Plastic film capacitors relentlessly continue to take over many of the duties in EV power electronics that were once performed by the venerable aluminum electrolytic type, mainly because film capacitors exhibit much lower losses and have a much longer operational lifespan, especially at ambient temperatures in the 75-85° C range. The tradeoff is that film… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Extreme E"
Steady growth of Nordic plug-in sales falters
Plug-in vehicle sales in the Nordic countries have been soaring for over two years, setting one sales record after another. However, that trend stalled in the first quarter of this year, Insero reports. In the first three months of 2018, 24,893 plug-in vehicles were sold in Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, compared to 27,640 sold… Read more »
Automotive power testing: How to solve new EV/HEV challenges
Sponsored by Keysight Technologies Today’s vehicles are designed with more electronic systems including powertrain control, power steering, brake systems, power door/window controls and various sensor functions. Complete solutions providing simulation and test are essential to ensure reliable performance of automotive electronics exposed to extreme voltage/currents, a wide range of temperatures and numerous hazardous conditions. New challenges… Read more »
DOE announces $68 million in new advanced vehicle technologies research
The DOE has announced a new funding opportunity (DE-FOA-0001919) that will make up to $68.5 million available for early-stage research of advanced vehicle technologies. The agency is seeking research projects in several areas, including: Batteries and Electrification; Materials; and Technology Integration and Energy-efficient Mobility Systems. The Batteries and Electrification topic area, which will receive up… Read more »
Cloud-based monitoring helps keep ABB fast chargers operational in Icelandic weather
How do public chargers hold up in extreme weather? There’s probably no better place to answer that question than Iceland, where over 20 ABB fast charging stations have been installed along the country’s main highway, Route 1. The chargers are exposed to the most punishing weather conditions, including temperatures as low as -30° C. “You… Read more »
TDK introduces 300 A and 500 A high-voltage contactors
TDK has extended its HVC series of high-voltage contactors with the new HVC300 and HVC500 types. The new contactors have current capabilities of 300 A and 500 A, respectively. They can switch voltages of up to 900 V DC, and units that can handle 1,200 V DC are available on request. The HVC contactors’ gas-filled… Read more »
Cementex introduces double-insulated pliers and torque tools
When working on battery packs or other electrical systems, dropping a metal tool in the wrong spot could be extremely dangerous. That’s why double-insulated 1,000 V safety tools from Cementex come in handy, keeping workers safe and meeting OSHA safety standards. The company’s new torque wrenches and torque screwdrivers are designed for installation applications where… Read more »
Tesla on the way to eliminating cobalt from its batteries
Battery makers are keen to reduce their use of costly and controversial cobalt. Half the world’s supply of the metallic element comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a war-torn land in which child labor is common. Worse yet, the stuff is getting expensive – cobalt prices have climbed to their highest level in a… Read more »
A closer look at contactors
Contactors may not be the sexiest component in an EV, but they are critical both for safety and general functioning. Basically a heavier-duty version of the relay, a contactor is used to switch power to any of the loads supplied by the traction battery in an EV. The motor drive, the heating and cooling systems,… Read more »
Wildcat sorts through the avalanche of new battery materials to find the best
As automakers and cell manufacturers begin to realize the complexity of benchmarking new battery materials, Wildcat Discovery Technology is using its high-speed R&D technology to help find clarity If you follow battery technology news on a regular basis as we do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the volume of new announcements. There are… Read more »
