NEW YORK—The global market for electric vehicle charging stations is expected to grow at compound annual rate of 77 percent from 2011 to 2015, according to a new report.

WALTHAM, MA—A123 Systems has unveiled a new lithium ion battery technology, the Nanophosphate EXT, which will enable the pack to operate at extreme temperatures without requiring thermal management.

GAIMERSHEIM, Germany—Audi has opened a research center here to develop high-voltage lithium-ion batteries.

DETROIT—North American sales of microelectric vehicles could reach 118,000 units by 2017, according a new report. Frost & Sullivan’s report predicts that sales could expand at a compound annual growth rate of 39 percent between 2010 and 2017.

MONROEVILLE, PA—Electric motor manufacturer American Mitsuba will invest $8.3 million to expand its logistics center here. The expansion will create 25 new jobs.

CHATSWORTH, CA—Boulder Electric Vehicle has leased a 27,714-square-foot building here last month and has begun tooling it up to assemble electric vehicles. The company will initially hire 30 people and could employ 150 at full production.

GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, MI—Magna E-Car Systems, a partnership between Magna International and the Stronach Group, has opened a new assembly plant here to make components for hybrid and electric vehicles.

LIVONIA, MI—A123 Systems will spend $55 million to replace thousands of faulty battery packs for electric and hybrid vehicles.

BENICIA, CA—CODA Automotive’s assembly plant here has begun production of an all-electric sedan.

SAN FRANCISCO—Motiv Power Systems has received a $1.16 million grant to build a pilot assembly line to produce power trains for electric trucks.