Recharge Wrap-up: Jason Hughes builds 1,000-hp EV, BMW considers Thai battery factory

Tesla hacker Jason Hughes is building his own 1,000-horsepower electric vehicle. To propel the insane DIY EV, Hughes is using two Tesla performance drive units powered by two Chevrolet Volt battery packs and six Tesla battery modules. Controlling them with a custom control board, Hughes expects to be able to wring out 500 hp from each motor – one at the front and one in the rear. He also predicts a driving range of 120 to 150 miles between charges. It also appears that Hughes, also known as wk057, has set up a website dedicated to the project. Read more at Electrek, and watch Hughes' first test video above.

BMW might build a battery factory in Thailand. According to Thai Industry Minister Atchaka Sibunruang, the German automaker is considering building the plant for about $57 million, with construction beginning in the middle of 2017. Thailand is discussing possible tax incentives for BMW, says Atchaka, with the hopes of making the country friendlier to plug-in hybrids. "Hybrid vehicles are still expensive now but once there is a factory established and batteries are available this will make it affordable for consumers." Read more from Automotive News Europe.

Samsung is investing $449 million in BYD. Shanghai Samsung Semiconductor bought 52.3 million shares of BYD, which will use the funds to expand its battery production and for research and development of alternatively powered vehicles. Samsung is leveraging its recent investments in the auto industry to make up for slowdowns in other electronics hardware. Samsung says its investment in BYD will help grow its semiconductor business. The purchase by Samsung and other investors dilutes BYD Founder, Chairman, and CEO Wang Chuanfu's stake by almost two percent, down to 18.8 percent. Read more from Automotive News.