Wide Bandgap (WBG) semiconductor technologies have attracted a lot of attention and research funding in the past decade. Both public and private institutions around the world have been obsessed with accelerating the evolution of WBG tech into commercial power electronics applications. What’s all the fuss about? WBG materials such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Plug and Charge"
GM sells Opel to PSA – What does this mean for the European Bolt?
GM has confirmed that it will sell its European Opel division to PSA Peugeot Citroën, for 2.2 billion euros ($2.33 billion). GM has controlled Opel for more than 90 years, but it has lost almost $20 billion over the past two decades. Currency fluctuations due to Brexit contributed to a $257 million loss in 2016,… Read more »
Kia exec: EV version of Niro wagon to be offered in 2018
Vehicles from South Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia often share components and technology, although the two brands compete in the marketplace. The Kia Niro hybrid wagon and the new Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid hatchback share the same platform and powertrain. The 2017 Ioniq will be offered in hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric models – the EV… Read more »
Thermoelectric generators convert waste heat from an ICE to electricity
The Institute of Vehicle Concepts at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is working with Yamaha to develop thermoelectric generator modules for on-road and rail vehicles. In “Development of a Thermoelectric Module Suitable for Vehicles and Based on CoSb3 Manufactured Close to Production,” published in the Journal of Electronic Materials, Mirko Klein Altstedde and colleagues explain… Read more »
PG&E PHEV will help keep the lights on during power outages
Pacific Gas and Electric Company and Efficient Drivetrains Incorporated (EDI) have unveiled a new Class 6 PHEV utility truck with exportable power capacity that can be used to manage both planned and unplanned outages. The plug-in hybrid drivetrain offers an electric range of 50 miles, and reduces emissions by 80 percent compared to legacy vehicles…. Read more »
Prototype images of next-gen Nissan LEAF published by Motor Authority
The Nissan LEAF has earned a place of high honor in the plug-in pantheon. Until Tesla’s Model S started to take off, it was the unchallenged top seller among pure EVs, and it remains the only mid-priced EV to achieve anything resembling mass-market sales. However, the respected elder statesman has been overtaken by younger rivals…. Read more »
Volvo Buses receives order for 90 electric buses from Belgium
Public transport operator the TEC Group, which serves the Belgian cities of Charleroi and Namur, has ordered 90 Volvo 7900 Electric Hybrid buses as well as 12 ABB charging stations. Delivery and installation will get underway this fall. TEC brought 11 Volvo 7900s into service in Namur in January. Once the new buses take to… Read more »
Audi plans 5 more e-tron models for China
Audi and its Chinese partner the FAW Group have crafted a new strategic growth plan that calls for expanding the line-up of models produced in China, including electrified vehicles. In the next five years, Audi and FAW plan to produce five additional e-tron models for the Chinese market, including pure EVs with ranges of more… Read more »
McKinsey survey finds EV awareness increasing, suggests strategies for OEMs to electrify
As the EV scene heats up, we’re starting to see a steady stream of studies and surveys analyzing the growing market. Assessments of consumers’ EV awareness vary considerably, and predictions for the future are all over the map. A recent report by investment analyst Goldman Sachs sees big changes ahead for the auto industry, but… Read more »
Global warming impact of Chrysler PHEV is 31% less than that of previous minivan
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid has a life-cycle global warming impact that’s 31% less than that of the previous-generation minivan, and 24% less than its 2017 gas-powered stablemate, according to an analysis by Fiat Chrysler (FCA). FCA’s engineers used an industry-standard software tool that determines Global Warming Potential (GWP), considering not only fuel… Read more »