Sponsored by Schaeffler Imagine a hybrid vehicle that could not only heat a home when the power goes out, but that could also pull a bigger trailer than its non-hybrid brother while using less fuel. Ford Motor Co. did just this with the new 2021 F-150. To enable that hybridization, Schaeffler designed and industrialized a… Read more »
Automaker Stellantis and electronics manufacturer Foxconn are teaming up to design and produce purpose-built semiconductors for the automotive industry. “With Foxconn, we aim to create four new families of chips that will cover over 80% of our semiconductor needs, helping to significantly modernize our components, reduce complexity, and simplify the supply chain,” said Stellantis CEO… Read more »
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories may have discovered a way to make a longer-lasting, more efficient battery. The team used Kelvin probe force microscopy to locate places where electron flows get stuck. Solid-state batteries use solid electrolytes instead of electrochemical gels and liquids. Researchers suspected that there was a loss of voltage at interfaces within… Read more »
ITECH has released four new IT-M3900 power supply products: the IT-M3900B for regenerative power systems; the IT-M3900C for bidirectional DC power supplies; the IT-M3900D for DC high-power supplies; and the IT-M3800 for regenerative DC loads. The maximum power of a 1U unit is 6 kW, and the maximum of a 2U unit is 12 kW…. Read more »
Atom Power, manufacturer of a UL-listed solid-state digital circuit breaker, has launched a new EV charging solution called PURPL, which charges vehicles directly from the circuit breaker, and incorporates energy management technology to keep electricity costs low. Because PURPL charges EVs directly from the breaker, the charging station itself does not contain expensive electronics—it’s simply… Read more »
Big engine specialist Cummins has released the new PowerDrive 8000 system for terminal tractors. Cummins will begin field tests of the new product with Kalmar, one of Cummins’ lead customers, in early 2022, and the two companies will partner to offer battery-electric terminal tractors globally. Terminal tractors (aka drayage tractors or yard goats) are ideal… Read more »
Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor manufacturer VisIC Technologies plans to team up with automotive powertrain maker Hofer Powertrain to develop a 3-Level 800 V GaN inverter for EVs. Hofer brings over 5 years of experience developing a 3-Level inverter to the table. The company says that, compared to 2-level inverters with IGBTs or SiC chips, its… Read more »
The Volkswagen Group has announced a package of charging-related initiatives under the brand name We Charge, which will include new charging solutions for home and mobile charging, new functions in the ID. Models and, “soon,” bidirectional charging. “Charging must become simpler and easier to integrate into daily activities,” says e-mobility marketing head Silke Bagschik. “With… Read more »
Australia-based fast charger manufacturer Tritium has executed a global agreement with oil giant Shell to provide fast charging technology and services. The new agreement is expected to accelerate the supply of Tritium DC fast chargers to Shell’s charging operations in Europe, South Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America. “This is a great opportunity… Read more »
Italy’s industrial capital, Milan, plans to replace its 1,200 diesel buses with electric vehicles by 2030. Public transport agency ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi) chose electronics giant ABB to deliver a turnkey charging solution for its San Donato depot, the first of four fully electrical depots planned for the city and a pilot site for new… Read more »
