The principal motor engineer at Tesla describes why modeling and optimization is so vital to its design process. Creating a start-of-the-art electric vehicle requires a deep understanding of all the components. More importantly, it requires a continual process of analysis and optimization of the components to push the limits of driving range, efficiency, performance and… Read more »
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Can Tanktwo redefine the battery pack with big data?
A Finnish-American start-up with ambitious goals wants to change how we think about batteries. The concept of an EV that supports the quick removal and replacement of a discharged battery pack was all the rage about 5 years ago. Since then, however, various systems have been attempted and subsequently abandoned by companies like BetterPlace, Renault,… Read more »
EV marketing efforts continue to miss the mark, determining the reasons why is complicated
Most of us in the EV industry are probably tired of the mainstream media’s constant stream of “EVs aren’t selling” articles, which began around the time the Volt made its debut, and will probably continue until the day the last ICE vehicle rolls off the line. Well, for the near future, it’s only going to… Read more »
Tesla leads the pack as overall 2015 plug-in sales fall short
2015 was a year of retrenching and preparation for the future in the EV industry. US sales for the year were around 116,000, falling short of 2014’s figure of 123,000. The Tesla Model S grabbed and held the lead position, handily outselling all other plug-ins in the US with 25,700 deliveries. However, the big news… Read more »
Navigant Research: $14 billion worth of advanced batteries shipped in 2014
Demand for advanced batteries, which are used not only in electrified vehicles, but also in consumer electronics and grid-management applications, continues to grow at a healthy pace. According to a new report from Navigant Research, the industry shipped 53.3 GWh of batteries in 2014 – that represents more than $14 billion in sales, a 7.1-percent… Read more »
Volvo’s new S90 sedan will offer plug-in hybrid version
Volvo will unveil its new S90 premium sedan at the Detroit auto show (NAIAS) in January. One of the powertrain options will be a T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid. Thus, the S90 will be the second Volvo to offer a plug-in powertrain using the SPA modular chassis system (the XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV went… Read more »
Ford reveals ambitious electrification plans
For the past several months, we EV newshounds have suspected that Ford had plans for a new generation of plug-ins up its sleeve. Now the #2 US automaker is beginning to reveal its answer to electric rivals GM, Nissan, VW et al. Ford announced plans to invest a record $4.5 billion in electric tech over… Read more »
ChargePoint Places lets businesses offer special promotions to EV drivers
Network operator ChargePoint has launched a new program that aims to help businesses attract affluent EV owners. ChargePoint Places allows retail and hospitality companies that offer EV charging to create exclusive offers that ChargePoint then promotes to its members. EV drivers are a coveted market segment – according to ChargePoint, 85 percent have higher than… Read more »
Porsche going ahead with Mission E EV
Is that an electrically powered Porsche approaching in the distance? The German sports car maker has given the green light for a project called Mission E, with the aim of launching a new EV by the end of the decade. Porsche also announced a major program of expansion and upgrades at its Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant, which… Read more »
Torqeedo’s 20 hp equivalent electric outboard motor
Torqeedo has added a new model to its line of electric marine propulsion systems. The Cruise 10.0 is a 20-horsepower-equivalent, emission-free outboard that can plane light boats at speeds up to 28 mph and move 3-10 ton displacement hulls at up to 9 mph. The Cruise 10.0’s electronically commutated, brushless DC motor provides up to… Read more »