The Seaward Group has introduced a new diagnostic tool for validation and fault finding on all types of EV charging and supply equipment. The handheld EV110 tester can perform a number of tests to ensure that a charger is operating correctly and safely, in accordance with the SAE J1772 standard. The lightweight, handheld EV110 simulates… Read more »
It’s the most important question about any new EV: is its maker serious about selling it, or is it just another compliance car or halo model? One clue to an automaker’s intentions is whether the EV is offered for sale in all markets, not just in California. It’s probably far too early to make predictions… Read more »
British charging station manufacturer Chargemaster has revealed its new UltraCharger DC fast charger. EV owners can access the UltraCharger using an RFID card or a contactless debit or credit card. Another nifty feature is Automatic Number Plate Recognition – the unit can recognize a vehicle’s license plate number and automatically start charging. The 50 kW… Read more »
Lithium-ion chemistries are increasingly replacing lead-acid automotive batteries, especially in start-stop and energy recuperation systems, and they are even making inroads into starter battery applications. Electronics such as Freescale Semiconductor’s battery cell controllers are used to manage risks such as overcharge, overheating and internal short circuits. Now Freescale has introduced the MC33772 3- to 6-cell… Read more »
Porsche posed the possibility of producing a smaller sedan to complement the Panamera as it showed the electric Mission E concept at this week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The Mission E has a 600 hp powertrain with a motor on each axle and an under-the-floor battery pack (yes, like a certain Silicon Valley sedan). It features… Read more »
A new market analysis acknowledges that the market share of electric vehicles in the seven leading automotive nations remains stubbornly low, and looks at some of the reasons for the sluggish growth. “The major growth impetus that would anchor e-mobility in the seven leading automotive nations long term is still nowhere to be seen,” the… Read more »
Batteries get most of the press, but power electronics (gadgets like inverters, onboard chargers and DC/DC converters) are critical components of all sorts of electrified vehicles as well as high-tech energy solutions. As the electromobility/clean energy sector grows, leading companies in the power electronics field could be poised for major growth. Lux Research recently released… Read more »
Heating and cooling an EV presents a special challenge, as battery power must be used for climate control, which can significantly reduce range. Automakers and researchers around the world are working on a range of alternative solutions. Nissan and Volkswagen both use heat pumps in their EVs. The JOSPEL project, a consortium of organizations from… Read more »
Start-stop vehicles (SSVs, if you will) occupy the bottom rung of the electrification ladder, and they’re growing in importance as global OEMs search for ways to meet tightening emissions standards (anything other than selling EVs, it sometimes seems). Over 40 percent of new cars sold in Europe already incorporate start-stop technology. A battery-based start-stop system… Read more »
A Model S P85D and an i3 sporting the LAPD’s famous black-and-white livery were on display at a press conference last week as Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced the city’s plans to lease 160 EVs and 128 PHEVs. “When we laid out our Sustainable City pLAn, we promised that 50% of new city fleet… Read more »
