        Source:  Amazon & Kindle Discounts Up to 80% for Limited Time Amazon and Kindle have launched a special, deep discount sale on three of Edward Kane's books:  "USA - The Innovation Superstar"  ASIN: B08R269FRV , "Europe: The Global Innovation Leader"  ASIN: B08MSDR7JZ and "Asia: The Innovation Powerhouse"  ASIN: B08PS8F3NF .  The books are discounted, for a few days, up to 80% of their list prices.  Each is on sale for $2.99 Trilogy on the Latest, Big Innovations This is a trilogy of books on new global innovations being invented in Europe, the USA and Asia.  You can get all three books for less than the regular price of one during this limited time, Amazon promotion.  To take a look, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08MSDR7JZ&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_V8WCC7XPH0PSESAYQVXV   I co-authored the books with Ed

  First Fully Electric Ferrari in 2025 Ferrari Chairman Envisions New, Distinctive & Unique Electric Vehicles Italy based, luxury sports car maker Ferrari is synonymous with roaring, powerful gas and diesel engines that quickly accelerate to high speeds and spew fumes.  Now the company is going green and embracing the age of electric powertrains and green electric vehicles.  Furthermore the company is confident in maintaining its global leadership in high performance cars that will be powered by electric engines. European Union's Tightening Emissions Standards The European Union is proposing a ban on the sale of gasoline and diesel vehicles from 2035 on to combat Climate change.  That will be a major challenge for automakers whose major selling point is big powerful engines like Ferrari.  Nonetheless, Ferrari Chairman and Acting CEO John Elkann welcomes the regulations.  He believes that the company is enabled to create even more distinctive and unique vehicles with "elect

  The UK's DryCycle                                                       Source:  DryCycle Exercise While You Travel with Zero Emissions There's a new form of personal, pedal-power-travel rolling out in Europe.  DryCycle is a fully enclosed, electric motor assisted, electric bike. The enclosed body of the e-bike is car-like. It keeps the driver out of the elements like rain, unlike a regular bike.  The vehicle has four wheels, zero emissions and provides the rider exercise during the ride by pushing the pedals.  For a smooth ride, there are hydraulic disk brakes, front and rear suspension, an electric motor and sidekick style steering.  There are dual yellow handles on the dash that match universal bike handlebar standard specs, where you can also mount your phone.  DryCycle is a unique, hybrid micro-car and e-bike. Gr een, Clean, Totally Enclosed E-Biking DryCycle is rolling out this unusual e-bike first in Europe.  The top speed is 16 mph and the range on a full charge is 50

  New Water Vehicle From Italy's Lazzarini Design                                             Source:  Lazzarini Design Luxurious Powerboat Alternative Lazzarini Design has just introduced a highly revolutionary watercraft alternative to a powerboat.  It's called the Jet Capsule and it looks like a space ship on water.  It's an ultra luxurious vessel that comes with a variety of propulsion systems, layouts, amenities and furnishings that are totally customizable to the buyer.  There are two models - Due Punto Zero and Hyper Jet that can serve as private or commuting vessels.  The boats are made largely of carbon fiber and have integrated AC, touchscreens, LED headlight system and a surface scanner in the front of the boat to avoid hitting debris.  Electric or Hybrid Boating For the individual buyer, the  vessel can accommodate up to 10 passengers.  It also comes in the form of a commuter boat that can carry up to 20 passengers  plus the captain.  The propulsion system is ei

  Summer Debut for Genesis Brand in Europe Source:  Genesis Electric and Hybrid Vehicles To Be Showcased South Korea's Hyundai is debuting its luxury Genesis brand in Europe this summer.  It will offer both electric and conventional vehicles but it is clearly pushing its electric and hybrid models into the European market.  There is a strategic reason for it.  Europe is one of the world's fastest growing electric vehicle markets.  Sales of electric and plug in hybrid vehicles tripled in the European Union in 2020 to over 1 million vehicle sold, which amounted to more than 10% of total sales. Driving Electric Genesis will premier in Europe, starting in June, its sedans and SUVs.  The electrified G80 will be the first all electric Genesis to arrive in Europe.  Within the next year, two more battery powered electric cars will be added to the Genesis mix in Europe providing customers with the choice of three zero emissions Genesis vehicles.  Automotive analysts think that Genesis h

  Summer Debut for Genesis Brand in Europe Source:  Genesis Electric and Hybrid Vehicles To Be Showcased South Korea's Hyundai is debuting its luxury Genesis brand in Europe this summer.  It will offer both electric and conventional vehicles but it is clearly pushing its electric and hybrid models into the European market.  There is a strategic reason for it.  Europe is one of the world's fastest growing electric vehicle markets.  Sales of electric and plug in hybrid vehicles tripled in the European Union in 2020 to over 1 million vehicle sold, which amounted to more than 10% of total sales. Driving Electric Genesis will premier in Europe, starting in June, its sedans and SUVs.  The electrified G80 will be the first all electric Genesis to arrive in Europe.  Within the next year, two more battery powered electric cars will be added to the Genesis mix in Europe providing customers with the choice of three zero emissions Genesis vehicles.  Automotive analysts think that Genesis h

  ZEROe Planes In Service by 2035                    Source: Airbus ZEROe Turbofan Hydrogen Plane Flying the World With Zero Emissions Airbus has plans to put into service the world's 1st zero emissions commercial aircraft by 2035. They call it the ZEROe.  The European company is analyzing three different options to use hydrogen as the primary source of power to fly commercial aircraft, carrying as many as 200 passengers to start.  If successful, Airbus would be leading the biggest transition in commercial aviation history.  Its technology would move airplanes from highly polluting jet fuel to zero emissions hydrogen fuel. Airbus believes that hydrogen has tremendous potential to significantly reduce aviation's climate change impact.  Global airline flights are among the top greenhouse gas polluters in the world. Tough Dynamics for the Airline Industry The global aviation industry has committed to cutting their 2005 level of emissions in half by 2050.  To do that, the industry

 Journalist Edward Kane's  Latest Books on Innovation                                                       Source:  Amazon Available on Amazon & Kindle Journalist Edward Kane's latest book "USA: THE INNOVATION SUPERSTAR" is now available on Amazon and Kindle.  It showcases the top new innovations just invented in the US for the 2020's.  For  a preview, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08R269FRV&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_uDo4FbGAH2N70 Ed's two previous books "EUROPE: THE GLOBAL INNOVATION LEADER" and "ASIA: THE INNOVATION POWERHOUSE" are perfect companion books.  They chronicle big innovation breakthroughs in Europe and Asia.  To preview Europe, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08MSDR7JZ&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_9Fo4FbP0NZN9T   The three books provide a fascinating look at the most exciting innovations from the US, Europe and Asia.   To preview

  CEO Musk Wants to Introduce Compact E-Cars in Europe Source:  Tesla Model Y Tesla's European Expansion Plans During a European online conference on batteries sponsored by the German government, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said he intends to expand Tesla operations in Europe.  He intends to do so by introducing a compact electric car model that he feels will be more appropriate and in tune with the European market.  The compact electric car will be another new model that Musk will be introducing including his much anticipated Cybertruck which will be rolled out within the next year or two. Hatchbacks for Europe Musk told the online conference that the car he has in mind for Europe is a hatchback.  He noted that US cars tend to be bigger, while in Europe they tend to be smaller.  He said while driving a Tesla Model Y SUV around Berlin, he had a lot of difficulty finding a parking space that was long enough for the car.   Tesla All of Tesla's vehicles are longer than the VW Golf, which

Daimler & China's Geely to Develop Next-G Combustion Engine                                                Source:  2021 Mercedes New Engine for Hybrids German based automotive company Daimler and China's automaker Geely have just announced a partnership to develop a next generation combustion engine for use in hybrid vehicles.  The surprise announcement came as many governments, including the European Union, are tightening regulations on auto emissions.  Daimler says the new engine will be modular and highly efficient.  It will be manufactured in both China and Europe for use in hybrid drivetrains. Daimler Saving Money Daimler sets the bar in global automotive innovation and luxury. Geely is a huge automotive powerhouse.  It owns Volvo, the US based flying car company Terrafugia, Geely Auto, Lotus, Proton and has a 9.69% stake in Daimler.  According to the German business newspaper Handelsblatt, this partnership with Geely will save Daimler $119 million in developing the n

  European Union May Vastly Expand Wind Power Capacity                                  Source:  German Offshore Wind Farm 2030 and 2050 Green Goals For the European Union, energy produced by wind power generation is now cheaper than that produced by fossil fuels.  As a result, the EU is considering a huge investment in offshore wind power technology and infrastructure. The nearly $Trillion investment is aimed at creating five-times or 60 gigawatts of offshore wind generated energy by 2030.  The current level is 12 gigawatts.  By 2050 the EU is targeting 300 gigawatts.  They are also targeting 60 gigawatts of wave and tidal energy by 2050. Massive Renewable Energy Agenda These renewable energy goals are unprecedented and would require a major change of scale for the energy sectors of the 27 nation European Union.  The cost is estimated at $937 billion.  The EU plan is still being worked on and should be finalized by mid-November.  If put into action, it will result in a five-fold incre

  Luxury Electric Cars                                                           Source:  Bentley Bentley on an Electric Fast Track Bentley Motors' model lineup of cars will consist of only electric and plug-in hybrids by 2026.  The UK based luxury car maker will be fully electric by 2030.  This news from the company as the global automotive industry adjusts to much tougher emissions regulations in China and Europe.  Many global automakers are expanding their electric lineups.  100 Year Old Automaker Going Electric Bentley was founded 100 years ago and is now owned by Volkswagen.  It is accelerating the development of electric vehicles and will introduce two plug-in hybrids in 2021.  In a statement, Bentley CEO Adrian Hallmark said: "Bentley will transform from a 100 year old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury."  Last summer, Bentley indicated that it would cut 25% of its workforce or 1,000 jobs as the company shifts to electric

  Top Inventions from Europe 2020's                                       https://amazon.com/author/ekane Now on Amazon and Kindle Journalist Edward Kane's latest book "Europe: The Global Innovation Leader" has just been published on Amazon and Kindle.  In the annual Global Innovation Index, Switzerland and Sweden top the list.  8 of the 12 innovation nations are in Europe.  Ed's book showcases the fascinating new innovations behind Europe's top ranking. For a preview, go to  https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B08MSDR7JZ&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_kJbPFbTK8W0AJ    I co-authored the book with Ed.

  Big Innovation Coming from Europe                             Source:  Hydrogen Ferry Norled Hydrogen Passenger and Cargo Vessels Big changes are ahead for the passenger and cargo ship industries. To meet United Nations targets for the shipping industry's carbon footprint, the first net zero, green ships will have to enter the global fleet by 2030.  Experts say that ships powered by hydrogen will be the key part of the mix . But, because hydrogen requires more fuel storage capacity than other fuels, the first hydrogen powered ships will be vessels on short voyages.  Europe is leading the way in the innovation of new, hydrogen powered vessels. European Innovation Wave Switzerland based technology group ABB believes that passenger and shipping vessels will be the first users of hydrogen fuel cell systems.  ABB is currently working on a fuel cell based power and propulsion system for a new river vessel for the Rhone River in France.  It will be a first of its kind. Norway, the Nethe

Switzerland and Sweden Leading the Way                                                                 Source:  Swiss Innovation Council 2020 Global Innovation Index (GII) The 2020 Global Innovation Index ranks Switzerland and Sweden as the #1 and #2 Innovation countries in the world.  For Switzerland, this is the 10th year of ranking number 1.  Europe has clearly become the global epicenter of innovation.  Eight of the top 12 leaders in innovation are European countries:  Switzerland #1, Sweden #2, UK #4, Netherlands #5, Denmark #6, Finland #7, Germany #9, France #12.  The US came in #3 in this year's annual ranking of 131 nations using 80 metrics to evaluate the level of innovation around the world. COVID-19's Impact The GII experts say COVID-19 is "severely pressuring" the long term build-up in global innovation, while it is also accelerating innovation in specific areas, particularly health care.  GII says the leading nations in innovation show year-to-year stabil

  New Acela 2021                                                  Source:  Amtrak  Acela Speed Testing for 165 MPH America's fastest train, the Acela, is going to go faster.  It's being speed tested at a 30,000 acre facility near Pueblo, Colorado for its rollout in 2021.  The train will hit speeds of 165 mph in the Boston to Washington, DC corridor.  Amtrak is calling it "a gamechanger". The actual increase in speed is about 15%. More Energy Efficient The new Acela will use 20% less energy, carry 25% more passengers and cut 15 minutes off the train trip between Boston and Washington, DC which takes about 5 hours,  And, there is a lot of new technologies being incorporated into the Acela trains. US vs. Asia and Europe In terms of fast train technology, the US is behind both Europe and Asia.  The primary reason is the lack of investment in new infrastructure that can carry high speed trains.  Some parts of the Boston to Washington, DC train corridor are 100 years old.