PSA Group, the maker of the Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands, is preparing to test a free-piston linear generator from Israeli startup Aquarius Engines as a range extender for its EVs. “We are evaluating the technology,” said PSA Research and Development Director Gilles Le Borgne. “Nothing has been decided yet.” The free-piston linear generator has… Read more »
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) has been selected as a drivetrain provider and vehicle integrator for an electrification program by the San Diego Port Tenants Association (SDPTA). Also selected were BYD and Transportation Power. As part of the program, EDI will create a series of electric port trucks, and electrify forklift vehicle accessories. The electrified port… Read more »
Electric utility Duke Energy, which serves some 7 million customers in several Midwestern and Southern states, plans to provide $1 million to help cities and towns develop public charging stations for residents. Duke’s EV Charging Infrastructure Support Project will pay 100% of costs, up to $5,000 per charge port, $20,000 per site, or $50,000 per… Read more »
Protean Electric, a developer of in-wheel electric drive systems, has generated $70 million in funding from an equity financing round. The company will use the new money to ramp up production in China of its PD18 product line. Protean is setting up a manufacturing site in Tianjin, China, and plans to form a manufacturing joint… Read more »
Some call lithium “white gold,” but in fact, lately the light metal has been beating gold in appreciation, becoming the hottest metal of 2016 for commodities traders. Although lithium’s price rise has slowed in recent months, the fundamentals suggest strong potential for long-term growth, according to James Stafford of Oilprice.com. “There is no doubt as… Read more »
Automotive technology is advancing steadily, according to a new federal report, so automakers should be on track to meet 2025 clean car standards with known technologies, at the same cost, or lower, than previously estimated. The EPA, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB), is conducting… Read more »
Energy storage provider Cadenza Innovation has raised over $5 million in growth capital, which it will use to expand product development, secure additional certifications, extend initial deployments and make key new hires. Cadenza says its novel pack architecture enables longer range in a smaller footprint, and its integrated fire protection eliminates fires caused by thermal… Read more »
The Obama administration, a reliable booster of electromobility, has announced a new package of measures aimed at helping to put more EVs on the road. While EVangelists may be disappointed that the package contains little in the way of new money or mandates, it will hopefully lay the groundwork for more cooperation among governments, private… Read more »
Daido Steel and Honda have collaborated to develop a hot deformed neodymium magnet that contains no heavy rare earth elements, but still delivers the high heat resistance and high magnetic performance required for a hybrid vehicle motor. Neodymium magnets are prized for use in electrified vehicle motors, as they have the highest magnetic force of… Read more »
Tesla has ended a buyback offer that guaranteed the resale value of its cars. A Tesla spokesperson said the program was discontinued “to keep interest rates as low as possible and offer a compelling lease and loan program to customers.” The aim of the program, which began in 2013, was presumably to reassure buyers who… Read more »
