Nickel deployment in passenger EV batteries totaled 59,271 tonnes in 2019, according to Adamas Intelligence, representing an increase of 39% from 2018. BEVs were responsible for 76% of passenger battery nickel use globally in 2019, up from 71% in 2018. The sales-weighted average amount of nickel deployed per EV globally in 2019 was 12.9 kilograms,… Read more »
Chemical company BASF announced a new battery materials production site in Schwarzheide, Germany, as part of its multi-step investment in Europe’s EV value chain. The new plant will produce cathode active materials with an initial capacity enabling the supply of around 400,000 pure EVs per year with BASF battery materials. The company says the Schwarzheide… Read more »
The University of Texas at Austin has agreed to transfer patents relating to a new type of electrolyte to be used in solid-state lithium batteries to Hydro-Québec, Canada’s largest electricity producer. The patents are co-invented by Dr. John B. Goodenough—a professor at The University of Texas at Austin and the 2019 Nobel Laureate in chemistry—and… Read more »
Nidec has launched two new models of traction motor systems: a 200 kW model for the D and E segments and a 50 kW model for the A segment. Both models are based on Nidec’s 150 kW E-Axle. Targeting luxury EVs for the European and Chinese markets, the 200 kW model features a motor and… Read more »
In 2019, 95.6 GWh of battery capacity was deployed globally in new passenger EVs, an increase of 30% over the prior year, according to a tracking system developed by Adamas Intelligence. Asia Pacific led the pack with 50.9 GWh deployed, an increase of 27% year-over-year. Europe followed with 23.9 GWh deployed, a large increase of… Read more »
From the beginning, Tesla’s use of readily available cylindrical battery cells gave it an advantage over other EV-makers, which used proprietary prismatic or pouch cells. In 2015, JB Straubel explained why Tesla was sticking with cylindrical cells, even though others found it a controversial decision. Over the years, many writers have noted Tesla’s battery tech… Read more »
Sponsored by Chroma System Solutions On rare occasions, an electrical short can develop inside a cell after passing production tests. This is due to burrs or particles on the positive electrode reaching the negative electrode after inflation occurs. If these cells that are susceptible to failure pass through to the end user, the results could be… Read more »
Yamaha Motor has begun accepting orders for a high-performance electric motor prototype capable of producing high power density for EVs. The company says the compact unit generates up to 200 kW thanks to a high-efficiency segment conductor and advanced casting and processing technologies. Yamaha says the goal of the project is to deepen its knowledge… Read more »
Semiconductor manufacturer ROHM has announced new shunt resistors ideal for current detection in motors and power supply circuits used in EVs and industrial equipment. The GMR50 series of resistors deliver 4 W rated power (at electrode temperature TK=90° C) in the compact 5.0 mm × 2.5 mm (2010 type package) size. Shunt resistors are widely… Read more »
Saft, an affiliate of French oil and gas company Total, and Opel, a subsidiary of French automaker Groupe PSA, are establishing a joint venture called the Automotive Cell Company (ACC), which will create EV batteries starting in 2023. The project will begin with a phase of research and development, including construction of a €200-million (about… Read more »