Engineers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida have recently made a breakthrough in the development of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs). Current liquid electrolytes require thick, heavy housings in order to prevent leaks and fires from punctures, increasing their bulk and weight. SPEs solve many of these problems, but until recently, they were… Read more »
Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) has launched a public-private project to develop solid-state battery technology. Some 23 companies, including Panasonic, Toyota, Nissan and Honda, are involved. The group has set 2022 as the target date to develop core solid-state technologies, and ultimately aims to lower battery pack cost to $90 per… Read more »
Drivetrain specialist Voith has designed a drive system that uses self-learning energy management to increase efficiency and range. Although the system was originally designed for a Solaris Urbino Bus, it is compatible with many other battery technologies and vehicles, including articulated buses. The system will be introduced to the public at the upcoming IAA Commercial… Read more »
English auto tech developer AVID and Jaguar Land Rover are working along with four other companies to develop new hybrid powertrains. AVID specializes in components for heavy-duty and high-performance hybrid vehicles, including pumps, motors, fans, traction systems and battery management. The budding company spent £2 million to expand its production and R&D capabilities, and currently… Read more »
Infineon Technologies’ new CoolSiC diodes are designed for ruggedness and efficiency, to meet the high standards required of hybrid and electric vehicles. Infineon says these diodes are the most durable on the market, due to their high corrosion and humidity resistance. The company will release CoolSiC Diodes in the 650 V class in September. An… Read more »
TE Connectivity has announced its new EVC 80 for hybrid and electric vehicles. The EVC 80’s crucial feature is its relatively low maximum amperage of 80 A, which allows it to be used as either a main or auxiliary contactor. Its compact design also features improved heat dissipation, and allows it to be used in… Read more »
Lithium Werks, a producer of Li-ion phosphate energy cells, and Super B, a specialist in lithium battery solutions, have agreed to work together to increase their overall battery production. The agreement calls for an expansion of Super B’s operations, including solutions for transportation and renewable energy needs, and a ramping-up of Lithium Werks’ nanophosphate cell… Read more »
Sponsored by Littelfuse By Carlos Castro, Global Director Marketing Automotive Electronics, Littelfuse, Inc. As hybrid and electric vehicles roll closer to battery power drive systems with 48V or higher, the lithium-ion battery in a closed system is the clear leader for power. Lithium-ion gets high marks in cost, energy efficiency, temperature performance, power-to-weight ratio and lifecycle…. Read more »
Northvolt plans to build a new Li-ion battery factory with an annual capacity of 32 GWh, aided by a €10-million investment from Siemens. This partnership will make Northvolt the main Li-ion battery supplier for Siemens and promote the use of new technologies and production methods. The new plant is meant to be an analog to… Read more »
How do you solve a problem like cobalt? The blue metallic element is used in significant quantities in EV batteries, but half the world’s supply of comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a war-torn land in which child labor is common. Several automakers are already taking steps to reduce their use of the costly… Read more »