Search Results Found For: "MIT"

BMW electrifies its best-selling model: the 330e iPerformance PHEV launches in the US

Which major automaker has sold the highest percentage of plug-in vehicles relative to its overall US sales? You may be surprised to learn that it’s BMW – aside from Tesla, of course, which sells 100% EVs. In the first half of 2016, BMW’s four plug-in vehicles – the i3, i8, X5 xDrive40e and 330e iPerformance… Read more »

Engineered Materials Solutions brings a century of clad metal experience to batteries

The methods that automakers use to join Li-ion cells together are almost as diverse as the sizes and shapes of the cells themselves. EV builders are using spot welding, mechanical fasteners, wire bonding and other joining techniques. It’s safe to say that there is no consensus on an ideal solution, and that there’s a lot… Read more »

Is Nissan considering a smaller EV and/or an electric crossover?

Nissan doesn’t seem to be ready to spill any details about the next-generation LEAF, but a company exec recently told Auto Express that the company is at least thinking about a couple of new electric models. “We’ve invested $5.4 billion in electric cars such as the LEAF, so we need to ensure we’re satisfying as… Read more »

Utilities coming off the sidelines in the EV market

By Lisa Jerram, Principal Research Analyst, at Navigant Research It’s been a little over five years since the modern EV market was launched in the US, and growth has been steady – EV sales are expected to approach 200,000 in 2016. EV charging, the partner to the EV market, has grown as well. Today, the… Read more »

Silicon Mobility’s new electric powertrain microcontroller

France-based semiconductor company Silicon Mobility has introduced a new automotive microcontroller specifically designed for hybrid and electric powertrain control. Aimed at OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, the OLEA T222 includes several features designed to make it suitable for all flavors of electrification, from micro-hybrids to pure EVs, including Integrated Belt Starter Generator, Crankshaft Motor driven… Read more »

Volkswagen electric van concept to be produced in 2017

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles introduced its e-Crafter electric van concept at this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles show in Hanover, Germany. However, this is not just another concept. Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Chairman of the Board of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has said that the first e-Crafters will be in customers’ hands by 2017. The concept vehicle is equipped… Read more »

Hyperdrive uses Nissan LEAF batteries for specialty vehicles and energy storage

UK-based Hyperdrive Innovation is incorporating Nissan’s LEAF lithium-ion battery technology in its new intelligent battery systems, which are available to manufacturers to power electric and hybrid vehicles, and for stationary energy storage applications. Hyperdrive’s first battery packs are currently being fitted into a number of niche, off-highway vehicles. “UK car manufacturers would have to spend… Read more »

Study looks to California to determine what factors influence EV sales

What factors influence the level of EV sales in a given region? Some may find enlightenment in a new study from the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). In “Leading edge of electric vehicle market development in the United States: An analysis of California cities,” Stephanie Searle and colleagues examine 30 California cities in which… Read more »

ChargePoint’s new Waitlist feature lets drivers line up for public chargers

Charging network operator ChargePoint has rolled out a new service called Waitlist, which enables drivers to use their mobile phones or RFID cards to “line up” to use a public charging station. When a charging station is busy, drivers can use Waitlist by tapping their ChargePoint card on the station to get in line. After… Read more »

Ilika and Johnson Matthey partner to develop protected anodes for Li-S batteries

International materials company Ilika, a developer of solid-state batteries, is taking part in a three-year project, led by Johnson Matthey, to develop protected anodes for lithium-sulfur batteries. The project will take advantage of Ilika’s high-throughput materials development technique to discover new electrolyte composition options and fabricate a free-standing, lithium-containing protected anode/separator for integration into pouch… Read more »