Newswire

EverCharge’s power management system for MUDs attracts $1.4 million in seed funding

EverCharge, a California company that offers an intelligent EV charging solution for multi-unit dwellings, has received a seed investment of $1.4 million led by the venture fund Bolt. The company will use the new funds to continue its national expansion, and to further develop its SmartPower technology platform. SmartPower uses real-time charging management to allow… Read more »

PowerAmerica offers funding for wide bandgap semiconductor projects

PowerAmerica, a private-public partnership led by North Carolina State University, has released a call for projects to advance wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor technology. Funding is available for projects to accelerate commercialization of WBG power electronics applications in high voltage systems, efficient motors and other transportation- and renewable energy-related fields. Objectives for eligible projects include: Lowering… Read more »

How much of a change is VW’s promised pivot to plug-ins?

Demoralized by its diesel deception, will Volkswagen now get serious about EVs? “Arguably, no major OEM is better positioned than VW to decisively accelerate the push towards plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles,” Lux Research recently noted, “[However], they will most likely carry on as usual after some apologies.” This week, VW’s board of directors released… Read more »

NOHMs wins $1.64-million contract to develop ionic liquid-based electrolytes

The United States Advanced Battery Consortium has awarded a $1.64-million contract to Rochester-based NOHMs (Nano Organic Hybrid Materials) Technologies for the development of electrolytes for lithium-ion battery applications. The 18-month program will focus on ionic liquid-based electrolyte and co-solvent combinations that exhibit high ionic conductivity and stability for application in 4.6-5.0-volt lithium-ion batteries. Founded in… Read more »

ClipperCreek’s ProMountDuo offers dual charging on a single pedestal

ClipperCreek has a solution for just about every charging situation, including some you may never have thought about. Its new ProMountDuo, aimed at the fleet and commercial markets, can provide single or dual Level 1 or Level 2 charging, making it possible to charge two vehicles from one post. The ProMountDuo supports two stations and… Read more »

What does Elon Musk think of the Apple iCar?

There’s no longer any doubt that Apple is doing some electric vehicle R&D. Whether an actual iCar will eventually disrupt the dinosaurs of Detroit remains to be seen, but a Greek chorus of auto industry insiders is already warning the champions of Cupertino not to do battle with this dragon. A recent Fortune article ridiculed… Read more »

European researchers: Our new Li-sulfur battery is more energy-dense, cheaper and safer

EU-funded researchers in the LISSEN (Lithium Sulfur Superbattery Exploiting Nanotechnology) project have developed a new lithium-sulfur battery that uses lithiated silicon as the anode and a nanostructured sulfur-carbon composite as the cathode. The team says its battery offers an energy density at least three times higher than that of current lithium battery technology, as well… Read more »

Karma is Fisker is Karma: The Luxury PHEV company rebrands and continues hiring

Fisker Automotive, the maker of the star-crossed plug-in hybrid sports car called the Karma, has now changed its name to Karma Automotive. The Fisker story has been colorful, and mostly tragic, since renowned designer Henrik Fisker co-founded the company in 2007. It was involved in a lawsuit with Tesla, became an issue in the 2012… Read more »

Volvo: Electric buses could save cities millions per year

It’s indisputable that electric buses can save local transit authorities substantial amounts on fuel and maintenance costs. However, a new analysis conducted by the Volvo Group and the audit and advisory firm KPMG finds that, taking into consideration such factors as noise, travel time and emissions, the total savings may be much higher. “Standard investment… Read more »