When it comes to factors that affect energy consumption in EVs, the big kahunas are weight and wind resistance (aka CdA), but there are other factors that can have a surprisingly outsized effect and that tend to be overlooked, such as the use of climate control (AC, of course, but especially heat). Conversely, one factor… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Motiv Power Systems"
From rapid prototyping to EV production with Pi Innovo’s M560 OpenECU
When you see the name Pi Innovo, your first thought might be of the famous mathematical constant that begins with 3.14. If you read it too quickly, you might be reminded of Pinocchio, the delightful tale of a physically deformed puppet. But from now on, when you see Pi Innovo, here’s what you should think… Read more »
TIMs can account for up to 50% of thermal resistance in IGBT stacks: WEBINAR
Thermal interface materials (TIMs) serve as the thermal path between a device and a heat sink. In automotive environments, extreme thermal stability is required to support the long product lives and warranties. So TIMs are critical to the thermal design of EV and HEV power modules where the material can account for up to 50% of… Read more »
California report finds EVs are not crashing the grid just yet
It’s a legitimate worry: Will charging hundreds of thousands – and eventually, millions – of EVs overwhelm existing electric grids? A new analysis of real-world data from California brings good news: So far, EVs are not anywhere near crashing the grid. Since 2012, California regulators have required the state’s three investor-owned utilities (Pacific Gas and… Read more »
Fisker files patents on solid-state battery tech
Reborn automaker Fisker has filed patents for a new type of solid-state battery technology that it says could lead to much greater energy density and faster charging times. According to Fisker, current limitations of solid-state technology include low electrode current density, limited temperature ranges and non-scalable manufacturing processes. Other drawbacks include: low power and low… Read more »
The new LightningElectric conversion package for the Ford Transit
Loveland, Colorado-based Lightning Systems is accepting pre-orders for its new LightningElectric conversion package for the Ford Transit. Deliveries will begin in early 2018. The product will be available first on heavy-duty Transits with a 10,360-pound gross vehicle weight rating. Conversions and service are performed by Ford QVM-certified upfitters and dealers. Installation can be completed in… Read more »
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 »
Long aluminum, double-sided chip cooling solutions enhance electrified vehicles
Sponsored by Dana. Today, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are looking for cooling solutions that reduce costs and enhance efficiency. Long® double-sided insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) cooling systems produced by Dana enable electrified vehicles to achieve consistent operation and long-lasting performance. As OEMs design electrified vehicles that compete with traditional combustion engines, the need for… Read more »
Making a motor: Many automakers rely heavily on third party motor-winding experts like Odawara Engineering
Electric motors are everywhere: in household appliances, in hand tools, in buildings, in consumer electronics, and increasingly in automobiles. Motors are used in windshield wipers, power windows, throttle controllers, and, more and more, in the drivetrains of electrified vehicles. Electric motors abound, and Odawara Engineering knows how to make them. Charged spoke with Odawara’s Chris… Read more »
Tesla Model 3: Will this machine kill the Oil Age?
It’s hard to overestimate the importance of the Tesla Model 3 (although the media has been doing its best). There’s no question that it’s a momentous motorcar on (at least) three levels. First, Model 3’s success is widely assumed to be an existential issue for the company – if it fails to deliver on its… Read more »