Mitsubishi Electric has developed a working model of an ultra-compact silicon carbide (SiC) inverter for hybrid vehicles. The company believes it to be the world’s smallest SiC of its type, with a volume of only 5 liters. Mitsubishi also claims that the new inverter offers the world’s highest power density for two-motor hybrids: 86 kVA/L,… Read more »
Charging station manufacturer AeroVironment (NASDAQ: AVAV) is teaming up with eMotorWerks, a provider of cloud-connected smart-grid charging solutions. AeroVironment will integrate eMotorWerks’ JuiceNet charging platform into its line of consumer and OEM chargers. JuiceNet-enabled AeroVironment charging solutions will offer new features such as smartphone, web and voice control over charging, real-time and historic energy usage… Read more »
Volkswagen’s new e-Golf, with a larger battery pack and longer range, is now available for order in Europe, and will go on sale in the US later this spring. Prices start at €35,900 ($38,000) in Germany. US pricing is yet to be announced. The e-Golf’s battery capacity has been increased from 24.2 kWh to 35.8… Read more »
EV charging is becoming a trendy new amenity that businesses can offer to attract customers and make them stay a bit longer – but what kinds of businesses can benefit? Grocery stores could be likely candidates – doing the weekly shopping usually takes long enough that one could add enough charge to get back home… Read more »
The English automotive clean tech firm AVID Technology has signed a deal with GKN Hybrid Power to develop and manufacture electric motors. AVID will take over the existing EVO motors, and develop EVO technology to deliver new variants of the motor. According to the companies, the EVO motor’s high power density, ability to run at… Read more »
The California Air Resources Board (ARB) has voted unanimously to reaffirm the state’s clean car standards, setting up a confrontation with the regime in Washington. The Board’s decision comes after years of detailed analysis by ARB staff, culminating in a Midterm Review which concluded that the standards can be met on time, using known technologies,… Read more »
Take that, EV nay-sayers! As automakers prepare to meet with the new US regime to discuss watering down fuel efficiency regulations – which some fear is the first step to scaling back their EV programs – mayors of cities around the country have joined to demonstrate their interest in low-emission vehicles. Thirty cities, including New… Read more »
Motiv Power Systems has earned a valuable vote of confidence from Ford – the California manufacturer of electric powertrains is now a Ford Qualified Vehicle Modifier (QVM). Members of the QVM program can modify vehicles for commercial customers while keeping the original manufacturer’s warranty in force. With the new eQVM designation, Ford has expanded its… Read more »
Netherlands-based EV-Box has introduced a new home charging station with a modular, upgradable design. The new Elvi home charger is designed to be easily scalable, making home and condominium sites future-proof. As EV ranges are increasing, charging power levels are on the way up as well. Designed with the next generation of EVs in mind,… Read more »
Intel’s recent acquisition of Mobileye, an Israeli provider of autonomous driving technology, for $15 billion, has three interesting implications. The first is obvious: self-driving tech is expected to be huge, and companies are busily investing money and R&D efforts to position themselves as players. The second point, also apparent to observers in the tech world… Read more »
