A charging station locater app is a must-have for any EV driver. One of the most popular is the one offered by the ChargePoint network, which includes not only stations that are members of its own network, but over 33,000 charging spots from all major charging networks. The company has released a new version of… Read more »
ABB has announced the launch of the Terra 53 Z DC fast charger, the company’s first model that complies with the Chinese GB standard. Rated power is up to 50 kW. The new chargers will be manufactured at ABB’s facility in Shenzhen. According to ABB, the Terra 53 series is the world’s first DC fast… Read more »
Tesla has begun rolling out the new OS 6.0 software update to vehicle owners. Model S drivers have gained a number of new features, including a new Calendar app for in-car use, and several improvements to the Maps/Navigation software. Tesla V6 software upload coming soon. Need to make sure it is “awesome” – Lord Business… Read more »
Infineon Technologies (OTC: IFNNF), Germany’s largest chipmaker, will acquire California-based International Rectifier (NYSE: IRF) for $40 per share in a $3 billion deal. International Rectifier specializes in power-management semiconductors. Particularly attractive to Infineon is IRF’s expertise in gallium nitride on silicon (GaN) semiconductors. According to Bloomberg, the acquisition will solidify Infineon’s position in GaN discretes… Read more »
Polestar, Volvo’s racing and tuning partner, has announced a new upgrade package for the V60 D6 Plug-in Hybrid (which, sadly, isn’t available in the US). The Polestar Performance package adds an extra 15 hp and 22 lb-ft of torque, bringing total output up to 298 hp and 494 lb-ft. The enhanced V60 is the most… Read more »
Rhode Island has created a special license plate for plug-in vehicles – not just so charged drivers can show how cool they are, but in order to save lives. The point is to give emergency crew members a warning when they encounter an EV, so that they don’t electrocute themselves while using the jaws of… Read more »
A little rain fell on Tesla’s parade recently, when Consumer Reports and Edmunds.com each reported that their Model S units had racked up what seemed to be an excessive number of maintenance issues. However, both sources reported that most of the repairs in question were covered under warranty. Perhaps in response to the negative publicity,… Read more »
Several EV owners in the Vancouver, British Columbia metro area have been frustrated to find public Level 2 charging stations inoperable after thieves snipped off the attached cables with bolt cutters. According to Transport Evolved, the thefts are becoming widespread in the area, with some sites falling victim multiple times. TE has also reported similar… Read more »
Korean giant LG Chem has agreed to supply batteries to Audi for hybrids and plug-in hybrids, and the companies will collaborate on various future plug-in projects, according to Reuters. “The batteries will be used in Audi’s next-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Given that Audi shares many auto platforms with parent Volkswagen, we expect more such… Read more »
A123 Systems, the Massachusetts battery-maker now owned by Chinese giant Wanxiang, has hired former Johnson Controls executive Patrick Hurley as its Chief Technology Officer. Hurley will lead the company’s R&D arm, A123 Venture Technologies, and will also be responsible for integrating A123’s battery development in China. The change is part of the compnay’s move away… Read more »
