A new report from Navigant Research has found that public charger deployments are positively affecting plug-in vehicle adoption, although the sustainability of the business model is in doubt due to low utilization among early EV adopters, which makes private investment difficult. The report, “Leveraging Charging Infrastructure to Accelerate EV Sales,” analyzes the relationship between public… Read more »
The War on Fuel Economy Standards took another twist, as the Trump administration backed down from its plan to freeze fuel economy standards. “People familiar with the process” told the Wall Street Journal that the administration is now considering calling for a 1.5% annual increase in corporate average fuel efficiency. This target would be a… Read more »
The e-mobility business of power management company Eaton has launched a four-speed transmission for heavy-duty commercial EVs. Designed for Class 7 and 8 vehicles, the new transmission features fine-pitch helical gears and low-noise operation. Eaton said its new gearbox does not have a clutch and is synchronized via the traction motor. The transmission is scheduled… Read more »
Supermarket chain Morrisons has plans for what it calls the UK’s largest network of ultra-fast chargers. This week, Morrisons unveiled its first 50 GeniePoint rapid chargers at stores across the UK. It plans to install a further 50 by 2020. Customers must join the organization, which is free, to use the GeniePoint chargers. There is… Read more »
Australian startup Zero Automotive has launched an electric pickup truck for commercial use, based on the Landcruiser 79 series. “It’s available in 20 to 120 kWh battery packs, with modular battery packs and a 700 Nm electric motor,” said Zero Automotive co-founder Tim Possingham. “That has more torque than the factory turbo-diesel V8 that’s normally… Read more »
Swiss cable maker BRUGG eConnect has announced a new high-performance charging cable, the PURWIL Connect 850+ Cooled, that can deliver DC electricity at 1,000 volts and up to 850 amps. The company plans to launch the cable in early 2020. Today’s conventional cables typically max out at 550 amps, but thanks to an in-wire cooling system, the PURWIL Connect… Read more »
Circuit protection manufacturer Littelfuse has added 275 new fuses to its line of POWR-SPEED PSR high-speed fuses. The new fuses come in various sizes and amperages, and feature bolted and DIN rail mounting options. Littelfuse designed its PSR series fuses for use in power conversion and conditioning equipment for critical semiconductor devices such as diodes,… Read more »
GM, Toyota and Fiat Chrysler have announced that they will side with the Trump administration in its war with California over fuel economy standards, in direct opposition to competitors Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW, which struck a compromise with the California Air Resources Board in July. CARB’s deal with the four automakers calls for fleet… Read more »
Buick has launched its latest EV, the Velite 6 Plus MAV (multi-activity vehicle) in China. The Velite 6 Plus MAV offers a range of 255 miles, improving on the Velite 6’s range of 187 miles. Buick has increased battery capacity to 52.5 kWh and its energy density to 140 wh/kg. The new EV offers 110… Read more »
Spanish charging station maker Circontrol introduced a new 150 kW charger for e-buses, called the Raption 150, at the 2019 Busworld bus exhibition. The Raption 150 can charge at 600 volts, a voltage suitable for charging e-buses. Thanks to its modular system, Circontrol says the charger enjoys a high uptime and is scalable from 100… Read more »
