Search Results Found For: "Xcel Energy"

Researchers explore proton-hopping mechanism to improve EV batteries

Researchers at Oregon State University have shown that a chemical mechanism known as proton-hopping may provide a new method of energy storage for EVs and other high-power applications. “Coming up with Faradaic electrodes that afford batteries energy density and capacitors power with excellent cycle life has been a big challenge. So far, most of the… Read more »

KAIST research team develops stable, high-rate Li-S batteries

A research team from South Korean research university KAIST has developed stable, high-rate lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) by using hierarchically porous titanium nitride (h-TiN) as a sulfur host. In a paper in the journal Advanced Materials, the researchers report that h-TiN/S shows a reversible capacity of 557 mAh g-1 even after 1,000 cycles at 5 C rate with only… Read more »

New Flyer introduces real-time analytics platform for electric buses

US bus manufacturer New Flyer has introduced a real-time, cloud-based dashboard specifically designed to track performance of its battery-electric, zero-emission buses (ZEB). The dashboard, named Connect 360, is an added feature for New Flyer battery-electric buses equipped with Connect, New Flyer’s telematic platform that provides real-time analytics and support services. Connect 360 provides data on… Read more »

UQM Technologies to be acquired by Danfoss

UQM Technologies, a manufacturer of electric motors, generators, power electronic controllers and fuel cell compressors for commercial vehicles, has entered into a merger agreement with Danfoss Power Solutions, a subsidiary of privately-owned Danish conglomerate Danfoss, which manufactures hydraulic systems, drives, motors, and components for the automotive, aerospace and energy industries. Danfoss will acquire UQM in… Read more »

Churning out EVs: TDK has built a fully automated manufacturing line for its DC link capacitors

Raw materials in one end, pallets full of power film capacitors out the other For companies that produce products used for electric power conversion, EVs represent a huge new market, potentially much bigger than any other existing industry. Those who have realized the potential and invested early are now positioning themselves as leaders in automotive… Read more »

Volvo to demonstrate electric trucks with an eye to commercialization in 2020

Volvo Trucks plans to introduce all-electric truck demonstrators in California next year, and commercialize them in North America in 2020. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has awarded $44.8 million to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) for the Volvo LIGHTS (Low Impact Green Heavy Transport Solutions) project, which will involve 16 partners…. Read more »

Waterloo researchers achieve reversible four-electron conversion with lithium-oxygen batteries

Scientists from the University of Waterloo have devised several new electrochemical processes which greatly increase the lifespan and stability of lithium-oxygen batteries. On paper, Li-O2 batteries have high energy densities and low weights. However, they also have internal reactions (involving superoxides and peroxides) that slowly corrode their carbon cathodes. The superoxide also destroys organic electrolytes in the… Read more »

ZAF to use $300,000 grant to increase production of nickel-zinc batteries

Nickel-zinc (NiZn) specialist ZAF Energy Systems has received $300,000, the first installment of a $600,000 investment from Missouri’s Department of Economic Development. With the new funding, ZAF will increase production capacity to meet the increasing demand for its NiZn batteries. The company claims that the batteries have double the storage capacity and triple the power… Read more »

A closer look at DC-DC converters

As far as we know, all EVs in production by major automakers use a conventional lead-acid battery for the 12 V system (surprising, but true – more on why in a bit) and this battery needs charging, just as it does in an ICE vehicle. While you could hang an alternator off the traction motor… Read more »