German media site Der Aktionär has reported (via InsideEVs) a rumor that Tesla is considering outsourcing European production of Model 3, possibly to Magna International, a global firm that provides parts to many OEMs, including Tesla, and in some cases even assembles complete vehicles under contract. Peter Haidenek, Finance Chairman of Tesla supplier Polytec, told… Read more »
Delta-Q Technologies has introduced a new addition to its family of lithium battery chargers. The new ICL900 is a 900 W charger, designed to charge battery systems of any lithium-ion chemistry from 9 to 15 cells in series. The new charger is suitable for use on any electric machine, including scooters, floor care machines, lift… Read more »
Global engineering firm Ricardo sees Silicon Valley as the emerging capital of automotive technology and innovation, so it is expanding its Santa Clara Technical Center, investing in new power electronics and vehicle build facilities. The Santa Clara facility already serves Ricardo’s customers in California, such as Peloton Technology. “Improved driver safety is one of the… Read more »
If you have a problem with your Tesla, the company may be able to fix it right in your driveway. Tesla says its Mobile Service (formerly known as Rangers) can fix over 80% of issues, using the equipment and parts carried in its service vans. There’s just one problem with this picture: the vans themselves… Read more »
Public transport operator MZK in the Polish city of Zielona Góra is planning to electrify 47 buses – 60% of the city’s fleet – and has chosen local firm Ekoenergetyka-Polska to supply the charging infrastructure The 4-million-euro project is the biggest of its kind in Poland. MZK will deploy multi-output e-bus charging stations at 11… Read more »
Cummins (NYSE: CMI), best known as a manufacturer of heavy-duty diesel engines, recently unveiled a prototype electric truck. Now the company has taken another step towards electrification with the acquisition of Brammo, which develops electric drivetrains and battery packs. Brammo was founded in 2002 to build electric motorcycles (and was featured in the February 2014… Read more »
Most of the time, using a public charger is a pretty hassle-free experience, but electronics behemoth ABB has developed a way to make it even more convenient. The company’s new Autocharge feature allows a charge session to be automatically started by simply connecting the vehicle to the charger – no RFiD card or mobile app… Read more »
The world’s most visited city plans to eliminate gas- and diesel-fueled cars by 2030. Paris City Hall said in a statement that France’s target date of 2040 for a transition to electric vehicles would require earlier phase-outs in large cities. The French capital has long been plagued by choking air pollution, leading authorities to ban… Read more »
Washington-based Zunum Aero, profiled in the July/August issue of Charged, has unveiled details of its first aircraft – a hybrid plane with a capacity of 12 passengers and a range of 700 miles. It will have a maximum cruise speed of 340 miles per hour, and a take-off distance of 2,200 feet. The company says… Read more »
The city of Los Angeles has ordered 2 zero-emission refuse trucks. These Class 8 trucks feature a Motiv All-Electric Powertrain, a Crane Carrier chassis, and an Amrep automated side-loader body. The trucks will be built by Amrep in Los Angeles, and are to be delivered in the first quarter of 2018. LA’s sanitation department expects… Read more »
