Lately it seems that almost every EV-related headline has to include a reference to Tesla, however tenuous. However, there may be some substance to this week’s news, as four major automakers have at least hinted at plans to directly challenge Tesla with new high-end EV models. In a recent conference call with Wall Street analysts,… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "CCS"
As DC fast chargers multiply, so do standards
Public DC fast-charging stations are proliferating around the world at what some might call an alarming rate. In at least 50 countries, EV drivers can top up their batteries in the time it takes to (leisurely) enjoy a cup of tea, or whatever the local beverage may be. While automakers agree on the importance of… Read more »
Efacec’s new light and compact DC charger
DC chargers are getting smaller and lighter, with commensurate cost savings. Portuguese electrical manufacturer Efacec has introduced its new QC24S, which provides fast charging for CCS-compatible EVs (VW, BMW, Daimler, GM). A CHAdeMO version is scheduled for launch by the end of this year. “This new product is a breakthrough and will be a huge… Read more »
Volkswagen announces pricing for e-Golf
Volkswagen has announced that the 2015 e-Golf will have a starting price of $35,445 (plus $820 destination charge) when it goes on sale in selected US states in November. The new EV will also lease for $299 per month. Prices for the competing Nissan LEAF range from $29,010 to $35,120; the Ford Focus Electric starts at… Read more »
Siemens developing a centralized computing architecture for EVs
Siemens, in partnership with EV manufacturer StreetScooter, is developing a centralized computing architecture for EVs that will make it possible to retrofit new features using a “plug-and-play” process, and to push software updates to vehicles as is currently done with smartphones (and Tesla vehicles). The RACE (Robust and Reliable Automotive Computing Environment for Future eCars)… Read more »
ABB and Volvo form partnership for bus fast charging
Swiss power and automation group ABB has announced a partnership with Volvo Buses to co-develop and commercialize electric and hybrid buses with open standards-based DC fast charging systems. The partners will develop a standardized system that can charge electric and hybrid buses quickly through an automatic roof-top connection system at bus stops, or through cabled… Read more »
Tritium Veefil Fast Charger earns UL compliance for sale in US and Canada
The Veefil Fast Charger, designed and manufactured in Australia by Brisbane-based Tritium, has already won a design award for its striking appearance. This week, on a more practical note, it earned a certificate of UL compliance for the US and Canada. Already compliant for operation in Europe and Australia, the Veefil can now be sold… Read more »
Results of California EV buyer survey now available online
The California Air Resources Board has published the results of a survey of plug-in vehicle buyers who received rebates from the state. The online data is available for researchers, policymakers and the public to learn about who is buying plug-in cars (PEVs) in California, and why. Between March 2010 and March 2014, about 191,000 PEVs… Read more »
Kyocera Solar Cycle Station enables use of EV batteries for backup power
Kyocera Communication Systems (KCCS) has installed a Solar Cycle Station for EVs at the headquarters of Shintec Hozumi in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. The system uses solar-generated power to charge plug-in vehicle batteries, which can then be used as backup power in times of disaster. Kyocera’s Solar Cycle Station is a solar-powered recharging station that uses… Read more »
Nissan offers dual-standard capability in German DC fast charging network
Nissan has partnered with the Berlin-based electrical infrastructure provider Omexom to deploy a network of 100 DC rapid chargers across Germany. Omexom will be the project manager for the network roll-out. Charger locations will include dealers, fleet customers and real estate developments. Similar announcements are common enough these days, as the Japanese automaker aggressively expands… Read more »