Electric motor sales are rapidly revving up. The global motor market will grow to $129 billion by 2020, an annual growth rate of 5.3%, according to a new report from Allied Market Research. Automotive applications account for nearly 52% of global revenue, thanks to the steadily increasing adoption of electrified vehicles. According to the report,… Read more »
US plug-in sales are still in the slow lane – once again, the monthly figure of 10,134 fell short of last year’s 10,921. The Tesla Model S grabbed the lead position, with 2,500 estimated US sales in September. The company reported delivering 11,580 total vehicles worldwide in the third quarter of 2015, a 49% increase over Q3… Read more »
Aluminum colossus Alcoa (NYSE:AA) has approved a plan to split into two independent, publicly-traded companies, referred to for now as the Upstream Company and the Value-Add Company. The transaction is to be completed in the second half of 2016. Global aluminum demand is expected to double between 2010 and 2020, driven partly by the light… Read more »
The DOT is offering $22.5 million in grants in the latest round of its Low or No Emission Vehicle Deployment Program (LoNo). Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to transit agencies and state transportation departments working either independently or jointly with bus manufacturers. The LoNo program is focused on deploying new low- or… Read more »
Schaeffler has developed a new P2 (parallel, two-clutch) high-voltage hybrid module -designed to fit between the internal combustion engine and transmission – that can transmit engine torques of up to 800 N·m (590 lb-ft) without having to incorporate an expensive clutch. The P2 consists of an electric machine and an automated disconnect clutch, which is… Read more »
The EV charging scene is in its infancy, and industry observers offer a wide range of opinions as to the best locations and pricing models for public chargers. Georgia Power is betting that EV drivers will travel to its company offices to pay for charging. The utility has opened 11 new public charging stations, the… Read more »
Last month’s Frankfurt auto show was positively crackling with EV news, as Audi, BMW and Porsche presented concept EVs, Mitsubishi showed its 2016 Outlander PHEV, and several suppliers touted tech advances. However, the comparatively low-key presence of electric trendsetter Tesla – which was showing red, white and blue Model S but no Model X –… Read more »
BASF is expanding its range of engineering plastics for electric and hybrid vehicles. Tailor-made Ultramid and Ultradur materials are now available for equipping vehicle-interior and -exterior high-voltage plug-in connectors with precisely fitting characteristics. Plastics used for connectors in vehicles must meet stringent requirements regarding flame retardancy, color stability and electrical isolation. High-voltage connectors are typically… Read more »
The developing VW scandal has highlighted the lengths to which some automakers will go to find an alternative to electrification. Some industry gadflies have speculated that Volkswagen might opt to redeem itself by becoming a (sorely needed) leader in the electromobility field. “With hydrocarbon combustion we’ve hit the limits of physics,” Elon Musk told Auto… Read more »
Network operator ChargePoint has partnered with Constellation, a provider of energy management services, to allow businesses to purchase ChargePoint charging stations – including installation and service – through their existing Constellation electricity or gas supply agreements. Constellation’s Efficiency Made Easy program enables its commercial and industrial supply customers to implement various types of energy efficiency… Read more »
