San José International Airport (SJC), which provides services for the Silicon Valley area, is purchasing a fleet of 10 Proterra e-buses to transport passengers between SJC’s parking lots, rental car center and terminals. Funded in part by a $5-million zero-emissions grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, the electric buses will replace the aging CNG fleet… Read more »
German machine and tool manufacturer GROB says it’s preparing for the rapid electrification of the car industry by developing manufacturing equipment for the mass production of EVs, specifically for motors and batteries. To speed up the development of its own equipment, GROB acquired Italian mechanical engineering company DMG meccanica in 2017, renaming it GROB Italy…. Read more »
LED and semiconductor manufacturer Cree will invest up to $1 billion to expand its silicon carbide materials capability and wafer fabrication capacity. Slated for completion in 2024, the expansion will entail the development of an automated 200 mm silicon carbide fabrication facility and a materials factory in Durham, North Carolina. The plan includes the buildout… Read more »
Amsterdam may be known for its tolerance, but air pollution from vehicles is a sin that won’t be tolerated for much longer. Dutch authorities say pollution is shortening the average life expectancy of Amsterdammers by a year, and they plan to ban cars and motorbikes running on gas or diesel from driving in the city… Read more »
The latest annual survey by AAA found that, while many Americans are interested in electric vehicles, a lack of knowledge about them is likely contributing to the slow rate of adoption. AAA conducted a telephone survey of 1,000 adults in April 2019. “Today, more than 200,000 electric cars can be found on roads across the… Read more »
Dow’s new DOWSIL EC-6601 Electrically Conductive Adhesive is a silicone adhesive that’s designed for electromagnetic compatibility. It combines shielding against electromagnetic interference across a range of frequencies with durable mechanical and conductive properties over time. Dow showcased the new adhesive at a recent battery expo, along with the company’s EA-4700 CV Adhesive, which bonds metals… Read more »
The Chinese market for EV battery nickel increased 253 percent in January 2019 compared to January 2018, according to a report from research firm Adamas Intelligence. China is now the largest market for battery nickel in passenger EVs. The growth is being driven by a shift from Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) to Nickel Cobalt Manganese… Read more »
21st-century soldiers use lots of battery-powered gadgets, and they need batteries that are light to carry, safe, and impervious to abuse – exactly the characteristics required by EV batteries. A new battery tech developed by the US Army has attracted the attention of battery luminary Jeff Dahn, who works with Tesla on battery research. In… Read more »
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 »
