Automobile component manufacturer Meritor will acquire drivetrain company AxleTech for $175 million in an effort to expand its off-highway, defense, and aftermarket segments. AxelTech’s offerings include a line of independent suspensions, axles, braking solutions, and drivetrain components. The company recently launched a new line of electric powertrain systems for off-highway applications. Jay Craig, Meritor’s CEO… Read more »
Charging network operator Electrify America, VW’s government-mandated penance for Dieselgate, is working with nine companies to host more than 30 ultra-fast charging stations across the US. The companies include grocery chains Kroger and Save Mart, a handful of real estate investment trusts, and real estate company Pan-Cal. More than 20 of the new charging sites… Read more »
Electric battery and powertrain technology company XING Mobility has launched a new EV battery pack. The Immersion Cooled Modular Battery Pack System is modularized and fully integrated, according to the company. Equipped with stackable micro-modules, the system can be configured into distinct sizes and shapes, including triangular, T-shaped, and U-shaped packs. To manage thermal challenges,… Read more »
EVs use twice as much copper as legacy vehicles, and smart phones, tablets and other popular consumer electronics are also consuming increasing amounts of the conductive metal. Growing demand and tight supply could soon lead to shortages of copper, nickel and other key minerals used in EV batteries. As Reuters reports, Sarah Maryssael, Tesla’s Global… Read more »
News travels by strange paths these days. The world first learned of a tentative deal for electric truck maker Workhorse to buy GM’s idled Lordstown, Ohio plant via a self-congratulatory tweet by the President of the US. If the deal goes through, it could be a win-win-win-win: Workhorse might receive a windfall like the one… Read more »
EVSE manufacturer ClipperCreek has announced a new dual EV charging station solution. The HCS-D40 is a 32-amp, 7.7 kW Level 2 hardwired station that can charge two vehicles simultaneously. It installs onto a single dedicated 40-amp circuit, and automatically splits power between two vehicles based on their requests for power. It provides up to 16… Read more »
Researchers have developed a conductor material that could lead to all-solid-state batteries with the highest energy density achieved to date. Current batteries employ organic liquid electrolytes that are prone to leakage, flammability, and limited energy density, issues which could be eliminated with all-solid-state batteries. The researchers developed a complex lithium superionic conductor that showed high… Read more »
The Illinois state legislature is considering a bill that would impose by far the highest fee on EV ownership of any US state. The legislation, introduced by Democratic Senator Martin Sandoval of Chicago, would raise the annual registration fee for electric vehicles from the current $17.50 to $1,000. The bill, which is aimed at raising… Read more »
Mercedes has begun production of the EQC, a pure electric SUV that represents the German automaker’s first native EV (built to be electric, not adapted from a legacy vehicle). The company has begun taking orders, and deliveries are expected to start next month. Mercedes says the EQC SUV is already sold out for the year…. Read more »
Nanostructure specialist Xtalic has created new nanostructured metal alloys and coatings for EV applications, including: • Extending the life of charging connectors • Producing stable components for high-temperature environments • Lightweighting • Improving corrosion resistance Equipped with Xtalic’s nanostructured allows, XTRONIC and LUNA, charging connectors achieve more than 10,000 charge cycles in real-world conditions, according… Read more »
