Newswire

New ORNL hardware-in-the-loop facility simulates advanced ICEs combined with electrification

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have developed a new testing capability to explore new automotive technology, including hybrid vehicle architectures, in real-world drive cycles. The new facility is focused on low-temperature combustion engines, but builds upon the powertrain-in-the-loop expertise established by ORNL’s Vehicle Systems Integration Laboratory. The hardware-in-the-loop setup includes a transient dynamometer… Read more »

BMW Digital Charging Service optimizes charging to minimize costs and maximize solar

Recognizing that smart charging is the wave of the future, BMW i has introduced its new Digital Charging Service (DCS), which it calls an “intelligent service for predictive, convenient, cost-effective and green power-optimized charging.” DCS is designed to carry out the charging process independently and autonomously. Its two core functions are tariff-optimized and solar-optimized charging…. Read more »

Data shows what we all knew: The auto industry isn’t advertising its EVs

It has long been apparent to EV journalists (or to anyone who watches TV or reads magazines) that automakers have little interest in advertising their plug-in models – we’re inundated with car ads every hour of every day, but the clever commercials seldom mention the 30 or so EVs and PHEVs that are theoretically available… Read more »

UL developing safety standard for second-life EV batteries

There are currently more than 1.5 million EVs on the world’s roads, and over the next year or two, the first wave of batteries will be coming to the end of their automotive life cycles, while retaining around 80% of their original capacities, still sufficient for a number of stationary energy storage applications. Before beginning… Read more »

Torqeedo introduces adapted BMW i3 battery for marine use, range extender, fixed pod motor

Marine motor manufacturer Torqeedo will introduce three new products for electric mobility on the water at the upcoming Electric and Hybrid Marine World Expo Florida and Miami International Boat Show. Torqeedo has adapted BMW’s i3 battery to work with its 40 or 80 hp Deep Blue outboard motors. The prismatic cell design provides efficient cooling… Read more »

Could a new supercapacitor technology replace batteries?

Supercapacitors, which feature long cycle life and high power density, are a common topic here at Charged – many foresee them working together with batteries. However, researchers from Augmented Optics in collaboration with the University of Surrey and the University of Bristol, have developed new electrolytes that they believe could be used to create supercapacitors… Read more »

California city to deploy 10 GreenPower electric buses

GreenPower Motor Company has announced that the City of Porterville will deploy 10 of the company’s EV350 40-foot electric transit buses, as well as charging infrastructure including 11 charging stations, supported by a $9.5-million grant from the California Air Resources Board. CARB’s award to Porterville was one of nine awards from the Zero-Emission Truck and… Read more »

CCSplus aims to deliver 100 km of range in 3-5 minutes

Long charging times represent one of the most commonly-cited barriers to widespread EV adoption, and with ranges getting longer, the need for faster charging becomes even more pressing. Pennsylvania-based Phoenix Contact plans to demonstrate its CCSplus fast charging system at the upcoming North American International Auto Show. CCSplus builds on the established CCS charging standard,… Read more »

Lucid Motors and Samsung SDI collaborate on next-generation cylindrical cells

EV startup Lucid Motors and battery giant Samsung SDI have entered a partnership under which Samsung will supply lithium-ion cells for the Lucid Air executive sedan, which is scheduled to begin production in late 2018. The two companies have collaborated to develop next-generation cylindrical cells that they say exceed current performance benchmarks in energy density,… Read more »

Envision Solar receives order for 12 Solar Tree systems

San Diego-based Envision Solar (OTCQB: EVSI) makes two unique solar-powered charging solutions (see the May/June 2016 issue of Charged). Just a few days after announcing a sale of 13 EV ARC self-contained charging units to a California transit agency, the company announced that an Illinois municipality has ordered 12 Solar Tree arrays. The Solar Tree… Read more »