Like musicians, car brands of middling stature in their home markets sometimes become big stars in other regions, and such is the case with Buick in China. The Middle Kingdom is by far the largest market for Buicks in the world, apparently due to the fact that it was the favored brand of Pu Yi,… Read more »
Spicer SmartConnect AWD Disconnect Technology Dana Incorporated (NYSE: DAN) is showcasing technologies from its Spicer Electrified portfolio of integrated motor, control, and e-drive technologies, as well as thermal management products for electric and hybrid vehicles, at Auto Shanghai 2017. On display is Dana’s new Spicer electric motor-driven gearbox, which is engineered to deliver better acceleration… Read more »
Electronics giant ABB has won a contract to provide electric bus charging infrastructure for a fleet of Volvo 7900 12-meter electric buses that will serve Harrogate, a historic spa town in northern England. ABB will supply three HVC 300P charging stations and an electric substation. ABB says this project will be the first in the… Read more »
One of the most interesting questions in the automotive world right now: How seriously are the incumbents taking the threat from our favorite California startup? One answer might be found at a recent event near Munich, where an image of Elon Musk appeared on a screen as a narrator ominously intoned, “We’re in the midst… Read more »
European fast-charging network operator Fastned has acquired its first 14 locations in Germany. Each location will include multiple fast chargers, which will be upgradable to power levels of 150 to 350 kW. The new charging stations will be conveniently located along major highways. Fastned is cooperating with hotel chain Van der Valk and property developer… Read more »
Tesla has never been afraid to ignore “the way things are done” in the auto industry, and its willingness to skip costly and time-consuming processes is part of the reason the company is able to get things done so quickly. As Tesla gears up for an unprecedented expansion of production volume, it plans to cut… Read more »
TT Electronics has launched a new series of SMT miniature power inductors targeted at automotive applications. The HM73E-10 line of inductors is aimed at high-efficiency DC-DC applications where size is critical. RoHS compliant and AEC-Q200 certified, the new inductors are suited for use in hybrid and electric powertrains and start-stop systems. The new components are… Read more »
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART), which serves the Tampa, Florida metro area, has leased 4 Tesla Model X for a new ride-sharing service. The purchase was funded through donations from local businesses in the University of South Florida (USF) area, where the service will be offered. The new Teslas will be part of HART’s HyperLink… Read more »
The Toyota Prius is one of those cars that you see everywhere – it isn’t exactly an “old classic,” like an aging Corvette or Cadillac, but rather an “old faithful,” like a Honda Civic or a Volvo. Their owners don’t take them to classic car shows, but many of these workhorses have been on the… Read more »
Vancouver-based Delta-Q Technologies provides battery charging solutions for less-glamorous but essential electric vehicles such as forklifts, aerial work platforms, floor care machines, scooters and golf carts. In this world, the old trusty lead-acid battery is just in the process of being superseded by lithium-ion chemistries, and Delta-Q recently released its first lithium-specific battery charger. The… Read more »
