Search Results Found For: "Volkswagen"

Bosch: Our new EV heat pump system can increase range by up to 25%

Heating and cooling an EV presents a special challenge, as battery power must be used for climate control, which can significantly reduce range. Automakers and researchers around the world are working on a range of alternative solutions. Nissan and Volkswagen both use heat pumps in their EVs. The JOSPEL project, a consortium of organizations from… Read more »

Another Chinese-backed startup announces plans for an electric supercar

New EV companies are cropping up like dendrites on a lithium metal anode. The latest startup to emerge from stealth mode is called NextEV. Like many of the current crop (see Faraday Future, Atieva, Fisker, Leshi), NextEV is backed by Chinese investors, and is not affiliated with a traditional automaker, although it has recruited execs… Read more »

Lux Research: LG Chem threatens Panasonic’s position as world’s top EV battery supplier

Japanese giant Panasonic is by far the largest automotive batter supplier at the moment, with a 39% market share. According to a new report from Lux Research, it will probably hang onto that position, increasing its share to 51% as EV batteries grow to a $30-billion market by 2020. However, there’s a real possibility that… Read more »

Norway and Netherlands lead in plug-in vehicle market share, Koreans feeling left out

It’s no surprise that EV usage is growing much faster in some countries than in others. A recent report from IHS Automotive comparing EV uptake in eight of the world’s most advanced economies shows huge differences not only in the market share of plug-in vehicles, but also in the specific models favored by consumers. Most… Read more »

The 2016 Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine PHEV enters the US market with great promise

These days when most Americans think of Swedish engineering, they probably remember a frustrating experience with an Allen wrench and one too few pieces of particle board. But we didn’t always buy our Swedish creations under the same roof as our Swedish meatballs. Any American old enough to drink remembers a friend whose parents drove… Read more »

EV sales may be in a holding pattern in the US, but they’re booming worldwide

Those of us who follow the month-by-month plug-in sales figures can’t help but be a little disappointed by the tale so far this year. In three of the last six months, US sales failed to equal the monthly figures of a year ago. We’re now halfway through the year, and total sales of 54,388 are… Read more »

EVgo is future-proofing its fast charging sites with the ability to double charging capacity

NRG EVgo has over 350 DC fast chargers in 19 markets – more than four times more than any other public network – as of May 2015. The company also lays claim to the most powerful network of CHAdeMO and CCS chargers in the US. While others are rolling out DC chargers in the 20… Read more »

ChargePoint’s new Express 100 24 kW DC fast charger

ChargePoint has introduced a new addition to its line of EV charging stations. The Express 100 is a compact 24 kW DC fast charger aimed at businesses such as retail locations, restaurants and convenience stores. Earlier this year, the company announced the Express 200, a 50 kW DC fast charger with a maximum charging rate… Read more »

Corri-Door project to install 200 DC fast charging points in France by December

French EV drivers will soon have plenty of options for intercity travel. The Corri-Door project plans to install 200 DC fast charging points at 80 km intervals along major highways, and in nearby shopping centers, throughout the country. The first two stations are now operational, at the Bosgouet Nord (A13) and Tardenois Nord (A4) motorway… Read more »

May plug-in sales: Tesla, LEAF and Volt back in the top 3, overall sales mediocre

The traditional running order reasserted itself in May, as the Model S, LEAF and Volt slid back into the top three spots. While plug-in sales were up substantially over April, they failed to best the May 2014 numbers. The Tesla Model S grabbed the lead with 2,400 estimated US sales. Deliveries of the D are… Read more »