Recharge Wrap-up: how Formula E regulations spur development, Navy and Marines lease 205 EVs

Here's how Formula E regulations affect development. As Engineering Explains, um, explains using the Andretti Technologies test car for visual reference, rules allowing teams to develop their own technology are limited to certain features where there's a potential to improve upon real world EVs. For this season, some teams use larger motors than they need, sacrificing weight for more gears. Some teams use a single gear, reducing weight and complexity at the risk of running the motor outside of peak efficiency. Regulations also allow room for tinkering with the rear suspension, inverters, and cooling, which have their own implications on strategy. Engineering Explained is also running a sweepstakes for a trip to Andretti Autosport's Indianapolis race shop. Check out the whole video above, and learn more at Engineering Explained's YouTube channel.

Fully Charged brought its cameras to the Cenex Low Carbon Vehicle conference to talk to Electric Nation about its smart charging project. With many cars charging in the same area at the same time, it puts stress on the electric grid. It's an increasingly common phenomenon, especially as battery capacity improves. The project uses different types of smart systems to test out how customers respond to having their charging controlled in order to help balance the load on the grid. Also discussed is how developing vehicle-to-grid technology would prevent the need for significant investment in added grid infrastructure to transmit power. Watch the video on YouTube.

France will offer fleet companies equal tax incentives for gasoline and diesel cars. Diesel vehicles now fetch a greater VAT rebate, which, along with the price and fuel economy of diesel, has made the cars popular. The tax adjustment will take place over the course of two years. The government will not completely abolish diesel tax breaks despite increasing scrutiny over emissions, as diesel car sales are important to the country's auto industry. Read more at Automotive News Europe.

The US Navy and Marine Corps will lease 205 electric vehicles for use at facilities in California. The announcement was made after the Navy and the California Energy Commission signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop alternative energy resources for the purpose of energy security. The Navy will also install solar energy at Air Station Lemoore, Weapons Station Seal Beach, and the Ventura County Naval Base. Read more at Green Car Congress.