Image above courtesy of WSDOT/Flickr Nissan and NRG eVgo have pioneered a multi-network consortium to make topping up the bestselling EV a considerable re-LEAF. When Nissan last graced the Charged cover (March/April 2013 issue), the company was picking itself up and dusting itself off. Its LEAF had taken a shellacking in the press after the… Read more »
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Motiv Power Systems raises $7.3 million to produce electric truck powertrains
California-based Motiv Power Systems has raised $7.3 million in growth capital from investors led by Colorado’s Magness Investment Group. The funding comes as the second Motiv-equipped all-electric school bus is delivered to Kings Canyon Unified School District. Motiv’s electric Powertrain Control System (ePCS) is designed to electrify any truck or bus chassis with a variety… Read more »
Nissan announces price for replacement LEAF battery
Nissan LEAF owners can now purchase a replacement battery pack. The price is $5,499 (with the return of the original battery pack, which is required and valued at $1,000), plus tax and the dealer’s fee for installation, which is estimated to take about 3 hours. For 2011 and 2012 LEAF models, a $225 installation kit is also… Read more »
Continental introduces new tire optimized for hybrids
In 2011, Continental introduced the Conti.eContact, a tire optimized for electric vehicles, with lower rolling resistance translating into increased range. Now the company has further refined the design to meet the needs of hybrid models. The Conti.eContact is available in six sizes for 17 and 18-inch rims. The rolling resistance of the new Conti.eContact for hybrids is… Read more »
GM developing next-generation power inverter
GM is developing a next-generation power inverter capable of 55 kW peak/30 kW continuous power. According to GM’s Sean Gleason, who gave a presentation on the project at the DOE’s Annual Merit Review, GM is almost two-thirds of the way through the $16.6-million project ($6 million of the funding support came from the DOE), which… Read more »
Tesla patents include technology for reducing risk of battery fires
It will take a while to digest the probable impact of Tesla’s bold move to open up all of its patents. A first step toward understanding the likely effects on the industry would be figuring out just what kind of technology the patents cover, and the insurance analysis firm uAutoInsurance is working on doing just… Read more »
Harley-Davidson develops electric hawg
“You ain’t parkin’ that thing next to my hog!” growls the bearded, bandana-wearing, Bud-clutching biker. But what if the newfangled electric motorcycle is a hog? Bike Week will never be the same. Yes, believe it or not, Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) has built a prototype electric motorcycle, and starting this week, selected consumers across the country… Read more »
A123 acquires start/stop battery technology from Leyden Energy
A123 Systems is back in the news. The battery-maker, now a wholly owned subsidiary of China’s Wanxiang Group, has acquired Leyden Energy’s intellectual property in battery materials covering lithium titanate (LTO) and non-flammable electrolyte (Li-imide) technology. As part of the deal, some of Leyden’s key technical staff will be joining A123’s R&D organization. … Read more »
New simulation software provides a powerful tool for battery developers
In the holy quest for a better battery, engineering simulation software is a key tool, helping battery developers to shorten the time-consuming cycle of prototyping and manufacturing. Software developer ANSYS (NASDAQ: ANSS) has now incorporated battery models in the latest release of its Fluent software, thanks to the efforts of a team that also includes GM… Read more »
Tesla shares all of its patented technology
Last week, while speaking at the company’s first-quarter shareholders’ meeting, Elon Musk expressed frustration with the other automakers for moving so slowly into EVs, and hinted that he’s thinking about offering them a helping hand. “I’m contemplating doing something fairly significant on that front, which would be kind of controversial with respect to Tesla’s patents.” Today,… Read more »