Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla projection mapping video, Ford Focus Electric recall

Production company Mindconsole has published a projection video using a Tesla Model S as its canvas. Made in collaboration with Provideo, Mindconsole used seven projectors and a newly developed “projection mapping technique” to light up the covered Model S with a colorful array of images and illusions. At some points in the video, it even appears as though the car is moving. The artists say, “Tesla’s Model S was the obvious choice for the vehicle being mapped to due to its unique, bold design.” See the video above, and read more at Electrek.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has approved XL Hybrids conversions for incentive voucher eligibility. The company’s hybrid retrofit systems for gasoline-powered Chevrolet and GMC 2500 and 3500 vans can now receive discounts through CARB’s Heavy Duty Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP). Businesses can get $2,500 vouchers for the XL3 Hybrid Electric Drive System for 100 vehicles in their fleets, with another 100 vehicles eligible for $2,000 vouchers. “HVIP eligibility also establishes that CARB recognizes the value of hybrid electric conversions as a catalyst towards meeting the long-range greenhouse gas reduction and air quality goals,” says XL Hybrids Chief Technology Officer Ed Lovelace. Read more at Green Car Congress.

Automotive startup Future Mobility plans to sell electric vehicles worldwide by 2020. Future Mobility, backed by Foxconn, luxury car dealer Harmony New Energy Auto, and Chinese Internet company Tencent Holdings, is looking to sell hundreds of thousands of luxury vehicles with a high level of autonomous driving features, and has been hiring just the sort of people who can make it happen. In its four months of existence, Future Mobility has added engineers from Tesla, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Google to its roster. Former BMW i8 project manager Carsten Breitfeld heads Future Mobility as CEO. Read more at TechCrunch, or from The Wall Street Journal.

Some examples of the Ford Focus Electric are subject to a recall. 931 Focus Electrics in the US and Canada from model years 2015 and 2016 could have an issue with the transmission differential pinion-gear shafts, which could cause the car to lose power or be unable to shift into park. Ford will replace the transmission differential for free with a new assembly with a friction-reducing coating on the affected components. Read more at Green Car Reports, or view the recall notice at the NHTSA website.