Vehicle manufacturers and materials suppliers are facing increasing packaging challenges as EV designs continue to push for higher power densities, while footprints remain static or become smaller. Higher performance levels mean higher junction temperatures, which in turn require higher thermal reliability and novel thermal management alternatives. These factors create unique reliability challenges for EV power… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "FLO"
Digatron and DSA launch end-of-line tester for lithium battery production
Digatron and DSA have designed a solution for end-of-line testing for lithium battery production. The two companies developed a modular end-of-line test solution that allows customers to select pre-defined test regime modules per their requirements. Battery EOL Tester supports the entire workflow of EOL testing by offering customized communication and testing solutions, including electrical test,… Read more »
Tesla Battery Day: a raft of tech advances will deliver cost reductions worth waiting for
We’re used to extremely ambitious (not to say unrealistic) timelines from Tesla—a new Terafactory in a few months, a fleet of Robotaxis before the end of the year—so Elon Musk’s measured, conservative predictions at the long-awaited Battery Day event caught the mainstream press on the wrong foot. “In three years…we can do a $25,000 car… Read more »
Nissan achieves breakthrough in carbon fiber parts production
Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) was once seen as an ideal body material for EVs, because of its high strength and light weight. It was used in the Tesla Roadster and the BMW i3, but fell out of favor because of its high cost. Now Nissan has developed a new production process that speeds up… Read more »
Consortium of auto suppliers launches multi-material EV battery casing project
German engineering firm AZL is joining with an international consortium of automotive suppliers to develop a multi-material battery casing. The 8-month product development will start with an international market analysis and a concept study in which different multi-material component concepts and production scenarios will be developed and evaluated with regard to their costs. Finally, a… Read more »
Accelerated electrode drying could reduce battery production cost
A new EPIC project coordinated by Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is aimed at accelerating the drying of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries, increasing the energy efficiency of this process and reducing production cost. KIT says innovative electrode drying management can reduce the cost of battery production and improve environmental performance. The quality of Li-ion battery… Read more »
Rear seat delete option converts the Chevy Bolt to a tiny electric van
Cargo capacity has always been a sore point with legacy-brand (non-Tesla) EVs. The already limited cargo space in hatchbacks such as the LEAF and Bolt has been cannibalized for the battery, and the rear seats are not designed to fold flat. Well, if you’re willing to sacrifice the rear seats entirely, you may be able… Read more »
Proterra to supply battery tech to Australian bus manufacturer
In addition to manufacturing its own electric buses, Proterra licenses its powertrain technology under the brand name Proterra Powered. It has collaborated with OEMs such as Thomas Built Bus, Van Hool, Freightliner and Optimal Electric Vehicles to electrify their buses and other heavy-duty vehicles. Proterra’s newest partner is Bustech, a major Australian bus manufacturer. The… Read more »
VW’s ID.4 electric SUV will have towing capability; Elon Musk drives an ID.3, calls it “pretty good”
Volkswagen’s ID.3 is all very well, but we Americans are more excited about the ID.4, an electric SUV that’s slated to go on sale here in the US in late 2020 or early 2021. Production has started in Germany, and VW recently revealed some details of the interior. Now VW has released a new video… Read more »
Lucid Air unveiled – new electric luxury sedan to be delivered in spring 2021
In a year packed with new EV launches, few vehicles have been as eagerly anticipated as the Lucid Air. Lucid had already been around for over a decade when we profiled the company in our March/April 2018 issue. The company has built some impressive prototypes, including a converted delivery van that beat a Ferrari and… Read more »