Researchers at Oregon State University have shown that a chemical mechanism known as proton-hopping may provide a new method of energy storage for EVs and other high-power applications. “Coming up with Faradaic electrodes that afford batteries energy density and capacitors power with excellent cycle life has been a big challenge. So far, most of the… Read more »
Nikola Motor Company, which has been developing fuel cell trucks, recently announced that it also intends to offer some battery-electric models. The Nikola Two and Nikola Tre (European version) will be available in BEV versions, while the biggest truck in the lineup, Nikola One, will remain FCV only. The company plans to present the new… Read more »
Wireless charging pioneer WiTricity announced the acquisition of Qualcomm’s Halo wireless technology platform. The acquisition will bring over 1,500 patents and patent applications related to wireless charging under WiTricity’s control, while Qualcomm Incorporated will become a minority WiTricity shareholder. Qualcomm and WiTricity have been working collaboratively with global standards organizations, which currently use reference designs… Read more »
Fuel retailer Propel Fuels has announced plans to launch an EV charging network in California. Propel calls the charging network Propel Power, and plans to begin testing it by the end of 2019, with the aim of performing a broader rollout in 2020. Propel Power will complement Propel Fuels’ existing fueling stations, which Propel will… Read more »
Amazon will lead a $700-million investment round in EV startup Rivian Automotive. Also investing in this round is Rivian’s long-term investment partner, Saudi auto distributor Abdul Latif Jameel. Although it was reported earlier that GM was also in talks with Rivian, the automaker is not involved in this round. Rivian has been raising eyebrows since… Read more »
Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Chemical Technology and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a new method for cooling electric motors, which could help reduce the weight of EVs. With the new cooling method, motors can be housed in lighter-weight polymer materials, and they also benefit from increased efficiency and power density. The… Read more »
Automotive provider Motiv Power Systems has delivered the first of seven electric step vans to the US Postal Service. The Ford E-450-based vans will serve a year-long pilot program in California’s Central Valley. The first vehicle will serve routes in Fresno, and the rest with be deployed in both Fresno and Stockton. The step vans… Read more »
BP Ventures has invested in Powershare, a Chinese provider of integrated hardware and software for EV charging, during a Series A funding round. PowerShare offers an online platform that connects drivers, charge point operators, and power suppliers. The company’s cloud-based system allows power suppliers to continuously monitor the power demand from vehicles and balance it… Read more »
Auto parts manufacturer Meritor has announced it has 22 electrification programs with OEMs, and expects to put at least 130 fully electric medium- and heavy-duty commercial trucks on the road by the end of 2020. Among the 130 commercial vehicles, 60 received funding from the California Air Resources Board as part of a broader effort… Read more »
Formula E CEO Alejandro Agag and motorsport veteran Gil de Ferran have launched a new all-electric off-road racing series. Extreme E, which will kick off in January 2021, will see electric SUVs racing off-road in five extreme environments around the globe. The Extreme E races will take place at off-road stages in the Arctic, the… Read more »