It has gradually become apparent that Big Auto’s reluctance to embrace EVs is not due to mere Luddism or fear of the future. There are several reasons to believe that electrification will take a major bite out of industry profits, as Daimler execs acknowledged in March. Now Volkswagen has warned that its stated plan to… Read more »
Search Results Found For: "Solid Power"
AVID Technology increases its presence in the US auto industry with key appointment
UK automotive clean tech firm AVID Technology has appointed Mike Dowsett Vice President of Business Development to lead the company’s expansion in North America. Mr. Dowsett will lead the business growth strategy and operations at AVID’s new US office in Michigan. Dowsett has over 30 years of automotive industry experience. He began his career at… Read more »
University of Michigan researchers develop non-combustible, non-degrading ceramic electrolyte
Scientists at the University of Michigan have developed a solid-state electrolyte which they claim is non-combustible (which is good, because it’s heated to over 1,800° F during manufacturing!) and not vulnerable to dendrite formation due to a stabilizing ceramic layer. The electrolyte has special properties that allow for increased capacities and faster charging rates as well. Current… Read more »
Prius Prime Advanced: the prince of PHEVs
Looking for an objective review of the Toyota Prius Prime Advanced? Sorry, you’ll have to look elsewhere. I’m one of “the pious” – annoying Prius drivers who sing the praises of our favorite hybrid vehicle to anyone who will listen. I’ve owned three Prii (and yes, replaced batteries on two), and this is a completely… Read more »
Henkel to invest heavily in e-drive manufacturing tech
Engine and powertrain specialist Henkel aims to solidify its e-mobility commitment by investing in several new EV-oriented manufacturing processes. Henkel has chosen to focus on developing several adhesive and liquid gasketing materials as well as PCB technologies, part cleaners and lubricants. Here’s the breakdown: Liquid gasketing: Henkel offers a wide range of different gasketing technologies. Recent… Read more »
A closer look at DC-DC converters
As far as we know, all EVs in production by major automakers use a conventional lead-acid battery for the 12 V system (surprising, but true – more on why in a bit) and this battery needs charging, just as it does in an ICE vehicle. While you could hang an alternator off the traction motor… Read more »
Voith’s electric drive system for buses incorporates self-learning energy management
Drivetrain specialist Voith has designed a drive system that uses self-learning energy management to increase efficiency and range. Although the system was originally designed for a Solaris Urbino Bus, it is compatible with many other battery technologies and vehicles, including articulated buses. The system will be introduced to the public at the upcoming IAA Commercial… Read more »
DOE awards $19 million for extreme fast charging research
The DOE is awarding $19 million in funding to 12 cost-shared research projects focused on “extreme fast charging,” which is defined as a system with power levels up to 400 kW and typical charging times of 15 minutes or less. Nine of the selected projects focus on advanced anodes, electrolytes, and battery cell designs: UC… 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 »
