Search Results Found For: "Envision "

Dual battery pack could give next-generation Tesla unprecedented range

Is Tesla working on a new type of hybrid pack that combines two different battery technologies to deliver a huge increase in range? This question has been floating around the discussion groups for a few months, but several outlets reported it as breaking news this week after a couple of stock analysts discovered the story… Read more »

Nissan uses LEAFs to demonstrate self-driving safety features

The fields of vehicle autonomy and vehicle electrification are steadily converging. Envisioning “a world with virtually no traffic accidents leading to death or serious injury,” Nissan is using zero-emission LEAFs to demonstrate what it called two key safety breakthroughs. The first innovation involves sensors. Laser scanners and Around View Monitor cameras monitor the surroundings of… Read more »

ARPA-E awarding $36 million to 22 projects in RANGE program to improve EV batteries

When the DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) announced its Robust Affordable Next Generation EV-Storage (RANGE) program in February, it envisioned doling out $20 million in research funding to 8- 12 recipients with the goal of developing a better EV battery. Now the agency has announced the recipients of the awards, and both… Read more »

Juicy details about the BMW i3

BMW has released a vast wealth of details about its upcoming i3 EV, and there’s plenty here for auto pundits to discuss before the official unveiling, which is scheduled for July 29. The i3 embodies several milestones – it’s the first EV to offer an optional range extender engine, it features a unique carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic… Read more »

EVs: the Holy Grail of multiphysics

Sandeep Sovani on the evolution of computer-based engineering simulations. Before actually creating any physical prototypes, engineers build a three-dimensional virtual model of a component, and can use computer simulations to test how the design will perform in the real world. Computer-based engineering simulation early in the development process allows them to refine and validate designs… Read more »

Tesla battery swapping service details

Okay, Tesla has shown that the Model S battery pack can be swapped out quickly and elegantly, to the accompaniment of thumping techno music. However, there are a lot of questions about how this is going to work in the real world, so after Thursday’s live demonstration, CEO Elon Musk stuck around to offer some answers…. Read more »

LG Chem says US battery plant will begin production in late 2013

South Korea’s LG Chem plans to start production at its US car battery factory in the second half of this year, two executives told Automotive News. The Holland, Michigan manufacturing plant drew some unpleasant publicity in February, when a DOE investigation found that the production line at the plant was idle, but workers were being… Read more »

What’s up with wireless EV charging

Wireless charging is one of the hottest topics in the EV world these days. Several companies have systems on the path to commercial availability. Evatran has plans to sell aftermarket systems that will work with popular plug-in models such as the LEAF and the Volt. Qualcomm is using its London trial as a test bed… Read more »

Nissan plans to triple number of US quick chargers

At last week’s Washington Auto Show, Nissan outlined a strategy to deploy at least 500 quick-charging stations over the next 18 months, which it says will triple the public quick-charging infrastructure in the US. The company is obviously hoping that giving drivers additional charging options will increase public interest in EVs, and lead to more… Read more »