REE, an Israeli startup developing a corner module that integrates the wheel and drive components into a single unit, has cooperated with Hino Motors, a provider of commercial vehicles, on Hino’s new FlatFormer modular concept. The FlatFormer is a flat, super-flexible chassis that supports a range of body configurations. The vehicle maker showcased the concept… Read more »
Colorado-based Lightning Systems, a developer of electric drivetrains, has raised $41 million in a recent funding round led by BP Ventures. Private equity fund Cupola Infrastructure Income Fund contributed as a new investor. Lightning will use the funding to ramp up production of electric powertrains for Ford Transits, Ford E-450s, Ford F-59 step vans, Chevrolet… Read more »
Swindon Powertrain will launch an 80 kW powertrain designed for low-volume sports cars. The high-power-density system will weigh 70 kg and measure 600 mm long, 440 mm wide, and 280 mm high. Funded by Niche Vehicle Network in partnership with electric motor manufacturer iNetic and automotive specialist Code, the new powertrain is scheduled to begin… Read more »
Electrify America and Lyft have partnered to provide users of Lyft’s Express Drive short-term car rental program access to Electrify America’s DC fast charging network. The project will commence in Denver, Colorado, where Express Drive users will have access to Electrify America’s 30 chargers at 7 DC fast charging stations. Electrify America intends to add… Read more »
Fujitsu has launched the FTR-E3 series, a 150-A power relay that offers a minimum mechanical life of 300,000 operations and minimum electric life of 30,000 operations. The new automotive-grade relay is intended for use in EV battery-junction boxes, fast chargers, solar and industrial inverters, and the DC line of energy storage systems. Measuring 45 mm… Read more »
XALT Energy has launched the XPAND Low Profile (XLP) Pack, a high-energy-density battery pack for commercial EVs. The XLP Pack measures 185 mm high, 612 mm wide, and between 360 and 1,080 mm long, depending on energy capacity. Designed to fit within the frame rails of trucks and buses, the pack can be mounted horizontally… Read more »
Rivian has been generating a lot of headlines since the November 2018 reveal of its prototype pickup and SUV. The company has scored substantial investments, including $700 million from a group of investors led by Amazon and another $500 million from Ford. That cash was accompanied by a history-making order of 100,000 electric delivery vans… Read more »
Northvolt and Swedish power provider Mälarenergi are partnering to construct an energy storage system at an EV charging station in Västerås, Sweden. The companies are designing the battery system to provide more than an 80% reduction in electricity peak demand directly at the charging station, thereby lessening the impact of EV charging on the local… Read more »
Pierburg, a subsidiary of German parts maker Rheinmetall Automotive, has developed an AC compressor for EVs that integrates the compressor, electric motor and power electronics into one modular, compact unit. In ICE vehicles, the AC compressor is typically driven by a pulley and V-belt. EVs lack this mechanism, so the AC compressor is driven by… Read more »
The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany has announced several measures to further electrify transport around the city. In spring 2020, Volkswagen will bring over 1,000 EVs to Hamburg through its ride-sharing service, WeShare. The rollout will include the e-Golf and e-up! models – the new ID.3 will be added in the future. MOIA,… Read more »
