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AI algorithm accurately predicts the life cycle of Li-ion batteries

Scientists at MIT, Stanford and the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) have developed an AI algorithm that they say can accurately predict the useful life of Li-ion batteries. The algorithm analyzed factors such as voltage decline to make predictions as to how many more cycles a battery would last. The predictions turned out to be within… Read more »

New book: the Dieselgate scandal was not an isolated incident, was not a secret, and is not over

The “Dieselgate scandal,” or as we like to call it, the “dirty diesel debacle,” was a catalytic event (pun intended). It led to some major changes at Volkswagen, and shook up the European auto market. However, only time will tell how much of this change will prove to be permanent. The Volkswagen Group has announced… Read more »

VisIC publishes reference design for its GaN on-board charger

Israel-based VisIC Technologies, a manufacturer of gallium nitride (GaN) power semiconductor devices for the auto, data center and industrial markets, has published a reference design aimed at the EV industry for its on-board charger (OBC) that uses its GaN technology. The 6.7 kW OBC has a volume of 2.3 liters and weighs 4.5 kg, providing… Read more »

Fisker teases electric SUV

Fisker Inc., the company Henrik Fisker started after the failure of the former Fisker Automotive, has announced that it plans to build “an affordable SUV powered by an enhanced +80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that pushes the limit – with a range of close to 300 miles.” Fisker’s ESUV will be available in a four-wheel… Read more »

Williams Advanced Engineering creates cheaper carbon composites

Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), a UK-based tech and engineering firm, says it is working on new carbon composites that offer comparable performance to existing options, but at a cost that brings them within reach of mainstream applications. WAE says carbon fiber reinforced polymer’s (CFRP) high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, and resistance to fatigue and its environment… Read more »

Shell to acquire home energy storage company sonnen

Pending regulatory approval, Shell will acquire 100% of sonnen, a German manufacturer of energy storage systems for homes and small business. Shell previously invested in sonnen in May 2018. sonnen manufactures smart energy storage systems and offers energy services via its sonnenCommunity platform. In December 2018, sonnen put into operation a virtual power plant composed… Read more »

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid review: Subaru’s first PHEV offers its loyal customers a taste of zero-emission miles

Any new plug-in vehicle from a maker that hasn’t previously offered one is cause for excitement, even if volumes are low at first. So I approached my six-day test of the new plug-in Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with anticipation. Sure, its rated 17-mile electric range is below the curve, but at least it’s a start –… Read more »

Australian electric truck maker SEA Electric to launch in the US

Australian electric commercial vehicle maker SEA Electric is set to launch in the US. It will showcase two trucks at the Work Truck Show in Indianapolis during March and attend California’s Advanced Clean Transportation Expo in April. SEA Electric’s display vehicles are based on Ford and Isuzu platforms and the company says they are at… Read more »

Researchers explore proton-hopping mechanism to improve EV batteries

Researchers at Oregon State University have shown that a chemical mechanism known as proton-hopping may provide a new method of energy storage for EVs and other high-power applications. “Coming up with Faradaic electrodes that afford batteries energy density and capacitors power with excellent cycle life has been a big challenge. So far, most of the… Read more »