Siemens, in partnership with EV manufacturer StreetScooter, is developing a centralized computing architecture for EVs that will make it possible to retrofit new features using a “plug-and-play” process, and to push software updates to vehicles as is currently done with smartphones (and Tesla vehicles). The RACE (Robust and Reliable Automotive Computing Environment for Future eCars)… Read more »
Audi plans to have a plug-in hybrid version of each of its “key models” by 2020, reiterated Board Member for Technical Development Ulrich Hackenberg. Speaking at the launch of the A3 Sportback e-tron, Hackenberg said Audi had decided to prioritize plug-in hybrids because “they meet all of our customers’ expectations.” He said that Audi is developing… Read more »
Steady progress was the theme of Tesla’s second-quarter report, released after the bell on Thursday. Development of the Gigafactory is firmly on track – the company formalized a partnership agreement with Panasonic, and has broken ground at a site near Reno, Nevada. Although, the final location of the factory is still uncertain. “Consistent with our… Read more »
Are the knights of nanotechnology closing in on the Grail at last? A team of researchers at Stanford University claim that they are, and have chronicled their deeds in the journal Nature Nanotechnology. The valiant engineers report that they have designed a pure lithium anode. “Of all the materials that one might use in an… Read more »
The Chinese auto parts giant Wanxiang Group, Fisker’s new owner, is working to restart production of the Karma at a plant in Finland, and hopes to eventually assemble the luxury PHEV in the US. Two of the company’s top execs have been on a US tour, meeting with officials and politicians in Delaware, where Fisker… Read more »
Originally posted 7/29/2014 Panasonic has reached a basic agreement to participate in Tesla’s Gigafactory. The battery-maker will likely invest 20-30 billion yen ($194-291 million) initially, according to Nikkei. Tesla plans to start construction this fiscal year, and to begin producing battery cells in 2017. The Californians will foot the bill for the land and buildings, and… Read more »
Google and the IEEE have launched the Littlebox Challenge – an open competition to design and build an inverter with the highest power density (at least 3.05 kW/L to enter) in a package of less than 0.66 L in volume. For comparison: The Bosch INVCON 2.3 inverter used in the Fiat 500e has a volume… Read more »
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) is working with 8 automakers and 15 electric utilities to develop an open platform that will integrate plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) with smart grid technologies. PEVs will be a critical part of the smart grid of the future, serving as a distributed energy resource to support grid reliability, stability… Read more »
Is there something incongruous about a hybrid Porsche? On the contrary – the world’s first hybrid was designed and built by Ferdinand Porsche himself in 1899. Porsche will introduce its third plug-in hybrid model when the new generation of the Cayenne goes on sale later this year. The premium SUV will be offered in five… Read more »
Electric utilities around the world are beginning to see the benefits of e-mobility, not least because it represents a growth market for a future in which consumers will be encouraged to use less electricity. A new white paper from the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) notes that “93% of the energy consumed in transportation today comes… Read more »
