From the beginning, Tesla’s use of readily available cylindrical battery cells gave it an advantage over other EV-makers, which used proprietary prismatic or pouch cells. In 2015, JB Straubel explained why Tesla was sticking with cylindrical cells, even though others found it a controversial decision. Over the years, many writers have noted Tesla’s battery tech… Read more »
Sponsored by Chroma System Solutions On rare occasions, an electrical short can develop inside a cell after passing production tests. This is due to burrs or particles on the positive electrode reaching the negative electrode after inflation occurs. If these cells that are susceptible to failure pass through to the end user, the results could be… Read more »
Motiv Power Systems, maker of the EPIC all-electric chassis for buses and trucks, has opened a new facility in Stockton, California. The new location will serve as a pre-delivery inspection and service center for EVs built on its platform. Medium-duty trucks and buses are electrified by Motiv’s operating software and power electronics on popular Ford… Read more »
Yamaha Motor has begun accepting orders for a high-performance electric motor prototype capable of producing high power density for EVs. The company says the compact unit generates up to 200 kW thanks to a high-efficiency segment conductor and advanced casting and processing technologies. Yamaha says the goal of the project is to deepen its knowledge… Read more »
Scandinavian transport operator Nobina, which services Malmo, Sweden, has ordered 60 of Volvo’s 7900 Electric Articulated electric buses. Propelled by dual electric motors with a two-speed transmission, the buses have a maximum power output of 400 kW and maximum torque of 31 kN-m at the driven axle, with battery capacity have up to 396 kWh… Read more »
Semiconductor manufacturer ROHM has announced new shunt resistors ideal for current detection in motors and power supply circuits used in EVs and industrial equipment. The GMR50 series of resistors deliver 4 W rated power (at electrode temperature TK=90° C) in the compact 5.0 mm × 2.5 mm (2010 type package) size. Shunt resistors are widely… Read more »
King County Metro has agreed to purchase up to 120 New Flyer Xcelsior CHARGE electric buses for a total estimated cost of $130 million. The transport operator will begin with the purchase of 40 articulated 60-foot electric buses, and plans to buy an additional 80 New Flyer electric buses (20 articulated 60-foot buses and 60… Read more »
Wright Electric, a partner of European airline easyJet, recently unveiled design concepts for the Wright 1, a 186-seat electric aircraft. Wright is building a 1.5 MW electric motor and 3 kV inverter. The company is in discussions with BAE Systems to develop flight controls and energy management systems. Wright plans to conduct ground tests in… Read more »
The Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) will purchase an electric fire engine from Austrian-based manufacturer Rosenbauer. Based on Rosenbauer’s Concept Fire Truck, the vehicle will be customized for the LAFD’s specific needs. The EV will have two batteries and a charge capacity of 100 kWh, allowing for about two hours of operation, according to… Read more »
The UK’s Royal Mail Group, the owner of one of Europe’s largest vehicle fleets, has signed a deal with electric utility EDF to deliver electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Under the 3-year agreement, EDF will provide charging points, associated maintenance and ancillary items such as signs, bollards and wheel stops. In the first phase, the company… Read more »