Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics represent a promising lightweight replacement for heavy steel. However, for carbon fiber to be widely adopted, new, more economical composites need to be developed. Unfortunately, carbon fiber properties are difficult to model, as they depend on complex features such as fiber loading, length distribution and orientation. Now researchers at the DOE’s Pacific… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Magna"
Former Tesla production head offers insourcing insights
For years, automakers have been steadily outsourcing more and more of their manufacturing. Modern vehicles are assembled from parts made by suppliers all over the world, and in some cases, even the final assembly is done under contract by companies such as Magna and Valmet. Tesla has reversed this trend to a certain extent –… Read more »
Sources say Samsung to provide battery packs for BMW X5
Industry sources expect Samsung SDI to provide battery packs for BMW’s upcoming X5 Plug-in Hybrid SUV, according to Korean news agency Yonhap. In July 2014, BMW and Samsung agreed to expand their supply relationship. The Korean company’s battery cells power the BMW i3 and i8, and market research firm IHS expects Samsung to increase shipments… Read more »
First look at the Energica Ego, an Italian electric superbike
Bringing four decades of racing heritage with it, Italian 3D-printed parts manufacturer CRP enters the world of electric street motorcycles with its high-performance superbike, the Energica Ego. Throughout Italy, racing pervades the culture. Within a 30-mile radius in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, you’ll find the headquarters of Maserati, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati, representing… Read more »
Rio to host all-electric Formula E Championship
The Federation Internationale de Automobile (FIA) has reached an agreement with the city of Rio de Janeiro to host the first Formula E Championship, featuring Formula cars powered exclusively by electric energy, in 2014. At a recent meeting the city’s Mayor declared the proposed urban track near the Gloria Marina “spectacular.” Promoting the event will be Formula E… Read more »
Despite record sales, the Volt still makes the right wing see red
A GM exec famously noted that the Volt had become a political football. However, the endless back-and-forth in the media about Chevy’s plug-in seems more like a long and drawn-out tennis match. In 2011, a volley of anti-Volt columns and cartoons came from the right side of the court, as the fact that some Volt… Read more »