REE, an Israeli startup developing a corner module that integrates the wheel and drive components into a single unit, has cooperated with Hino Motors, a provider of commercial vehicles, on Hino’s new FlatFormer modular concept. The FlatFormer is a flat, super-flexible chassis that supports a range of body configurations. The vehicle maker showcased the concept… Read more »
Colorado-based Lightning Systems, a developer of electric drivetrains, has raised $41 million in a recent funding round led by BP Ventures. Private equity fund Cupola Infrastructure Income Fund contributed as a new investor. Lightning will use the funding to ramp up production of electric powertrains for Ford Transits, Ford E-450s, Ford F-59 step vans, Chevrolet… Read more »
Swindon Powertrain will launch an 80 kW powertrain designed for low-volume sports cars. The high-power-density system will weigh 70 kg and measure 600 mm long, 440 mm wide, and 280 mm high. Funded by Niche Vehicle Network in partnership with electric motor manufacturer iNetic and automotive specialist Code, the new powertrain is scheduled to begin… Read more »
Fujitsu has launched the FTR-E3 series, a 150-A power relay that offers a minimum mechanical life of 300,000 operations and minimum electric life of 30,000 operations. The new automotive-grade relay is intended for use in EV battery-junction boxes, fast chargers, solar and industrial inverters, and the DC line of energy storage systems. Measuring 45 mm… Read more »
XALT Energy has launched the XPAND Low Profile (XLP) Pack, a high-energy-density battery pack for commercial EVs. The XLP Pack measures 185 mm high, 612 mm wide, and between 360 and 1,080 mm long, depending on energy capacity. Designed to fit within the frame rails of trucks and buses, the pack can be mounted horizontally… Read more »
Pierburg, a subsidiary of German parts maker Rheinmetall Automotive, has developed an AC compressor for EVs that integrates the compressor, electric motor and power electronics into one modular, compact unit. In ICE vehicles, the AC compressor is typically driven by a pulley and V-belt. EVs lack this mechanism, so the AC compressor is driven by… Read more »
According to a recent article in Business Korea, SK Innovation – a subsidiary of Korea’s giant SK conglomerate – is planning to invest $1.05 billion USD to build an EV battery manufacturing plant in Yancheng, China. The new plant will join the company’s pre-existing battery plant in Changzhou. SK Innovation’s plans for the new plant… Read more »
Volkswagen will begin manufacturing a server developed by parts supplier Continental for its upcoming ID family of EVs. VW will use the technology as an in-car application server that will allow wireless updates in the future. The new server forms just one part of the more comprehensive ICAS1 processor, one of three central processors that… Read more »
In September 2019, sales of new passenger EVs with NCM 811 battery cells accounted for 18% of all passenger EV battery capacity deployed in China and 7% of all capacity deployed globally, according to Adamas Intelligence’s latest EV Battery Capacity Monthly report. For the second month in a row, NCM 811 was second only to… Read more »
Hitachi Automotive Systems is starting mass production of its 800-volt, high-output EV inverter. The company says that, thanks to its strong cooling performance, the new inverter delivers twice the voltage and 2.7 times the power density of previous generations. Most EVs are based on a 400-volt system, so in order to increase driving range, additional… Read more »