It was a banner year for plug-in vehicles, as 2013 sales (94,019) almost doubled 2012’s figure (52,581), and several new models made strong debuts – US buyers now have a choice of 16 mainstream plug-in models, compared to 9 at the end of last year. Overall US auto sales are up 8% in 2013, according… Read more »
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New microscopy technique gives researchers a better look inside batteries
Electricity may seem invisible, but storing it in batteries has some very physical effects. As a battery is charged and discharged, electrons and ions rush around from place to place, sometimes causing electrodes to change their shapes over time. As researchers experiment with improved electrode materials, it’s critical to get a microscopic view of what… Read more »
The most interesting part of the 2014 Cadillac ELR is the software
We often hear automotive engineers talk about the need for a better understanding of the components of an EV. Some have said that there is an inherent inefficiency in many systems because the parts – like the battery cells, motors and inverters – have historically been developed independently of each other and then integrated together…. Read more »
Rumors grow of redesigned Volt and another new Chevy EV in 2016
It’s technically still a rumor at this point, but it’s beginning to sound likely that Chevrolet plans to launch not only a next-generation Volt, but a new EV with a 200-mile range, around 2016. A recent article in Bloomberg Business Week about Mary Barra, who will take over from Dan Akerson as CEO of GM… Read more »
ABB earns UL listing for SAE Combo DC fast chargers
ABB, the international power broker, announced that it has received the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing for its latest family of DC fast chargers, the Terra 53 with SAE Combo functionality. The Terra 53 is available in 20 kW, 30 kW, 40 kW and 50 kW models, and buyers have the option of compatibility with SAE… Read more »
Mitsubishi slashes price of 2014 i-MiEV
Mitsubishi has drastically dropped the price of its 2014 i-MiEV, and added several features as standard equipment. The new MSRP is $22,995 – a $6,130 price reduction from the previous 2012 model year vehicle (was there really no 2013 model?). After tax breaks, California residents could be driving electric for $12,995 – no more than… Read more »
November sales: LEAF edges into lead, Prius falls back
It’s a nail-biting battle for the lead in the plug-in sales race. The Nissan LEAF barely edged into the lead for November, selling 2,003 units – one more than in October. Sales of the world’s most popular pure EV have already more than doubled 2012’s figure. The 2014 LEAF is in production now and should… Read more »
North Carolina research team demonstrates improved wireless power transmission
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technology for wireless power transmission that could bring the goal of dynamic wireless EV charging a step closer to reality. “We’ve made changes to both the receiver and the transmitter in order to make wireless energy transfer safer and more efficient,” says Dr. Srdjan Lukic,… Read more »
Hot air and smoke abound as Tesla Model S fires spread to the media
The first fire was easily dismissed as an isolated incident. The second was rather comical, with a drunken driver sending his Tesla flying through the air and wrapping it around a tree, and a spicy video complete with a profane Spanish voiceover. The third Model S fire in six weeks seems more ominous, as the… Read more »
A nice long look at the Drayson B12/69EV
Here’s a video that’s guaranteed to boost the heart rate of EV lovers and racing aficionados alike. Motor sport boffin Chris Harris takes an in-depth look at the Drayson B12/69EV at Elvington, a former RAF base in southern England. This 14-minute segment gives us a nice long chat with Lord Drayson, who discusses not… Read more »