New research from MIT could lead to batteries that pack more power per pound and last longer. A new paper co-authored by Yuming Chen and Ziqiang Wang at MIT explores the idea of using pure lithium as the battery’s anode. The design is part of a concept for developing safe solid-state batteries by dispensing with… Read more »
AKASOL has adopted Tesla’s nomenclature, and christened its new battery plant in Darmstadt, Germany “Gigafactory 1.” The German battery maker has commissioned Manz to supply fully automated production lines for high-energy battery modules at the new plant and the company’s US site in Hazel Park, Michigan. The total order volume for production equipment could reach… Read more »
As the EV market expands, there’s a pressing need for more standardization of DC power distribution, especially for buses and heavy-duty vehicles. SAE International’s new standard SAE J-3105: Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System Using Conductive Automated Connection Devices Recommended Practice promotes the safe testing and performance of mechanized conductive power transfer systems, primarily for vehicles… Read more »
Lordstown Motors, the startup headed by Workhorse CEO Steve Burns, is building an electric pickup called the Endurance at a former GM factory in Lordstown, Ohio. The Endurance is expected to be available in the fourth quarter of 2020 at a base price of $52,500. The new e-pickup will feature in-wheel hub electric motors, according… Read more »
TDK Ventures has dipped into its $50-million corporate venture capital fund to invest in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) company AutoFlightX. With their ability to navigate dangerous or hard-to-reach environments, eVTOL vehicles can help eliminate human risk in mining inspections, or deliver payloads of supplies and medicine in emergency response scenarios. AutoFlightX says it… Read more »
Nickel deployment in passenger EV batteries totaled 59,271 tonnes in 2019, according to Adamas Intelligence, representing an increase of 39% from 2018. BEVs were responsible for 76% of passenger battery nickel use globally in 2019, up from 71% in 2018. The sales-weighted average amount of nickel deployed per EV globally in 2019 was 12.9 kilograms,… Read more »
Greenlots, a provider of charging and energy management solutions that was acquired by Shell last year, has partnered with Ivy Charging Network, a fast charging network recently launched by utilities Hydro One and Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The new deal includes the installation of 100 DC fast chargers (DCFCs) at 43 sites along major highway… Read more »
Norwegian wholesaler ASKO will deploy two Scania electric trucks in Oslo as part of a pilot project. Each of the two-speed, 27-ton trucks has a battery capacity of 165 kWh and range of 120 km (75 miles). The 290 kW electric powertrain offers 245 kW of continuous output and 2,200 Nm of torque. The vehicles… Read more »
Chemical company BASF announced a new battery materials production site in Schwarzheide, Germany, as part of its multi-step investment in Europe’s EV value chain. The new plant will produce cathode active materials with an initial capacity enabling the supply of around 400,000 pure EVs per year with BASF battery materials. The company says the Schwarzheide… Read more »
Low-carbon energy provider EDF has acquired Pod Point, an EV charging company. Pod Point has rolled out 62,000 charging points in the UK and 6,600 in Norway. The acquisition follows EDF’s acquisition last year of Pivot Power, which specializes in grid-scale batteries and provides high-voltage power for EV charge points. Simone Rossi, UK CEO of… Read more »
