Engineers from Germany’s Saarland University are developing intelligent motor systems that function without the need for additional sensors. The team’s aim is to transform the motor itself into a sensor, so that it can keep its human minders advised as to whether it’s running smoothly, and can communicate and interact with other motors. “We’re developing… Read more »
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NHTSA proposes updating electrical safety requirements for fuel cell and mild hybrid vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to update electrical safety requirements for hydrogen fuel cell and mild hybrid vehicles. The proposed rule change would add an optional method for post-crash electrical safety into the FMVSS No. 305 standard, involving physical barriers to prevent electric shock due to… Read more »
European electric bus manufacturers agree on open charging interface
As more European cities begin trials of battery-electric buses, a group of bus manufacturers and charging infrastructure providers has agreed to develop voluntary charging standards in advance of official regulations. The objective is to ensure reliability and compatibility across bus brands and charging systems. The European body CEN-CENELEC and the international standards organization ISO/IEC are… Read more »
2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron delivers performance and practicality
The selection of plug-in vehicles available to US buyers continues to grow steadily – it now stands at 27 models, with several more expected this year. The latest entrant to the market is the 2016 Audi A3 Sportback e-tron, the German luxury brand’s first plug-in model available in the US. Every time a new plug-in… Read more »
UN aviation agency bans shipment of Li-ion batteries on passenger aircraft
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has prohibited shipments of lithium-ion batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft, responding to concerns by pilots and airplane manufacturers that they pose a fire risk. A 2015 paper published by an aircraft manufacturing trade group found that existing fire-fighting systems on airliners could not “suppress or extinguish a fire… Read more »
Smart City Challenge draws applications from 77 US cities
The Smart City Challenge is a competition organized by the DOT to encourage cities to develop plans for a 21st-century intelligent transportation system, including such innovations as data-driven management platforms, electric and automated vehicles, and the sharing economy. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has announced that 77 cities have submitted applications for the Smart City Challenge,… Read more »
EV Fleet CEO on building a highway-capable light-duty all-electric truck
There are a lot of great opportunities for companies building EVs for niche markets, but getting an independent automotive startup off the ground is anything but easy. EVs can be very practical from a financial point of view. So it’s a bit of a shame that for the world’s most practical vehicle buyer – the… Read more »
Chinese EV-maker establishes R&D center in Detroit
Chinese EV-maker BAIC EV has opened a new R&D center in Detroit. Working with BAIC’s other centers in Silicon Valley and Aachen, Germany, staff at the new facility will develop advanced technologies in motor drives, power electronics and intelligent control. BAIC plans to use its foothold in the Motor City to introduce advanced EV technology… Read more »
Zero Motorcycles was forced to abandon DC fast charging option in 2013, Interoperability testing is needed
Editor’s note: After this article appeared in print, we received some feedback suggesting that the thesis is not clear enough. So, we’d like to point out a few things at the beginning. Today’s DC Fast Charging installations are very reliable. If you buy a production EV, such as a Nissan LEAF or BMW i3, it is unlikely that you will… Read more »
Can Tanktwo redefine the battery pack with big data?
A Finnish-American start-up with ambitious goals wants to change how we think about batteries. The concept of an EV that supports the quick removal and replacement of a discharged battery pack was all the rage about 5 years ago. Since then, however, various systems have been attempted and subsequently abandoned by companies like BetterPlace, Renault,… Read more »