The developing VW scandal has highlighted the lengths to which some automakers will go to find an alternative to electrification. Some industry gadflies have speculated that Volkswagen might opt to redeem itself by becoming a (sorely needed) leader in the electromobility field. “With hydrocarbon combustion we’ve hit the limits of physics,” Elon Musk told Auto… Read more »
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Model X delivered as Musk admits “we got a little carried away”
The long-awaited Model X is finally on the road – at least, a few of them are. In a super-duper sound-and-light show in Fremont, Elon Musk handed over the keys to the first six buyers. Production is just getting started, and it will take a while to ramp up to full volume. Musk offered no… Read more »
Researchers receive grant to develop universal onboard fast charger
A pair of professors at the University of Maryland Energy Research Center have been awarded a three-year, $460,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an onboard fast charger for EVs. Professors Alireza Khaligh and Patrick McCluskey are collaborating with Steven Rogers of Genovation, an EV builder in nearby Rockville, Maryland on the project,… Read more »
What will VW’s emissions scandal mean for the EV industry?
The world’s second-largest automaker has admitted that it systematically broke the law in order to evade environmental regulations. “Our company was dishonest with the EPA, and the California Air Resources Board and with all of you,” said Volkswagen’s US chief Michael Horn. “We have totally screwed up.” Tipped off by the International Council for Clean Transportation, the… Read more »
2016 Chevy Volt: GM’s top electrification engineers on designing the all-new EREV
When the Chevrolet Volt was launched at the end of 2010, I must confess that I gave it little chance of success. It seemed like an awkward compromise – buyers who wanted to go electric would surely prefer a pure EV, and buyers who weren’t ready to take that plunge had every reason to stick… Read more »
A closer look at torque ripple – minimizing its effects on electric machines
The Switched Reluctance Motor, or SRM, is often discussed as a prime choice for the next-generation EV traction motor. It is simple, robust, and arguably the least expensive of all motor types to manufacture. However, SRMs are notoriously difficult to control, and prone to emitting significant amounts of vibration and acoustic noise. The good news… Read more »
Lux Research: Infineon is a “clear winner” in power electronics field
Batteries get most of the press, but power electronics (gadgets like inverters, onboard chargers and DC/DC converters) are critical components of all sorts of electrified vehicles as well as high-tech energy solutions. As the electromobility/clean energy sector grows, leading companies in the power electronics field could be poised for major growth. Lux Research recently released… Read more »
Russian Prime Minister orders all gas stations to install EV charging stations
Well, that’s one way to get a charging network rolled out in a hurry. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has decreed that all gas stations must be equipped with public EV chargers by November 2016, the Moscow Times reported. Critics immediately pointed out the incongruity of such a sweeping measure in a country that is… Read more »
Tesla reveals details of Model X Signature Series
Tesla has launched an online configuration tool for existing reservation holders of the Model X Signature Series, revealing several previously unknown details of the ESUV, which is expected to begin deliveries in late September. The top-end Signature Series, which will be the first Model X version to be produced, includes a suite of special features,… Read more »
Novelis introduces high-strength aluminum alloys for automotive industry
As more automakers turn to aluminum to reduce the weight of their vehicles, Novelis, one of the world’s largest suppliers of aluminum sheet, has announced the development of the Advanz 7000-series of high-strength alloys designed for safety-critical auto components. According to Novelis, 7000-series products are two to three times stronger than currently-used automotive aluminum, and… Read more »