As expected, Tesla posted a larger-than-expected loss for the second quarter of 2016. The company’s plans to revolutionize several more industries are proceeding nicely, even as it stays resolutely focused on achieving the fastest production ramp-up in the history of the auto industry. If that sounds a little crazy, well, these are crazy times. Stock… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Motiv"
Mercedes presents electric delivery truck
Despite the demonstrable savings, commercial vehicles have been slower to electrify than passenger cars, and the majors have mostly left the field open for start-up firms such as Motiv Power Systems and Wrightspeed. However, as performance improves and emissions regulations tighten (some European cities are making noises about someday banning ICE trucks from city centers),… Read more »
Maxwell delivers ultracapacitor-based energy storage for Beijing subway system
Like cars, trains waste large amounts of energy during braking. Until now, however, there has been no practical way to recover this energy by using regenerative braking. Locomotives do not carry large batteries, and they are typically connected to an electrical grid that can’t handle quick bursts of energy. Ultracapacitors, which offer extremely high charge/discharge… Read more »
NREL evaluates replacing propane shuttle buses at Zion National Park with EVs
NREL is evaluating the drive-cycle characteristics of a fleet of propane-powered shuttle buses operating at Zion National Park, with a view to converting 14 of the aging propane buses to run on electricity. To support the transition, NREL researchers are gathering operational data using onboard logging devices, in order to understand dispatching patterns, evaluate the… Read more »
Peugeot Citroen evaluates free-piston linear generator for range extender
PSA Group, the maker of the Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands, is preparing to test a free-piston linear generator from Israeli startup Aquarius Engines as a range extender for its EVs. “We are evaluating the technology,” said PSA Research and Development Director Gilles Le Borgne. “Nothing has been decided yet.” The free-piston linear generator has… Read more »
Efficient Drivetrains selected for San Diego port electrification project
Efficient Drivetrains, Inc. (EDI) has been selected as a drivetrain provider and vehicle integrator for an electrification program by the San Diego Port Tenants Association (SDPTA). Also selected were BYD and Transportation Power. As part of the program, EDI will create a series of electric port trucks, and electrify forklift vehicle accessories. The electrified port… Read more »
Protean Electric raises $70 million for in-wheel drive systems, will ramp up China production
Protean Electric, a developer of in-wheel electric drive systems, has generated $70 million in funding from an equity financing round. The company will use the new money to ramp up production in China of its PD18 product line. Protean is setting up a manufacturing site in Tianjin, China, and plans to form a manufacturing joint… Read more »
Oilprice.com says lithium is poised for more price spikes
Some call lithium “white gold,” but in fact, lately the light metal has been beating gold in appreciation, becoming the hottest metal of 2016 for commodities traders. Although lithium’s price rise has slowed in recent months, the fundamentals suggest strong potential for long-term growth, according to James Stafford of Oilprice.com. “There is no doubt as… Read more »
EPA issues draft Midterm Evaluation of emissions standards
Automotive technology is advancing steadily, according to a new federal report, so automakers should be on track to meet 2025 clean car standards with known technologies, at the same cost, or lower, than previously estimated. The EPA, in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB), is conducting… Read more »
Tesla ends buyback guarantee program
Tesla has ended a buyback offer that guaranteed the resale value of its cars. A Tesla spokesperson said the program was discontinued “to keep interest rates as low as possible and offer a compelling lease and loan program to customers.” The aim of the program, which began in 2013, was presumably to reassure buyers who… Read more »