Search Results Found For: "Volt Carbon"

Ethylene carbonate-free electrolytes promise less oxidation and better-performing Li-ion cells

A team led by celebrated battery boffin Professor Jeff Dahn at Dalhousie University has demonstrated that a common electrolyte additive is detrimental for Li-ion cells at high voltages, and suggest some alternatives. Dahn and his team discuss their latest work in two papers: “Enabling linear alkyl carbonate electrolytes for high voltage Li-ion cells,” published in… Read more »

New study: Nighttime EV charging may increase carbon footprint (Updated)

The question of the “long tailpipe” is a fraught one: does an EV deliver lower carbon emissions than a legacy vehicle if the electricity comes from dirty coal? The latest study to address the issue comes from Carnegie Mellon University, and it includes a couple of surprising new findings. “Regional Variability and Uncertainty of Electric Vehicle… Read more »

Ionic liquid electrolytes may open the door for higher-voltage batteries

The curious case of ionic liquids: Boulder Ionics/CoorsTek Specialty Chemicals Iolyte electrolytes When you think of liquids under the brand name Coors, you think of the Silver Bullet, the Banquet Beer. You certainly don’t think of high technology, unless you’re really easily impressed by cold-activated cans. However, not everyone knows that there’s another huge conglomerate under… Read more »

Chevy Volts recalled over idling problem

With new technology come new and unforeseen problems. Apparently, some Volt drivers, lulled into absent-mindedness by the plug-in hybrid’s silent running, forget to shut the car off. This drains the battery, causing the gasoline engine to turn on and possibly leading to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup. General Motors is recalling about 64,000 Volts from the… Read more »

October plug-in sales: LEAF, Volt still lead, BMW coming up strong

The US auto industry had a good month, as automakers reported their strongest October sales in a decade. Most of the action was in gas-guzzling pickups and SUVs – alas, plug-in sales were down compared to last October, for the first time in 46 months of EV sales. Annual sales are still on track to handily… Read more »

Lux Research: market for 48-Volt micro-hybrids poised for major growth

According to a new forecast by Lux Research, automakers will begin producing 48-Volt micro-hybrids in 2015, and the market is likely to exceed 7 million vehicles by 2024. Lux believes that 48 V power systems represent an unfilled niche between 12 V start-stop micro-hybrids and larger mild hybrid systems. As the number of production models… Read more »

Dual-carbon battery claims to be longer-lasting and safer than Li-ion

Seldom does a week go by without an announcement of a promising new battery technology – but the road from the laboratory to the auto dealership is a long one, and there’s no knowing which of today’s breakthroughs might enable tomorrow’s mass-market EVs. This week’s news, from Power Japan Plus, almost sounds too good to… Read more »

Why I bought a Volt

I swore I would never buy a new car… and yet, December 23, 2010, I took delivery of my brand new, cyber gray metallic Chevrolet Volt – number 186 off the assembly line – and I couldn’t be happier. The car is amazing. But don’t take my word for it – to date the Volt… Read more »