Delivering a welcome victory for the government’s policy of supporting American manufacturing, Tesla Motors has paid off the loan it received from the Department of Energy nine years ahead of schedule, giving taxpayers a profit of at least $12 million on the original $465 million loan, Reuters reported. “I would like to thank the Department… Read more »
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A new LEAF, localized manufacturing, and a focus on infrastructure
With a longer range and a lower price, the 2013 Nissan LEAF screams upgrade, but it’s only one small aspect of the company’s aggressive EV strategy. Proprietary, localized manufacturing and improved infrastructure also play key roles in Nissan’s plan for world domination electrification. Sometime back in the 60s, Mr or Mrs Ghosn must have put… Read more »
Linear Technology’s new active cell balancer
Linear’s new addition to the battery pack systems family is what it calls a “high efficiency bidirectional multicell active balancer” (part number LTC3300). Have you heard the old adage – no two snowflakes are alike? Well, the same goes for cells in a battery pack. No matter how precise the manufacturing techniques, there will always… Read more »
OXIS Energy bets on lithium-sulfur
Though it may have a stinky reputation, sulfur could set EVs on the path to total ICE replacement if energy-dense, low-weight lithium-sulfur batteries become the norm. British-based OXIS Energy is banking its business on it. If American clean energy industries are to take full advantage of the emerging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery chemistry, they just may… Read more »
Erik Spek on battery abuse testing, improving safety, and developing standards
(This article originally appeared in Charged Issue 7 – MAR/APR 2013) Q&A with Erik Spek: The Chief Engineer at TÜV SÜD Canada on battery abuse testing, improving safety, and developing standards. When analyzing the current state of lithium-ion technology, it helps to look back at the development of the nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH). Some argued that hybrid automotive… Read more »
It’s in the details: Digatron Firing Circuits’ new stop-start testing rig
Digatron Firing Circuits’ new stop-start testing rig examines the limitations of lead-acid batteries and the inadequacy of traditional static tests. As the battery in a stop-start system ages, the fuel efficiency advantages are curtailed. It’s a real problem found in some first-generation systems, and has led many to question the methodology used in urban-efficiency tests…. Read more »
Consumer Reports: Tesla Model S is the best car since 2007 (VIDEO)
Tired of hearing about a certain California carmaker? Well, sorry. Tesla’s name is all over the press this week, from gushers about stock market success to sour-grapes hit pieces about ZEV credits to tantalizing hints of next-gen batteries and self-driving sedans. However, this is the most important news of all for a prospective Model S buyer: Consumer… Read more »
Bosch introduces a Level 2 charger for under $450
Bosch Automotive Service Solutions (formerly SPX Service Solutions) has introduced what it claims is the first EV charging station with a price under $450, about half that of most current EV chargers. The Bosch Power Max is UL-certified, and is designed to work with all electric vehicles. Features include no-touch operation, a NEMA 3R enclosure for… Read more »
New Sendyne IC greatly increases dynamic range of current measurement
This week brought exciting news for fans of measuring current through resistive shunts. Sendyne Corp. has announced the new SFP100, a high precision current sensing IC that extends the range of accurate current measurements by at least an order of magnitude. With the Sendyne SFP100, ultra-low resistance and low-power consumption shunts can now be used… Read more »
Tesla in Texas: direct sales and a new electric truck plant?
Not content to change the way automobiles are powered, Tesla Motors is now at the center of a battle that could change the way they are sold. CEO Elon Musk testified Tuesday in Texas in favor of pending legislation that would allow the company to sell cars directly to customers in the state. Current Texas… Read more »