With a longer range and a lower price, the 2013 Nissan LEAF screams upgrade, but it’s only one small aspect of the company’s aggressive EV strategy. Proprietary, localized manufacturing and improved infrastructure also play key roles in Nissan’s plan for world domination electrification. Sometime back in the 60s, Mr or Mrs Ghosn must have put… Read more »
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Linear Technology’s new active cell balancer
Linear’s new addition to the battery pack systems family is what it calls a “high efficiency bidirectional multicell active balancer” (part number LTC3300). Have you heard the old adage – no two snowflakes are alike? Well, the same goes for cells in a battery pack. No matter how precise the manufacturing techniques, there will always… Read more »
OXIS Energy bets on lithium-sulfur
Though it may have a stinky reputation, sulfur could set EVs on the path to total ICE replacement if energy-dense, low-weight lithium-sulfur batteries become the norm. British-based OXIS Energy is banking its business on it. If American clean energy industries are to take full advantage of the emerging lithium-sulfur (Li-S) battery chemistry, they just may… Read more »
Ultracapacitors creep into automotive
Maxwell looks to leverage its early ultracapacitor experience into a ubiquitous, low-cost, high-volume complement to batteries. Power sources like internal combustion engines and advanced battery packs work great as continuous suppliers of energy. But during the highest peak loads, both sacrifice efficiency attempting to meet the power delivery demands. And pushing these devices to their… Read more »
Erik Spek on battery abuse testing, improving safety, and developing standards
(This article originally appeared in Charged Issue 7 – MAR/APR 2013) Q&A with Erik Spek: The Chief Engineer at TÜV SÜD Canada on battery abuse testing, improving safety, and developing standards. When analyzing the current state of lithium-ion technology, it helps to look back at the development of the nickel metal hydride battery (NiMH). Some argued that hybrid automotive… Read more »
Dana receives grant to improve EV battery thermal management
The project aims to advance the development of aluminum heat exchangers and improve battery performance in low temperatures.
EVE racer demonstrates new battery management and electronic sensor systems
Two sensors attached at the sides of the batteries measure the magnetic field generated by the flow of electrical current in order to determine the battery’s level of charge.
Tesla in Texas: direct sales and a new electric truck plant?
Not content to change the way automobiles are powered, Tesla Motors is now at the center of a battle that could change the way they are sold. CEO Elon Musk testified Tuesday in Texas in favor of pending legislation that would allow the company to sell cars directly to customers in the state. Current Texas… Read more »
Fisker’s Future: Tony Posawatz on moving the start-up ‘onward’
The feisty California start-up looks to break free of its growing pains and hit cruise control on the Atlantic.
Accelerating battery development, part 2: Wildcat Discovery Technologies
Wildcat Discovery Technologies is a venture-backed start-up residing in sunny San Diego. Launched in late 2006, it makes efficient use of just 32 employees. The company has developed proprietary methods for rapidly synthesizing energy-storage materials. Serial entrepreneurs Prof. Peter Schultz and Robert Downs have worked together for a number of years at the Genomics Novartis… Read more »